I am a university professor from the US, and recently returned from Lawaki with a group of 15 students, my family, and another professor and his son, as the culminating... read more experience of a 2.5 week trip study abroad trip across Fiji. We chose Lawaki based on careful research, as we wanted to give the students as authentic an experience as possible. Christine and Sam, the delightful owners/managers of Lawaki certainly exceeded our hopes and expectations. Lawaki Beach House is located on a quiet cove on the island of Beqa. Staffed by Fijians from the nearby villages, it provides a tranquil and beautiful spot for those interested in having a non-touristy experience in Fiji. The bures are clean, comfortable, and well distributed around the grounds (creating a beautiful aesthetic). Likewise, the food served to guests is a wonderful combination of tastefully prepared local food with a European flair (Christine is from Switzerland). The vegetables are grown on site in their organic gardens, and our first introduction to the cuisine was a tomato soup that blew our minds (followed by a delicious Spaghetti Bolognese). Our experience was very much complemented and enhanced by two opportunites arranged for us by Christine directly. First, we had Helen Sykes, a local marine biolgist from Suva, provide us with instructional sessions about reef preservation/protection in Fiji, followed by an active learning project counting butterfly fish and coral development on the reef just out in front of... I am a university professor from the US, and recently returned from Lawaki with a group of 15 students, my family, and another professor and his son, as the culminating experience of a 2.5 week trip study abroad trip across Fiji. We chose Lawaki based on careful research, as we wanted to give the students as authentic an experience as possible. Christine and Sam, the delightful owners/managers of Lawaki certainly exceeded our hopes and expectations.
Lawaki Beach House is located on a quiet cove on the island of Beqa. Staffed by Fijians from the nearby villages, it provides a tranquil and beautiful spot for those interested in having a non-touristy experience in Fiji. The bures are clean, comfortable, and well distributed around the grounds (creating a beautiful aesthetic). Likewise, the food served to guests is a wonderful combination of tastefully prepared local food with a European flair (Christine is from Switzerland). The vegetables are grown on site in their organic gardens, and our first introduction to the cuisine was a tomato soup that blew our minds (followed by a delicious Spaghetti Bolognese).
Our experience was very much complemented and enhanced by two opportunites arranged for us by Christine directly. First, we had Helen Sykes, a local marine biolgist from Suva, provide us with instructional sessions about reef preservation/protection in Fiji, followed by an active learning project counting butterfly fish and coral development on the reef just out in front of Lawaki. Of all the learning experiences we had on offer in Fiji, Helen's was by far the most professional, educational, and inspiring (my students thought she was absolutely amazing, as did myself, the other professor, and our families)!
After two glorious nights at Lawaki, our second experience, arranged in advance by Christine, was a two-night immersive stay with host families in nearby Naiseuseu village. Welcomed by our lovely village host, Sowana, upon arrival, our group was distributed amongst five wonderful families and made to feel like family throughout our entire stay in the village. The entire group loved our two days of interactions with the wonderful children and adults of Naiseuseu village, and many tears were shed upon our departure from a place that felt like home for us.
So, in review, after two weeks of visiting many places in Fiji like the Mamanucas, Yasawas and the Namosi highlands (all of which we enjoyed), the highlight of our experience was definitely the last four nights we spent between Lawaki and Naiseuseu village. It is hard to find authenticity and sincerity when traveling in this day and age - you will find both of these with the wonderful hosts of Lawaki and Naiseuseu. Thank you again for everything Christine, Sam, Helen, and Sowana, and all of our other friends on Beqa - we will be back! More

  We were the first post-Covid guests at Lawaki in March ’22 and were the only guests for our stay of 3 nights which was perfect. We enjoyed chatting with the... read more staff, especially Sereima, watching rugby with Sam (we're still watching: the Fijiana Druna just won the Championship!), snorkeling off the beach, and just relaxing. The food was great (especially the lobster and fresh chutneys!). The accommodations were perfect for our family of 3. The snorkeling here is really good, and while the drop off had healthy coral with a vast array of fish and even a passing white tip reef shark, the shallows might have been our favorite here - so many different species of juvenile fish! and there were turtles grazing in the mornings. As usual in Fiji, if you make any effort to get to know them, they will be happy to share and laugh with you and be the highlight of your stay! More

  This is the perfect spot for someone who wants delicious meals prepared by someone else, an exceptional snorkeling spot right out the front door and a quiet atmosphere for relaxing.... read more The bures are basic but comfortable and the common lounge is a fine place to sit and read a book. Christine and her husband are wonderful hosts with a goal of making you feel at home. Don't miss getting a massage! It was a perfect place for us to end our 2 week vacation on 3 different islands in Fiji. However, if you are looking for a fancy resort with lots of activities and wifi, this is not for you. This is the place to snorkel, stroll on the beach, eat well and "veg out."