Starfish Blue- Private, Hanging Bed, Views, Pool
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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 3 |
| Sleeps | 6 |
| Villa | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| No Pets |
| No Smoking |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 32 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | Villa |
| Minimum Stay | 4 nights |
| Living space | 1500 square feet |
| Bedrooms |
3 Total
Show Details ►
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| Bathrooms |
3 Total
Show Details ►
|
| Sleeps | 6 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyNo Smoking allowedNo Suitable for childrenAsk Suitable for the elderlyAsk Wheelchair accessibleNo |
| Theme | Adventure, Romantic, Away from it all, Tropical, Waterfront |
Description from the owner
Escapism at it's finest. Breathtaking views from every room in the house. A covered, hanging bed. An indoor/outdoor sound system. Daily maid service from smiling locals. A private pool with a view of 3 islands.
If you are tired of looking at your office wall, endless lines of traffic, or a sink full of dishes- you are long overdue for a refreshing retreat at Starfish Blue on Fiji's friendly Suncoast. Wake up to the richness of the view of the coral strewn sea and 3 islands from your private pool. The gentle swaying of the covered, outdoor, hanging bed virtually erases the cares you might have brought with you and the view will stay wit...Read more
Amenities
Location
Starfish Blue- Private, Hanging Bed, Views, Pool
Rakiraki, Viti Levu, Fiji
(Property location is approximate) ?
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
Just a 2 and a half hour scenic drive from the airport through villages and cane fields- no flights or ferries to coordinate. Rural area with 3 small resorts nearby. Absolute water front- steps down to the beach and the calm waters with reef. World class snorkeling in front of the house, and diving at both resorts.
Location Type Away from it all, Tropical, Waterfront
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $350 | $350 | $1,500 - $3,000 | $4,500 - $6,400 | 4 nights |
| Jan. 6 2013 - Apr. 30 2013 Low Season |
$250 | $250 | $1,500 | $4,500 | 4 nights |
| May. 1 2013 - Dec. 20 2013 High Season |
$350 | $350 | $2,100 | $6,400 | 4 nights |
| Dec. 21 2013 - Dec. 28 2013 Christmas |
- | - | $3,000 | - | 7 nights |
| Dec. 29 2013 - Jan. 5 2014 New Years |
- | - | $3,000 | - | 7 nights |
| All Other Dates | $250 | $250 | $1,500 | - | 4 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
Additional notes from owner
Special- Stay 7, Pay 6- One night free with weekly rental
Rates based on 3 guests. Add $50 per night for up to 6 guests.
All taxes included.
Christmas and New Years weeks 2013- $3000 for 1-3 guests, $3600 for 4-6 guests
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: May 06, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
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maccanzleeds
Leeds, UKMagical Views, Peaceful and Relaxing
Left on 04/21/2013 for a stay in March 2013
My wife and I work in Fiji and managed to spend a few days away at Starfish Blue. The Villa was very clean, comfortable and comes with all the modern amenities necessary to enjoy a peaceful, luxurious and relaxing holiday. Whether waking up in the morning or relaxing around the pool the views are simply breath taking! You have all the cooking facilities at you finger tips so you do not have to leave the Villa, however if you prefer to eat out you are located within walking distance to Wananavu Resort or a short drive to Voli Voli Beach Resort, both are very reasonably priced. The worst part of our short stay was having to leave this Hidden Treasure, however we will definitely be back with friends to enjoy a longer stay.
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Dan & Melinda
WA StateThe ultimate get away!
Left on 03/16/2013 for a stay in March 2013
This home has it all! An amazing master suite with a private balcony, 2 additional private bedrooms with their own bath. Great kitchen with all the ammenities, private pool w/ spa that overlooks the beautiful water, beachfront! Panoramic view of islands from every room. Away from it all in a quiet secluded neighborhood. Resort a few minutes away with activities, restaurant, and spa. Helpful, friendly staff that clean daily. Great diving and kayaking! The perfect place to unwind and recharge!
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Laura Walker
Haliburton, Ontario, CanadaTears in our eyes when we left!
Left on 03/02/2013 for a stay in February 2013
We recently had the pleasure of staying at Starfish Blue for 2 weeks - Feb 9-23. There were 5 of us - all from Canada (2 couples and 1 single woman). We had booked this villa with Beth back in May of 2012 and at that time had managed to purchase flights at almost 1/2 the cost of what they are now. One of the couples were having their wedding at the Wananuva Resort next door. They took care of everything and couldn't have been more friendly or helpful with the wedding and just in general - we ate there quite often as it was just a quick walk away by path or beach. The villa itself was very well maintained and equipped with everything you need. The girls - Rozy and Reshmi cleaned every day and also cooked for us 1 night - it was delicious. We had Renu come and give us massages on 3 different days and she was great! The snorkeling in the area was outstanding. We went to Raki Raki a few times and had a ball there - between the market and the grocery store, the people were wonderful. The whole area reminds me of the Caribbean 20 years ago as it is fairly rugged and mostly undeveloped, thus being a perfect place to relax and de-stress! Jai was available whenever we needed him and set up taxis at an hours notice.
The hanging bed was one of my favourites and I will miss watching the sunrises from there with my "coffee and baileys". Fiji has been on my "bucket list" for years and Starfish Blue was the ultimate place to stay. "Vinaka" to all that made it so special - "til we meet again" and we will. -
David
Kailua, HawaiiA Tropical Timewarp Gem!
Left on 03/01/2013 for a stay in January 2013
We have lived in Hawaii for over 40 years and while we wouldn't live anywhere else, we often lament the changes we've witnessed over the decades.
On our way to New Zealand, we decided to conduct a minor exploration of Fiji and rented Starfish Blue for a few nights.
If you are looking for a Hawaii of the 1950's, give Fiji and Starfish Blue a try.
The spacious, well equipped/furnished home is lovely with a to die for pool, privacy, views and household service,.
The nearby (5 minute walk) resort is old school - low rise, beautiful grounds, great pool, tennis, restaurant/bar, and marina with water taxis and charters for fishing, diving, snorkeling, island hopping.
Do rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle at the airport - the main highway is fine, but 4 wheel drive comes in handy for the side roads.
Also, if you enjoy Indian Cuisine, the housekeepers will prepare a superb meal for you at a very reasonable price.
Beth is easy to work with and her property manager Jai will greet you and explain the workings of the 3 bedroom home.
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Ross and Tarn
opunake nz9 days of pure bliss!
Left on 02/07/2013 for a stay in January 2013
Well where do I start! We had such a great holiday. Felt like we were in heaven as soon as we got to this amazing house. The lovely house ladies were there to greet us. Big smiles and very welcoming. They had even made us fresh lemonade. They made us feel like royalty. We met Jai the property manager. He was always at the ready to help. An air conditioner in a bedroom stopped working. Jai had the guys out within an hour or two and fitted a brand new one and he waited until they had left spending his time talking with us about everything in general. He also owns suncoast taxis and tours and he really goes out of his way to help where he can. Mahen, the groundsman was also excellent. He sat with us a couple of times and spoke about Fiji tradition. I had so many questions and he quite happily answered them all. He had even offered to drive us to Suva.
The home itself was absolutely stunning. It has everything you need to self cater or had a few resorts fairly close if you want to dine out which we did quite often. The service at wananavu and volivoli was great. You get all the privileges that a resort guest will get. The house is in a great location, far enough away from the retrace but close enough to town to get supplies.
This was our best holiday ever. My kids loved the pool practically living in there. All thanks to Beth and her wonderful group of staff. The house was great but it was the staff who made it so memorable for us. Thankyou so much for sharing your slice of paradise with us. We definitely will be back again.Response from Beth Carson - 03/02/2013
Owner
Many thanks for the lovely review. Glad to know the beautiful staff took good care of you. One of the benefits of staying in a home is that you get to know the locals a bit better, if you want.
We hope to have you back, soon!
Warmest Regards,
Beth Carson -
Ram
SuvaForget the World when you're here...
Left on 12/10/2012 for a stay in December 2012
Fiji is a great place to forget that there's another world where rats race. Starfish Blue certainly contributes to giving Fiji that reputation! Great place to relax with not a care in the world. Rooms are very comfortable, the place affords total privacy while at the same time giving you the luxury of someone to cook your meals (if you choose). Was there with family to just relax and that's exactly what we did - even snorkeling looked a chore! The infinity pool was as far as we got. No fellow tourists who make you look lazy if you don't engage in water sports or beachcombing - just be yourself and do exactly as you please. Experienced a home away from home!
Response from Beth Carson - 03/02/2013
Owner
Thank you so much for the review and pictures.
Yes, Fiji is such a fabulous place. I have been to over 40 countries, but there's no where on the earth like Fiji for beautiful people and scenery.
Yes, the relaxation concept is hard to beat- it was the first place in the world I felt completely and utterly at peace.
Glad you enjoyed it and hope to have you back soon.
Warmest Regards,
Beth Carson -
John and Helen
Kansas City, MOWonderful house, location, view and service.
Left on 11/28/2012 for a stay in November 2012
We have rented houses and apartments in the us and abroad for a number of years and have enjoyed all of them. However, we believe that Starfish Blue is our all time favorite. The property was exactly as represented on the website. The house was clean and spotless, and fully supplied with everything we needed. The pool and grounds were perfectly maintained. We decided that the hanging bed is the closest thing to paradise on this earth. We had our morning coffee and watched the sunrise there every morning.
Response from Beth Carson - 03/02/2013
Owner
Wow! Thank you so much for the kind words. So glad you enjoyed your holiday.
All of the staff, myself included, strive for excellence in every area. I'm happy you enjoyed Fiji and Starfish Blue as much as I do.
Warmest Regards,
Beth Carson -
Akaiti
Sydney, AustraliaUltimate private luxury honeymoon
Left on 11/08/2012 for a stay in March 2012
My husband and I spent our one week honeymoon here in March 2012. I was expecting absolute top quality as I had spent months researching the best possible honeymoon spot and am very familiar with Fiji. I was not disappointed. My husband was absolutely over the moon. Even though this was my fifth visit to Fiji and we had just got married in a five-star resort overlooking the water, we couldn't help ourselves saying, 'it's so beautiful!' every five minutes.
The house is beautifully appointed with gorgeous furniture, and the master suite on the upper floor is the ultimate retreat. Relxaing in the spa in the master suite while watching a move from the property's library was a lovely indulgence.
We also tried each of the bedrooms and declared them as comfortable as each other. It is a real bonus that each room has its own ensuite; it makes this property a great option for extended families or groups of couples, with the only argument to be over who gets the master suite!
We particularly enjoyed the outdoor speakers and spent hours in the pool, chilling to our handmade wedding soundtrack and party tunes, with nobody around to disturb. We whiled away hours alternately reading books from the property's library and staring into the gorgeous view on the outdoor hanging daybed overlooking the beautful ocean waters.
We decided on a mix of cooking ourselves and eating at the nearby resort. The housekeeping girls are lovely and were very happy to accept our leftover groceries when we left. Eating a couple of dinners at the resort was both an enjoyable experience and a confirmation for us that we made the right choice in staying at Starfish Blue rather than the resort itself. Of course there were occasional appearances of ants, which is unavoidable in such an unspoiled natural area, but the housekeepers nipped any appearances in the bud.
Before arriving, I felt very awkward about the thought of needing to get out of the way of the housekeepers each day, but it was easy to do when there are two outdoor dining settings, and the daybed, where you can breakfast looking out on the view. In any case, the lovely housekeepers would never let you feel uncomfortable about anything! They greeted us on the evening of our arrival with a delicious homemade smoothie, and when the tired looks on our faces told them we wanted to call it a day, they confirmed the time of their arrival the following day and excused themselves with a welcoming smile. Also, I must add that they checked that the timing of their cleaning suited us and always turned up exactly when they said that they would, did a brilliant job and left us to it. No Fiji time where the housekeeping was concerned!
This is the kind of property where nothing is overlooked. The facilities are excellent and it is clear that the different needs of various family members or friends could be accomodated here. It is easy to picture a couple of people chilling on the daybed (which is as big as a queen or king bed), some in the pool, some using the house's reef shoes to explore the crystal ocean waters, some watching a movie downstairs or playing one of the property's boardgames on at the dining table, and some upstairs in the spa, watching another movie or on the balcony.
I have (and will continue to) recommended this property to people who want a private retreat style of holiday, away from other people's children, where you can cook your own food and spend some quality time together. This property offers that to a luxury standard, well above the average budget family holiday but without the price tag. -
Tom
Dublin, CaliforniaBeautiful Home in a Spectacular and Culturally Interesting Setti
Left on 08/04/2012 for a stay in July 2012
We spent 10 days at Starfish Blue with our two teenage children during July of 2012. The house is very beautiful and functional. The views out to the surrounding islands are spectacular. The hanging bed is a great place to read, nap or just enjoy the views.
Jai, Rozy and the staff that manage the house are very responsive to any issues or requests that we had. When we arrived, the coffee maker was broken. As soon as the local stores opened, Jai bought a new one and dropped it off; crisis averted. Later in the week, we wanted to rent a local boat and driver to head out to the surrounding islands. A quick phone call to Jai and everything was set.
Overall, we would highly recommend Fiji and, especially Starfish Blue; hope to return some day.
Tom and Family from Dublin, California
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Sharon
Christchurch NZAwesome place to stay
Left on 07/12/2012 for a stay in June 2012
A lovely home in a lovely setting.
Well serviced and very spacious.
The best bonus was having a fabulous reef right outside
the property. -
Mike
SydneyPrivate perfection!
Left on 05/24/2012 for a stay in February 2012
My wife and I stayed late Feb. Beth made all arrangements and was so kind, accomodating and proffesional. She gave me great confidence from the start.
When we arrived I was not dissapointed. The villa was clean, exactly how it looked in the pictures, the sea was calm and the greet from staff was welcoming.
We woke up after a good nights rest to the most beautiful sunrise I have seen. I went to Starfish Blue to relax and my god do you get it. Wake up in the morning to utter tranquility - the sound of birds and breeze and beautiful calm waters right in your backyard.
I was at first concerned about the isolated location however those concerns were quickly dispelled when we wondered over to Wananavu Resort who are also extremely friendly and seem to have a great relationship with Starfish Blue.
In a way you get the best of both worlds because you get the private luxury of the villa yet you get all the fun and activities of the resort which is just a 5 minute walk away.
The highlight for us was taking a boat to Nananu-I-Ra, to a private beach on the the other side. Fantastic snorkelling right of the beach and the only people we actually saw that day was a boat of scuba divers who wizzed passed about a mile away from us at one point. It was the true "Robinson Crusoe" experience.
I would undoubtedly go back to Starfish Blue and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who wants to have a nice relaxing holiday. If you want to go clubbing and party its probably not for you a location suitable for you. If you want to go and get away from it all, bring peace to your mind or have a good family holiday where you can all spend some real time together in a beautiful setting. Starfish Blue is for you.
I am pretty well travelled, have been on a lot of holidays in my time but Fiji and Starfish Blue for me was one of my best holidays. I wanted to relax, I wanted to unwind and Starfish Blue allowed me to do that. I give it 10/10.
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Ramona Pearce
Centennial, COHard to leave...
Left on 05/16/2012 for a stay in May 2012
Words can't describe the wonderful time we had at this property. It was the perfect size for my husband and I as well as my mom and nephew. Everyone had their own space and the common areas were very comfortable. The exterior is fabulous. We spent a lot of time fighting over who would get to lay on the hanging bed. Yup hanging bed... There are no improvements I can recommend to this property except another hanging bed?! lol The groundskeeper, Mahen, was extremely helpful to us as were the maids, Rozy and Reshmi. All were so accommodating and easy to work with. We felt they were a part of our family when we left.
This part of Fiji is a little trek to get to but you won't be disapponted, I promise! -
Wanda
Parma, IdahoRelaxing in paradise
Left on 04/21/2012 for a stay in March 2012
We arrived at the end of Feb and it was raining quite heavily and we were glad we took Beth's advice to hire Sun Coast taxi as visibility was low and it was about a 3 hour drive because of the rain. We were greeted at the house by the maids with a cool drink. The house was just perfect for the 3 couples as each room has it's own bathroom. We had the maids cook 3+ of our meals and they were quite good. The pool was a great way to cool off and the outside swinging bed was very relazing. We had Jai take us to the village of Raki Raki and experienced the culture. Beth's arrangement with Wananavu hotel where you just register your credit card was great. We took advantage of their meals, a Lovo, their cocktails, excursions, a Kava ceremony, and their hospitality. Starfish Blue is great and the people of Fiji are great. Beth's advice about the house is accurate and she was very responsive to any questions that we had. Our experience was over the top! (P.S. really enjoyed watching the geckos.)
Response from Beth Carson - 03/02/2013
Owner
Hello Wanda,
Thank you so much for the kind words. So glad you enjoyed the staff, the arrangements, and the meals.
An "over the top" experience- what an honor to share this little bit of Fiji. We strive for that every time!
Thank you, we would love to have you back soon.
Warmest Regards,
Beth -
Casey
San DiegoGreat Find.
Left on 03/20/2012 for a stay in February 2012
We spent just under a week here and it was one our best trips. The house is amazing, there is a staff that cleans the pool and the house daily, and the view is as good as it gets. We were welcomed at the resort and it was a nice option to have the tours and restaurant there..though the best meal was cooked by the staff. Highly recommended.
Response from Beth Carson - 03/25/2012
Owner
Thank you for the review. I'm so glad you enjoyed your time at Starfish Blue and have passed your compliments on to the staff. The view is amazing- isn't it? Like stepping into a painting.
Vinaka Vakalevu,
Beth Carson -
Dr Mike Regan
Oregon City, OROne of the best relaxing locations in the World
Left on 01/09/2012 for a stay in December 2011
Perfect for a family of 5, long way from airport, but so worth it. Clean and professional
Response from Beth Carson - 03/25/2012
Owner
Thank you for taking the time to post a review of your stay and photos. We look forward to your return visit.
Vinaka Vakalevu,
Beth Carson -
Kathy D
Evergreen, ColoradoAmazing vacation!!!
Left on 07/14/2011 for a stay in June 2011
We absolutely loved Fiji. The people there are all so welcoming. And our stay at Starfish Blue was exactly what we needed. Everything was taken care of for us. All of the staff associated with Starfish Blue did everything they could to ensure we had a fabulous stay. The house is "off the beaten path", but that is exactly what we needed. Loved the hanging bed. Even on a hot day there was a great breeze there. Beautiful sunrises every morning! Suncoast Taxi was there whenever we needed them - just a phone call away - so we did not feel trapped without a car. It did take some planning to make sure we had enough groceries, etc. It was also great to have access to Wananavu. The beach was lovely, the food was good at the restaurant and it was an easy 10 minute walk away. I have one suggestion re: Wananavu - when you are ready to check out call first so they can prepare your bill and be sure to review it carefully. When I walked over to check out they had slips of paper to go through in order to prepare it and someone else's spa treatments were on our bill.
We cannot wait to return!
Response from Beth Carson - 03/25/2012
Owner
So glad you enjoyed your stay at Starfish Blue. We look forward to your return!
Vinaka Vakalevu,
Beth Carson -
flix333
Toronto, CanadaOne of a Kind!!!
Left on 07/11/2011 for a stay in June 2011
I spent 3 weeks here and it was wonderful! what an amazing location!!! steps away from a beautiful coral reef... the abundance of sea life in the reef was incredible... better than mexico or the caribean by far! you could easily spend a week just wandering the beaches... the ladies who prep the meals are awesome and maintain the inside of the house immaculately... the property is also a stones throw away from the resort if you get bored or just want a restaurant style meal... what else is there to say... i would gladly go back at the drop of the hat!
Response from Beth Carson - 03/02/2013
Owner
Thank you so much for the kind words! You've captured it all, the amazing coral reef, the sea life, and the staff, all framed by Starfish Blue.
We hope to have you back!
Warmest Regards,
Beth Carson -
Blue Star Fish
DallasSpectacular views
Left on 06/02/2011 for a stay in May 2011
My spouse and I plus another couple had a marvelous time at Star Fish Blue. Especially when walking in the water we found a blue star fish! The Fijian feast with live music for our anniversary was a night to remember. Very remote and quiet.
Response from Beth Carson - 06/04/2011
Owner
Hi Sandy,
So glad your anniversary night was special- the lovo and band boys are a favorite amoung our guests.
Thank you very much,
Beth -
Firefly
Hendersonville, NCPerfect Perfection
Left on 05/18/2011 for a stay in November 2010
After a long flight and trip that took a few hours to get to Starfish Blue, the views and hanging bed took my breath away. We were greeted by the maids with fresh fruit smoothies, and our luggage was whisked away. The house was fabulous, just as described, but we spent most of our time outside. Beth had just installed an indoor/outdoor sound system, and we plugged in our ipod and spent many lazy hours on the hanging bed, soaking in the view. When we got tired of the view, we moved to the lounge chairs to work on our tan.
The staff is wonderful, very eager to please. We had the maids cook for a few nights- wonderful Indian food and Kokonda, a traditional fish dish, like ceviche.
We spent some of our days at Wananavu, but they were closed for a few days for a wedding, which is when we discovered Volivoli. It's a short drive away, and between the beautiful beach and large pool, we found it to be a great escape when we wanted to venture out. Mainly, though, Starfish Blue was just what we needed to unwind from our lives and find totally relaxation.
Do not leave without a massage from abbi- she does a great hot stone massage, and if you feel like getting dolled up for a special dinner, she does make up as well. I wish I could have brought her and Rosy and Rashme (the maids) home with me.
The pool was crystal clear, and we enjoyed the afternoon shade- seems like the home was custom designed for the area.
Will be back! -
The Wains
Woombye , Sunshine Coast Qld AustraliaExcellent Value, relaxing, Just what we needed.
Left on 05/04/2011 for a stay in April 2011
Starfish Blue was the perfect Holiday rental.
Totally affordable yet had everything we needed. It hasn't been my experience that holidays with two young children could be relaxing and it was just that. My husband even read an entire book. The daybed was the highlight of the trip, even the children would sit with us to take in the magnificent view, they would colour while we enjoyed our morning coffee.
The house has everything you could need and the two maids were so accommodating, my children miss them but I miss them even more. Check-in was fabulous, Jai and the maids waiting for us on arrival and everything perfect. Even with all the Easter holidays, they were available for anything we needed.
Wananavu resort was more than accommodating and I felt very special when even the woman in the gift shop had our name and the room number allocated to StarfishBlue.
It was the perfect mix of doing our own thing at the house and then enjoying the resort feeling on other days.
VoliVoli was also great. We enjoyed a jetski and followed Beth's recommendation to use Soni from VoliVoli to take us on a village tour. The tour was an experience of a lifetime and we were humbled by the welcoming ceremony put on by the village of Nasau.
The Fijian people are so beautiful and just loved our children, the women in RakiRaki at the markets and shops would pinch their cheeks at every opportunity. It was fabulous to get a glimpse of Fijian life in the RakiRaki markets not to mention my purchase of a "bundle" of lemons (which was about 30) for a FJD $1.00
I wasn't sure if at 4 and 6 years, my girls would take to snorkling but they loved it. Spent all their time trying to count the blue starfish. I think we got to about 25 by end of the trip. I would go back tomorrow if I could and the only thing I'd change is add another week. 10 days was too short. Thanks Beth ... it was awesome!
The Wains
Sunshine Coast QLD australiaResponse from Beth Carson - 05/04/2011
Owner
Hello Michelle,
Thank you for the lovely note. I'm so glad you enjoyed Fiji and Starfish Blue as much as I always do. Thank you for the gifts for the villagers and I know they will enjoy the rugby balls you are sending over.
We look forward to having your family stay with us again and create more memories.
Beth -
atamblin
Santa Rosa, CaliforniaMixed thougts
Left on 04/20/2011 for a stay in April 2011
My family which included my mother, her boyfriend, my wife and two young boys stayed at Star Fish Blue for 5 nights and 6 days. We had just finished a week trip on the south side of the Island - Beqa Lagoon and wanted to see the North side ie where Star Fish Blue is located. We made prior arrangements with the owner Beth to be picked up in Nadi from the property manager Jai.
Jai picked us up in a comfortable 8 person van and he was on time and waiting for us when we arrived at the airport in Nadi. He was super friendly and knowledgeable about the area and was kind enough to point out points of interest along the 2.5 hr drive. I would like to note that the roads in Fiji are very bad. There are many pot holes and stretches of gravel. We even ended up getting a flat tire on the way in to Star Fish, but Jai was very efficient and was able to change it out with a spare in approx. 15 min. Once we reached the town of RakiRaki we turned off the main road onto a non maintained gravel 4x4 type road. We drove approx 5 mph for 5 km or so. When we finally arrived at Star Fish we were overwhelmed by the beauty of the location and scenery.
Beth the owner of Star Fish along with 2 house keepers / cooking gals happened to be there when we arrived. The house was very clean and presentable. The housekeeper gals were cooking food looked fantastic. Beth walked us around the house pointing out things we should know, who does what, when where etc. She soon left and we had the place to ourselves. The gals I mentioned above cooked an authentic Indio-Fijian meal of Raw Fish in coconut, onion broth, along with deep fried Roti with Potatoes inside. Myself or children did not care for the food, but I tried it and kept an open mind etc. We had early stopped with Jai in "Ba" for lunch, so we were not all that hungry anyhow.
The house itself:
Two bedrooms downstairs, each having it's own bathroom with shower. Individually controlled aC units with ceiling fans. - Ceiling fans seems to either have a very high speed or a very low speed.
Master Bedroom upstairs with outdoor patio and whirlpool tub. - Parents stayed upstairs so I can not speak about room much. Just went up and looked at it. It seemed very comfortable and was clearly the best space on the property.
Outdoor grounds - Vast views of the ocean, pool with small cold tub attached. Lounge chairs with towels. Very steep driveway - Clothes line for wet pool clothes. Outdoor shower, outdoor covered lounge bed over looking Ocean.
I would give Star Fish Blue an 5 out of 10 review.
The low rating is due to the following.
1 - I could not get the modem to work for the internet with my Macbook Pro. I even spent over 1 hr on the phone with Digicel and even took my laptop into RakiRaki to the local shop, but they had never even seen an Mac and my issue was never resolved. I had to travel to Voli Voli resort and use the pay by the hour plan.
2 - Beth told us the day we arrived that the resort which is walking distance (Wananavu) would be closed to Star Fish Blue guests due to a private wedding ceremony. Now let me paint a picture here. We have two small children aged 14 months and 4yrs old. We are in a very remote location and were counting on using the resort for mostly everything food wise. When we found out that we could not use the resort we were obviously upset. The resort itself was very sorry and understood our situation, but also told us that they had told Beth about this one year in advance. I feel this info should have been available to us prior to booking and or arrival. We had no supplies and shopping in RakiRaki is like shopping at a flea market. There were very limited options food wise and this was quite a disappointment. Jai made a recommendation that we get food at another near by resort (Voli Voli) which we did, but this required to load the family into the Taxi and get beat up on the 4x4 roads approx 20 min away. This also had a significant cost to the overall trip as we had the utilize Jai's taxi service much more than anticipated. It was more or less a hassle to figure out where we would be getting our next meal. Our daily routine was skip breakfast, go to Voli Voli for lunch, stay at Voli Voli until around 3 pm - Order a dinner to go. Hotel food got very old after the 2nd day.
3 - Beds in downstairs living area - Very uncomfortable - In bad need of replacement. If you are a kid or something they might work fine, but my wife and I did not get even one single nights rest on either of the downstairs beds. The fans in the rooms would either blast us out ie being to cold, or we would turn off and be roasting in less than 30 min. Very hard to maintain a comfortable temp. My wife even suggested we leave early as my youngest son was not feeling well due an ear infection which required a Dr.'s visit.
4 - Bug bites - I have approx 20 very painful bites on my legs from a combination of Bed bugs , Chiggers or Mosquitos. I can't be sure where I got them as i spent time in many areas of the property, but everyone in my party was badly itching by the time we left. I have red blood marks all over my skin from the constant itching.
Although the grounds and staff were great I personally would not return to this location. It is much to remote, roads are horrible and food options are very limited. It may have been a bad combo of things that just didn't line up for us ie No Internet due to me having a Mac rather than a PC, Exclusive Wedding at Wananavu, not being able to get a restful sleep, along with having the kids in a rather non kid friendly area. I think Star Fish blue could make a couple of changes and get it just right, but my overall experience was pretty disappointing.Response from Beth Carson - 08/27/2011
Owner
Update- note from Mom, who also stayed that week.
Hey Beth
I just wanted to apologize for my sons review on Trip advisor
Your response was excellent. My son likes the “resort” where everyone takes care of me vacation and obviously he did not get that there. That is why we did one week at Beqa and one week there, because we tried to accommodate both his and my tastes. I'm happy with beans and rice while he wants steak and lobster (cooked perfectly or he is unhappy)
I am in the process of sending in my own review which is a huge contrast to his. Obviously our opinions are completely opposite!
I LOVE Starfish blue and found nothing but great pleasure being there. I would absolutely stay there and recommend to others!! Again, I apologize for his take on it...
I will try to get something posted today...!!
Kids, what cha gonna do with them?
Liz
Hello Adrian, Thank you for taking the time to give your thoughts on your experience at Starfish Blue. I’m sorry about the outcome of your much anticipated holiday. Unfortunately, Wananavu did not make me aware of the Exclusive Use Wedding until April 7. Of course, it was too late to do anything about it, as you were already at Beqa Resort. I can understand that it was a huge disappointment and major inconvenience. Since your experience, we have updated our web site to include contact information for the resort to check with them directly, as we are out of the loop on their plans. I agree, the last 4 k's of the roads are bad. The roads were redone in August, and we've had positive feedback. We do recommend a 4 wheel drive for just this reason.
Yes, Fijian food is not for everyone's taste. The dish you had the first night was the traditional meal kokoda, like Ceviche, and while the fish is not cooked in the oven, and small cubes are cooked in lime juice. The acid cooks the fish. I'm sorry the Mac didn't work at the house- unfortunately, Fiji is a second world nation, and it's not quite up to speed on everything. Macs are not sold in Fiji. Since no one had ever brought a Mac to Starfish Blue before, I wasn’t aware of the incompatibility issue. I have updated the Welcome Packet.
Sleep really affects your perspective on things, and had I known, I would have had the beds replaced if they truly did need replacing. I understand because your baby had a virus, that he was up all night, which could have contributed to your lack of sleep. I've never had a comment about the beds, and slept very well on them for 5 weeks in November, so I'm not sure if it's an issue of preference or something else. I will get on it immediately. Thank you for informing me via email that the bites you suffered from were chiggers. but as you knew that, I'm not sure why you mentioned bed bugs? I also understand from your email your preference not to use bug repellant, but we do provide it for our guests for just this purpose. Your visit was at the end of the rainy season. Most of the year, the breezes carry away the mosquitoes, but as this is the end of the rainy season, we did have some.
The air cons are powerful, and I'm glad you found the right combination of temp and power and swing (set towards the ceiling.) Of course, would have been better to find the right balance the first night. At the end of the day, after a few private emails, it was decided that Starfish Blue was not a good fit for Adrian and his young family. His mother and her companion chose the place and had a wonderful time- she had a clear picture of what to expect (although none of us knew of the Wananavu closure.) Not every place suits every one, and had I communicated with Adrian, I likely would have recommended a resort for his family with a kids club.
The best thing to do, no matter what vacation rental you chose, is to communicate with the owner directly, and make sure that your expectations will be met. If you are an adult traveling with other adults, don’t hesitate to open your own dialogue with the owner. I understand that you’ve not only spent money, but you’ve traveled a great distance to get here, have taken time off work and away from your home, and are in a new environment. I honestly want everyone to have a fantastic experience, but of course, there's not a single place on earth that's the perfect fit for everyone. Best wishes for your next holiday, Beth Carson -
Tony&Rose
CanadaAmazing
Left on 04/15/2011 for a stay in January 2011
Our time at Starfish Blue was simply outstanding...It's the perfect place to UNPLUG..... Suncoast Mgmt Jai and Jai are so amazing, they were more like family than friends. We really found it hard to leave....
A very special thank you to Jai and Jai and team.....What a blessing, we feel privileged to have met such warm and caring people... We met as friends but feel that they are family....They just welcomed us with open arms....
We feel blessed to have experienced your piece of paradise....and to have met such warm and kind people...Our only regret is that we had to leave.
Amazing hospitality and kindness. We feel privileged to have met Suncoast Mgmt Jai and team. They really are amazing people and made our stay OUTSTANDING
We will definately returnResponse from Beth Carson - 05/04/2011
Owner
Tony and Rose,
I am so glad you enjoyed your month with us. The staff miss you!
Beth -
Liz OBX
Kitty Hawk, North CarolinaHeaven on Earth
Left on 02/04/2011 for a stay in May 2007
I have been snorkeling many places since and nothing comes anything close to the snorkeling experience at Starfish Blue. Not only do you not have to take a boat anywhere (just walk down the hill and into the water) but you are so close to what you are viewing, it is like your own private fish tank. Also, on clear nights, take your lounge chair into the yard by the pool and enjoy an almost 360 degree view of more stars and constellations than you have ever seen at one time, especially if you live in the city. It is pure relaxation. As for Starfish Blue, the house is very comfortable and well appointed, every need has been thought of and if it isn't there, all you have to do is ask. Everyone is so helpful with recommendations and any requests. Since Starfish Blue is removed from the "touristy" areas of Fiji, you really have an opportunity to experience the real Fiji. My friend and I went to a church service in RakiRaki, and although we didn't understand the language, we were welcomed with open arms and the woman in front of us gave us her hymnal to use so we could sing along in Fijian. Go visit a village and talk with the locals, they are so excited you are there!!
Response from Beth Carson - 05/05/2011
Owner
Hello Liz, Thank you for the review. So glad you enjoyed your stay. You said it perfectly, snorkeling there is like having a private fish tank- everything is so close. I'm so glad you've reserved Starfish Blue again in November- you'll be happy to see our newest feature- the hanging bed. When you're there, be sure to take a tour with Soni from Volivoli, he does wonderful tours to the interior. And the people at Wananavu are always a joy. Welcome back! Beth
-
Michele Wolfaardt
Hendersonville, NCA relaxing break from the business of life
Left on 01/20/2011 for a stay in April 2009
Had a fabulous time relaxing at the pool, kayaking on the clear blue ocean, snorkeling the reefs, buying fresh produce at the downtown market place, dining at local restaurants and soaking in the beauty all around.
A perfect place to stay, tastefully decorated and completely comfortable with great service. -
Mirsha, Stu and co
Wellington, New ZealandFun for all the family
Left on 10/08/2010 for a stay in September 2010
Starfish Blue is a beautiful home which provides fabulous views, comfort and relaxation. It is serviced daily providing a resort like experience and access to nearby resorts, diving, fishing etc is exceptionally easy and we would recommend visiting Voli Voli resort if you have children and spending a day at the beach on the nearby island.The swimming pool was a highlight, it was exceptionally clean, and provided hours of entertainment for the children. The snorkeling in front of the house was very good. We look forward to staying here again and are eager to share it with wider friends and family.
Response from Beth Carson - 05/04/2011
Owner
Bula Mirsha,
Thank you for your note- I'm so glad you enjoyed your holiday and we hope to welcome you again.
Beth -
nicscan
255093Hidden Gem in Paradise! Beautiful and relaxing
Left on 09/30/2010 for a stay in October 2009
Unfortunately I cannot exactly remember the month that we stayed at Starfish Blue, but it was last year. We stayed for 10 nights and had a great adventure. We hired a car, a small toyota. We made the three hour drive to Starfish blue at night time which I would not advise for inexperienced drivers, unless driving a four wheel drive. Soo many potholes and some animals on the road, however we saw it as a fun adventure. The road to Starfish Blue had recently been washed out a bit by all the rains they had and made it a bit terrifying in a little toyota (mainly because it was not our car), but we made it and were surprised at the beautiful location and house that we arrived at. Starfish Blue is a great vacation rental with own pool which both our young children loved. Everything was expected as per website.! We have previously stayed in resorts on Fiji, so this was a different style of holiday, but a very excellent one. We used some of the facilities of Wananavue, and they even let us order dinner and then pick it up in the car to eat back at the house... which was great as our little one was sick of a couple of days. My husband went on a fishing charter from Wananavu and was most happy that he was the only one on the boat!! They caught about 15 massive fish (a mix of tuna and spanish mackerel I thinkg). I also recommend VoliVoli for eating and also the beach there is nice. The menu is a bit more casual and much cheaper than the resort and they serve food all day. Raki Raki was a definite experience for us. Did our shopping there and everyone wanted to hold our little one! everyone was very friendly.
Beth provided a very informative fact sheet so you can be well prepared before travelling to Fiji. This is excellent! I would definitely recommend Starfish Blue and hope ourselves to come back soon in the near future. This time however we will hire a four wheel drive!!
:) :)Response from Beth Carson - 05/04/2011
Owner
So glad you enjoyed your holiday! I had been to almost 30 countries when I found this spot on the planet- love at first sight!
Beth -
Paul and Peggy
Moorestown NJ USAA wonderful travel experience!
Left on 09/21/2010 for a stay in September 2010
A great place that is well thought out for the family and total vacation. The staff is wonderful with a heart for your vacation.
Response from Beth Carson - 05/04/2011
Owner
Paul and Peggy,
So glad you enjoyed your holiday. You have left your mark on our villa, we now have a lovo pit, thanks to your request to have a traditional lovo at the house. It's been a great hit. Aren't the staff fantastic?
Beth -
Emma
Denver, COOver the Top
Left on 09/11/2010 for a stay in September 2010
I've never been to a place so beautiful. The view is by far the best in the world. Starfish Blue is very private with views of 3 islands. We couldn't see another soul except the people who would come past every once in a while on boats and the very polite maids and pool man.
If I could move here, I would. Every day was relaxing, and everything was taken care of. The pool was clean, the maids were friendly and helpful. We even had them cook a meal one night- Yum!
The sea is a gorgeous color- so different from Nadi, where we also spent a few nights. We could snorkel right from the house, and it was the best snorkeling. I've been to the Great Barrier Reef, Cozumel, and St. Thomas, and this was absolutely the best. Ra ialand, a 10 min. boat ride from the resort, has lovely sandy beaches and easy entry.
Wananavu and Voli Voli resorts were wonderful. Being able to come and go as a guest made the vacation feel like a proper vaction- not just a stay at a house. We were welcomed with smiles at both places.
By far, our best memories of Fiji are of Starfish Blue. I wish we had spent the whole time there. Now that I'm back at work, the memories of that amazing view and floating in the pool at night looking at the Milky Way have become my happy place.Response from Beth Carson - 05/04/2011
Owner
Hello Emma,
You captured it, Starfish Blue is my happy place to. I'm so very glad you had a wonderful vacation with us.
Beth -
Pat D
Vancouver, B.C.A Little Piece of Paradise
Left on 05/10/2010 for a stay in April 2010
We stayed at Starfish Blue April 2010 and would highly recommend this property for travellers wanting to get away from it all. The information we received prior to going was excellent. It gave us a good feel for the area and helped make for a smooth arrival. The house itself if well equipped and has all the comforts of home. The housekeeper and gardener (Primila and Vakesh)arrive each morning who are truly first class individuals. They went out of their way to ensure we were well taken care and it was great learning more about the area and Fijian people from them. The arrangement setting up an account at Wananavu worked very well and let you have the privacy of your own house while enjoying all the amenities of the resort. The staff at Wananavu were also extremely helpful and friendly.
The area is definetely off the beaten track which for us was perfect but if you are looking for alot of dining and activity options this is probably not the place for you. We snorkelled, visited a couple of local villages, fished from in front of the property at low tide, took a boat across to neighboring islands and generally enjoyed the laid back pace of life. We took advantage of having Primila cook dinner for us a couple of nights (extra fee which was very reasonable) and the food was excellent. She even tried to teach me to make Samosa's.....her's were better!
We loved the laid back pace, the people of the area and the "at home" feeling we had being there. Would recommend bringing you own coffee as we never did find any in town (but Wananuva makes excellet lattes I discovered day 2) as well as your own computer if needed as access was very slow from resort was very slow.
All and all would highly recommend Starfish Blue for either couples or families.Response from Beth Carson - 05/04/2011
Owner
You captured it, the combination of the beauty of the location, the privacy, and the interaction with the locals make it a perfect holiday for many people.
Thank you for your lovely comments!
Beth -
Jim and Marilyn
Black Mountain, NCA wonderful stay!
Left on 05/04/2010 for a stay in November 2009
Starfish Blue is a lovely house, with gorgeous view, great pool, helpful staff
and good location. We had a very relaxing and enjoyable two weeks. The reef
is right there and has wonderful snorkeling, you can go to the Wananavu
Resort for additional amenities and a restaurant with good ambiance as well as
good food.
We liked the fact that Starfish Blue is not located among a multitude of large
resorts, isolated from the real Fiji. It is near a truly Fijian town, Rakiraki, which
is not over run with tourist shops and paraphernalia. You have a real Fijian
holiday.
We enjoyed snorkeling and relaxing by the pool. But there are also scuba
diving, tours to a native village, fishing, etc. It's a place you can tailor your
vacation to your own preferences. You won't be sorry you chose to vacation at
Starfish Blue.Response from Beth Carson - 05/04/2011
Owner
Bula Marilyn and Jim,
Thank you for the kind remarks. I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay on Fiji's Suncoast, and hope to welcome you back.
Beth -
Lailai
LondonStarfish Blue - fabulous house in fabulous location
Left on 05/03/2010 for a stay in August 2009
My family (husband, mother, mother-in-law and father-in-law) rented Starfish Blue for a week last August.
Booking could not have been easier, the owner, Beth Carson was prompt in her replies to my e-mail enquiry, and all other queries were dealt with efficiently - it was extremely helpful to be put in touch with her local manager, Jai, too.
Starfish Blue totally lived up to our expectations. There is always a slight concern when you see photos on the internet that the reality will be a disappointment but the house was as well appointed as it was described. There was plenty of room for all of us, and the design of the house afforded each party some privacy. My husband and I had the upstairs master bedroom, which comes complete enormous bed, bath in a corner, a separate shower/WC room, another sink/mirror and spacious dressing room corridor, plus a long desk, sofa and chairs - and a large outside covered balcony with daybeds, all beautifully decorated and furnished. The 2 other bedrooms were downstairs in wings either side of the generous kitchen/dining/living area - and were also large, and comfortable with full en suite. The kitchen had all the mod cons you could ask for, plus a laundry room with an excellent washing machine - particularly valued by us as we were travelling in Fiji for a month! Outside were lovely gardens, a good sized swimming pool with whirlpool and plenty of sun loungers.
As if the house wasn't good enough, the location was amazing. The view straight out onto the sea and to the islands of Nananu-i-cake and Nananu-i-ra was lovely. We were blessed with a marvellous sunrise on our last morning that will live in my memory for a long time - in fact, the photo I took is my screen saver.
We also benefited from excellent daily maid service and Jai's tourguide arrangements. Wananavu Resort is only a short stroll away - another bonus.
All in all, an excellent rental property and one I highly recommend. Thanks to Beth for sharing your home with us.
Response from Beth Carson - 05/04/2011
Owner
I'm so glad you and your family had such a wonderful time at Starfish Blue. I enjoyed receiving the photos of your family holiday- thank you so much for letting us be a part of it.
Beth -
joyce
chicago, ILPhenomenal!
Left on 04/20/2010 for a stay in January 2009
Wonderful house. Great view from master bedroom. Private people with steps to the ocean. Having priviledges at Waanavu was such a bonus. Jai and his staff are spectacular. Had some trouble getting back to the airport due to a tropical depression, but Jai's staff went above and beyond the call of duty to get us there. Great memories! Beth answered all questions along the way. Would definitiely rent again!!!
Response from Beth Carson - 05/04/2011
Owner
Hello Joyce,
So glad you enjoyed your holiday at Starfish Blue. We hope to welcome you back again soon.
Beth
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