Barefoot Fiji Done Right: Serenity Island’s Simple Escape, Baby Turtles, and New Glamping Tents

In this episode, we talk about Serenity Island Resort and why it hits that sweet spot for travelers who want an easy Fiji island escape without the formality—just beaches, snorkeling, relaxed hospitality, and the freedom to do as much or as little as you want. If you’re planning Fiji, start at Far and Away Adventures.com and connect with our team at https://farandawayadventures.com so your trip fits your mood, your timeline, and your travel style. Normand Schafer is joined by Jess, Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Serenity Island Resort, who describes Serenity as a 48-acre “one island, one resort” getaway that’s intentionally barefoot, rustic, and traditional rather than polished and five-star. She explains the resort currently offers 33 individual standalone bures—traditional Fijian-style accommodations with air conditioning and private ensuites—so you get comfort without losing that casual island feel. What makes Serenity especially appealing is how accessible it is. Jess describes reaching the island via a short boat ride from Vuda Marina, and she also mentions an alternate route from Denarau with South Sea Cruises. Once you arrive, the whole point is to slow down. Jess describes a typical day as not stressful at all: wake up whenever you want, breakfast is included, then drift between the pool, the beach, and the water. She highlights that you can snorkel straight off the beaches where the reef drops down, describing beautiful coral and easy marine access that doesn’t require a full-day excursion. She also notes non-motorized water sports like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are included, and that some guests simply enjoy walking or even running around the island. The “Just Travel” charm in this episode is that Jess doesn’t oversell activities—she says the most popular activity is relaxing. Serenity isn’t trying to be a luxury showcase; it’s a real “flop and drop” island where the best plan is often no plan. That said, the resort still offers unique experiences. Jess mentions cooking classes (including kokoda) and shares details about Serenity’s turtle conservation work. She explains that the resort has three turtle pools and currently has baby turtles on site, and that turtles are released at around a year and a half old. For many travelers, that kind of story becomes the thing they remember most because it’s meaningful, not just scenic. For guests who want extra outings beyond the island, Jess mentions options like arranging jet skis and helping guests visit Cloud 9 or Seventh Heaven. She also notes the resort is enjoyed year-round, describing Fiji’s mild seasonal shifts in the conversation. Then comes the big update: Serenity Sands glamping tents opening in September 2025. Jess describes 10 new glamping tents designed to take up to four people, featuring private decking, a king bed plus bunk beds, a private ensuite, and air conditioning—plus a new pool, bar, restaurants, and barbecue facilities, right on the beach. It’s “total glamping,” as she puts it, and a very new product for Fiji. If you want an island escape that’s easy, relaxed, and genuinely fun without being complicated—and you want help deciding whether bures or the new glamping option makes more sense—Far and Away Adventures can help you build the best plan and keep the logistics seamless.