The Beach House - Paradise for under £10 (The Beach House Hostel (Fiji))

Member Name: fionamcg

Product:	The Beach House Hostel (Fiji)
Date:	23/05/09 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The location, cost, cleanliness, staff, everything!

Disadvantages: You can't stay forever

Set in the South Pacific, Fiji has some of the most stunning, unspoiled landscape and the Beach House hostel compliments this beauty with very natural yet stylish accommodation. In accordance with its name, the Beach House sits on a stretch of clean white sand, and the surrounding palm trees with their alluring hammocks, provide welcome shade from lazy days of tanning. The Beach House was one of the locations for the ITV series Celebrity Love Island, and thanks to funds provided by the show, the youth hostel got a fantastic face lift.
The rooms are airy and spacious with approximately three bunk beds in each; crisp clean sheets and pillows are provided and the marble floors, beech shutters and beds make the simple rooms very cool and chic. Although there is enough space for 6 in a room, the friendly and hospitable staff ensure that parties are put together. I was travelling with just one friend and we had a room to ourselves despite other rooms not being fully booked. This was a wonderful benefit as it made us certain that our belongings were secure and created the feeling of a hotel rather than a hostel.
There are two main sociable areas, outside there is a good space of decking with a compact pool, a few loungers and an undercover area with tables and benches to allow the fun to continue despite occasional tropical showers. There is also an outdoor bar which stocks a small selection of beers, rums and soft drinks and of course a few snacks. The hostel also has a lunch and dinner menu with a few varying options each day, the food was basic but after tasting food further afield in other hotels and restaurants, it's not bad for the price. The Beach House also is includes breakfast in the price, which consists of unlimited toast and cereal, juice and tea; homemade scones are also laid on at 4pm each day.
Aside from the great physical aspects of the hostel, the Beach House has the most welcoming, sociable and fun staff. In our 5 day stay, we learned to create jewellery from coconuts, took part in a hostellers vs. staff volleyball competitions, were provided with canoes, were taken on a trek through the nearby rainforest and went on a horseback ride up the small mountain overlooking the bay and rode across the beach at sunset. Although the latter two adventures were at a small cost, approx £5 for the trek and £10-15 for the horse ride, they were just fantastic, and as the money goes towards to upkeep of the rainforest and the welfare of the horses, it is a small price to pay. The guides live in the local village and know everything about the land, they teach and joke while providing an insightful tour of the breathtaking scenery. There is also an indoor lounge with sofas, table and chairs and a pool table.
On site the bathroom facilities are 4 showers for the girls and 4 for the boys, in separate rooms, and numerous toilets. They are always kept clean and have fresh flowers replaced each day. There is also an internet room with approximately 8 computers. The internet is competitively priced.
The accommodation, staff and location are all fantastic and although there are some impressive and luxurious hotels minutes down the road, at only £10 a night, the Beach House has to be the ultimate bargain. I cannot recommend it enough.

Summary: A hostel with the feel of a cosy hotel in the most beautiful spot.