We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.

Matamanoa Island Resort

avatar-imageavatar-imageavatar-image
Traveller (2611)
Room & Suite (245)
Dining (132)
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

View prices for your travel dates

Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.

About

#1 of 1 resort in Matamanoa Island
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
Matamanoa Island is an intimate and secluded adults only Fijian resort. We are set in the beautiful Mamanuca Islands approximately 30 kilometers west of Nadi International Airport - experience a true gift of nature. The Island boasts a volcanic cone jutting out of the azure waters of this unspoiled marine sanctuary. Clad with native bush and palm trees, the brilliance of the vegetation contrasts magnificently with the white curved sandy beaches and pristine coral reefs. Combined with nature, we have created a haven for those who want to relinquish the pressures of a busy lifestyle. This is for those who dream of peace and tranquility. To achieve this special atmosphere, Matamanoa Island Resort has adopted a year round policy of not permitting day-trippers or children under the age of 16 years.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Wifi
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Canoeing
Airport transportation
Spa
Adults only
Paid wifi
Pool / beach towels
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Adult pool
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary tea
Poolside bar
Diving
Snorkelling
Tennis court
Entertainment staff
Evening entertainment
Fishing
Table tennis
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Head massage
Massage
Concierge
Gift shop
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Show more
Room features
Air conditioning
Private beach
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Minibar
Refrigerator
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Lagoon View
Languages Spoken
English
1,367Review125Q+A100Room tips

Reviews
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.

Traveller rating
  • 849
  • 326
  • 106
  • 53
  • 33
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
  • More
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
avatar-image
alistair m wrote a review 5 Mar
St. Petersburg, Florida2 contributions
A genuine, authentic island experience. Remember this is an island and you are on holiday to relax. There will be real wildlife noises and a few bugs (not many at all) - it isn’t Disney…thank god! Friendly staff, great rooms (we stayed in the so called basic garden room but it was terrific) and very clean facilities. The negative reviews elsewhere must be borne from completely unrealistic expectations - this was a wonderful piece of paradise that we enjoyed tremendously. We will be back if at all possible
Read more
Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: This is a real life island- not Disney!!
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Jill Palise, Other at Matamanoa Island Resort
Responded 1 week ago
Vinaka
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
macfod wrote a review Feb 2024
Dunedin, New Zealand580 contributions222 helpful votes
+1
It would appear some people write bad reviews as a pass time and it shouldnt put you off. I for one looked into things prior and had excellent replies from management. The island is the real deal as far as offering Fiji as an exotic destination and well worth the effort to escape the large 5 star concrete hotels and man made beaches on the mainland. We stayed six nights in first a resort room then beachfront bure. Ok, resort rooms are quite basic but remember many had to survive covid and it takes time and money to update.but they are funtional and a little dated with the bathroom but expect to just sleep in them and its about the island. Reviewers who compare them to back packers accom obviously are expecting a lot. Many backpackers lodges are excellent. The beachfront bures are lush and so clean and spacious. The mentions of staff..we found all happy and gratious and whilst some exceeded expections the award must go to all staff throughout that make your stay enjoyable. Always smiling. Food is not top class for dinner and pricey for what you get but we are on an island. Breakfast wholesome with a good choice. Drinks were ok but it would be better if red wine was kept somewhere cooler. Lunch was good and it was nice to get a decent burger. We had a power outage one day but still the kitchen worked hard to keep food churning out. We met the GM Patrick.. what a nice guy he is. Overall we had a great time and my doubts after readingcetain negative views was cast away on a beautiful island. Reviews ref dive shop and Purple Turtle I will post on their site.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: If in Resort rooms choose lower numbers as latter ones are near footpath
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Jill Palise, Other at Matamanoa Island Resort
Responded 4 weeks ago
Vinaka
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Meander24410223713 wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution3 helpful votes
1 The Resort rooms should be called budget or backpacker rooms. Pictures and description on-line were nothing like reality. The bathroom sink was stained and the bedroom was cramped. We expected more from a quality adult only resort. We felt that we had no choice but to pay for a room upgrade. 2 The pool and public areas were dirty. A lady who had a scuba lesson in the pool advised us not to swim in the pool. We could see for ourselves that the pool was dirty. It was dirty on our arrival, and we did not see anyone clean it in the 5 days we were there. I was later informed by email, that the pool pump had been broken. If this was true it meant that Matamanoa Managers knew that the pool was dirty and were happy for guests to swim in a dirty pool for many days without telling them that it was dirty. 3 When it rained there was a strong smell of raw sewerage near the bure area. It appears that there is a sewerage tank close to the accommodation area. On investigation, there appeared to be a warning light that flashed when the tank was over full. 4 There was a plague of flies around the restaurant, pool and public lounge areas. During the time we were there, we saw nothing at all done about the problem. 5 I sent several emails to representatives of Matamanoa management during and after our stay including the Executive Director of sales and Marketing at Matamanoa. I hoped that issues would be rectified so that others would not share our experiences. I offered advice in good faith. I highlighted a number of concerns and solutions that appeared to be ignored. 6 Matamanoa charges 4% credit card fee. I intended to avoid this fee by paying via my debit card. What they don't tell you until you get there is that they also charge a 4% debit card fee. Given that my bank does not charge a debit card fee, I felt that this is unreasonable. This is a great location. This could be a great resort if there was a positive management culture which appears to be lacking.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Resort rooms like backpacker accommodation.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3 Helpful votes
Helpful
Share
Response from Jill Palise, Other at Matamanoa Island Resort
Responded 4 Feb 2024
Vinaka John, I knew when you couldn't get your own way that you would post negative comments, I was expecting such a post. As mentioned in more than 30 email exchanges with you, all your comments whether correct or incorrect would be evaluated. Unfortunately you cannot be the Manager as you suggested, neither can you write the PR or web material that you wanted to do, nor can some of the other suggestions you made be implemented. I could respond here to each and every one of your points but I have already done so on email. May I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours and hope that you feel much better soon. Vinaka Jill Palise Executive Director of Sales and Marketing Matamanoa Island Resort Fiji
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Karen H wrote a review Jan 2024
Craig, Alaska22 contributions26 helpful votes
We were only going to be in Fiji a few days, and we didn’t want those taken up with travel to distant islands. Matamanoa Island was perfect, a quick ferry or water taxi, and you are in Paradise! The staff was friendly and the beach below was beautiful, with coral reefs nearby for great snorkeling. We stayed in one of the beach burres with a private plunge pool, and would highly recommend that. Can’t say the food was 5-star, but it was fine for restaurant food, and the atmosphere was lovely on the outdoor decks. You just have to remember what we were told on our way to the island: “You are now on Fiji time, so relax and enjoy yourself.” That certainly applied to service in the restaurant. Not efficient, but always gracious. So if you are looking for the Fiji island experience, Matamanoa Island Resort filled the bill for us. We would go back in a heartbeat.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Their reservation service was wonderful. They responded quickly and had helpful tips for our...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Jill Palise, Other at Matamanoa Island Resort
Responded 20 Jan 2024
Vinaka
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
PhilG723 wrote a review Jan 2024
Cambridge, New Zealand5 contributions6 helpful votes
Pretty disappointing to read some of the obtuse/incorrect reviews. The Matamanoa bird is not like a chicken. Its rarely seen at all by humans and the ghostly noise are Fruit Bats - common through the Islands. Not rarely a big deal for 'normal' people Every time I stay here Im blown away by the staff, The entire Food and Beverage crew are wonderful. The singers are incredibly talented, right down to our cleaner, who was lovely. The beach side Bures are fantastic and often you have the entire beach to yourself. Ive been to many many Fijian Resorts and this on stands out as one of the best
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
Response from Jill Palise, Other at Matamanoa Island Resort
Responded 11 Jan 2024
Vinaka
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Arizona Traveller wrote a review Dec 2023
Los Angeles, California26 contributions4 helpful votes
+1
Beautiful resort. Really enjoyed our stay and would love to return someday. Well kept grounds. Amazing pool. The beach was perhaps the most beautiful we have ever seen. The place never feels crowded. Food was very good. Only complaint was that drinks were weak for what you pay. Staff was excellent. Definitely recommend the beachfront bures w private plunge pool on sunset side of island - pure paradise. I wouldn’t pay more for the larger beachfront pool villas on the other side of the island because the beach on that side is nowhere near as nice and those accommodations are quite far from the restaurant and bar. Plus that side is very noisy at night during certain times of the year due to the loud Matamanoa bird that migrates there and screeches all night long. Plan to wear earplugs if you stay on that side! Cannot speak highly enough of the less expensive other side where we were lucky enough to stay for four nights. The activities and onsite entertainment were excellent. Our primary reason for choosing this island resort over all the others was because of the reef surrounding it and our desire to snorkel directly from the shore. This turned out to be very nice, but did not compare to the Maldives or to many places we have been to in the Caribbean. We were very happy overall. Just wish we could have stayed longer. We took the Purple Turtle transfers from Port Denarau and highly recommend. Weather in mid Nov was lovely except for a slight cat 3 tropical cyclone that impacted us for a day and a half, but that just made our trip more interesting.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
Response from Jill Palise, Other at Matamanoa Island Resort
Responded 20 Jan 2024
Vinaka
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
JP HU wrote a review Dec 2023
2 contributions2 helpful votes
I strongly do not recommend staying at this hotel. Firstly, more than half of the restaurant staff are very lazy and indifferent. Secondly, there are way too many flies in the public areas on the island, whether you're at the restaurant or the pool; dozens of flies will be on you, and you can't get rid of them. Thirdly, there's a type of bird on this island called Matamanoa bird that looks like a chicken. Their numbers are significant, and they make a terrifying noise at night, similar to ghostly wails. You can search for the sound of this bird on YouTube.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Deliverygirl wrote a review Dec 2023
Australia337 contributions200 helpful votes
We were excited to visit Matamanoa as we are very familiar with Fiji after many visits over the years to various resorts. Lusia on email booking was very helpful prior to arriving and we did receive the lovely Fijian welcome of singing as we arrived, so was looking good. However the welcome really ended there as the staff were noticeably subdued and appeared dispirited as another reviewer noted. Staff are what make or break a resort and while we understand the quiet and often shy nature of the Fijian people, this was different. No ‘Bula’ from staff who actively avoided eye contact especially in the restaurant - this was not out of shyness, but unfortunately more to avoid you trying to ask to put in your orders. We waited 45 mins upon arriving one night, just to get to speak to wait staff, even for water or a drink. Food was Very expensive for what it was. Ratu on the bar is very good when you get to know him, and we enjoyed a bit of banter. Rooms - we had both a garden room, which was pretty awful to be honest, rundown and very expensive for what it is. Also went to to the beachfront villa. A long walk from the main restaurant but we were fine with that as it’s a nice walk, but again pretty rundown. Our curtain rail was broken and hanging down with curtains still attached, and no lights on the steps - both my husband and I fell in the dark as you can’t see the bottom step. Overall, sorry to say Matamanoa was a pretty big disappointment . The staff are the face of the resort and no Bula’s or smiles when you pass and staff who appear indifferent is not good. Not sure about the relationship between management and staff, it didnt all gel and the atmosphere lacked. Playing music would really help. There was a man with a guitar one night , who played outside the bar and away from the restaurant in the walkway, so you couldn’t really hear him. Moving him closer would have been great. The resort really needs a vibe and a happy atmosphere would greatly improve things along with a lot of maintenance needed on bures. A beautiful spot that has a lot of potential that wouldn’t take too much to improve immeasurably.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Share
Response from Jill Palise, Other at Matamanoa Island Resort
Responded 26 Dec 2023
Vinaka
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Sona_G81 wrote a review Dec 2023
Redwood City, California342 contributions689 helpful votes
I stayed at the garden room for 5 days and 4 nights and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I made pickup arrangements from airports to the resort with purple turtle ferry service, which was hassel free. On arrival, the staff welcomed me with shell necklace, juice, wet towel, and a super fun welcome song. They made my room ready within a couple of hours while i grabbed breakfast. Food at the restaurant was delightful, and the staff was some of the kindest people I have met. I could not enjoy the guided activities since they conflicted with my water activities but can't complain since I was busy with water activities. I enjoyed the serenade during dinner every night. I heard the polenesian show was wonderful, too. Now, the water activities center,Deep Blue, is amazing. Professional folks offering dives and a variety of visits to nearby islands. In addition, you can rent kayak or snorkel in the marine reserve right outside the resort. If you don't have company, highly suggest guided snorkel with DeepBlue. Weather was gorgeous in Dec. Highly recommend this place
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
Response from Jill Palise, Other at Matamanoa Island Resort
Responded 26 Dec 2023
Vinaka
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Bari wrote a review Nov 2023
Hong Kong, China875 contributions252 helpful votes
My wife and I were on our honeymoon in Fiji, and it was regrettable that our honeymoon had been ruined, to say the least, by our experience at Matamanoa resort. We both developed a severe rash over our four limbs after bedbug bites, it has been one months and the marks are still there. On the first night of our stay, we already experienced itchiness, but we thought these were due to mosquito bites. On the second night, at around 0230, our rash got much worse and we couldn’t sleep due to the itchiness and pain. We then searched our bedsheet and found a couple of bedbugs, which were clearly the cause of our rash. We immediately rushed out to the reception, but sadly nobody was on duty. We stayed up all night and finally was able to speak to your staff at the reception at 0700. Though it was not until 0745 that a general manager, finally showed up to deal with this case. We then verbally agreed to have full refund and leave the island one day earlier. Pro: - This is not a 4 star hotel definitely. Room is poor and worn down ( and have bedbugs) - Food is basic and small portion but expensive - Hygiene level not up to standard ( I saw a big mouse running in the bar, and cockroach outside my room ) - Nobody (not even a security guard) on night duty so no one will deal with the emergency. - Inattentive service and fail to restock towel in room Con: - Full refunded after negotiation
Read more
Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4 Helpful votes
Helpful
Share
Response from Jill Palise, Other at Matamanoa Island Resort
Responded 26 Dec 2023
Vinaka, not quite sure how to respond to the above review, thank you for the photographs, one was of the room you stayed in, beautifully made up ready for your occupancy, the other two of the bug and the rash were not taken at Matamanoa Island. Interestingly there were no other reports from any other guests of experiencing bed bugs, sighting a big mouse or a cockroach on the Resort. Your other comments are taken on board as are all comments either positive or negative. The Island has 24 hour security guards on duty and publicly advertises closure of reception at 11.00PM and reopening at 0700AM. The GM decided to refund you as a gesture of goodwill, prior to investigating your claims. May I wish you all the best for the New Year.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Previous
123456
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Matamanoa Island area.
PRICE RANGE
£163 - £243 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
matamanoa island hotel matamanoa island
LOCATION
FijiMamanuca IslandsMatamanoa Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
47
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing

MATAMANOA ISLAND RESORT - Updated 2024 Reviews (Fiji)

Frequently Asked Questions about Matamanoa Island Resort
What are some of the property amenities at Matamanoa Island Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Matamanoa Island Resort?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Matamanoa Island Resort?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Matamanoa Island Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Tokoriki Oishii Teppanyaki, South Beach Restaurant, and Mana Lagoon Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Matamanoa Island Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Matamanoa Island Resort have airport transportation?
Yes, Matamanoa Island Resort offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Matamanoa Island Resort located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.1 miles away from the centre of Matamanoa Island.
Are any cleaning services offered at Matamanoa Island Resort?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Matamanoa Island Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.