Where to Stay in Fiji

The Best Islands to Visit in Fiji

Located a short plane ride of around 2 hours from Australia, the tropical nation of Fiji consists of approximately 800 islands spread across the South Pacific Ocean. As an island group in Melanesia, Fiji is less remote than destinations like Tahiti yet more reasonably priced than New Caledonia. It also functions as a transport center, providing direct flights to nearby Vanuatu and Tonga. Popular among tourists especially from Australia and New Zealand, Fiji draws visitors hoping to experience the crystal clear lagoons filled with marine life and accommodations directly over the water.

Almost everyone arrives by air at either Nadi, on the western edge of the main island of Viti Levu, or less likely, the airport at Suva, the capital on the east coast. To avoid time-consuming boat and plane connections, some stay on Viti Levu at Pacific Harbour or Sunset Strip along the southern coast.

Even more beneficial are the 2 beach regions within 15km of the Nadi airport. Progressing upmarket from its backpacker origins, Wailoaloa is increasingly popular for sunsets, walks, and views rather than the beach, which is grey and gritty. Denarau is home to numerous 5-star resorts, as well as a marina and golf course, but only a couple of resorts front a decent beach. Suva has an undeniable charm, with colonial history and excellent restaurants, but no beach.

Frequently overlooked are the second and third largest islands, Vanua Levu and Taveuni – yet both are reasonably accessible, and offer public transportation, rentable/chartered vehicles, and village life. More popular are the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups of islands, golden droplets sprinkled among sapphire waters providing lodging for all financial capacities. Only 1 or 2 hours by boat from Nadi, both collections of islands are very beloved with day-trippers.

Prior to visiting the distant islands, weigh up the pros and cons. Airfare is costly, and regularly necessitates overnight connections in Nadi and/or Suva. Pricing is elevated (because of transportation expenses and lack of competition), facilities are inadequate (frequently no banks or pharmacists), and villages are few or nonexistent (so cultural interactions are unlikely). On the other hand, the tranquility and charm – above and below the water – are undeniable, although you may share a resort with hundreds of others searching for the same.

The Best Places to Stay in Fiji

• Best Luxury Hotels in Fiji
  Grand Pacific Hotel • Shangri-La Yanuca Island • Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort
• Best Boutique Hotels in Fiji
• Top Hotel: Le Méridien Tahiti
• Best Cheap Hotels in Fiji
  Bedarra Beach Inn Fiji • Five Princes Hotel • Gecko’s Resort

Best Place to Stay in Fiji for …

• The Lomaiviti Islands area features many highly-rated beaches in Fiji.

The shorelines along the major islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are somewhat disappointing: regularly with grey and gritty sand, and in some cases, rocky and unusable. Arguably, the finest are on the Lomaiviti Islands: atolls surrounded by reefs, creating lagoons of calm blue-green waters teeming with marine life and coral. The beaches are pristine and bleached-white, although visitors may have to share the sand with egg-laying turtles. Added attractions are the accessibility from the main island, usually through the charming colonial town of Levuka (Fiji`s first capital), and the chance to spot humpback whales offshore.

• Best Region in Fiji for Diving & Snorkeling: Taveuni Island
  With so many reefs surrounding so many islands, and atolls creating shallow and non-tidal blue-green lagoons, it’s troublesome to slim down essentially the most ideal locations to discover the marine life and coral. With heat and (typically) clear waters, and a huge variety of fish, rays and turtles, and periodic (harmless) sharks and whales, Fiji is understandably well-liked all through, however it’s troublesome to go earlier than Taveuni. The coral is significantly delicate, typically luminous, and the strait between Vanua Levu and Taveuni is legendary amongst divers. Nevertheless snorkelers will additionally relish what’s on provide. The island has a few dive operators, some public transport, and lodging in all worth ranges, and is simply accessible by boat or plane from the primary island.

• Preferred region in Fiji for water sports: Mamanuca Islands
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These naturally beautiful islands are superb for both relaxed and exhilarating water activities. Leisurely options include kayaking or paddle-boarding while more thrilling choices involve jet-skiing or paragliding. The soft, white sandy beaches also provide scenic spots for rest and relaxation after aquatic adventures. Underwater sights leave marvelous impressions too. Surfers frequently visit for notable breaks bearing names like Desperations, requiring considerable experience. Water sports arrange conveniently through any resort, and the islands lie approximately one to two hours away by boat from Nadi making them very popular for day trips.

• Best Region in Fiji for Outdoor Activities: Pacific Harbour, Viti Levu Island
  Claiming to be the potential center for adventure in Fiji, this relatively underdeveloped coastal land is satisfactorily near to Devise from Suva for day outings. Adults have abundantly to select from: in excess of 15 diving sites amid gently tinted coral reefs, as well as rafting, and boat and angling journeys from the marina. Children would enjoy ‘ziplining’ (experience ropes throughout the jungle), while the whole family would relish the Kila Eco Adventure Park. General outdoor activities are best organized through the Pearl or Uprising resorts (even if not remaining there), or an agency at the Arts Village. Pacific Harbour is also home to an 18-hole championship golf course
• Best Region in Fiji for Shopping: Port Denarau, Viti Levu Island
  Visitors generally do not come to Fiji for shopping excursions. Only Suva and Nadi offer a range of shops and handicraft marketplaces of international standards, while the capital also hosts multiple shopping complexes. However, the most impressive place to use one`s credit card is the magnificent facility at Port Denarau, part of the restricted ‘island’ of upscale hotels around 6km from downtown Nadi. It may lack authenticity, but the clean, hassle-free, and shady setting alongside the harbor is valued by many travelers. In addition to some foreign retailers, it provides a variety of locally-owned stores selling an array of goods, and numerous eateries typically near the water. This is also the place to exchange currency, rent a vehicle, and organize a boat trip to the outer islands, and complimentary traditional entertainment is held most evenings. The complex can be reached within a few minutes by Bula Bus from all resorts at Denarau, or from Nadi using the regular Westbus public transportation
• Best Region in Fiji for Dining & Eateries: Suva

Befitting the Fijian capital and largest city in the South Pacific, Suva offers an impressive range of places to eat. Often reflecting the multicultural makeup of the islands, whether Indian, Chinese, Japanese, or European, the setting is sometimes more impressive than the food – whether attached to the museum, in a colonial-era mansion, or inside an old cruiser berthed alongside the city park. Most are located within downtown Suva and accessible on foot or by metered taxi (which is best at night).

• Best Region in Fiji for Nightlife: Suva
  The nightlife is not among the primary factors drawing tourists to Fiji. Most resorts and hotels have bars and many provide live music and traditional shows like fire dancing. As the only city, Suva offers the best but still modest selection compared to places like Bali, Phuket and Noumea. A few local bars catering to locals are gloomy – dark and cramped, with some women of questionable reputation. Opening in the evenings and closing late, some bars and clubs should be avoided when alone and foreign women should surely keep their distance. Always take a taxi after dark. The best advice on somewhere lively yet safe featuring live music is an expat hangout, or check the Fiji Times. Elsewhere, Beachcomber Island in the Mamanuca group has a well-earned fame as the place to party.
• Best Region in Fiji for Markets: Suva
  Although a city and the capital, Suva frequently seems like an expanded small town where markets still dominate. The Produce Market (or Municipal Market), next to the bus station, is just as anticipated: extensive, noisy, chaotic, and scruffy, yet fascinating, with rare tropical fruits, dangling slabs of unidentifiable meat, and cages of chickens with very constrained lifespans. The Suva Handicraft Centre, conveniently located near the city park, offers a myriad of stalls in a dim and fairly unwelcome building. But there are more friendly smiles than strong sales from vendors, and it’s authentic and affordable, though prices are of course, negotiable.
• Most Suitable Region in Fiji for Families: Sunset Strip, Viti Levu Island
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Many resorts on the outer islands are well-equipped to accommodate families, but children may quickly become bored with all those beautiful sceneries and magnificent reefs. The primary island, Viti Levu, is much more developed and populated, so there`s more available to keep the younger ones engaged and happy. Staying on the main island also avoids connecting flights. Arguably, the finest base for families is the modest but grandly titled Sunset Strip, only an hour from Nadi. Some nearby attractions include the Sigatoka Sand Dunes and Tavuni Hill Fort, all near the pleasant regional town of Sigatoka, which has a traditional marketplace. A variety of adventurous activities, such as rafting and cave exploration, and a visit to the energizing Kula Wild Adventure Park, are easy to arrange. Moreover, the beach is clean, the waters placid, and the main street is very tranquil.

• Best Region in Fiji for Vibe & Culture: The island of Vanua Leva
  Firmly on the itinerary for some is a ‘village tour’, perhaps trying some kava (a strong alcoholic drink), and spear-throwing. This is all contrived, of course, and not always authentic, so try to visit – or better still, stay in – a real village. It will be worthwhile, if only for the abundant welcoming smiles. Some remote islands are only inhabited by resort guests and staff, while others are so sparsely-populated that villages don’t exist. In contrast, most of the villages on Fiji’s second-largest island, Vanua Leva, can be reached by infrequent bus or rented/chartered car along the rough roads, starting from the enchanting town of Savusuva.
• Best Region in Fiji for Weather: The Mamanuca Islands

There isn`t any avoiding the wet season within Fiji from November to April, once downpours will be weighty – although usually not prolonged – and there exists the ever-present danger of a potential cyclone. Some islands (like Taveuni) receive additional rain, while others like Viti Levu and Vanua Leva, the 2 main islands, have mountains which affect local weather patterns. For a few reason, the Mamanuca Islands (and therefore the neighbouring Yasawas) dodge a few of the heaviest rains and winds. Actually, some components are so drought-stricken that they’ve turn out to be uninhabitable. Poor for locals, wonderful for tourists.

• Best Region in Fiji for Romantic Getaways: Mamanuca Islands
  Fiji caters very well for romantic getaways, especially those on honeymoons. Many resorts offer special packages, including secluded dinners on the beach, private pool villas, and spa rooms for 2. Some resorts provide those popular and intimate over-the-water bungalows that radiate from piers above lagoons, while a few, especially on the remote islands, are strictly adults only, or at least, have child-free bars, restaurants, and pools. Within an hour or 2 by boat from Nadi, the Mamanuca Islands boast endless idyllic atolls, such as Mana Island, where Fiji’s first over-the-water bungalows were built. Of course, there isn’t much to do but admire the views, stroll the beaches, and snorkel among marine life in crystal clear waters from ladders attached to private patios, but who cares?

Best Regions in Fiji for Tourists

Nadi (on the main island)

While home to the main international airport, Nadi (pronounced NAN-dee) is surprisingly small and underwhelming. It is divided into 2 areas. Downtown is a 500m stretch of road containing a few banks, plenty of restaurants selling unhealthy fare, the bus terminal and just 1 basic lodging. There is no cause to stay here, and it becomes a little uneasy after dark. A much cleaner, safer, and nicer base is the Marintar region (also called New Town) about 4km away. Centered along Queens Road which heads to the airport, this area houses numerous quality hotels and cafés, a few decent bars, and a shopping complex containing a supermarket and cinema. It is also within a short bus/taxi ride of downtown Nadi, the airport, Denarau Island, and Wailoaloa Beach.

• Best Lodging: Fiji Gateway Hotel

Denarau Island (on the main island)

This former mangrove swamp has been transformed into an upscale gated complex of luxury resorts, with a golf course, water park, marina, and multiple ways to spend a holiday and money. However, it’s joined to the mainland rather than being a true `island`, accessible via a 50m causeway. Situated about 8km from downtown Nadi and 15km from the airport, most visitors to Denarau enjoy the world-class facilities and pristine setting, and do not care that it lacks the authenticity of `real Fiji`. Port Denarau is home to the boat terminal for day cruises and ferries to outlying islands, and has abundant shops and charming harbor-side restaurants. Well-connected to Nadi by public bus, the cute Bula Bus also helps tourists get around. Port Denarau is home to the boat terminal for day cruises and ferries to outlying islands, and has abundant shops and charming harbor-side restaurants. Denarau is well-connected to Nadi by public bus, and the cute Bula Bus helps tourists get around.

• Best Hotel: Sheraton Denarau Villas

Wailoaloa Beach (on the main island)

The strip of beach between the airport and major coastal road in Nadi, Queens Road, is collectively called Wailoaloa (which sounds more exotic than the other name of New Town). Lodges for backpackers are slowly being replaced by medium-priced hotels for package holidays. There are also enough places to eat and drink to satisfy most people, but the beach is disappointing: with gray sand often lined with uncollected debris after high tide, the beach is almost unusable at low tide. However, it is popular for its relaxed tropical holiday atmosphere, enhanced by perfect sunsets, long walks, and calm shallow waters suitable for kayaking, and for young children to play around in. One advantage is the proximity (by bus and taxi) to the airport (8km) and Queens Road (2.5km), home to numerous high-quality dining establishments. The downside is that Wailoaloa is too near to the airport, although the occasional loud jets aren’t too disruptive.

• Top Hotel Choice: Ramada Suites

Suva (on the main island)

The capital of Fiji, and the biggest city in the South Pacific, still keeps a leisurely small town atmosphere. Relatively shabby around the edges, particularly in the suburbs, Suva is likable, and much nicer than Nadi. Downtown is home to several shopping centers, while the southern area of central Suva is lined with colonial-era constructions. Some visitors relish the tropical charm, while most stay in Suva while awaiting connections elsewhere. But other causes to linger longer are the modest but fascinating Fiji Museum, the handicraft and produce markets, the numerous excellent restaurants, and the occasional festival.

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• Best Hotel: Grand Pacific Inn

Pacific Harbour (on the main island)

Midway along the southern coast, an hour from Suva by road, Pacific Harbour is primarily an upscale housing development with a marina and golf course, but also provides a few higher end and mid-priced hotels in a relaxing atmosphere. The extended bay between the Uprising and Pearl resorts is tranquil, clean, and set back from the main road, and mostly undeveloped as a public beach. Around a huge pond of water lilies just off the main road, the fun-filled Arts Village is home to cafes and other tourist facilities

The top-rated Pearl Resort in Fiji offers a spectacular setting with a golf course and spa

Coral Coast & Sunset Strip (on the main island)

The loosely defined coastal stretch known as the Coral Coast extends from Pacific Harbour (midway along the southern shoreline) to Momi Bay (on the western edge of the island). There is no centralized hub, just a scattering of tiny villages providing basic supplies for locals rather than tourists, and a few secluded beaches occupied by upscale resorts around an hour-and-a-half from an airport and still a 15-minute drive from any shops. The zone near the Outrigger Resort is often referred to as the Sunset Strip – a grand moniker for a quite modest grouping of lodging and dining choices. The beach there has a narrow, gritty surface (unlike at the Outrigger), but shallow, calm waters protected by a reef approximately 800 meters offshore create a shallow lagoon ideal for swimming and kayaking. And within a short bus or taxi journey is the pleasant regional center of Sigatoka.

• Best Hotel: Outrigger Fiji

Vanua Levu Island and Savusavu Town

Fiji’s second biggest island is ideal for those seeking to avoid crowds (whether locals or tourists), and evade the isolation and lack of amenities on more distant islands. Labasa, Vanua Levu’s largest urban center, is unexciting, but certainly worth exploring, or even staying, is Savusavu, a picturesque town popular with boat enthusiasts. The interior of the island offers mountainous terrain suitable for hiking, friendly and authentic villages, and world-class scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. Additionally, public transportation or chartered/rented vehicles make getting around reasonably convenient, though some roadways are rough. What’s more, there is a wide range of lodging options available, including family-friendly accommodations, and it can be easily accessed by plane or boat.

• Best Hotel: Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa

Taveuni Island

The remoteness of the third largest island in Fiji lends itself to feelings of seclusion, with its untouched beaches and welcoming locals. Family-run lodges that provide affordable longer-term accommodations are popular amongst visitors staying for an extended period, while magnificent resorts are spaced periodically along the distant shorelines. A significant section of Taveuni has been set aside as a national park that can only be accessed by foot, and with Fiji`s tallest mountain located there, it receives more rainfall than any other area in the country. Combined with the underwater marvels available for diving, the delights below the surface are just as impressive as anywhere else in the South Pacific.

• Highest Rated Hotel: Taveuni Dive Resort

Mamanuca Islands

Fiji’s most populated island cluster contains 20 atolls and tiny islands with resorts clinging to sandy coastlines, but only 2 – Mana and Malolo – have villages. Reefs build lagoons around each island and atoll, producing photogenic turquoise waters. These are perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking – but less so, sometimes, for swimming because of the coral. The Mamanucas cater exceptionally well for families and those on romantic getaways, while a few, such as Beachcomber, have become party islands. Most are accessible by boat within about an hour or so from Nadi, so some beaches fill with day-trippers.

• Top Hotel: Mana Island Resort & Spa

Yasawa Islands

Sacred beaches, sapphire-blue lagoons, lofty volcanoes, and approachable villages – these islands offer it all. Sparsely-populated, and frequently so tiny they can be encircled on foot within an hour, the Yasawas cater more for those seeking budget and mid-range accommodation, in contrast to the pricier Mamanuca Islands nearby. Attractions include the dramatic rugged interior, villages unaffected by mass tourism, superior snorkeling, and the chance to laze on a Crusoe-esque beach with no other around. And the islands are easy to reach by boat within an hour or two from Nadi.

• Highest Rated: Barefoot Manta Island

Lomaiviti Islands and Levuka town

Though nearby the main island, the Lomaiviti Archipelago is commonly overlooked despite being perfect for those seeking seclusion and tranquility without the infrequent and costly inter-island flights. Ovalau, the major island, provides a pleasing variety of lodging, while most upscale and exclusive resorts are scattered amongst remote coral reefs. The water and land-based activities seem endless, like hiking through jungles and waterfalls. An unexpected delight is the country’s initial capital, Levuka on Ovalau – with its colonial era buildings protected by UNESCO inclusion, it`s the sole town in Fiji deserving description as `quaint`.

• Recommended Hotel: Royal Hotel