If you’re looking to experience more than just the sun, sand, and cocktails, Fiji offers an incredible opportunity to go beyond the resorts and connect with our rich cultural heritage. One of the best ways to truly discover the heart of Fiji is through a village stay — an immersive, off-the-beaten-track getaway that brings you closer to local traditions, people, and way of life.
Fiji’s culture is vibrant and very much alive.
From traditional ceremonies to communal living, you’ll witness firsthand the values of family, respect, and community that define Fijian life.
According to fijipocketguide.com, many villages across the islands open their homes to guests, offering a warm welcome and a rare chance to live like a local.
These experiences aren’t curated for tourists — they’re authentic, meaningful, and deeply rewarding.
A village stay gives you the chance to participate in everyday activities like farming, fishing, preparing local meals, weaving mats, or even taking part in a kava ceremony.
It’s a slower pace of life that encourages connection, reflection, and appreciation for Fiji’s heritage. The advantage of having these businesses is that it directly supports the local community. The money you spend goes straight to the village, helping fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure. It’s sustainable travel at its best — one that benefits both the visitor and the host.
Whether you’re a local resident seeking a fresh perspective or a traveler looking for something deeper, a Fijian village stay is the perfect local getaway. It’s more than just a trip — it’s an unforgettable cultural journey that leaves you with lasting memories and meaningful connections.
So, step off the tourist trail and into the heart of Fiji. The villages are ready to welcome you — all you need to bring is an open mind and a respectful spirit.
Below are a few homestays in Fiji that locals/tourists and guests can enjoy while exploring the country.
1. Yasawa Homestays (Yasawa Islands)
Stay at Yasawa Homestays on Nacula Island for a minimum of two nights and experience authentic Fijian village life. Enjoy a beachfront bure, shared meals with local families, and activities like snorkeling, hiking, and fishing. Each stay is unique, offering a genuine cultural and nature-filled getaway.
2. Fiji Yanuca Island Airbnb Homestay & Spearfishing (Taveuni)
Located off the shores of Taveuni, Fiji’s “Garden Island,” this Airbnb homestay offers an authentic experience in a small fishing village of about 100 people. Share meals with your host family, join in village activities like kava drinking, and enjoy snorkeling or fishing trips.
Your hosts can also arrange special experiences such as island excursions or even camping on your own private island. It’s an ideal way to immerse yourself in Fijian culture while enjoying unique, personalised adventures.
3. Jioji & Alisi’s Place (Suncoast)
On the northern coast of Viti Levu, Jioji & Alisi’s place is an excellent place to stay awhile when on a road trip around Fiji! Situated in the village of Rakiraki along the Suncoast, Jioji & Alisi have a large family home where there’s plenty of space for larger travelling groups or you may be sharing the experience with fellow travellers.
Sample real Fijian cuisine made by Alisi or join Jioji, a diving professional, for one of their scuba diving trips at a fraction of the price of what you will find in resorts.
4. Save’s Homestay (Nadi)
One of the closest village stays in Fiji to Nadi International Airport, Save’s Homestay offers a suburban homestay in an alternative inland setting near attractions like the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and Sabeto Hot Springs. With both double and family rooms available, and breakfast included, guests can enjoy a comfortable stay while engaging with new people and benefiting from the host’s local tour and travel expertise. Save’s Homestay is recommended for those looking for a genuine, friendly and culturally rich visit to Fiji.
5. Bulou’s Eco-Lodge (Suncoast)
Bulou’s Eco-Lodge is run by a retired Fijian couple and their son near Navala Village, and it offers authentic stays in traditional bure or a dormitory with basic facilities.
Although a lodge, rather than a traditional homestay, you’ll stay in either a traditional bure in the garden or the 10-bed dormitory where facilities include cold showers and flush toilets but no electricity. Included are Fijian meals and kava, with optional activities like horse riding, village tours, and bilibili rafting on the Ba River.
Whether you’re a local resident seeking a fresh perspective or a traveler looking for something deeper, a Fijian village stay is the perfect local getaway. Pictures: FIJIPOCKETGUIDE
The money you spend goes straight to the village, helping fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Bulou’s Eco-Lodge. Picture: FIJIPOCKETGUIDE
Whether you’re a local resident seeking a fresh perspective or a traveler looking for something deeper,
a Fijian village stay is the perfect local getaway. Right: Bulou’s Eco-Lodge.
