Tucked between Savusavu and the Koro Sea, Namena has always carried an air of quiet magic. Divers know it as one of Fiji’s most extraordinary reefs and dive destinations. Birdwatchers adored its untouched sanctuary. Couples found romance in their privacy. And for generations, local chiefs honoured the island as a place of cultural and ecological significance.
Then, in February 2016, Cyclone Winston changed everything.
The storm’s eye passed directly over Namena—an event so powerful that it stands as the strongest cyclone ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere. Buildings were destroyed. Every leaf was stripped from the island. Centuries-old trees fell. Everyone associated with Namena, previous guests, owners, staff and locals were heartbroken to hear the devastating news.
But out of the devastation came wonderful news - the reef held strong.
Against all odds, Namena’s underwater world remained virtually untouched—an ecological miracle and a testament to the power of a protected marine sanctuary.
Above the surface, the damage was immense. Yet what has followed is the true heart of Namena’s story.
Within a year, the island burst back to life. Greens returned. Birds returned. The Red-footed Boobies and Frigate birds soared again. Tropic birds reclaimed their nesting spots. Mother nature healed with extraordinary speed.
The island today feels vibrant, untouched, and deeply alive—110 acres of pristine nature, protected and revered. Of that, only 10 acres will ever be developed. The rest remains a sanctuary, forever.
What emerged from the rebuild is not just a resort, but a reimagining.
Namena Island Resort is being transformed into a place where serenity is effortless—where every design decision honours the island’s wilderness rather than competes with it. Where wind-resistant engineering, natural ventilation, and sustainable materials shape the architecture. Where privacy is woven into the landscape.
We can’t wait to share the renderings of our new villas with you — that reveal will come in Week 9 — but for now, this story belongs to the island itself: its resilience, its spirit, and its spectacular return.
As we step into our next chapter, our mission is simple:
To protect the miracle of Namena, while welcoming guests to experience its beauty with reverence and joy.
Welcome back to paradise.