The best hotels in Fiji: nine resorts on the islands and on Viti Levu

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.