July 15, 2026 | Press Release
One of Fiji’s longest continually operating beachfront resorts is celebrating a major milestone. Castaway Island, Fiji is marking its 60th anniversary, commemorating six decades of welcoming travellers to its white-sand beaches, traditional bures and crystal-clear waters, while reflecting on the legacy that has made it one of the South Pacific’s most iconic island resorts.
The celebrations will continue until the end of 2026, with the resort opening its archives, revisiting its rich history and inviting past, present and future guests to be part of the occasion.
A resort that helped shape Fiji’s tourism story
Castaway Island, Fiji first opened its doors on July 6, 1966, at a time when Fiji’s tourism industry was still finding its place on the global map.
Located on Qalito Island, the property began with just four bures built for fishermen staying overnight. Workers cleared the island’s dense foliage by hand, creating what would eventually become one of Fiji’s most enduring resort destinations.
The resort entered a new chapter in 1992 under the ownership of Geoffrey Shaw, whose vision helped establish Castaway Island as a benchmark for authentic barefoot island hospitality. Over the decades, it has built a loyal following of repeat visitors and multi-generational families, supported by a team that includes hosts who have worked at the resort for more than 30 years.
Conservation takes centre stage
Today, under OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels, the resort continues to evolve by placing environmental stewardship at the heart of the guest experience through its OUTRIGGER Zone sustainability programme.
A founding member of the Mamanuca Environment Society, Castaway Island has expanded its conservation efforts with several initiatives introduced in 2025.
These include the launch of a Sculptural Coral Gene Bank in partnership with Counting Coral, featuring more than 500 carefully selected parent corals to support long-term reef regeneration.
The resort also participated in the translocation of 15 endangered Fijian Crested Iguanas to Qalito Island, marking the species’ return to the island after more than 40 years.
Further reinforcing its sustainability credentials, Castaway Island became the second property in Fiji to receive Green Key Certification, recognising its commitment to internationally recognised environmental standards.
“Castaway Island represents something rare in hospitality – more than a destination, it has allowed travelers to connect with each other and for generations of families to bond across six decades. The loyalty of our guests and the dedication of our hosts are a testament to what happens when a destination is built on authenticity. It’s the reason why our returnees and multi-generational families continue to call Castaway Island ‘home’. We’re proud to steward this legacy and are excited for everything the next decade holds as we invite more travelers to discover our island home for the first time.”
— Steven Andrews, General Manager, Castaway Island, Fiji
Anniversary celebrations planned for November
The resort will officially celebrate its 60th anniversary from November 22–28, 2026, with a week-long programme inspired by the 1960s—the decade in which the property first opened.
Activities will include a Traditional Fijian Welcome Ceremony, Returnee Guest Appreciation Day, Management Cocktail Evening, Environment Day focused on coral planting and the Coral Gene Bank, and a Cocktail Gala on November 27, expected to welcome government dignitaries, returning guests and community partners. Throughout the week, staff will wear a commemorative sulu in tribute to the island’s cultural heritage.
As part of the anniversary, Castaway Island has also launched a storytelling campaign inviting guests and long-serving hosts to share photographs, videos and personal memories from across six decades. The initiative aims to celebrate the relationships and experiences that have shaped the resort’s enduring Bula spirit and its place in Fiji’s tourism history.
