One Night in Wayalailai

As pretty as it's name, Wayalailai Island is a tropical haven with a small beach which backs onto a thriving rainforest. We stayed at Naqalia Lodge which was very basic, a family run place with limited electricity and no ceiling fans. On the plus side though it was a truly personal experience with the family adopting us as their own for the one night we were there.

The intimacy of it all was helped by the fact that once again we were practically the only people on the island. During the day we had the beach to ourselves and had first dibs on all the activities offered by the family. 

After lunch Kate and I joined 'Grandma' for a jewellery making session, stringing shells and beads together to form bracelets. Before long her real granddaughter had crawled onto her lap and helped us to pick out the prettiest gems. Later we challenged the staff to a kayaking race which ended as expected, although we may have had more of a chance had Stuart and I not sunk our boat. 

In the evening most of the group hiked up a hill for sunset but Han and I stayed behind for a solo kayaking trip. This one was considerably more successful as the sea had calmed and we both comfortably fit into one kayak. With the summit in sight we called out the names of our friends, hoping our echoes would reach their ears. Paddling all the way to the next beach, we took a moment to appreciate our stunning surroundings. There we were, gliding over brightly coloured coral which was completely visible through the crystal clear water. 

On the way back, however, it began to spit with rain and the world turned grey bar the beautiful rainbow which appeared behind the mountain. Being so far from the shore we should perhaps have been worried but the gentle pattering sounds of the rain on the water was surprisingly relaxing. We reached our room just as the storm really kicked in.

After dinner we were treated to a traditional Fijian dance performance which involved a degree of audience participation. The islanders assured us that if we danced hard enough the sun would come out the next day so we allowed them to twirl us around and teach us the 'Bula Dance.' Most of us were mortified but in hindsight it was fun. 

We feel as though we covered everything there is to do in Wayalailai in just one day so we're moving on again now, this time to Mantaray!