Hotels
The best hotels in Fiji: nine resorts on the islands and on Viti Levu
The boat from Denarau takes an hour to reach the Mamanuca Islands, and when you step ashore the staff are waiting on the jetty singing the welcome song. Fiji is more than 300 islands, and the resorts often sit alone on their own. These are nine places we recommend, from small adults-only hotels to family resorts with kids' clubs.
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Fiji lies in the Pacific, about four hours' flight north of New Zealand. Every international flight lands at Nadi on the main island, Viti Levu. From there, boats and seaplanes head out to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands in the west, where most of the resorts are. Along the south coast of Viti Levu, the Coral Coast, are larger hotels you can reach by road.
We have chosen nine resorts and say who each one suits. Every one has a guest rating of at least 8.8 out of 10 and more than 50 reviews on Expedia. The links go there, and we always pick the hotel before we look for a link. Many of Fiji's best places are small and adults-only, so check the age limit before booking with children.
In short: where should you stay in Fiji?
For a honeymoon or peace and quiet, stay on one of the Mamanuca islands, such as Likuliku or Tokoriki. With children, Castaway Island or Six Senses works well. If you only have a few days, a hotel on Viti Levu is easiest, as you skip the boat transfer.
Best for a honeymoon: Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Best for families: Castaway Island
Best for villas: Six Senses Fiji
Best on Viti Levu: Nanuku Resort
Best for diving: Taveuni Island Resort
How to choose the right resort in Fiji
Island or main island: the Mamanuca islands are quiet, and you eat at your resort. Viti Levu means shorter transfers and more excursions, but the beaches are not as good.
Adults only: several of the best resorts do not take children, including Likuliku, Tokoriki and Lomani in this guide.
Food: most island resorts offer meal packages. They are usually worth it, as there are no other restaurants on the island.
Transfers: boats from Port Denarau take one to two hours. Seaplanes and helicopters are quicker and give you a view of the reefs.
Travel time: from the UK you fly via Asia, Australia or the US. Allow at least 24 hours.
The overwater bures
The overwater bures and jetty at Likuliku Lagoon Resort.
The Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanucas are a group of small islands west of Nadi, with white beaches, coral reefs and some of Fiji's best resorts. Most are one to two hours away by boat.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort: Fiji's first overwater bures
Likuliku is on Malolo island and was the first place in Fiji to build overwater bures, the local word for bungalows. The resort is Fijian-owned and adults-only, with thatched beach bures in traditional style.
This is our honeymoon pick, for the calm, the service and the clear lagoon. Prices are high, and meals are booked as a package. Ask for a bure at the end of the row for the most privacy, and snorkel straight off the steps.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Likuliku Lagoon Resort
The beach from above
The beach and turquoise water at Six Senses Fiji, seen from the air.
Six Senses Fiji: pool villas on Malolo
Six Senses is on the same island, with villas that all have a private pool, and several with more than one bedroom. The resort runs largely on solar power and has a big spa and a kids' club.
This is our pick for villas, for families and groups of friends who want space. It is expensive, and the lagoon gets shallow at low tide. Take a boat out to Cloud 9, a bar built on a platform out on the reef.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Six Senses Fiji
The beach
The white beach and palms at Tokoriki Island Resort.
Tokoriki Island Resort: adults-only sunsets
Tokoriki sits at the far end of the Mamanucas, on an island with a west-facing beach and sunsets over the sea. The bures are right on the sand, and several have a small private pool.
It suits couples who want to be left alone and do not need much to do. It is adults-only and one of the quietest resorts in Fiji. The boat ride is longer, so consider a seaplane or helicopter.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Tokoriki Island Resort
The island from above
The green island and lagoon at Lomani Island Resort, seen from the air.
Lomani Island Resort: small and personal
Lomani is on Malolo Lailai, a small adults-only hotel with suites and bures by the beach and a pool in the garden. The mood is calm and personal.
It suits couples who want a cheaper alternative to Likuliku. The island has other resorts and a marina, so you can walk to other restaurants. Borrow a kayak and paddle along the reef.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Lomani Island Resort
The island from above
Castaway Island and the surrounding coral reef, seen from the air.
Castaway Island: the family island
Castaway sits alone on a small island ringed by coral reef, with thatched bures in the forest and along the beach. It has a kids' club, water sports and snorkelling straight off the beach.
This is our family pick, as children can swim and snorkel safely and never run out of things to do. It is not the most luxurious place, but the atmosphere is warm. Book a bure close to the beach.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Castaway Island, Fiji
The overwater bures from above
The overwater bures in the lagoon at Fiji Marriott Momi Bay, seen from the air.
Viti Levu
Viti Levu is the main island, with the airport at Nadi and the capital, Suva. Hotels here are reached by road and work well for short stays or combined with an island resort.
Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay: overwater near the airport
Momi Bay is about 45 minutes' drive south of Nadi, with overwater bures in a lagoon, several pools and a beach. It is the closest you get to an island resort without a boat transfer.
It suits you if you want an overwater bure without a long journey, and families who want space. The lagoon is shallow and not great for snorkelling. Take a day trip out to the Mamanucas.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
Natadola from above
InterContinental Fiji and the beach at Natadola, seen from the air.
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort: the beach at Natadola
The InterContinental sits on Natadola, one of the best beaches on Viti Levu, with a golf course, several pools and an adults-only wing. Rooms face the bay.
It suits families and golfers who want a big resort with plenty to do. It is about an hour from the airport. Ride a horse along the beach at sunset.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
The pool by the sea
The pool and bure by the sea at Nanuku Resort.
Nanuku Resort: villas at Pacific Harbour
Nanuku is at Pacific Harbour on the south coast, with large villas and bures on the beach and in the rainforest behind. Trips leave from here to Beqa Lagoon, known for shark diving, and for river rafting in the highlands.
This is our Viti Levu pick, if you want to combine luxury with adventure. It is about two hours from Nadi, closer to Suva. Book at least one trip on the Navua River.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Nanuku Resort Fiji
The pool
The infinity pool looking out to sea at Taveuni Island Resort.
Taveuni
Taveuni is known as the Garden Island and lies in north-east Fiji, with rainforest, waterfalls and some of the world's best dive sites close by.
Taveuni Island Resort: the view over the Somosomo Strait
Taveuni Island Resort sits on a hill above the sea, with a handful of villas and an infinity pool looking across the strait. It is a small, quiet place with good food and personal service.
This is our pick for divers, with the Rainbow Reef and the Great White Wall a short boat ride away. You get here on a domestic flight from Nadi. Hike to the waterfalls in Bouma National Park on a day off from diving.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Taveuni Island Resort and Spa
When should you book?
May to October: the dry season, with less humidity and clear water. High season in July and August, during the Australian holidays.
November to April: warmer and wetter, with lower prices and a risk of cyclones from January to March.
Australian and New Zealand school holidays: family resorts fill up. Book early.
Frequently asked questions about hotels in Fiji
How many nights do I need in Fiji?
At least seven nights, as the journey is long. Many people combine a night in Nadi with five or six nights at an island resort. With two weeks, split the stay between the Mamanucas and Taveuni.
Why are COMO Laucala and Kokomo not on the list?
The two private island resorts are among the most expensive in the world, but did not come up in our search on Expedia and are booked direct. Vomo Island Resort had too few reviews to meet our requirement of at least 50.
Is Fiji good for children?
Yes. Fijians are famously good with children, and many resorts offer childcare with local staff. Choose a family resort such as Castaway or Six Senses rather than an adults-only one.
How do I get to the islands?
By boat from Port Denarau, or by seaplane or helicopter from Nadi. Your resort arranges the transfer when you book. Boats run to a timetable, so avoid landing late in the evening.
Do I need a visa for Fiji?
No, British citizens are granted a four-month stay on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months, and you need an onward or return ticket.