The rooms at the Pathways Hotel are bungalows on stilts constructed in traditional Yapese fashion. Although the bathrooms are a bit dated, overall the rooms are super comfy and charming with balconies overlooking Chamorro Bay.

We purchased the "Honeymoon Shack" package for $25 extra per night which included transfers, wine (a 10 year old, rancid chardonnay), flowers, daily breakfast, and an island tour. The reception seemed to be completely unaware that this package even existed and went so far as asking us to provide a printout from their own website verifying we actually were supposed to get the island tour included. I guess they don't actually maintain and write their own site, but our online booking and airport transfer was all aranged through the site...hmmmm.

Anyway, we did finally get that island tour done by Pathways employee, John. It was great! He showed us a number of Yapese stone money banks and faleaw meeting houses in sublimly beautiful settings. Yap has such a rich and intact culture that is still maintaining itself despite the "invasion" of the modern world. That alone merits a visit, even if you don't dive. We did do a few dives with Yap Divers, which was a totally first-class operation and we highly recommend them.

Overall, a great stay, wonderful hospitality(even if a bit confused), and a totally unique travel destination.

We arrived in the wee morning hours (everyone does) and passed out. When I went downstairs midday for a pot of coffee, there was an invitation to the Pathways Staff Xmas Party that night in our key box. A little apprehensive about intruding, but not wanting to insult their hospitality, we stopped in "for a few minutes". A feast of fish, pork, chicken, and hot dogs, all kinds of local veggies, and all the staff. The topper was when when present us with Christmas Gifts of a huge conch shell for me and a lava lava (native wrap skirt) for my wife. This welcome set the tone for an incredible visit, at an incredible lodging, in an incredible place. Fresh flowers on the bed daily, magically friendly staff, whisper quiet location....just 5 minutes walk to other restaurants and bars in Colonia. I will return to Yap and I will return to Pathways. We ate there a couple of times (in addition to daily breakfast for a week) and the meals were excellent (both quality and value). Did the local village tour with them and it was great. Yap is NOT Hawaii or Cancun....very quiet, very laid back, extremely friendly and beautiful. Everyone says hello, I never had a question that wasn't politely and pleasantly answered, you really feel more like "family company" than a tourist. Pathways is not a "dive hotel", but Beyond the Reef (simply the best on Yap) picked me up daily for the 5 minute drive and the ambiance of Pathways was way better than Trader's Ridge or Manta Bay. ....Simply put....I'm going back and I'm staying at Pathways.

Pathways should be your choice if you want a true Yap experience. It's owned and completely operated by Yaps.
It's clean, comfortable, convenient, and offers a true Yap environment.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, A variety of activities are available, including dives, snorkeling, cultural dance performances and village visits.
The restaurant is excellent.
I've stayed in other Yap hotels. Pathways is my favorite.

A beautiful setting run by a warm, knowledgable, local family. Very comfortable rooms all with great views, patios, and A/C. Fantastic lushness adds abundant flowers and birdlife to the steep grounds. Rooms are accessed by a series of "Paths" that give the feel of heading up into your own private treehouse.

Small restaurant on the premises that serves great meals. Whatever you do, if you are a seafood lover do not leave Yap without having special ordered the "Island Dinner".

John and his wife Madeline can arrange just about anything that you might need, incuding special tours of the island. Also ask about visiting Yap's recently setup, and community supported, Marine protected area.

If you are looking to find a special place that has that 'safari lodge" feel, this is your spot. Diver's will be well catered to from The Pathways location right across the lagoon from both Trader's Ridge and Manta dive operations.