Ovalau Vacations from $896

To stay at Crusoe‘s retreat is to go back in time. I live in Hawaii and the feeling was of how it must have been at least 60 years ago. I loved the simplicity of the resort. I brought my own mask and snorkel, but they have sets you can use for free. They also have kayaks you can use for free. An authentic village is close by and one of my friends suggested bringing things like crayons and pencils. They were very grateful. They will arrange excursions, but for me the highlight of staying at this authentic resort is the peace and quiet of just enjoying the view and location. At times it feels like being on a cruise ship with daytime and evening activities and entertainment. You can participate or just chill. Don’t expect a slick kind of resort like in a glamour magazine. Instead, you can experience the charm of a simple life (and of course, there is a bar on the property and the food was good. I had a lamb shank like I’ve never had before. It rivaled what I might have experienced at a Parisian restaurant.)

Dawn and the whole staff were fantastic. The whole island was set up for us to use at all times.

Great stay, lots of restaurant options, staff are absolutely lovely, accommodated later checkout as well.

We stayed in a plunge pool room and the room and view are amazing, if you can, I'd recommend highly. The amenities are standard, nothing flashy which suited our needs. All the staff were top tier, couldn't say enough nice things about them. The problem does arise when it comes to food and beverage. The included breakfast is subpar (and I'm being polite). Was stuck having toast with jam all week. I attempted to order from the menu one morning and had the most disgusting looking french toast I've ever seen. Raw, not uncooked. Raw. To make it worse, they dumped the soupy egg mix on top of the bread and attempted to serve it too me. When I refused in an attempt to eat it and asked for it to be taken back, I witnessed the manager and waiter arguing over it. I don't know what was said, it made me uncomfortable.

I honestly cannot rate my stay at Papageno Resort in Kadavu highly enough. As a backpacker on a budget, staying here was a very special treat for me, and it exceeded every expectation. Every single member of the staff, without exception, was incredibly friendly, caring, and genuinely focused on making sure I had the best possible experience. Their warmth and kindness made such a difference, and I truly felt welcomed throughout my stay. I’m also a keen amateur birder and had read great things about the resort beforehand — it certainly did not disappoint. The location is absolutely perfect: peaceful, beautiful, and surrounded by stunning nature. The food was amazing every day — beautifully cooked, thoughtfully presented, and always delicious. My bure was gorgeous, spotlessly clean, comfortable, and felt very special to stay in. I’m extremely grateful to everyone there for giving me such an unforgettable experience. It’s something I will remember forever. I will be recommending Papageno to everyone I know, and I truly hope that one day I’ll be lucky enough to return. Vinaka vaka levu.