The Villages, a fishing lodge, sits on the shore of the aqua-colored lagoon on Discovery Beach’s pristine white sand. The Lodge is a few miles north of the village of London, the island’s center for commerce and government. The Villages is owned and operated by a church and the community within the Tabwakea Village, the largest village on the island.
The name Tabwakea means "turtle" in Gilbertese and refers to the island's original name, Turtle Island, given by James Cook. The island later became known as Christmas Island (Kiritimati).
While The Villages are considered nice by Christmas Island standards, it's important to note that it is not a luxury resort like the Hilton. Instead, think of it more as a fishing camp.
2026 Rates:
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing
(One angler per fishing guide)
Two anglers per cabin: $3,890 per person
One angler per cabin: $4,380 per person
Non-Angler Companion (sharing room): $1,765 per person
The Maneaba - The Meeting House: The heart of any Kiribati community is its maneaba or meeting house, a large building in the center of the complex. The covered, comfortable dining and lounge area has a tropical South Seas atmosphere. After a day’s fishing, anglers gather to enjoy freshly caught tuna and wahoo sashimi and to share stories.
The Bungalows: The Villages has ten air-conditioned bungalows that comfortably accommodate up to 16 anglers. Each bungalow has two twin beds plus a private bathroom with a shower. The bungalows, built on sand, are about 200 feet from the water's edge. The buildings have cinder block walls with large screened louvered windows that can be opened for tropical breezes or closed when air conditioning is desired.
Each unit has a covered porch with two deck chairs and multiple horizontal rod racks under the eave. Additionally, there is a hose bib at the end of each porch for rinsing rods, reels, and shoes—much appreciated at the end of a long fishing day.
Meals: Cooked-to-order breakfasts may include bacon and eggs, French toast, pancakes, and a selection of cereal. You’ll make your own sandwiches to take out on the boat. Sashimi (thin slices of fresh tuna or wahoo) is served most evenings during happy hour. Buffet-style dinners usually include fresh fish and chicken, beef, or pork.
Alcohol: Alcohol is not included in the package. There is a bar, and the Lodge will occasionally have alcohol available. Beer is about $4 AUD per can. Conventional mixers and soda are also available. The Lodge recommends bringing your own alcohol, which can be purchased at Honolulu Airport’s Duty-Free shop. Please be aware that the lodge is not going to give change if you purchase with USD.
Drinking Water: Each bungalow has a refrigerator stocked with pitchers of potable water in every room. Four bottles of water are provided daily to each angler at no charge. You can purchase additional bottled water for $3 AUD per 16-ounce bottle.
The Lodge has bottled water and an efficient filtration system. Island water comes from wells and cisterns and is not potable from the tap. Be careful not to swallow water while in the shower, and do not brush your teeth using water from the sink tap.
Communications: The Lodge now offers complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi. It works very well.
Cell Phone App: If you need to make phone calls, download the WhatsApp app. Everyone you’ll want to communicate with also needs to get the app. WhatsApp is a voice-over-internet (VoIP) service and works well.
Electricity: The Lodge has both 110V and 240V. If you’re a U.S. resident, you’ll need a power plug adapter and a voltage converter.
Visit www.power-plugs-sockets.com for more information.
Laundry Service: The Lodge offers complimentary daily laundry service. You'll leave your clothing in the basket that is in your room, and it will be washed, folded, and returned to your room at the end of the day.