Royal Davui Island - Fiji - Together Journal

A private island retreat where time slows and hearts expand

Some destinations feel discovered rather than visited, places so serene they seem to exist outside of time. Royal Davui Island is one such sanctuary. Set in Fiji’s Beqa Lagoon, this private, adults-only retreat offers an experience defined by seclusion, sophistication, and soul. With just sixteen villas hidden within tropical greenery and overlooking the turquoise sea, privacy feels absolute. Here, luxury is quiet and deeply personal, found not in grandeur but in the stillness that allows romance to unfold.

If you have the chance, take the Island Hoppers flight from Nadi Airport. It is, in my opinion, the most unforgettable way to arrive. The moment the helicopter lifts off, you’re swept into another world. Below, the landscape unfolds like a watercolour in motion, with lush green bush, rivers that twist through valleys, and small villages that appear and disappear beyond each ridge. Then the ocean begins to glimmer, shifting from deep sapphire to translucent turquoise as you glide over coral reefs and untouched lagoons. For honeymooners or couples eloping, it is the most breathtaking start imaginable: a few spellbinding minutes suspended between earth and sea. As Royal Davui appears ahead, a tiny emerald island surrounded by endless blue, it feels as though you are being flown straight into a dream.

The villas embody barefoot elegance at its most refined. Each is a private sanctuary of contemporary Fijian design, with open-air living, timber decks that spill into the landscape, and plunge pools that catch the last light of day. Inside, handcrafted details and crisp linens create a sense of calm and effortless beauty. It is a place where every element invites connection, whether you are celebrating a honeymoon, eloping in secret, or simply escaping the world together.

At the heart of the experience are owners Chris and Grant, whose warmth sets the tone for the entire island. Chris, who grew up in Fiji and trained as a chef, has woven his deep understanding of the land, culture, and cuisine into every aspect of the resort. The result is a seamless blend of refinement and authenticity, where every meal tells a story of place and every design detail feels intuitively in harmony with nature. The staff, a close-knit community who feel more like family, strike the perfect balance between friendliness and quiet respect, anticipating your needs before you even think to ask.

Cuisine was a standout highlight at Royal Davui. Each day’s menu was thoughtfully refined, offering a wealth of choice and flavour. The experience begins the moment you arrive in your villa, greeted with warm homemade banana bread and delicate handmade truffles; both utterly divine. I loved the way the culinary team seamlessly fused Fijian and Asian influences, a combination that feels especially vibrant and fitting in Fiji’s tropical warmth. Yet, amidst the island-inspired dishes, I also enjoyed one of the most exquisite prawn pastas I have ever tasted.

Every morning, breakfast was a ritual I eagerly anticipated: fresh tropical juices and smoothies, bespoke dishes, and ingredients of the finest quality set the tone for the day. As the sun dipped below the horizon, evenings became a celebration of connection, beginning with a cocktail under the banyan tree’s sprawling canopy. The majestic Pacific banyan forms the heart of the resort, rising through the Banyan Restaurant and shaping the island’s natural rhythm. Dinner here is both relaxed and elegant, where guests gather casually to enjoy ever-evolving menus that capture the true spirit and flavour of the South Pacific.

Days on Royal Davui flow with an easy rhythm. Swim in the lagoon, snorkel among coral gardens (truly some of the best we have experienced), or drift between sun and shade on your private terrace. Evenings invite stillness and connection, as candlelight flickers across the deck and the scent of tropical flowers carries through the air. Dining celebrates the best of the South Pacific, from freshly caught seafood to vibrant produce and creative interpretations of Fijian flavours. Once a week, guests are invited to join a traditional kava tasting with members of the neighbouring village, offering an authentic glimpse into island culture. On Sundays, the dining room fills with harmony as staff from the local community gather to sing their weekly church hymns, a soulful tradition that captures the heart of Fijian life.

Royal Davui has earned recognition from Condé Nast Traveller, USA Today and the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards, yet its greatest achievement is something quieter. It reminds you of what travel can be when it is deeply felt rather than simply experienced. For honeymooners who value luxurious privacy and a true sense of escape, there could be no more romantic destination. A small part of me will always be longing to return to Royal Davui.