South Pacific Islands Homestay Adventure

Nix and Paul from England are currently taking a mature gap year travelling the world. Having spent 6 months in India and South East Asia, they now are spending 11 exciting weeks in the South Pacific islands during May/June/July. They stayed 2 weeks with our host Elanye in Savusau on the island of Vanua Levu, Fiji.

We hiked a few long and dusty roads in the hot sun! Such a green and lush island with friendly Fijians shouting "Bula!" and offering lifts.

Tell us about your homestay experience.

After 7 months travelling staying mostly in hotels and guest houses, how amazing to have a fabulous kitchen with well stocked cupboards to play in! And our hostess Elayne gave us free reign to plan and prepare meals for all, guiding us on the local market fare and seasonal exotic (to us!) fruit and veg.

Elayne supplied the pumpkin and we bought fresh ginger and coriander at the local market and whipped up this tasty pumpkin and ginger soup!

View of Savusavu Bay from our favourite coffee shop at the Copra Shed - posh yachts and local rafts

What did you do in Savusavu?

We felt really safe and at home in this lovely little town. It has just the right mix of traditional authentic Fijian life with a smattering of western "civilisation" to feel really comfortable. The ocean is a delight for walking, swimming, snorkelling, fishing, sailing, or simply listening to the waves as you drift off to sleep!

A family from Kasavu invited us to their home up in the jungle for tea. Then led us down to the sea for a picnic lunch and a dip in the beautiful turquoise sea. Roosi even fetched us coconuts to drink fresh from the tree!

Any tips or advice for other travellers?

Home from home was a total pleasure and great to get involved with the chickens and cats too! Some wonderful friends made with visits into the bush to their humble homes. The Fijians are such happy and welcoming characters you can't fail to make friends! We flew from Suva to Savusavu - great views and spectacular landing!

The youngest crew member of Savusavu Fishing Charters - we had a great few hours out on their boat catching Walu (Spanish Mackerel) which kept us fed for days!

How was your experience with your host?

Elayne welcomed us as friends, didn't impose any house rules other than "make yourself at home!" and was totally relaxed with us around. A really welcoming hostess who was grateful for us pitching in with cooking and cleaning.  We felt very much at home and enjoyed the house to ourselves during the day whilst Elayne was at work and then enjoyed her company in the evening.

Elayne's cat Coco - oblivious to the stunning view from the veranda

Planning your own trip to the South Pacific?

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