AS the last light fades behind the trees, fairy lights cast a warm glow over canvas tents, a trail of stepping stones winds through the garden, and the crackle of a nearby fire draws people together.
Beneath the night sky at Nanumi Au Eco-Village in Navutulevu, Ra, the distractions of everyday life begin to fall away, leaving room for nature.
At Nanumi Au, the evening is not dictated by notifications or the rush of everyday life. Instead, it unfolds around a crackling fire, over a shared meal and through unhurried conversations that linger long after the sun has set.
The rustling of leaves, the cool night air and the gentle sounds of the surroundings provide a different kind of luxury – one rooted in simplicity.
This is the experience Nanumi Au Eco-Village hopes to offer travellers seeking something beyond the familiar comforts of a conventional resort.
A village experience with a purpose
Locally owned and operated, Nanumi Au Eco-Village has been developed to provide visitors with an authentic cultural experience while supporting the surrounding community.
The four-acre property (once a sugarcane field) has been transformed into a lush tropical retreat just a short walk from Navutulevu Village.
Its greenery and secluded accommodation offer a sense of privacy, while its location creates opportunities for guests to connect with village life and the people who call the area home.
Nanumi Au Eco-Village director Kolinio Qarau Samuta said the concept was designed for travellers who wanted to experience the simplicity of village living and share in local culture.
At the heart of the experience is the opportunity to step away from the distractions of modern life. Guests are encouraged to slow down, spend time outdoors and engage with the community rather than remain absorbed in their phones.
“You basically detox from your phones,” Samuta said.
For travellers accustomed to constant connectivity, the experience offers an opportunity to rediscover the value of being present – whether through conversations with fellow guests or spending time in nature.
Community at the centre
The eco-village’s connection to the local community extends beyond the visitor experience.
Samuta said he works closely with members of his mataqali, with the soqosoqo ni marama who are responsible for catering, including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Activities are organised by the men, bringing different members of the community into the visitor experience.
This approach allows guests to encounter village hospitality through food, shared activities and personal interaction, while creating opportunities for local people to contribute their skills and knowledge.
“We work closely with community partners too,” Samuta said. Those partnerships extend to activities that introduce visitors to the natural attractions and cultural life in Ra.
Options include a full-day trip to Nabalasere Waterfall, a visit to Narara Nature Waterslide, village visit, a trip to Waitika bee farm and hikes at Malake.
Village visits include the traditional sevusevu, a kava offering to the chief, and observing village by-laws. These practices form part of the cultural experience, reminding visitors that entering a village involves respecting the community and its customs.
A stay to suit every traveller
Nanumi Au offers several accommodation options, each designed to provide a different way to experience its tropical surroundings.
Island Vale, the property’s rustic village escape, is a two-bedroom villa featuring a high-pitched roof, louvred windows and an open-plan design. Suitable for couples, families and small groups, it accommodates up to eight guests.
The villa has one double bed, two single beds, a sofa bed and space for up to two floor mattresses.
Bedding and towels are provided, along with Wi-Fi and a toilet and shower with two-way door access.
For visitors who prefer sleeping closer to nature, Island Glamping offers a different kind of island accommodation. Its spacious, five-metre bell tents combine the outdoor experience of camping with practical comforts.
Guests can wake with the morning sun, shower beneath the trees in a private open-air shower and settle into the evening to the sounds of the surrounding environment and island breeze. Each tent accommodates up to six guests, with twin or queen bed configurations, bedding, towels, an allocated toilet, insect-proof and ventilated canvas and solar lighting. The Eco Hammock offers a more adventurous option, particularly for solo travellers, couples, groups and those seeking an eco-conscious stay.
Set within the mangrove forest or beneath undercover shelter, depending on availability and guest preference, it brings visitors closer to the natural environment.
Across the accommodation options, the emphasis remains on offering visitors a comfortable stay.
Into the wilderness
Beyond the accommodation, the surrounding region offers opportunities for visitors to explore Fiji’s natural environment.
Waterfall and waterslide excursions take guests into lush tropical forest, where cascading water and natural swimming holes provide places to cool off and enjoy the landscape.
Hiking and visits to the bee farm offer other ways to experience the area’s natural attractions and community connections.
The activities encourage visitors to spend time outdoors, whether discovering forest trails, swimming in natural waters or learning about local life through visits organised with community partners.
Together, these experiences provide an alternative to a holiday spent entirely within the boundaries of a resort.
They invite travellers to explore, participate and build a deeper appreciation of the place they are visiting.
The luxury of slowing down
As night returns to Nanumi Au, the glow of lanterns and fairy lights creates an inviting atmosphere around the tents and gathering spaces.
Nearby a fire becomes the centre of attention as friends share food, drinks and stories without the pressure of rushing through the evening.
It is a simple scene, but one that captures the idea behind the eco-village: meaningful travel does not always require elaborate entertainment or constant activity. Sometimes, it means sitting beneath the stars, listening to others and enjoying a meal together. It means exchanging the noise of everyday routines for the sound of a fire, the movement of leaves and the coolness of the night air.
At Nanumi Au Eco Village, that slower pace is part of the appeal.
Beyond the accommodation, Nanumi Au offers opportunities for visitors to explore Fiji’s natural environment.
Picture: TOURISM FIJI
Beneath the night sky at Nanumi Au Eco Village in Navutulevu, Ra, the distractions of everyday life begin to fall away, leaving room for nature.
Picture: NANUMI AU ECO-VILLAGE
Guests get to enjoy simple traditional Fijian breakfasts. Picture: NANUMI AU ECO-VILLAGE
Excursions take guests into lush tropical forest, where cascading water and natural swimming holes provide places to cool off and enjoy the landscape. Picture: NANUMI AU ECO-VILLAGE
For visitors who prefer sleeping closer to nature, Island Glamping offers a different kind of island accommodation. Picture: NANUMI AU ECO-VILLAGE
