Vacations in Bures and Cottages

When in Rome, do as they Romans do, they say. So when in Fiji, enjoy staying in a bure (Fijian hut or cottage)!! Much of the accommodation at resorts is based on traditional individual Fijian bure (boo-ray) design and vacationing in a bure can add to the exoticism of your tropical islands holiday. There is something quite enchanting to sleep in your bure with its high thatched roof, surrounded by lush tropical flowers, shrubs and trees. Intricately woven coconut fibre cord sinnet called magi magi (mahng-ee-mahng-ee) is used to bind the hardwood poles that are used in construction, and woven matting or bamboo is used as a lining or cladding to the timber construction. On smaller budget resorts, locally operated, it is often quite a simple structure, with vinyl covered slab floor and simple bathroom amenities. In most resorts, a hardwood timber floor is used, and the fittings and bathroom fittings can be quite elaborate and luxurious. Some cottages do not have thatching, but use roofing sheets echoing the shape of a Fijian roof.

Where to find bures and cottages in Fiji

• Exclusive 5-star bures
  Best spots: Outer island resorts such as Turtle Island, and the Wakaya Club.
  
  
• Luxury bures
  Look in these spots: Taveuni, Qamea, Matangi, and Savusavu. Beqa resorts. Also the Mamanucas and Yasawas.
  
  
• Remote Eco-Adventure bures
  Where to find: Kadavu island, Beqa, and Namenalala island in Lomaiviti.
  
  
• Budget Bures
  Also check out the budget vacations page.
  Where are they: A large number of excellent budget bure resorts are found in the beautiful Yasawa Islands. Hop on the 'Yasawa Flyer' ferry at Port Denarau in Nadi. Also try Robinson Crusoe's off the Coral Coast

Most bure feature spacious covered verandah outside on which to relax on chairs or hammock. Many feature romantic outdoor showers or even a jacuzzi or spa. There is something extraordinarily enjoyable about bathing in the open air below a starlit sky, or in the daytime with coconut palm fronds rustling gently in the warm Fiji weather. Although there is no malaria in Fiji, there can be the occasional mosquito, especially in the wetter times of the year (summer), so windows are invariably screened. A romantic mosquito net is often found above your bed to let down should you desire, but mostly these need only to be used as an attractive canopy. Most resorts include a coffee/tea making area, with refrigerator, sometimes with mini-bar products.