With a strictly limited number of guests and an emphasis on the individual, elegance is not expressed in any glossy opulence. Rather, this romantic hideaway embraces a wonderful sense of style, good humour and warm friendships.

The development of a perfect tropical escape was the vision of Emmy-award winning Australian television producer Henry Crawford, and his creative partner, Martin Livingston, a fifth generation European Fijian. The result is Vatulele (pronounced ‘Vah-too-lay-lay’) Island Resort, on one of the southern islands of the Fijian group.

It took two years to find the ideal South Seas location, and three more to enhance the natural beauty of the site with man-made luxury where stressed-out guests could escape the pressures of Western society. 

Since opening in 1990, Vatulele has developed an enviable reputation in every corner of the globe. Set on a magnificent lagoon, the beauty of the site is coupled with a unique architectural style which includes a wide range of "hand made" details. This stunning combination has made the resort a favorite in magazines all over the world that feature architecture, style and interior design.Informality and comfort prevail.  There is no need for jackets and ties - tee shirts and shorts are fine for daytime and shoes are not required even for meals. Vogue magazine described Vatulele's style as "barefoot chic". Most of their guests like to "dress up" a little for their starlight dinners.  You may care to bring sturdy rubber soled shoes for jungle walks, and essentials in the tropics are a hat and sun screen lotion. Hair dryers, shampoo, conditioner, beach towels, robes and equipment for scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling and tennis are all supplied.

GUEST PROFILE
Vatulele visits are often special occasion vacations - honeymoons, birthdays or anniversaries. Vatulele particularly suits those who want to escape from the pressures of the Western world, yet still be able to enjoy five star standards. As the bures are set in jungle, Vatulele will not suit travellers who feel more comfortable in a bug-free, sterile environment. Rather, it suits the more adventurous traveller who wants to get the sand between their toes. The resort particularly suits outgoing people who are able to enjoy the company of others, in addition to privacy.

We are normally able to accommodate requests for singles - depending on space. As most guests mix together guests travelling alone are unlikely to feel excluded.

We do not recommend less than 5 nights. Our average stay is 7 nights. Children under the age of twelve are not permitted unless their stay coincides with one of our two annual designated family weeks. During these periods children of any age are accepted on the understanding that their meal hours are at an earlier time and they do not join the adult dining table. Baby sitters are readily available.

ACTIVITIES
The crystal waters of Vatulele invite every kind of water-based activities, including sailing, paddling, snorkeling, fishing and diving.  Even swimming takes on a new dimension here.  For those who are even more active, there is a tennis court. Their guides will also take you on hikes into the jungle, where you can learn about native plant medicines, see ancient petroglyphs, visit important archaeological sites, or swim in underground caves.  You can also arrange intimate picnics on a secluded beach away from the resort - or even reserve your own "Robinson Crusoe" island for that special romantic interlude.

ACCOMMODATIONS
The villas or bures (pronounced ‘boo-rays’) are spacious and identical, enjoying easy access to the water, each with its stretch of white sand.  Twelve doors open to an expansive terrace, and from the living room you walk up three steps to the bedroom, with a king size bed and a dressing area.

The bures are around 50 metres apart and are set in natural jungle, allowing privacy. There are 18 villas (bures) of equal standard. Some are further away from the central bure(located between 3 & 4) than others. Please let us know your distance preference when you are booking and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Sometimes guests (particularly past ones) request specific bures. On all occasions we do our best to accommodate these requests, but you should know that there is NEVER a guarantee that a special will be available at the time.

DINING
In the welcoming warm weather, meals are taken on a terrace outside their large central pavilion overlooking the lagoon. By night, tables are set under the stars and lit by lanterns and candlelight. At full moon, the "dining room" is usually set by the water's edge. Dining is usually communal and hosted by the management - in the style of the Captain's table on a ship.

Special occasions or romantic dinners for two are always available and there are many options for private dinners, such as a cave in the jungle, their wine cellar, in "The Folly", on an exclusive island in the lagoon or on the beach with moon and lantern light.