Mantaray Island Resort

This is one of the best resorts on the Yasawas for solo travelers; the dorm accommodation is large, clean and allows you to meet new people. There are also lots of activities and the food provided is great.

The resort was in a lovely location but is a little tired, understandable after covid. Even after a few emails requesting a double bed close to the beach they did not have one arraigned for us, they had put us in a Bure up the hill. I have tendinitis in my knees so that was never going to work. In the end they put my husband and I in a Bure with twin beds closer to the beach - not at all romantic! The meal plan was really expensive but the food was plentiful, unfortunately the restaurant was up the hill so it was a painful effort on my behalf for each meal. Unlike other resorts that we stayed in this resort required a daily fuel surcharge and we also had to pay a hire fee for fins. They did not put on Manta ray trips on either of the 2 days that we stayed there although there were Manta rays in the channel both of those days. Unimpressed. Luckily we had also booked nights at Barefoot Manta Ray Resort so ended up swimming with the mantas which was our sole reason for going. To be fair other people staying at MRIR said that they had been taken on Manta trips earlier in the week so I have no idea why they told us that there were no mantas on the 2 days that we were there - Barefoot Manta Resort said that on one of the days there had in fact been 7. This resort is much more of a backpacker resort although the high cost of the meal plan would give most backpackers a second thought.

We had a terrific week at Mantaray Island resort. We stayed in a beachfront villa which certainly helped, since they have air conditioning and a great outdoor bathroom with hot water and flush toilet. The food is not 5 star but it’s pretty good. They do have a tendency to overcook the proteins, especially the fish, but there is a good variety of food and I enjoyed every meal. Breakfast is a buffet of pastries, fruit, cereal and toast but you can order off the menu as well and I believe there were 8 options. The portions are large enough for most people, including me. The best part of the resort is the people. They really enjoy what they do and they enjoy working together. They have a rousing game of volleyball together around 6 pm and you can really tell they like playing together. When they interact with you it is apparent that they aren’t just “doing their jobs” they genuinely care about you and your comfort. We found the songs they sang to us on our departure very moving, there were a few tears shed on both sides. And the best part ………. My crab beat Mili’s in the crab race. We will miss them all. Vanaka.

Amazing staff and resort in general, very happy as a solo traveller. Food was very good maybe a tiny bit pricy for the package but good nonetheless. Only thing is the shared toilets are not very nice as they are a hole in the ground and a bit unpleasant. Otherwise perfect.

Beautiful place to stay, with the nicest people! Everyone who works here is so friendly and made us feel comfortable. Eliki at the bar is so funny and felt like a friend during the entire stay, and was so fun to chat with. Enny and Hefe are amazing, huge smile every time I see them. Would go back again because of the staff alone. Stayed in the family room bure which had a cool outdoor shower, comfy beds, and right next to the beach. AC works like a charm too!

Me and my friend stayed here during off season and had a great time! The staff is so nice and helpful, especially Eliki and Enny. There were a ton of activities to do even though it wasn’t mantaray season. Would definitely recommend doing the sunrise hike and sunset tubing.