Royal Davui Fiji Review: Our Eight-Night Private Island Stay

Royal Davui Island Resort had one major obstacle to overcome before we even arrived: it takes a long time to get there from Kansas City.

As in, approximately 30 hours long.

After eight nights on the island, Scott and I agreed it was worth every hour. Royal Davui gave us the quiet, personal service and exceptional snorkeling we wanted, while still offering enough to do that neither of us felt trapped on a tiny island.

This review is based on our stay in 2019. I’ve updated the practical resort information using Royal Davui’s current policies, but packages and inclusions can change. Confirm the details for your travel dates before booking.

Royal Davui Island Resort at a Glance

Royal Davui is a small, adults-only private-island resort in Fiji’s Beqa Lagoon.

Here is the quick version:

• 16 private villas
• Guests must be at least 16 years old
• Private plunge pool with every villa
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
• House-reef snorkeling directly from the island
• Complimentary kayaks, paddleboards and several island activities
• Spa, diving and additional excursions available at an added cost
• Best suited to couples who value quiet, privacy and time on the water
• Poor fit for travelers who want several restaurants, nightlife or a quick airport transfer

Royal Davui is very different from the large all-inclusive resorts I usually visit throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. There are no foam parties, sprawling buffets or ten restaurants competing for your dinner reservation.

That is precisely the appeal.

Why We Chose Royal Davui

The trip happened somewhat impulsively.

Several travel-industry colleagues had recently visited Fiji and returned with glowing reports. About a week later, flights went on sale. I bought them before I had time to talk myself out of spending roughly 30 hours getting from Kansas City to a tiny island in the South Pacific.

After researching the resorts my colleagues recommended, Royal Davui stood out. It had only 16 villas, each with a private plunge pool, and the island was surrounded by a protected reef.

Scott isn’t someone who naturally chooses a sun-and-sand vacation, so booking eight nights on a small private island was a bit of a gamble. I was reasonably confident I’d enjoy it. He was the bigger test.

Spoiler: he loved it.

Getting to Royal Davui

Our 2019 trip began with a flight from Kansas City to Los Angeles, followed by the long flight to Nadi, Fiji.

At the time, guests could continue from Nadi by:

• A car ride followed by a boat transfer
• A short domestic flight followed by a boat transfer
• Private helicopter

We chose the domestic flight and boat combination. Poor visibility canceled our flight on arrival day, so the resort quickly arranged a private car instead. The change gave us an unexpected land tour of Fiji.

During the final boat ride, we saw a pod of dolphins. After nearly 30 hours of travel, that was a very effective attitude adjustment.

We took the small plane on the return trip. I know that type of aircraft makes some people nervous, but I didn’t find the flight frightening. I certainly preferred it to repeating the three-hour drive.

Royal Davui currently coordinates guest transfers in advance. At the time of this update, return transfers from Nadi are included for stays of at least five nights and generally combine a domestic flight with a boat transfer. Transfer schedules and weather can affect the exact arrangements, so confirm the current details for your stay.

A helicopter transfer may also be available for travelers who prefer a more direct arrival.

Our Private Pool Villa

Scott’s first reaction when he saw our villa was, “It’s like a house.”

He wasn’t exaggerating much.

Our villa, or vale in Fijian, had a separate living area, bedroom, outdoor space and private plunge pool. The view extended across the water toward neighboring Beqa Island.

Some villas face the sunset, while others have different lagoon and island views. Specific villa assignments may not be guaranteed, so discuss view preferences before booking without assuming a particular villa number will be available.

We used our plunge pool every day. During our stay, we could request that it be heated, which made it especially useful after snorkeling.

There was no television in our villa, and we didn’t miss it. We connected music to the Bluetooth speaker, played cards and borrowed board games from the resort.

When we arrived, the villa had fresh banana bread, cookies and filtered water waiting for us. We also ordered our first meal to the room because, after that much travel, changing clothes and behaving like civilized dinner guests felt overly ambitious.

The resort currently includes daily housekeeping and offers in-villa dining. Service details can change, so I would treat anything beyond the current published inclusions as a pleasant possibility rather than a promise.

Is Eight Nights Too Long at Royal Davui?

This was my biggest concern before the trip.

Royal Davui is small. There are no nearby shopping districts, restaurant rows or casinos. Once you reach the island, most of your experience revolves around the resort and Beqa Lagoon.

That sounds wonderful to some people and mildly alarming to others.

We found plenty to do during our eight-night stay because we enjoy being in and around the water. We snorkeled nearly every day, took sailing lessons, used the kayaks and explored the shoreline during low tide. We also booked spa treatments and went on off-island excursions.

There was enough activity to keep Scott interested without making the trip feel scheduled.

Eight nights may be too long if you become restless without frequent sightseeing, restaurant changes or nightlife. For couples who want to snorkel, read, swim and slow down, the small scale is a benefit.

Snorkeling at Royal Davui

The snorkeling was one of the main reasons I chose Royal Davui, and it ended up being one of the strongest parts of our stay.

Years earlier, I had snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Many snorkeling trips afterward felt disappointing by comparison.

Royal Davui finally changed that.

The protected reef surrounding the island was full of coral and marine life. We could snorkel directly from shore or enter from the jetty, and the resort allowed us to keep borrowed snorkeling equipment during our stay.

Each day brought something different. We saw colorful fish, sea turtles and other reef life without needing to take a long excursion.

We also joined a guided night snorkel using underwater torches. Swimming over a dark reef while looking for sharks, lobsters and lionfish isn’t everyone’s idea of relaxation. I loved it.

Royal Davui continues to offer snorkeling equipment and guided house-reef activities. Sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and Hobie Cat sailing are also currently included.

Beqa Lagoon is known for diving, including shark-diving experiences. Neither Scott nor I is scuba certified, but the divers we met spoke highly of the area.

If snorkeling or diving is one of the main reasons for your trip, Royal Davui deserves serious consideration.

Other Activities on the Island

Royal Davui feels peaceful, but peaceful doesn’t have to mean sitting still all day.

During our stay, we:

• Snorkeled from the island
• Joined a guided night snorkel
• Took a Hobie Cat sailing lesson
• Used the kayaks
• Walked around the island during low tide
• Booked massages and facials
• Played cards and borrowed board games
• Attended evening cultural activities

The resort currently offers several complimentary island and lagoon activities, while spa treatments, diving and certain excursions cost extra.

Weather and tides affect some activities. Build flexibility into the trip rather than arriving with a rigid daily itinerary.

What Is the Atmosphere Like?

With only 16 villas, Royal Davui accommodates a small number of guests.

That raised another question before we arrived: what if we didn’t like the other people staying there?

It turned out to be easy to have privacy during the day. The beach and main pool were often quiet, and every villa had its own plunge pool and outdoor space.

The social part of the day happened naturally before dinner. Guests gathered near the bar for drinks and talked about what they had done that day.

During our stay, the group included honeymooners, anniversary travelers, sisters traveling together and one couple returning for their tenth visit. Ages ranged from the late twenties into the seventies.

Royal Davui works well if you want privacy without feeling completely isolated. You can spend most of the day alone and still find conversation in the evening.

Dining at Royal Davui

Breakfast, lunch and dinner were included during our stay, and that remains part of the current resort offering.

Royal Davui doesn’t have a collection of restaurants. Meals center around one primary dining operation, with the option to eat in different settings or order in-villa dining.

During our visit, the multi-course lunch and dinner menus changed daily. We placed our lunch and dinner orders during breakfast so the kitchen could plan for the day.

There were hits and misses, as there are at almost any resort, but we ate well. Meals moved at a relaxed pace, and dietary preferences received personal attention. I mentioned that I disliked cucumber, and the kitchen adjusted dishes for me without turning it into a major production.

Current resort information says menus continue to change based on seasonal ingredients. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Guests looking for a different restaurant every night may find the setup limiting. Travelers who prefer changing menus, personal service and the ability to eat in their villa may appreciate the smaller operation.

Alcoholic beverages were not included in our 2019 rate. Beverage inclusions can depend on the current package, so confirm what is included before booking.

Private Beach-Hut Dinner

During our stay, the resort arranged one dinner in a private beach hut at no additional charge. We saved it for our final night.

It was a memorable way to end the trip, but this is another detail that should be confirmed for current stays. Private dining inclusions and charges can change.

The restaurant, poolside spaces and in-villa dining provide other options for couples who want a more private meal.

The Sand Cay Picnic

My favorite excursion was the sand cay picnic.

A small sand cay appears in the lagoon during low tide. The resort transported us there with breakfast, then left us alone for approximately two hours.

We ate bacon-and-egg sandwiches, fruit, cheese and crackers before snorkeling and enjoying the fact that there was nobody else around.

During our 2019 stay, the picnic was included. It is now listed as a separate, paid experience that must be arranged in advance. It remains dependent on tides and weather.

Even with the added cost, I would consider it one of Royal Davui’s signature experiences.

Visiting Beqa Island

We also took a boat to nearby Beqa Island for a village visit and hike.

We visited a local school, heard songs performed by the children and completed a guided hike to a lookout point. The excursion gave us a different perspective from the resort and a chance to see more of the surrounding area.

Available excursions and community visits can change. Ask what is currently offered and how the experience is organized before booking.

The Fijian Hospitality

I had heard plenty about Fijian hospitality before this trip. The staff at Royal Davui lived up to it.

We were welcomed with a song when we arrived. The team also gathered for a farewell song when we left, which made me cry. There is photographic evidence that I am occasionally sentimental.

After nine days with the same small team, leaving felt personal. The staff knew us, remembered our preferences and made the island feel comfortable without hovering.

That service was a major reason Scott enjoyed the trip as much as he did.

Recent reviews continue to mention the warmth of the resort team, but service is always experienced personally. I can only speak with certainty about the people who cared for us during our stay, and they were excellent.

What We Loved Most

The strongest parts of our Royal Davui stay were:

• The house reef and easy access to snorkeling
• The privacy of the villa and plunge pool
• The small number of guests
• The staff
• The changing daily menus
• The sand cay picnic
• The ability to be active without following a schedule
• The absence of pressure to fill every hour

Royal Davui gave two busy business owners a reason to slow down. We returned home rested, which is not something I can say about every vacation.

What to Consider Before Booking

Royal Davui won’t be the right choice for everyone.

Consider the following trade-offs:

The travel time is significant

Traveling from the central United States requires a long international flight followed by another transfer. This isn’t the resort I would choose for a short four-night getaway.

There is limited restaurant variety

Meals change, but you aren’t choosing among several separate restaurants each night.

Alcohol may cost extra

Confirm the beverage inclusions attached to your rate.

Weather affects the experience

Flights, boat transfers, snorkeling and sand-cay excursions can all be affected by weather or visibility.

The island is quiet

There is socializing and occasional entertainment, but no traditional nightlife. If you need a nightclub or a packed activity schedule, look elsewhere.

It is a significant trip investment

Consider the complete cost of flights, accommodations, transfers, drinks, spa treatments and excursions before deciding whether it fits your budget.

Who Will Love Royal Davui?

Royal Davui is a strong fit for:

• Honeymooners who value privacy
• Anniversary travelers
• Snorkelers and scuba divers
• Couples who enjoy a slow pace
• Travelers who prefer small resorts
• People comfortable spending most of the trip on one island

It may not suit:

• Families traveling with anyone under 16
• Travelers who want several restaurants
• Groups looking for nightlife
• People uncomfortable with small aircraft or boat transfers
• Anyone who wants frequent shopping or off-property dining
• Travelers primarily focused on finding the lowest rate

Is Royal Davui Worth the Long Trip?

For us, yes.

The travel time was substantial, but the snorkeling, villa privacy and staff made the experience worthwhile. Eight nights also gave us enough time to recover from the trip and settle into the island’s slower pace.

I wouldn’t recommend Royal Davui simply because it photographs well. I would recommend it to the right couple after discussing the travel time, restaurant setup, budget and small-island atmosphere.

There is a big difference.

If you’re considering Fiji for your honeymoon, read How to Plan a Honeymoon: 7 Decisions to Make Before Booking and explore my top honeymoon resort recommendations.

If online reviews are making the resort decision harder, read How to Make Sense of Conflicting All-Inclusive Resort Reviews.

Ready to Plan Your Honeymoon?

Royal Davui is a departure from the Mexico and Caribbean resorts I book most often, but firsthand experience allows me to explain exactly what makes it different and which travelers will appreciate it.

Schedule a vacation consultation and tell me what you want from your honeymoon. We’ll compare the destination, resort experience and travel logistics before narrowing down the options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Davui

Is Royal Davui an adults-only resort?

Yes. Royal Davui currently accepts guests age 16 and older. Couples traveling with younger family members will need to choose another resort.

How many villas does Royal Davui have?

Royal Davui has 16 villas on its private island in Beqa Lagoon. Every villa includes a private plunge pool and ocean or lagoon views.

Are meals included at Royal Davui?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are currently included with every stay. Menus change regularly, and dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and certain excursions may cost extra depending on the package.

How do you get to Royal Davui from Nadi?

Royal Davui coordinates transfers from Nadi. At the time of this update, stays of five nights or longer include return transfers using a domestic flight and boat combination. Weather can affect the arrangements, so confirm the current schedule before travel.

Is Royal Davui good for snorkeling?

Yes. Royal Davui is surrounded by a protected house reef, and guests can snorkel directly from the island. Snorkeling equipment and guided house-reef activities are currently among the included resort activities.

Is there enough to do for a week at Royal Davui?

There was enough to keep us interested during our eight-night stay, including snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, spa treatments and excursions. Travelers who enjoy water activities and a slow pace are likely to be comfortable for a week. Those who need nightlife or frequent sightseeing may prefer a shorter stay or a split Fiji itinerary.

Is the Royal Davui sand cay picnic included?

It was included during our 2019 stay, but it is now listed as an additional paid experience. The picnic must be arranged in advance and depends on tides and weather.

Is Royal Davui good for a honeymoon?

Royal Davui is well suited to honeymooners who want privacy, a small resort and strong snorkeling. It is less suitable for couples who want several restaurants, nightlife or easy access to shopping and off-property attractions.