Barefoot Kuata Island Resort

Really a big family, every one on the island is really lovely, and starting miss all of you on the island.

Most amazing experience I have ever had. Stayed in the female only dorm and I think the workers and other travelers really can make or break the experience. Every single worker at this resort is so nice. My friend and I had the best time, became friends with all of the staff, and took advantage of every amenity possible. While it was rainy for a few days, that does not mean it will ruin your vacation. We had the absolute best time. The shark dive was amazing, snorkeling was amazing, and the food was good too. The only complaint I have is that the shower was only warm for 2 out of the 6 days we were there but since its so warm I really did not mind at all. Be prepared to stay in your bathing suit all day, paddle board, kayak, snorkel, hike, and have delicious meals. There are also some activities and games after dinner that helps everyone get to know eachother! My friend and I had the absolute best time and we hope to go back as soon as possible. A special shoutout to all the staff that we got to know. We were greeted with smiles every single day and it truly feels like we created a family while staying at Kuata. For those of you who are doing multiple islands, I would recommend staying at Kuata for at least a few nights. All of the other travelers we met said they wished they had stayed at Kuata for longer. Barefoot Kuata is definitley for socializing so take advantage of everything and talk to everyone! At the end of the day everything is what you make of it! Looking forward to going back. Vinaka Barefoot Kuata

Barefoot Kuata is a wonderful place--the best, safest, most reputable shark dives, a phenomenal house reef, and wonderful night snorkeling. My only problem is a big one--the reef shark snorkel activity drops anchor directly into live coral. The guide said that their usual tie-off place was damaged months ago so this is what they do now. That is totally unacceptable--if you can't moor responsibly, you must stop the activity. Replanting coral in one part of the island doesn't make up for knowingly breaking every day on the day side of the island.

Outstanding dive experience/team: can’t recommend the Bull Shark dive enough! Brilliant staff throughout Good atmosphere at meal times, guitar player and singer Cleanliness 9/10 (public toilets let it down- ants) Amazing bed, duvet and pillows Stunning outdoor shower Privacy in the buré felt luxury! Lovely pool areas Welcome chat was brilliant, mocktail and cold scented towel Beautiful resort Plenty of relaxing areas, sun loungers and places to chill in the shade Paddle boards didn’t have fins Buffet evenings (albeit lovely) not 3 course a le carte as advertised Sweeping brush in the room would have been good as you are right on the beach Beautiful and romantic beachfront setting

The view and water here are wonderful and the staff is fabulous. The only slight drawback is that they have an influx of people coming out for a brief 5 hour stay during the day to do the dive with the bull sharks. There is a wide range of accomodations offerred which makes for an interesting mix of clientele. We loved our bure on the beach.

One word- fantastic!!!! But most importantly people people people! Every single person working in this hotel is pure gold! We were traveling with 2 young kids ages 3 and 5 and the staff showed so much genuine love to them, entertaining them when they can, hugging, hi 5-ing all the time. It is not kid-family “targeting” resort so it does not have playgrounds or slides or kids club like many big resorts do. But honestly we didn’t miss it. If that’s what you need then pick some of the bigger resorts not to be disappointed. We wanted to give true Fijian experience to our kids so they exactly got that. Food was soo tasty and just amazing!!!!!! Also compared to any other resort in Fiji. You pay for drinks on top but it is same everywhere else in Fiji. Beautiful reef for snorkeling literally off the beach. We saw black tip reef sharks just standing at the beach. Our 5 years old loved snorkling!!! All the snorkeling gears (including for kids), kayaks and paddle board are free of charge. Guided free snorkeling tours every, shark/coral talks every day with marine biologists. On Fridays they do Kava ceremony which was super nice. I loved how staff in general would engage with the guests during late evening hours, especially solo travellers felt very taken care by everyone. We are also so grateful to the management for their generous help with the nurse appointment. Our little boy got his ear infection back (he had one before we travelled to Fiji) in the morning of our departure day. Within minutes that I informed the staff, not knowing what to do, the manager of the hotel organized a speed boat (completely free of charge) and 3 super lovely Fijian staff took us to the village in a different island where we could get checked and get antibiotics. We made it back to the island on time for our ferry. We unfortunately can’t remember all the names but Moses- you are amazing and the hat you made will travel to Denmark with us. Lessy- our boys had crush on you, thank you for being so sweet! A lovely elderly man in the band (whose son also works there), Eliassa from the bar, jack, levay, snorkling instructors, Seta, hotel manager - you all are amazing! Vinaka.

The accomodation is okay, but the communication is poor enough to recommend avoiding. In summary: - They owe us a refund (as stated by the manager), which we have not received, it has been over three months - Very poor communication, including regarding crucial details and frequent cancellations to activities (without communication) - They do not cater to vegans, despite stating on their website that they cater to vegans and us emailing in advance of our stay to confirm that vegan options will not be an issue. - The reef shark tour involves the staff feeding the fish and sharks to attract them. I don’t know enough to say whether this is safe or not for the animals, but included it for those who do know. If it is safe, it is a worthwhile and unique experience. You get plenty of time in the water. We saw two reef sharks up close and so many amazing fish. - We did not get to do the shark diving tour due to early evacuation, but were going to. We were a little scared but the marine biologist helped us make a decision and feel comfortable. - The rooms themselves were nice enough. - The beach is okay for snorkelling but not leisurely swimming - There are some walks around the island that we did not have time to do. Poor communication: - We were due to check out on a Wednesday. On Monday evening we accidentaly (and thankfully) found out from other guests that there is a cyclone coming and we have to evacuate the next morning, on Tuesday. We had no reception on the island and the wifi signal is only at the bar and very poor (non-existent most of the time) and so could not get weather updates. South Sea cruises did not notify us and neither did the hotel. Thankfully at dinner we were able to speak to the staff who said they made the announcement at lunch regarding evacuation. However, we were at the resort’s reef shark tour during this time!! Their activity! Furthermore, lunch is served during a window, so it cannot be expected that everyone would be there during the announcement. The appropriate thing to do is to additionally individually notify guests. The manager was empathetic when we spoke to her and did apologise for this and offered a refund for one night of accomodation and meal plan as we would have to leave one night early. Hence, we were not going to mention this issue in the review. However, the refund has not been received and we believe the lack of communication is important for others to note. (Note I have emailed the company several times and they have stated that they have issued a refund and will send a receipt several times. We have not received a refund or a receipt, and Barefoot Kuata stopped responding.) - We were very keen on the reef shark tour. When we spoke about booking a tour for the day after we arrived, we were told that the only availability is for 8am the following morning and we need to be ready well in advance. We were exhausted and really needed a sleep in but did not want to miss the opportunity and so signed up

Barefoot Kuata is unforgettable. The beachfront bures are beautiful, the food is some of the best buffet food I have ever eaten and the staff are so friendly and cannot do enough for you. A huge thank you to Mr Moses and Sammy who became our friends and taught us so much about Fijian culture, to Samtu the most spectacular chef and to Mawi, Jay and all the dive team for keeping us safe on the shark dive!