Avis Fijian family community stay in paradise.

My friend and I really enjoyed our stay here! The house is set up well and the view from the balcony is lovely. Paula and Sarah cooked us amazing meals! The snorkelling with sharks was also amazing. Only thing we would say is that we felt we never saw Paula and bill and wish we could have seen them more! Perhaps this was also because of our short stay

Bill and his family have opened their home so that we could experience a little bit more about daily life in the islands of Fiji. This is not a resort stay, but that wasn’t what we wanted. They taught us so much about graciousness in the face of need, respect for others, faith in community, and humility for what they are blessed with every day. Most of what they have comes either from the mountain or from the sea. They garden, they fish, and they share. They don’t take more than they need. The fishing on Saturday was for the whole village, so that they could worship on Sunday. We donated supplies for the village school. That morning Bill organized kids into a beach-cleaning work detail. He said that it was important for the kids to learn to give, before they receive. What an amazing concept in any culture. We went out to swim with the sharks. “One of us” isn’t a thrill seeker, but finally got in the water. Our mantra when we got home? Grandma touched a shark! Yes, we paid Paula for her homecooked meals. Yes, we paid Bill for the airport to island transfers. And, yes, they made the whole experience memorable. Thanks for sharing your home, your family, your culture, and your community. Give Eva a big hug.

Bill and his family were the most lovely and welcoming. He made sure we were well looked after, including catering to our dietary requirements. The food on the meal plan was delicious and so fresh. The beach was gorgeous and it was great to get away from the touristy side of Fiji. We were made to feel so comfortable and welcomed into both his family, and village. Only regret was not staying longer! If we come back in Fiji, we’ll be staying with him again

Bula Bula from Wayalailai in the Yasawa Islands. Homestayed with the most beautiful Fijian family. Experienced incredible hospitality and true Island life. Viliame(Bill) is the son of the Chief of Namara Village along with (Chef) Paula his wife and son Zach and daughter Sarah. Really is like living in paradise even though we had pretty basic facilities including only solar power and water from the stream from the mountain above. No a/c, internet or hot water. Went fishing to catch dinner. Always greated with Bula, Bula from everyone in the village. Where you from? Everyone laughs a lot. Real belly laughs too! Despite having very little. All governance done by the community and everyone pitches in to help each other. Vinaka

This is not what I thought a homestay should be plus the cost was way higher due to cost of the food 70pp per day and 50 each way for boat to and from the island. That was not listed at booking and since it was a last minute booking I felt I was taken advantage of. The island was full of trash and a good beach was a 20 minute walk away. I talked to other tourists and their homestays on other islands were nothing like this, even though they were basic it was clean and comfortable. I showed pictures to other fijians on the mainland of our homestay and they apologized for the conditions.

Beautiful family in a beautiful location! Highly recommend dropping by Bill and Paula’s for a couple of days. Ease of boat transfer and organising local activities, room and balcony quiet and relaxing space looking over the water and mountains, and the home cooked meals were some of the best we had in Fiji!

What a lovely lovely family! Bill and Paula looked after us beautifully, and their children and extended family really made us feel so welcome. The property is very typical for these very friendly islanders who live in basic open room huts/shacks with outside basic facilities. The solar power only came in about three months ago! If you are looking for creature comforts, you're looking in the wrong place, but if you want an authentic relationship and village stay, you're on the money with these guys! There is no shop, and no motorised or wheeled transport to be seen - you walk on a narrow track or along the beach, or get in a boat to go anywhere! We *loved* the private shark swim (bring snorkel and mask if you have them), a hike up the island, and doing alot of lying around, or swimming at a nearby beach. We also spent quite a bit of time just playing/hanging around with the local kids who wander past the open hut back and forth all day. The food is abundant (and you can always ask for more if you want) and very carb heavy (if you care about that). Bill and Paula (and the rest of the islanders) grow most of their own food - so expect plenty of fresh eggs, papaya, coconut, spinach, breadfruit and other local produce - a bit of chicken and fish. They really only bring in flour, rice and pasta from the mainland (oh - and peanut butter, vegemite and jam for us westerners!). Coffee and regular tea always available - the water doesn't taste great on it's own, so maybe bring cordial or herbal tea to drink. Paula's coconut milk scones are absolutely delicious! Bill showed us how to cut and serve a coconut, including making your own reed straw, and yes, we got to meet the village chief and share some kava. Village etiquette: no hats in the village, and modest dress (long skirt/sarong and shoulders covered) please. If you can join in with a church service or village event, take the opportunity - you won't regret it! Such awesome singing! If you can bring some school supplies or other sustainable gifts for the children, they would be well appreciated!

I had an amazing experience staying with Bill and Paula's family. I felt very lucky to spend some time with their warm family. They made sure that I have the best possible experience. Vinaka!!!

We had an amazing holiday here! Bill picked us up in his boat from another island and took us to their home. We were greeted with big smiles from him and his lovely wife Paula. Their house is a very short walk from the beach up the hill and looks out over a lush paradise of coconuts, bananas, mango and so much more. The view is stunning and so relaxing. Don’t expect 5 star accommodation but do expect 5 star relaxing and welcome. Paula made us amazing fijian dishes and there was no shortage of delicious food. We swam each day at the beach that was 1 minute walk away. We strolled through the village, got treated like family, invited into homes, sat and chatted and shared drinks and food. We also visited the local school with the gorgeous kids and teachers and talked with the kids about their life in Fiji. Bill took us swimming with the sharks which is one of the most incredible experiences of my life. He also made us baskets out of coconut tree leaves and we could wander along the beach collecting beautiful shells. From the beach the sunset is incredible. There’s lots of walking to be done or just sitting and relaxing too. The people on the island are full of smiles and being on Fiji time is so relaxing. Will definitely visit again. Sunday lunch with the Chief would be a good thing to do next time, or a picnic, or swimming with the Manta rays. Can’t wait to stay here again!