Fiji Accommodation: Where To Stay For Every Holiday
Fiji Accommodation: Where To Stay For Every Holiday
As we’re finally getting the green light to travel overseas again, what could be more enticing than dusting off the suitcases and flying to an island paradise destination? Somewhere you can lay by a 5-star resort pool, sip a fresh coconut (or cocktail) to stay hydrated, and just forget the last two years ever happened… Sounds great right? Well, this is exactly the kind of holiday you’ll experience in Fiji! But let’s be honest, the prospect of booking your Fiji accommodation can be daunting.
If you’re already planning a Fiji holiday, this guide will help you narrow down your options. And ff you’ve never thought about Fiji as a destination, I hope this guide will encourage you to go. Now is a great time to visit, as the country is trying to revive its tourism sector. With Australia and New Zealand major hubs to catch a direct flight to this tiny island archipelago, now is a great time to snap up a deal at some of Fiji’s coolest resorts.
Below, we’ll introduce you to you some of the best places to stay in Fiji. Of course, there are many more options than those listed below. However, the resorts listed here are our absolute favourites for families, couples, or those who want to splurge on a secluded all-inclusive island experience.
Note: This Fiji accommodation guide contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, we earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Current COVID-19 situation (as of May 2022)
Fully vaccinated travellers can enter Fiji without quarantine, pending a negative PCR or supervised RAT. See Smartraveller for more details.
You will also need travel insurance that includes COVID coverage.
Fiji Accommodation: Getting your bearings in Fiji
Fiji is a group of over 300 islands, with just over 100 inhabited by the local population.
Despite appearing on a map as a tiny island nation, getting around and visiting even a few islands can take up a lot of precious holiday time. That’s why knowing a bit about the country before booking anything is essential to make sure you get the dream Fiji holiday you’ve always wanted.
Fiji is split up into nine regions which are possible to visit and stay, but some are harder to get to than others.
Viti Levu is the largest island in the Fijian Archipelago and where most of the population lives. To give you an indication of how populated Viti Levu is, just over 800,000 of the 900,000 total Fijian population lives here.
While Viti Levu is amazing, going the extra effort to travel to one of the other island groups to stay will not disappoint. If you are looking for an extra special and unique holiday in Fiji, exploring other islands allows you to really experience traditional Fijian culture, and something called `Fiji time.’ You will also get to see some of the breath-taking natural scenery and aquatic wildlife that is only partially witnessed when staying on Viti Levu. Just a heads up though, if you do choose to stay away from Viti Levu, it can feel quite secluded from civilization.
Below we’ll go through these island groups one by one and let you know the best places to stay within each group.
Viti Levu
Viti Levu is where you will find the country’s two largest cities, Suva, the capital, located to the west of the island and Nadi (pronounced NAN-dee), located on the east and where you’ll find the international airport, the first point of contact that tourists have with Fiji.
As the first point of contact for international visitors, Viti Levu is the most popular island to stay on in Fiji and where you’ll find most accommodation options.
Accommodation in Denarau and Nadi
For those who hate any sort of travel time between airport and hotel, then staying in Denarau or Nadi might be the best option for you. Nadi is where you’ll fly into, and Denarau is about 15 minutes away.
So what’s the difference between Nadi and Denarau? Well, Nadi has more of a big town vibe (as much as a city in the Pacific can have) and is a bit grittier, while Denarau is more glitsy and filled with resorts. Nadi is filled with locals, while Denarau is a new development designed with tourists and expats in mind.
If you want to stay in Nadi itself, you’ll find all types of accommodation options that will make you forget you are even staying in a city.
For complete beachfront luxury just 15 minutes’ drive from the airport, the Ramada Suites by Wyndham Wailoaloa Beach Fiji is perfect for those first-time families or business travelers to Fiji. This resort has two swimming pools, its own onsite restaurant, large and fully equipped sea view suites, and access to all the watersports one can desire. It’s also a great choice for those that want to explore the city or visit The Garden of the Sleeping Giants, a mere 7km away.
Prices start from around $250AUD a night for a couple’s room, and around $450AUD a night for a two-bedroom beach-front suite.
For something fun and simple (Fiji does “flashpacker” like no other country on Earth), try Smugglers Cove. Nightly activities, friendly staff, and cheap drinks abound. (I actually stayed here way-back-when for my 21st Birthday trip, hilarious!) For a similar, albeit slightly more family-friendly, vibe – we really like Club Fiji. We had guests stay at Club Fiji for our Fiji wedding and they loved it.
Just south of Denarau is the DoubleTree by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island, a perfect island getaway for couples or families with older children.
Recently renovated, this resort gives all the secluded island holiday vibes without having to leave the big island. It even has its own unique on-site activities including paintball, horse-riding, and water activities. Prices start from $360AUD a night for an ocean view king room.
Best resorts to stay in Denarau Island
If you want to keep Nadi as a day trip, but still want to stay on the west coast, most visitors like to stay in an area called Denarau island, where you’ll find nine spectacular, upscale resort complexes designed by the big chain hotel groups. On Denarau island alone, you’ll find over 40 dining options and options for both couples and families of all sizes. Here are our top picks on Denarau Island.
My personal favourite is the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa. I’m biased though, as the gorgeous Sofitel is where we got married so we’re particularly fond of this option. (Click through to read more about our Fiji wedding)
Speaking of resorts with adults-only facilities, the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort is another excellent option.
Next is the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort. The added bonus here is the shared facilities of other nearby five-star resort options the Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa and Sheraton Denarau Villas.
Lastly, the Radisson Blu Resort Fiji is amazing for two reasons: their all-inclusive option, and their family-friendly vibe. Kids especially love the lagoon equipped with waterslides.
All of the above resorts are perfect for families looking for a high-end experience, or for couples that don’t mind to be in the company of family groups. In each resort you’ll have access to multiple swimming pools, restaurants, and bars, as well as a fitness centre and spa, kids club, a golf course and direct access to the beach. Again, we had guests stay at all of the above hotels for our wedding (which was a while ago now), and I’ve personally been to all of them – you’ll be really happy here, promise!
Prices for the above hotels start at around $500AUD a night for an ocean view guest room with buffet breakfast included.
Top places to stay in Suva
Just because Suva is on the east side of the island and a bit more of a mission to get to, doesn’t mean you should leave it off your Fijian itinerary.
To get to Suva, you can either fly or drive. A flight will take approximately half an hour, plus check in/luggage time. Alternatively, driving will take approximately three and half hours. As the country’s capital, you will get a glimpse into Fiji’s past with many cultural and historical things to do. For example, exploring the national museum, Victorian era styled gardens, and wandering through Suva municipal market.
Suva is also a great base to make your way to some of the eastern island groups. Although it is quite easy to do day trips to Suva, why not save the travel time and stay a few nights in some beautiful resorts scattered in the city such as:
- Best hotel to explore Suva – Quest Suva
- Most historical and luxurious hotel in Suva – Grand Pacific Hotel
Fiji’s Coral Coast
Located between Nadi and Suva in the South of Viti Levu is Fiji’s famous Coral Coast. Here you’ll find many stunning resorts, almost all of them family-friendly. It’s because of this that the Coral Coast is particularly popular with families (though they’d all be lovely options for couples too).
Shangri-La Yanuca Island resort is one of our favourite resorts for families. Sure to impress any avid snorkeler, diver or water sports enthusiast, endless resort activities you and the kids will be in heaven here. This resort has absolutely everything you need across the 109 private acres resort complex. Staying here means you and your family can step out onto the resorts own white sandy beaches, drop the kids off at the kid’s club and enjoy an extravagant spa treatment, play a round a golf or just enjoy the complimentary cocktails and canapes watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Prices for a deluxe king room with ocean views start at $449AUD a night, which includes buffet breakfast.
Another favourite of ours is the Outrigger Fiji. The Outrigger brand is famous in Hawaii and Fiji’s offering maintains this amazing Pacific vibe. The Outrigger prides itself on the family experience, and its kids clubs – Little Riggers for 3-7 year olds and Beach Riggers for 8-12 year olds – make sure the kids have the best time. The Outrigger offers a range of accommodation options, from hotel rooms, to suites, to stand-alone bures. Rates at the Outrigger start from approximately $240AUD per night for a Resort View King Room, and $375AUD per night for a Plantation Bure. Breakfast is an additional charge.
Another family-friendly option situated smack bam between Nadi and Suva is the Warwick Fiji Resort. This resort boasts its own swim up bar and heaps of on-site leisure activities including four tennis courts, mini goal, squash courts, archery field, table tennis and of course all the water sport activities you could dream of. Rates including breakfast and several on-site activities start at room rate $296AUD per night for a Queen Ocean View room.
Vanua Levu accommodation
Vanua Levu is the second largest island in Fiji, situated to the north-east of Viti Levu. It is easy to reach, either by plane from Nadi or Suva or even by boat. Here you’ll find stunning waterfalls within Waisali rainforest. It’s also a great place for divers and those wanting to see some smaller Fijian villages without having to go too far from the mainland.
Our first pick is a funky kid-friendly resort with all the trimmings of a luxury island getaway. Introducing Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa! Nestled next to a rainforest, Koro Sun has all the key facilities and activities you’ll need. Did we mention it’s quite affordable too? A one-bedroom apartment starts at $360AUD a night, while an entire two-bedroom rainforest bungalow starts at $560AUD a night. These rates include breakfast.
If you’re looking for a touch more luxury and to be truly engulfed by Vanua Levu’s tropical beauty, then consider staying at the Namale Fiji Islands Resort and Spa. Owned by Tony Robbins himself (not that I’m really into him to be honest, but fun fact!), this five-star resort literally redefines the meaning of all-inclusive. It even has its own waterfall, own secluded beach and 525 acres of rainforest to explore. This one is adults-only so leave the kids with the grandies for a few days.
If the kids are coming with you, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji is an epic nature experience… it’s also won many awards for being among the world’s best family resorts. For families with children under six, they are assigned their own personal nanny (yes, really!). What I just love, love, LOVE about Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort (the hint is probably in the name) is it’s attention to detail when it comes to environmental and cultural education for children, teens, and adults alike. This really is an experience, not just a holiday, and should absolutely be on your family’s bucket list.
Other popular resorts that deserve a mention include:
- Most unique luxury stay on Vanua Levu – Tavola Villa
- Best small luxury resort on Vanua Levu – Savasi Island Resort
Taveuni island
Taveuni is Fiji’s third-largest island. You’ll find Taveuni just off the south coast of Vanua Levu. Taveuni island can be reached by plane from either Nadi or Suva airports.
The Taveuni islands are perfect for those that love nature. With a third of the island made up of Bouma National Heritage Park, popular for waterfall hunters and the northern shore you’ll find Somosomo Strait, which is a diver’s paradise. Here you have the world-famous Eel Reef and the Great White Wall.
Best places to stay in the Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanuca Islands are the perfect destination for couples as these islands boast some of the most elegant and extravagant adult-only resorts.
Tokoriki Island Resort is one of the best and most romantic adult-only resorts you can stay in Fiji. It’s so luxurious it even won several awards in 2021 for the Most Outstanding Luxury Hotel in Fiji in 2021, TripAdvisor’s #1 resort in the South Pacific and in the top 25 best resorts in the world. If this sounds like you, then prices start at around $842AUD a night for a beachfront Bure.
Another great deluxe adult-only Fiji accommodation that is just as intimate and tranquil as Tokoriki, but with a less hefty price tag, is the Matamanoa Island Resort. Here you’ll get your own secluded island experience with all the luxury trimmings for a nightly rate starting at $382AUD for a garden view room.
Family travellers won’t be left high and dry in the Mamanucas though. For families, you really can’t go past Castaway Island Resort.
Backpackers, you’re in luck – Beachcomber is the ultimate party island! (I could tell you some stories from my time here… but I won’t)
Overwater Bungalows
If you’re looking to truly hide yourself then you should look at staying the all-inclusive, five-star and adults only Likuliku Lagoon Resort. Here you’ll find some of Fiji’s most stunning with over water Bures, where you can dive straight into crystal clear water from your bedroom. An over-water Bures doesn’t come cheap though- it will set you back about $2000AUD a night.
Another option for the Overwater Bungalow experience is The Marriott Momi Bay. This one is on the mainland on the West coast, south of Nadi.
Lomaiviti group
This group of islands is off the east coast of Vitu Levu and where you will find the first capital of Fiji, Levuka, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This group of islands is easily accessible from Suva and a popular spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing or just relaxing in pure island bliss. With only a few accommodation options available, you’ll find that many resorts are their own private islands. You’ll truly experience “Fiji time” staying here. Some great places to stay include:
- Best family resort – Toberua Island Resort
- Best luxury resort for couples – Wakaya Club & Spa
Yasawa Island group
One of the easier groups of islands to get to is Yasawa Islands. A great spot for day trips from Denarau port but even better to spend some extra days and explore every crevice of the Yasawas stunning island scenery. Here are some great stays we recommend.
Our top pick is where you can lose yourself in pure island bliss. The Yasawa Island Resort will prove to be the island holiday you didn’t know you needed. Perfect for couples and families with older children, Yasawa Island Resort provides an all-inclusive resort experience to make everyone forget the stresses from daily life. Here you’ll enjoy the finer things in life, right next transparent blue seascapes.
To stay here, you will need to stay a minimum of three nights, with prices starting at $1362AUD a night for a couple.
These resorts also deserve a mention:
- Top travellers pick on TripAdvisor – Coconut Beach Resort
- Top cultural experience – Octopus Resort
- Best resort for couples – Turtle Island Resort
- Best value for families – Paradise Cove Resort
- Best Adventure Resort – Mantaray Island Resort
Kadavu island
Kadavu island is a 50-minute flight from Nadi airport, and famous for the world’s fourth longest barrier reef, the Great Astrolabe Reef. This means Kadavu is the perfect destination for watersport lovers, especially those who love snorkeling or diving. Kadavu is also incredibly remote, meaning unspoiled tropical landscapes.
Our top pick on Kadavu island is the Matava – Eco Adventure Resort. This resort is a sustainable and adventurous travelers’ dream. Snorkelers and divers will also find a piece of heaven here, being able to swim with manta rays and other tropical sea life populating the Great Astrolabe Reef. The resort offers all-inclusive packages including transfers from Kadavu airport starting at $1065AUD for three nights.
Matava welcomes families with young children, but is not designed for them – read their child policy before booking. That being said, Matava offers an excellent educational and recreational opportunity for kids that really is “off the beaten path”!
Lau islands
The Lau islands are Fiji’s least visited island group due to their remote location. This means there aren’t many accommodation options.
However, if you are looking for a truly remote island getaway, have a somewhat unlimited budget, and want all the luxury trimmings, then add some days at the spectacular adults-only Vatuvara Private Island. This is a must stay for those who want to experience their own private island. With only three villas on the entire island, it gives new meaning to secluded opulence. Vatuvara was also voted one of Forbes’ most beautiful places.
Trust us when we say if you do choose to stay here, you’ll be in absolute awe – and taken a bit off guard thinking why it doesn’t attract more tourism.
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