Matamanoa Island Resort Review: Our Private Island Escape in Fiji
Are you looking for a detailed Matamanoa Island Resort review? I’ve got you covered!
Fiji has always held a special place in my heart, my most recent trip was actually my fourth time visiting the islands and it never disappoints! Each visit has been an incredible experience, but this time felt extra special because it was my first time staying on a private island resort in the Mamauca Islands with my boyfriend!
We were looking forward to a peaceful escape, and Matamanoa Island Resort Fiji delivered exactly that! With a perfect blend of seclusion, natural beauty, and warm Fijian hospitality. In this review, I’ll share all the details about our stay, from the spacious beachfront bure we called home for two nights to the amazing sunsets and unforgettable snorkelling adventures.
Whether you’re planning a romantic couples getaway or just curious about what this island paradise has to offer, I hope my experience helps you decide if Matamanoa is right for you!
First Impressions: Arrival and Check-In Experience
We arrived at Matamanoa Island by speed boat, which took about an hour and 15 minutes from Port Denarau. We booked through Purple Turtle Tours, and because our flight landed before 6 am, we were able to catch the 8.15 am boat. By 9.30 am, we arrived on the island, which really helped us make the most of our first day in Fiji.
As we approached Matamanoa, I was amazed at how incredible the island looked. The water was unbelievably clear and blue, and the golden sand looked like something straight off a postcard. I’m a sucker for a beautiful beach and this was definitely up there!
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the friendly staff with a refreshing welcome drink and a traditional Fijian song. It was such a lovely way to be welcomed, and immediately made us feel at home.
Since check-in wasn’t until noon, and we had arrived a bit early, we decided to relax by the pool and enjoy some breakfast. It was the perfect opportunity to unwind after our journey and take in the stunning views.
Accommodation: Villas & Bungalows
We stayed in one of the beachfront pool bures, and I have to say, the view was pretty incredible. Our bure faced the ocean, offering stunning sunrise views. If you’re a sunset lover, some bures offer sunset views instead.
The room came with its own private plunge pool, which was such a treat. Nothing beats cooling off in the privacy of your own villa. The room featured an outdoor shower as well as a day bed which allowed us to really soak in the island vibes!
The room itself was very spacious and extremely comfortable, with a lovely blend of traditional Fijian decor that added to the island charm. The bed was incredibly comfortable, I slept like a baby – the jetlag may have had something to do with it too seeing as we flew from Canada!
The room also had air conditioning, a fridge, coffee and tea-making facilities and a sink. You could drink the tap water so that made it easy to fill up water bottles. There were glasses in the room too if you wanted to enjoy some drinks in your room.
The outdoor loungers were a nice touch for chilling out and reading a book in the sun without having to head to the main pool area.
Types of Rooms Available:
Oceanfront Pool Villa
- Located on a private, north-facing beach
- Private plunge pool
- Outdoor shower
- Daybed
- Two split-level rooms
Beachfront Pool Bure
- Private plunge pool
- Outdoor shower
- Daybed
- Sunrise or sunset views
Resort Room
- Private covered veranda
- Close to the central facility area
- Super king bed
Resort Facilities & Amenities
Dining
Matamanoa Resort has one on-site restaurant and bar where you’ll eat all your meals. Breakfast was available from 7.30 am to 10.00 am, lunch from 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm, and dinner from 6.00 pm to 10.30 pm. You’ll get to enjoy some stunning views of the ocean too!
The dinner menu changes daily to keep things fresh. Everything is charged to your room and you settle the bill at check-out, which makes things pretty easy.
A full American breakfast is included with all bookings, where you’ll enjoy some fresh fruit, pastries and your choice of a meal off the menu. My favourite was the French toast, so delicious and the tropical juice is a must! For lunch, I couldn’t resist having the chicken stir fry two days in a row.
Infinity Pool
The resort’s shared infinity pool is a real highlight. We enjoyed relaxing here and looking out at the ocean when we weren’t in our room. The views are pretty breathtaking!
There are plenty of loungers and day beds to relax on or sip on drinks from the bar. One night we sat on the loungers and enjoyed a cocktail while the sun went down before we went to dinner which I’d 100% recommend.
Treetop Spa
For a bit of pampering, the resort’s spa is a must-visit. Not only does it have incredible views but it’s the perfect place to relax. We both enjoyed the complimentary 10-minute foot massage, which was amazing! I bet the other spa treatments were just as incredible too.
Activities & Experiences
Water Activities
While Matamanoa Island Resort is perfect for relaxation, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained if you want to stay active. All non-motorised activities are complementary which includes snorkelling, kayaking and even hobie cats.
We would highly recommend the snorkelling! The colours of the coral were amazing, some of the best we’ve seen. Plus we saw all sorts of life out such as a reef shark, octopus, clam and even a sea snake. You can only snorkel at high tide due to the reef so head down and talk to the staff about the best times to head out.
If you’re into scuba diving, you’re in the right place cause there are over 30 dive sites in the Mamanuca Islands. Purple Turtle offers a range of experiences with dives ranging from 9 to 30 metres in depth.
Island Excursions
There are also some exciting island excursions you can book through Purple Turtle Tours, including day trips to nearby islands or even a visit to a traditional Fijian village. You can even participate in a snorkel safari if you want to explore the waters beyond the resort.
Or for a day of complete relaxation, you can visit Cloud 9, a floating platform in the middle of the ocean with a fully stocked bar and wood-fired pizza!
Other Activities
The resort offers a number of complementary activities that you can participate in. We did a basket weaving workshop which was heaps of fun. The cultural dance night we also thoroughly enjoyed. Complete with an impressive fire dancing show it was another unforgettable experience.
Service & Staff
One of the absolute highlights of our stay at Matamanoa Island Resort was the incredible friendliness of the staff. From the moment we arrived, everyone had a smile on their face. The staff truly went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable!
Overall Thoughts
We really loved our stay at Matamanoa Island Resort. Not only is the island incredibly stunning but the seclusion gave it such a peaceful, private feel, which was exactly what we were looking for.
It’s certainly one of the best resorts in Fiji for couples – we actually met another couple who were on their honeymoon! The fact that the resort was adult-only made our stay incredibly relaxing. We would definitely return in the future and highly recommend it for anyone seeking a romantic escape.
Tips for Future Visitors
Best Time to Visit:
We visited in October, and while we had some rain, we were lucky to enjoy one beautiful sunny day. Be sure to check the weather for the time of year you’re planning on visiting, Fiji’s peak season is June – September.
All-Inclusive Meals:
To keep things convenient and hassle-free it’s possible to purchase full board (lunch & dinner) or half board (dinner only) for your stay. Lunch consists of two courses and dinner consists of three courses so if you want to indulge a little, this option could work perfectly. Breakfast is already included with your accommodation so you don’t need to worry about that!
What to Pack:
Bring light, breathable clothing for the hot weather and a few nice outfits for dinner. Sun protection is a must – pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunnies.
Don’t forget mosquito repellent for the evenings. Plus an underwater camera or GoPro is perfect for capturing all the life in the coral reef when out snorkelling.
Final thoughts: Matamanoa Island Resort Review
Matamanoa Island Resort truly offers a special, secluded escape that’s perfect for couples looking to relax, unwind, and reconnect.
From the stunning ocean views to the incredible hospitality and peaceful atmosphere, you’ll quickly see why this resort feels like a little slice of paradise. Whether you’re snorkelling the vibrant reef or enjoying a sunset dinner, every moment feels special.
We loved our time here and had such a wonderful stay – we can’t wait to return one day. If you’re dreaming of a tropical island getaway, Matamanoa is definitely worth considering!
Disclosure: This stay was hosted by Matamanoa Island Resort Fiji, but as always, all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own!
