Barefoot Kuata Resort - 1 of our Top 10 picks for budget island resorts in Fiji

On our visit to Barefoot Kuata (pronounced "Quata") we unfortunately didn't get to stay the night but we were there all day while on the Snorkel with the Sharks day trip, which starts from here. The owners, a young couple from South Africa bought the resort from the local village on the opposite island about 3 years ago and now live at Barefoot Kuata. Since then it's been renovated with new facilities, pool and more. They also own Barefoot Manta which has gone through a reno too.

We arrived not long after Cyclone Winston stripped all the coconut trees

We were impressed with Barefoot Kuata, the resort is small with only beachfront bures and dorm bures right on the beach. The beachfront bures are on a higher level above the beach taking advantage of the great views, well spaced for privacy and not that many of them in total. Believe it or not but Barefoot Kuata get all their fresh water, not from the usual decel plant but spring water piped all the way from Wayalailai village on the island opposite. Power is on 24/7 and run by generator.

The beach

Soft white sand and clear warm water

Snorkel with the sharks is a fun day trip from here

White sand and plenty of it along the big stretch of beach. The beach on the other side is a bit more rocky. We didn't get to go snorkelling straight off the beach, we were too busy snorkelling with the black tip reef sharks and ran out of time. But we're told the snorkelling is awesome. There are lots of hammocks around the island to relax in plus three separate swimming pools.

Accommodation options

Beachfront Bure - very tent like but nice

Well spaced beachfront bures

Two big dorm tents that sleep 6 each are located right on the beach and quite a distance away from the beachfront bures to prevent the sometimes rowdy backpackers upsetting the rest of the resort. There is a new toilet block to cater for the backpackers. Beachfront bures are made from a combination of tent, bamboo & wood and come with a large queen bed and separate outdoor bathroom. For the price they are great value. Barefoot Kuata is no longer part of the Bula Combo Pass as it's a coconut 2 property, but still good for a normal island hopping Bula Pass. For more details go to our page on Barefoot Kuata Budget Accommodation.

One of the 3 swimming pools

What's the food like?

Buffet lunch was great

Lunch after our snorkel with the sharks

If you're part of the day trip crowd snorkelling with the sharks, then your lunch will be a delicious buffet. We had plenty to choose from including vegetarian options. For those staying at the resort you will have already paid for the compulsory meal plan at $85 FJD per person per day. For that you get a menu to choose from instead of the buffet. It looked really good, guests were enjoying some great looking burgers and chips. The restaurant and bar area was really cool with a lovely sand floor.

Fijian songs at lunch time

The Fijian weaving was excellent in the construction

Getting there

You'll tender onto a smaller boat from the Yasawa Flyer

Arriving straight on the beach

It's an interesting 2 hour island hopping journey on the Yasawa Flyer or a quick 30min flight on a seaplane, these are the only two options for getting to Barefoot Kuata. The Flyer is going to be a lot cheaper but only leaves Port Denarau at 8.30am once a day, so if your flight comes in after 6.50am forget arriving on the same day. Also if your flight leaves before 9pm, forget about flying out the same day too. This is where seaplanes come in handy. There is the odd charter boat that will come this far, but it has to be big, and this will mean expensive.

Activities

Great views on our walk to the cave

Very interesting history about the cave

There is a great guided walk or go yourself, to a really interesting cave, lots of local history is explained along the way. You'll get to see the other side of the island on your walk with excellent views from the cliff tops.

Relaxing at the end of a great day out

Summit walk

Map of Yasawa Island Resorts

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