It’s not just the name of a spectacular Tom Hanks movie – Castaway is a real place, and it’s really inviting.
Castaway, also known by its traditional Fijian name of Qalito, is a reef-fringed island in the Mamanuca Group that has its own private 174 acre resort fit for a king. The island is covered in tropical rainforest and has white sand beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, plus coral reefs and agonisingly inviting azure waters just begging you to dive on in.
Once you get over the scenery (and trust us, it never fails to impress), you’ll be faced with more beauty in your accommodation. The traditionally-inspired bures have spacious and stylish interiors without losing any of their authentic Fijian charm, as seen on the thatched roofs and rattan interiors. High ceilings are lined with hand painted Tapa cloths, and air conditioning and fans keep rooms cool and comfortable, even in the heat of the Fijian sun.
If you’re bringing the little ones along for the ride, Castaway is a fantastic choice. It’s won numerous awards as a top family-friendly holiday resort in Fiji, and its facilities are testament to that. There’s a separate family pool area for kids to splash about as much as they like, plus a free kids’ club to entertain them while you sneak away to have some down time. Alternatively, take part in a family activity like banana boating, kayaking or building sandcastles on the beach.
Couples looking for a little romance needn’t go far. Castaway gives you the time and resources to re-ignite your flame, whether it’s from couples diving or snorkelling amongst the coral. Throw away the distractions of work emails and squabbling kids and simply sit back and let this spectacular island show you the way back to love.
Location
Castaway Island is a small 174 acre private resort not far from Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu. “Castaway”, or by its traditional Fijian name “Qalito”, is a small reef-fringed island in the Mamanuca Group just 30 km due west of Nadi International Airport.
Getting to Castaway is easy by boat, seaplane or helicopter.
The island is serviced by South Sea Cruises’ two fast, modern vessels. This air-conditioned catamaran departs both Denarau Marina and Castaway Island three times daily. Cruising time is approximately one hour, thirty minutes.
Amphibious floatplanes depart Nadi International Airport and from other locations by prior reservation arrangement. Flight time to Castaway is approximately ten minutes from Nadi.
Helicopter services depart Nadi International Airport and from other locations by prior reservation arrangement. Flight time to Castaway is approximately ten minutes from Nadi.
Wedding Facilities
Ever imagined the perfect romantic South Pacific island wedding. Castaway is the perfect place for lovers of all ages to celebrate or reaffirm your marriage vows. Just imagine your sunset wedding ceremony taking place on our jetty adjacent to the dining terrace.
Facilities
At Castaway Island there is something for everyone no matter what holiday you are seeking. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate island paradise escape or a fun filled pacific adventure there is something for you!
Whether you decide to windsurf, paddleboard, or sail a catamaran around the lagoon, it’s all in a day’s activity at Castaway. View the living coral reef by snorkelling or through a glass bottomed boat, all with our compliments. Use of water sports equipment is available free of charge. You might want to spend an afternoon around our beautiful swimming pool or play a set of tennis at sunset. Join us on the beach every afternoon for Fiji vs. the world in beach volleyball. Board games are also available for those who prefer something less energetic.
If you’re looking to relax and pamper yourself, indulge with a traditional Fijian massage in the serenity of Bure “Lomani” (Fijian for “pleasure”) surrounded by our tropical gardens. Our formally trained masseuse will ease away your tensions with a mixture of traditional and aromatherapy techniques.
Jump on board Fiji’s fastest speedboat, ‘Teivovo’ for an Island Hopping or Dolphin Safari excursion. Castaway guests also have the option to participate in activities such as banana boat rides, waterskiing, parasailing, jetskiing, handline fishing expeditions, and outer reef snorkelling trips at an additional cost. PADI certified scuba diving is also available no matter what level of experience, and is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy. Even children as young as age eight can try diving under the supervision of our PADI accredited instructors in our PADI Bubblemakers program.
Castaway Island Resort also offers a complimentary Kids Club service to give you a chance to relax and enjoy your island escape.
Children from 3years and over will enjoy a mix of games and activities with a definite Fiji flavour. They will be entertained all day and night with sandcastle building, watermelon cracking, hermit crab racing, beach games, and nature walks. Your kids will enjoy the authentic Fijian experience with activities such as Fijian costume making and evening fashion show, Fijian dance, coral necklace making, weaving with coconut leaves, and Fijian story-telling around the fire on Monkey Rock. Plus much much more! Kids Club operates from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, with a separate, supervised children’s dinner hour from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
There is also a separate program designed for entertaining our older kids 12 years and up. Activities include coral viewing and snorkelling, picnics, bonfire, bushwalks, canoe races, shell village trips, teen mocktails and bbq, and games such as volleyball and soccer.
The Fijians’ love of children is legendary and you can be assured your children will be well cared for by your Castaway family.
Dining
Your day starts with a Castaway buffet breakfast including Fiji’s tropical fruits and juices, cereals, a selection of hot dishes and accompaniments including bacon, sausages, eggs any style, fresh baked croissants, hotcakes and Danish pastries, tea selection and fresh brewed coffee. Our all day casual dining menu features light snacks and meals throughout the day to early evening.
At night, dine alfresco at the Water’s Edge Restaurant under a magical canopy of Castaway stars overlooking the clear waters of the Pacific. The magnificent setting is enhanced by the music and songs of the “Castaway Islanders” with their acoustic guitars and island style bass. Our extensive a la carte menu features the freshest Fijian seafood and crustaceans, with prime grade beef, poultry and local Fijian specialties together with fresh vegetables, crisp salads and crusty home baked breads – complemented by a hand selected wine list.
Also, definitely not to be missed are the gourmet wood fired pizzas available at the beautiful Sundowner Bar, as well as other snacks and drinks. Enjoy happy hour every day at the Sundowner Bar from 5pm to 7pm.
Castaway Island also offers a convenient meal plan where you can experience breakfast, lunch and dinner with unrestricted choice from all our menus including theme nights, at a daily set price. The meal plan may be purchased before you travel or on the island and is flexible, recognizing various arrival and departure times. The meal plan does not include alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and specialty coffees. All meals are served at our Water’s Edge Restaurant or the Sundowner Bar.
On Wednesday evenings experience a traditional Fijian Feast where you will witness the lighting of the fire, built over dry river stones in the fire pit. Once the stones are white hot this traditional earth oven, or Lovo, is ready to receive seafood, meats and root crop vegetables prepared by first wrapping in banana leaves and palm fronds. The food parcels are then placed on those stones and covered whilst cooking. This unique method delivers truly delicious food for our buffet feast with a sensational island flavour.
On Saturday evenings experience Castaway’s barbecue where you will enjoy chargrilled steaks, chicken and fish Fiji style with crisp salads, homemade pastas, curries, local Fijian vegetables and more. Join in the beach party with the Castaway Beach Boys – fun and games for all to enjoy.
If it’s a refreshing drink you are after then enjoy the Lali or main bar which opens at 8:00am every day and only closes when the last person leaves. And make sure you come to the Resort Manager’s Cocktail Party where you can meet our resort management team every Wednesday night from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, poolside or at the Main Bar Terrace. Enjoy a glass or two of our ‘Liquid Sunshine’ whilst taking in the setting sun and enjoying the company of new friends.
At Castaway the biggest decision of the day will be deciding what to have for dinner.
Entertainment
Enjoy a night of traditional entertainment on Wednesday evenings as the Castaway family perform a traditional Meke of Fijian songs and action dances at 6:30 pm. This will be followed by the authentic Fijian Feast at 7:00 pm. Don’t forget…’no sulu, no dinner!
Each day the Castaway Island band perform for guests during the lunch time and evening dinner as well as around the bar. Feel free to join in and sing along or pick up one of the guitars and entertain your fellow guests!
Room Facilities
Castaway offers sixty six spacious, traditionally thatched Fijian style bures (bungalows) with a choice of beach front, ocean view or island location.
All 27 Beach Front, 12 Ocean View and 27 Island bures each feature one king size bed and most include two additional single beds in their configuration, with those bures comfortably sleeping up to four persons. In the interests of maintaining the quality of the Castaway Island experience, our policy is set to limit a maximum of four persons per bure (or up to ten persons in our one family beach bure).
Each traditionally thatched bure features a high vaulted “tapa’ lined ceiling with overhead fans. In most bures, sleeping and living quarters are separate with the emphasis being on privacy and comfort. All bures feature quality island style furnishings, fabrics and linen, a refrigerator & tea / coffee making facilities.
All bures have a large ensuite bathroom including separate shower, toilet and vanity area complete with hairdryer and toiletries with a Fijian flair.
Family Offers
Recognising that some families have three children, the Castaway Five package allows a bure to be configured with an additional bed or cot as required at an additional nightly cost. The Castaway Five bures are strictly on request and reservations are advised to be made well in advance to secure one of these bures.
Wedding package valid 05 Oct 2023 to 31 March 2025. Price is inclusive of taxes however are subject to change.
Wedding packages – additional guests are from $180 per person.
For full terms and conditions please contact your Fiji wedding specialist.
