(A rare current-time post from Cyndi)
September 9, 2015
We’ve had a bumpy start with the Blue Lagoon. The first time we came, we spent about 30 minutes before picking up and heading for greener (or in this case bluer) pastures a couple of miles north. There, we found what we’d envisioned: clear blue water over a sand bottom, nice resorts, great snorkeling, and lovely beaches.
But before we left the Blue Lagoon, we agreed that we’d return if the anchorage became less crowded. Why? Because this place is so popular, and I was determined to find out what it is we’re missing.
We could see the anchorage from where we were. A few boats had left, and with strong trades predicted for a couple of days, it was time to try the (more protected) Blue Lagoon again.
It was a gray, rainy day when we headed down, and the water looked black compared to the water we’d just been in. The resort has built a small bar and deck just outside of its grounds for the yachties, and apparently didn’t hire a lighting consultant (see Rich’s Black Lagoon post). At least the construction noise had mostly stopped.
The next morning was sunny, but still no blue water. Rich was right: this should be called the Black Lagoon. But I had plans to give this place a fair shot. First up, a dinghy ride to further explore the area. We first headed south along the long stretch of beach here. We ended up rescuing a stranded paddle-boarder from the small cruise ship. When we landed on their private area of the beach to drop her off, we saw it was beautiful, the water some pretty colors near the shore.
We then took about a 3/4-mile dinghy ride to Tavewa Island, and there we found lots of bright blue water and a gorgeous beach. I’m not sure Tavewa Island is technically part of the Blue Lagoon, but it’s close by and definitely has its own blue lagoon.
We came back to our anchorage and took a walk on the half of the beach that’s public, and that was really lovely. We had to admit this place is pretty nice from the shore, the shallow water much more colorful. We were glad to see a sign that invites everyone to use the private section of the beach when the little Cruise Ship isn’t here, which is very gracious of Blue Lagoon Cruises because it used to be off limits.
My final objective for the day: booking dinner at the resort. We found that while the little bar onshore is public, the resort grounds are for guests only unless you book dinner there. I’d heard good things about the food and the resort; so we booked dinner.
What a lovely place! First we had happy hour at the public yachtie bar during sunset, before they turn on the unattractive lighting. That deck over the water was a lovely place to sit. Then we went into the resort itself. Unlike the 70’s yacht club design of the bar, the resort is classic old-time Polynesian and absolutely beautiful. It’s small, with cottages around the grounds and the main dining/bar area near the corner of the beach. We ordered a bottle of wine and sat at a table in the outside area to watch the lingering colors of sunset before going into the open-air dining room for a delicious dinner. The Nanyua Island Resort has definitely gone on my list of favorite places.
Today we will do more exploring, hopefully go snorkeling and walk on the private beach if the cruise ship leaves, and maybe take a walk across the island. The trades have picked up as predicted, but we’re well protected here. Meanwhile Rich did another post, adding pictures of some of the good stuff we found yesterday. I’m going to put a small gallery here of my own things to like about the Blue Lagoon, including the beaches at Tavewa Island and Nanuya Lailai, the Boathouse Nanuya Bar before the lights come on, and the beautiful Nanuya Island Resort. –Cyndi (Click to enlarge and scroll.)
There’s a Google map in our post here that shows where all this stuff is.
