The journey to Beqa Lagoon Resort begins at an unmarked dock near Pacific Harbour where guests are picked up by boat and head through windy conditions to the calm, clear water of the lagoon. Staff will be waiting onshore singing, playing guitars, and waving enthusiastically leading to a flurry of hugs, handshakes, and "Bulas". From the onset, it's easy to see how rural and undeveloped the island is -- the resort covers six acres of land and there are no roads or cars. The hub of the resort is called Bure Kalou and includes a small reception area, lounge, restaurant, and bar, which then leads to an attractive freshwater pool facing the sea. Pathways meander past grassy lawn space towards inland bures surrounding koi ponds, while other units are spaced out along the waterfront.

The resort estimates that 85 percent of guests are American, which is more so than other Fijian resorts due to its high diving population (and perhaps because the owner is from San Diego). While many travelers head out on dives, non-diver guests take advantage of the pool and beach, or activities listed daily on the board. Since the resort is small and because staff live on the island in a nearby village, the resort has a unique family feel not found at other resorts on Viti Levu.

After arriving at the airport in Nadi, guests will need to drive two and a half hours southeast to the town of Pacific Harbour. Options for this route include a local bus, a shared airport shuttle service that connects to all the resorts on this part of the coast, or arranging a private driver in advance. On-demand taxis are also available at the airport. The boat ride from Pacific Harbour takes about one hour. There are only a few boats per day, however, so guests should be prepared to wait.

Though this area of Fiji is a bit rainier, this also means lush green grounds. There are no roads or cars on Beqa Island and some guests choose to split their time between this unpopulated rural island (for diving and snorkeling), and Viti Levu for more options in restaurants and nightlife. Resorts are scattered across its Coral Coast -- a 50-mile stretch of white-sand beaches along the Ocean Road between Nadi and Suva. The Pearl, for instance, is literally across the river from where the boat picks up and drops guests off, so that resort tends to be a typical stopover before or after the trip.  

The resort only has a couple dozen rooms, and the majority are individual bures with cathedral-style ceilings and decorative Fijian objects. They have open layouts with tile floors, neutral decor, seating areas, and beige-tiled bathrooms with showers. There are no TVs or phones, but amenities include tea- and coffee-making facilities, drinking water, and minibars. Of these, there are six bures wrapped around a koi pond with wooden walking paths, and three more tucked away in tropical gardens. Along the shoreline are 12 beachfront bures that offer more privacy for couples plus each comes with its own small plunge pool, loungers, hammocks, and outdoor shower. Water views face west for beautiful sunsets.

Large two-bedroom suites are located in a separate building facing Viti Levu, and are ideal for families or small groups. These have separate living and dining rooms and private decks. In-room Wi-Fi is available for a fee.

The six-acre resort has a lengthy beachfront with soft beige sand and calm turquoise lagoon water for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (free for guest use). Adjacent to the beach is an outdoor freshwater pool surrounded by cushioned loungers and tables. Close to shore is one of Fiji's best coral reefs, thriving with colorful marine life, and guests have access to some of the world's best snorkeling and diving here. A standout aspect of Beqa is the opportunity to see tiger sharks (uncaged), though sometimes guests will only encounter bull, reef, and nurse sharks. Beqa Lagoon's PADI Dive Center has a fleet of six dive boats and an entire area of the resort is dedicated to diving equipment and instruction, though some past guests report that equipment is in need of replacement. Instructors offer a range of courses for both uncertified and experienced divers.

Posted next to the restaurant is a sign for special events held daily including children’s programs, snorkel tours, hikes, local church visits, and reef restoration projects. Cultural opportunities are impressive with regular kava ceremonies and opportunities to visit the village's school. If interested in making a school visit, guests should consider bringing paper, pencils, and supplies to offer. 

Spa services take place in private open-air treatment rooms, and therapists use Pure Fiji products. Considering the small size of the resort, they offer impressive treatments such as banana leaf wraps, coconut cream scrubs, and hot stone massages. Guests are also given a free foot massage upon arrival.

Wi-Fi is available for a fee. 

The meal plan is necessary for everyone staying on-site since there is only one restaurant for the resort and zero options in the vicinity. Guests start with a breakfast buffet, and then choose between a few options for lunch. Dinner is a more formal affair with a three-course dinner, often including fresh fish that arrives daily by boat and produce from the organic garden. Food generally receives good reviews from guests. Happy hour starts during sunset when the house band plays Fijian music. Each night the bartenders feature a different drink, plus there are international wine and beer, and signature cocktails. Tea, instant coffee, and drinking water are always available in the dining room, so it may be worth bringing reusable bottles.