After a spell at Raintree we truly recommend a side-trip to another very special place, different again, and somewhere few visitors to Fiji ever get to discover. 

Cagalai is a dot in the ocean, a classic little coral island getaway, run in the simplest manner by a Fijian family under the sponsorship of their church. You’ll find no frills here, just the simple joy of living and the remarkable hospitality for which Fiji is famous.

How the resort came into being is quite a story – which your hosts will happily tell as you relax with them for a talanoa around the kava bowl, or by a beach campfire under the stars. Try and join them also for Sunday service in Nibusaga Village and marvel at the note-perfect harmonies of the choir. Time spent with these wonderful people will provide you with memories of a lifetime, and an insight into the Fijians and their unique culture that only firsthand experience can give.

Nor will you forget Cagalai’s simple but wholesome home-cooking. Tuck in! You can’t break your budget – Cagalai is traveller friendly and breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your nightly rate! On Fridays lunch is a traditional lovo, mouth-watering traditional dishes slow-cooked for hours the old way, on hot stones in an underground oven.

Cagalai is a place to unwind and enjoy the tranquillity and the lack of big-time commercial development. A highlight of your day might be something as simple as a little beachcombing, or a low-tide stroll to Snake Island to discover the surprising life forms to be found in the shallows and on the exposed seabed. A pristine environment is very important to Cagalai.  If you do come across a piece of litter in your wanderings you’ll make your hosts very happy by bringing it back to the resort for proper disposal.

The magic of Cagalai is within very easy reach of Raintree Lodge. An hour’s ride by local bus takes you direct to the pick-up point for the resort’s own boat. The crossing to the island is an experience in itself, and one of sharp contrasts. It begins on a river cutting through mangroves rich in birdlife, and then on to the open sea where you could be joined by pods of dolphins at play, or even spot a group of spectacular manta rays.

LONELY PLANET

‘a small and immaculately kept place’

‘Those seeking a secluded spot who don’t mind roughing it a little will love it here. The facilities are basic but the small bures on the waters edge are lovely, the food is superb and the staff extremely friendly’

‘Dorm accommodation is in weatherboard buildings. There is no alcohol for sale on the island but you can bring your own.’

A fridge is provided.

RATES

Rates shown are per person, per night, and include all meals.

Bure $60.00
Dorm $50.00
Camping (be sure to bring your own tent) : $40.00

Note: Bookings can be arranged through Raintree Lodge

ISLAND TRANSFERS

From Waidalice bridge (Kings Road, Viti Levu): $30.00 one way

From Levuka (the historic original Fiji capital on Ovalau): $20.00 one way