Maqai Eco Surf Resort

Northern Division, Fiji

Coast
Wellness
Nature
Watersports
Diving

Secluded haven on Maqai Island, blending luxury with Fijian charm

Maqai Beach Eco Surf Resort is a nine-bure surf camp on a private stretch of beach on Qamea Island, in Fiji's northern outer islands. The thatched-roof bures sit beachside, each raised on a low platform with mosquito nets, ceiling fans and a private bathroom. The resort runs on solar power, grows its own vegetables in an organic garden, and pipes in fresh spring water from the surrounding mountains.

Paddle straight out from the beach to surf Maqai Right, a wave that peels for more than 100 metres across a shallow coral reef. Snorkel or dive the same reef , or head into the rainforest behind the resort with a local guide to spot iguanas and birdlife. In the evening, join staff at the open-air Sandbar, where a guitar often comes out after dinner and the night ends with singing.

Sustainability

Climate & conservation

Generates 95% of its electricity from solar power
Guest bures built from cabins recycled from the TV series 'Survivor Fiji'
A designated no-fishing Marine Reserve
Reforestation or restoration, An active coral gardening programme is underway to help restore the house reef, with opportunities for guests to get involved.
Sorts and transports recyclables to centres on Taveuni and Viti Levu
Local or organic food, An on-site organic garden supplies vegetables for guest and staff meals, and food scraps are given to village pigs, which the resort later buys.
Reduces energy / water / waste, A modern wastewater treatment system ensures that the resort's five-acre site and adjacent coral reef are protected from pollution.

Community & culture

Neighbouring Naivivi village holds a 10% undilutable share in the resort
Employs all 17 staff, including management, from neighbouring Naivivi village
Paid over FJD $200,000 in local wages in the last financial year
Funds education, The resort has sponsored a local student through medical school and provides ongoing equipment and supplies to local schools.
Sourcing fish directly from local fishermen
Weekly Lovo feasts, Kava ceremonies and Meke dances with a village group
Houses medical teams from the Loloma Foundation for free
Sends employees for sponsored professional training in Suva

Commercial

All profits reinvested into the resort and local community
Won the Sustainability category at the ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards in 2017
Holds a TripAdvisor 'Best of the Best' award for 2023

In brief

Price bracket: ££
Type of property: Eco resort
No. of rooms: 12 beachfront bungalows
Max guests per room: Family bures sleep up to 2 adults and 2 children
Facilities: Restaurant, Bar, Beach access, Yoga shala, Tours desk
Activities: Surfing, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Island hopping, Yoga
Setting: Beach · Island

Best time to visit

The dry season runs from April to October, offering the best weather for surf and beach activities.

Kids

Families with children of all ages are welcome.

Accessibility

Access is via a wet landing on the beach, and the resort's sandy paths may be challenging for some guests.

Northern Division, Fiji

££pp / night Visit website

Guide price · £ <£100 · ££ £100–300 · £££ £300–800 · ££££ £800+ pp / night