Where to Stay in Fiji- A Guide to Choosing the BEST Area & Hotels

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When planning a holiday in Fiji, it can be hard to know where to stay exactly. The main island (Viti Levu) is huge and then there are another 300+ other islands around to choose from!

Do you stay on a small island? Should you explore the capital city? Are the hotels on the tiny islands too expensive? How hard is it to get there? Is Nadi really that bad? Is it possible to find a nice hotel if you’re traveling Fiji on a budget?

These are all questions I had before I booked my own hotels in Fiji on my recent trip. Chances are, you might have some of the same questions.

I wanted to write the blog I wish I had back when I was planning my travels to Fiji, and having visited many times now, I hope you’ll find this to be super useful!

I’ve included a list of the best hotels as well as the best areas based on what you want to get out of your trip! You’ll also find the advantages and disadvantages of each area and hotel recommendations to suit any budget!

Table Of Contents

Choosing Where to Stay in Fiji – The Different Areas and Islands

Deciding where to stay in Fiji is so much more than just picking a nice hotel.

This tiny island nation isn’t all that tiny when it comes to getting around on a short vacation. Between traffic on the main island and the limited ferries to get out to the smaller islands, it really is so important to book a hotel in the area in which you plan to spend the most time.

For this reason, I’ve selected the best areas to stay in Fiji (shown on the map above and described in more detail below!).

My best advice for deciding where to stay in Fiji would be to decide on an area to stay first, and then choose a hotel in that location. Once you’ve decided where in Fiji exactly you want to base yourself, then it’s time to pick a hotel!

Below, I have included the best hotels (for every budget) in each area along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Nadi – Where to Stay in Fiji on a Budget

Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi Fiji on a beautiful day - one of the best areas to stay in Fiji
Wailoaloa Beach is the best area to stay in Nadi, Fiji.

You will likely fly into Nadi airport, which naturally makes Nadi the most convenient place to stay! Nadi is a city of about 42,000 people on Fiji’s largest main island of Viti Levu, sitting right on the coastline with many hotels located here.

Nadi offers a city vibe mixed with a chilled-out beach-vibe making it a great combination regardless of what you’re planning to do. Nadi is also the most budget-friendly area in Fiji in terms of accommodation.

Benefits of staying in Nadi:

Disadvantages of staying in Nadi:

  • The beach isn’t nearly as nice as on the islands
  • Lack of an “island vibe”
  • There can be some traffic when trying to get around

Where to Stay in Nadi: The BEST Hotels in Nadi

The Wailoaloa Beach area in Nadi is very nice with a good beach and several hotels all lined up in a row. When it comes to grabbing a bite to eat, there’s also a good selection of restaurants that are all within walking distance, such as Vasaqa Fiji, which serves some of the best tender pork we’ve ever had!

In this area, there are a few hotels but my recommended ones are:

Budget: Bamboo Backpackers

bamboo backpackers fiji
The bar at this budget hostel is always bumping! Photo Credit: Bamboo Backpackers

Bamboo Backpackers is the perfect place for, as the name suggests, backpackers to stay! The onsite bar and restaurant are always busy and offer a social vibe for solo travelers. In fact, even if you aren’t staying here, the bar is a great place to meet other travelers.

One of the best things about Bamboo Backpackers is that even though it is cheap, it is located right on Wailoaloa Beach – the best beach in Nadi. Here, you can walk to other restaurants with ease. It’s also only a short 15-minute drive to the airport.

Dorms go for as little as $20 FJD and private rooms are $65 FJD for one person.

Check prices and availability for Bamboo Backpackers here!

Mid-range Price: Smugglers Cove

smugglers cove nadi hotel
I stayed in this exact room when I was last in Fiji. Photo Credit: Smugglers Cove

I personally love the Smugglers Cove Hotel in Nadi. This small boutique hotel is the perfect combination of comfort and affordability, and you’re only moments away from the incredible beach. It features an on-site restaurant with delicious food and cheap drinks – need we say more?

The hotel was also very clean, had its own pool that was also steps away from the beach, and the staff were super friendly, doing such an amazing job at making sure we had a great stay.

Smugglers Cove Hotel is located right on Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi – one of the best areas to stay in Fiji if you ask me. There are also dorm rooms here which are pretty large and are also air-conditioned!

The only downside is that this hotel is small, and rooms do fully book in advance.

You can expect to pay about $43 FJD for a bunk bed in the dorm and $176 FJD per night for a standard double room with a mini-refrigerator, air conditioning, kettle, private bathroom, and balcony.

Check availability and prices for the Smugglers Cove Hotel here!

Luxury: Ramada 

ramada nadi fiji
Just look at that view! Photo Credit: Ramada Nadi Fiji

Located right on Wailoaloa Beach, the Ramada is the most luxurious hotel in this area, and you can instantly tell! It features an exclusive pool and restaurant, the Beach Deck Grill, for guest use only. It is also the tallest building in the area, offering some mesmerizing views of the coastline and sunsets.

In fact, the restaurant and bar is actually located on the roof, making it the perfect place to go for happy hour with friends and family when the sun is going down.

This hotel is also unique in the area since all rooms feature kitchens and are more like suites than actual hotel rooms. You can expect a refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washing machine, and dryer in your room, having you feel right at home.

They also have studio rooms, one-bedroom apartments, as well as two-bedroom apartments, perfect for bringing the family to Fiji on an unforgettable holiday!

Because of its close proximity to the airport (only a 15-minute drive), many people stay here for a night before or after their flight. It’s also a great place to spend some time before catching a ferry out to another island.

A King Studio Room with a sea view starts at around $487 FJD, but rooms here do tend to snap up pretty quickly!

You can check availability and prices for the Ramada here.

Related Read: One of the best experiences in Nadi is the Fiji Culture Village where you can learn all about the Fijian way of life, enjoy a traditional show with fire dancers, and of course, have a beautiful dinner!

Denarau – Where to Stay for Easy Port Access

port denarauport denarau
Port Denarau – in this area there are lots of hotels, shopping, and restaurants all aimed at tourists. This is also where you catch the ferries to the islands.

Denarau is only a few minutes drive from the Nadi airport and is centered around the main port. Port Denarau is where all of the ferries to the outer islands depart as well as many day trips.

If you want to catch a ferry to one of the islands, you may need to stay a night or two in Denarau before or after your island stay due to limited ferry timetables. We’ve found that many vacationers often stay in Denarau for a couple of nights before heading out to the islands. While here, they usually do some shopping and prepare for their island getaway!

Benefits of staying in Denarau:

  • Lots of hotels to choose from
  • Close proximity to the Nadi airport and Port Denarau
  • Good value hotels with luxury pools and services
  • Ideal location for day trips and excursions
  • Lots of shopping and restaurants nearby

Disadvantages of staying in Denarau:

  • No “island vibe”
  • Very touristic with little to no locals around
  • Limited beach access
  • No “budget” accommodation options (for budget options, stay in Nadi which is nearby)

Where to stay in Denarau: The BEST Hotels in Denarau

enjoying a drink in danarau fiji
Me, enjoying a drink in Denarau, Fiji

Denarau is a very touristy area composed of resorts, restaurants, and shops all aimed at tourists. Therefore, out of all of the areas to stay in Fiji, there is the biggest selection of very nice hotels and resorts in Denarau. Here are my personal top picks:

Mid-range Price: Radisson Blu Resort Fiji

radisson blu resort fiji
This place is beautiful! Photo Credit: Radisson Blu Resort Fiji

The Radisson Blu Resort is just stunning, and for what you get, the price is very reasonable too. This resort is really huge, offering tons of activities for both families and couples. There is also an adults-only pool as well as an area specifically for kids. Better yet, it is also beachfront and offers spa services as well.

The port is also just around the corner, making this hotel the perfect place to stay before you head out for an island stay. If you fancy sticking around, you can simply base yourself here and go out on as many day trips as you want!

Rooms here range from standard hotel-style rooms with king beds or two queens, up to two-bedroom suites. Some rooms feature courtyard views while others had a view of the lagoon. All rooms have a balcony and minibar.

A two-person king suite here starts from around $522 FJD per night.

Check availability and prices at the Radisson Blue Resort here!

Luxury: Sheraton Denarau Villas

sheraton denarau
For a luxurious stay, you can’t go wrong with the Sheraton! Photo Credit: Sheraton Denarau

Sheraton Denarau Villas is a 5-star resort perfect for big groups or families wanting a bit of luxury. The villas sleep up to 7 people, each with 3 bedrooms, full kitchens, large living spaces, and a huge balcony. Honestly, it’s just like having your own home away from home.

This resort is located very close to the Denarau Marina with close access to shops, as well as tons of activities right on your doorstep, meaning you could stay here comfortably for your entire trip. In fact, the resort is so large and has so many things to do that you’ll probably never want to leave.

At the resort, you’ll also find 6 (yes, 6!) swimming pools as well as 14 incredible restaurants! There is also a spa, golf course, fitness center, and a kids club. Need we say more?

Pricing for a villa that sleeps 7 starts at $1,471 FJD per night, which honestly isn’t too high, especially if you’re sharing with friends.

Check prices and availability for Sheraton Denarau Villas here!

Related Read: Once you’ve decided on a place to stay, check out the best tours in Fiji to pick some amazing add-ons for your trip!

Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands – Where to Stay in Fiji for the Best Beaches

cheap island excursion fijicheap island excursion fiji
Just me on a SUP…Island life is the best life!

For the best beaches in Fiji and the most relaxing holidays, you’ll need to leave Viti Levu (the main island of Fiji where Nadi and Port Denarau are located) and visit a smaller, more isolated island. This is where you’ll find that “island paradise” that you probably imagined Fiji to be.

There are literally hundreds of islands to choose from in Fiji, and they’re all so beautiful!

One main thing to consider when booking a hotel on an island in Fiji is how you’re going to get there. Some resorts are easier to get to than others. Some are accessible by ferry and some require a private transfer.

While there are many different island groups and areas you can choose from, the two main ones are the Mamanuca Islands and Yasawa Islands. Both areas are groups of islands featuring many different resorts and hotels to choose from.

The Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands are both easier to get to than many of the other islands. You’ll have to take a ferry from Port Denarau – but this is all part of the adventure. Do you want an isolated island paradise? Well, this is exactly where you’ll find that!

Benefits of staying on an Island:

  • The BEST beaches
  • Relaxing holiday
  • Island vibe and culture
  • Good snorkeling close by

Disadvantages of staying on an Island:

  • More expensive for accommodation and food than on the main island
  • Must take a long ferry to get there
  • There can be limited things to do
  • Must eat at the hotel restaurants
  • Many resorts have mandatory meal plans which are overpriced

Worried about getting to your island paradise resort? Just ask your hotel once you’ve booked to help you book your ferry, they are the experts! Plus, the hotels I recommend below also all have great customer service.

Where to Stay on the Yasawa Islands: The BEST Hotels on the Yasawa Islands

a beautiful fiji island
Staying on the islands in Fiji is what most people dream about!

The Yasawa Islands are made up of a total of 20 pristine islands. They are located northwest of Viti Levu and easily reached by riding the Yasawa Flyer catamaran. From Port Denarau, you can expect the ride to take anywhere from 2.5-4.5 hours depending on where you choose to stay.

Budget: Mantaray Island Resort

view from above of Mantaray Island Resort in Fiji
This island is stunning! Photo Credit: Mantaray Island Resort

Budget options can be a little tricky to find on the outer islands, so when we came across Mantaray Island Resort, we knew that it was a real hidden gem!

Offering traditional bure rooms, as well as beds in their comfortable dorms, it’s totally possible to explore here on a budget. All the rooms have balconies or patios and are air-conditioned, so you’ve got plenty of space to lounge about and relax. Plus, the island is a diver’s paradise, with over 40 stunning dive sites within just 20 minutes of the resort. Exploring the marine world doesn’t get better than that!

The resort is famous for it’s close proximity to manta rays, and chances are that you’ll swim with them during your stay!

There are also a ton of entertainment options that the super friendly team puts on each week, but our favorite had to be the weekly crab races. No crabs are harmed as part of the races, and everyone was betting on which contenders they thought would win – it was such a blast! Aside from this, the team also throws bonfire nights, evening tube cruises, and that’s just scratching the surface.

A bed in the dormitory here costs around $63 FJD per night, which is perfect for those wanting a real island getaway experience without paying huge amounts of money. In fact, many backpackers make their way out here for an island retreat on a shoestring budget.

If you have a little more to spend but are still budget-conscious, you can also stay at a private bure which starts from $250 FJD per night. But that’s not to say that all bures are the same! If you fancy something a little more adventurous, you can even stay in a treehouse bure, how cool is that?!

You can easily get to the Mantaray Island Resort on the Yasawa Flyer ferry that departs Port Denarau regularly. The ride should take about 2 hours and cost about $172 FJD for a one-way trip.

Check prices and availability for Mantaray Island Resort here.

Luxury: Navutu Stars Resort 

navutu stars resort
Imagine staying here – paradise! Photo Credit: Navutu Stars Resort

Navutu Stars Resort is located on an isolated but beautiful island in the Yasawa island group. This incredible resort features only 9 bungalows, so it is super tranquil and relaxing. All bungalows are beachfront and there are tons of free activities to keep you busy!

The resort features a stunning pool and an on-site restaurant with reasonable prices. They also have a day spa if you want to take your relaxation to the next level. If you don’t fancy heading over to the restaurant, dinner can be arranged to be brought to you and served on your bungalow patio as part of a candle-lit experience (you definitely have to try this at least once!). Navutu Stars really is one of the best resorts in Fiji for honeymooners or couples.

The Navutu Stars Resort can be reached easily on the Yasawa Flyer ferry from Port Denarau. The ride should cost $194 FJD one-way and take about 3.5 hours.

A two-person bungalow will cost about $768 FJD per night with breakfast included and a patio with an ocean view.

Check prices and availability for Navutu Stars Resort here!

*Note: When booking accommodation on the outer islands, be sure to check whether they have a compulsory food plan or not. This price is usually in the fine print and not included in the room rate. Both of the hotels I’ve selected above do NOT have this compulsory plan.

Where to Stay on the Mamanuca Islands: The BEST Hotels on Mamanuca Islands

view of the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji
These islands are breathtaking!

The Mamanuca Islands are some of the most popular areas to stay in Fiji. They are a beautiful and isolated group of islands that’s easily reached from Port Denarau. Most resorts can be reached in about a 2-hour or so ferry or boat ride if you book a Fiji island tour.

You might recognize these islands from the reality TV series Survivor, or the movie Cast Away that stars Tom Hanks. These islands are so beautiful they really are what you see on TV!

The next two resorts I’m about to recommend are some of the best in the Mamanuca Islands:

Budget: Beachcomber Island Resort

the private island of Beachcomber Island Resort
This place is just wow! Photo Credit: Beachcomber Island Resort

Located not far from Viti Levu, the Beachcomber Island Resort is one of the most popular island resorts to stay in Fiji, and the rooms here are also pretty affordably priced!

The resort is actually located within a marine sanctuary, making it one of the best spots around for snorkeling or diving. Other popular activities you can get stuck into include windsurfing and canoeing, and they even have a live Fijian show as part of the entertainment.

You can reach the Beachcomber Resort from Port Denarau by riding the Yasawa Flyer ferry, which should take about 2 hours and costs $128 FJD each way.

There are also plenty of different room types and bungalows to choose from – something for every budget really! Dorm beds go for as little as $139 FJD per night, whereas you can get a standard twin room for $448 FJD for two people. For those willing to spend a little more, their Beachfront Bungalow costs about $592 FJD.

Check prices and availability at Beachcomber Island Resort here!

Luxury: Castaway Island Resort

View of Castaway Island in Fiji
This is easily one of the best places to stay in Fiji. Photo Credit: Castaway Island Fiji

If you’re looking for a luxurious island stay that’s easy to get to and is full of things to do for couples and families, look no further! Castaway Island Resort is a huge private island resort that comes as one of the most highly-rated places to stay in Fiji. Here, you’ll find 4 restaurants, a pool, a kids club, and an endless list of free activities to keep you busy all day long. You can also take advantage of the tennis court, pool bar, and day spa.

The resort really is one of the easiest resorts to get to, in fact, many guests skip the boat ride altogether and opt for the short (but scenic) flight. From the Nadi airport, you can get to Castaway Island in only 15 minutes. If you want to take a boat, South Sea Cruises has a catamaran that departs daily. Or you can visit Castaway Island on a day trip (like we did!).

A stay at Castaway Island Resort is on the pricier end though, and you can expect to pay upwards of $1400 FJD per night for a bure. But trust me, this luxury resort is well worth the price tag and there are few places to stay in Fiji as beautiful as this.

Check prices and availability at Castaway Island here!

Island Hopping

Fiji Cruise Ship
Imagine exploring all of the islands of Fiji on this cruise ship?! Photo Credit: Captain Cook Cruises

Can’t decide which island to visit or which resort? Well, then you should consider going island hopping!

Island hopping means you will bounce around between different islands during your holiday, this way, you’ll be able to see and do so much more.

There are two different ways you can organize island hopping: 1) book a hop-on hop-off pass with South Sea Cruises and prearrange your accommodation on the islands you want to visit, or 2) go on an organized cruise.

Organized cruises are great because you don’t need to do any planning. There are a few different types of cruises you can choose from, some of the most popular options include:

  • 7-Night Cruise – For just over a week of island exploration, this 7-night cruise will have you exploring some of the most incredible Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands, with plenty of activities to keep everyone (even kids) busy. You’ll sleep in your own room on the ship, with all meals included, and the ship even has its own pool! You can expect to pay over $3400 USD per person for this 8-day experience.
  • 4-Night Cruise – If you’re excited to spend some time out on a cruise ship, but don’t fancy staying out quite so long, then this cruise is another great option. It also includes meals and plenty of fun activities during the day. Since it is only 4 nights, this is the perfect option for anybody who wants to experience lots in a short amount of time. The fare per person is around $1660 USD for this experience.
  • 7-Night Tour – This is an organized tour where they prearrange accommodation across the various islands for you, and also supply the transport between the islands. It also includes a ton of fun activities like hanging out at the Malamala Beach Club, hiking, snorkeling, caves, and more! Meals are not included in this tour, but it comes in pretty reasonably priced at around $963 USD per person.

Honestly, visiting the pristine islands is not only one of the best things to do in Fiji, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!


Don’t get Caught without Travel Insurance!

We never travel without travel insurance! We’ve had a few instances during our travels when one of us has ended up in the hospital, and travel insurance has saved us thousands of dollars over the years!

SafetyWing is our go-to insurance, we both have policies with them whenever we travel.

They offer travel medical insurance that’s super affordable (only $45 USD per 4 weeks!)The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once you’ve left your home country – we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport.  

We’ve personally used SafetyWing for many different trips, and we’ve been reimbursed for countless expenses when we’ve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada in full when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive!) While most travel insurance companies left people stranded, SafetyWing fully reimbursed us for our last-minute, pricey flights!

Also, because it is so affordable, there really is no excuse not to take out a policy. Check prices and get a quote online here with SafetyWing (you can even take out a policy if you’re already traveling!)

Coral Coast

maui bay in fiji on the coral coast
Maui Bay on the Coral Coast.

The Coral Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline that’s located just over an hour’s drive from Nadi. Here, you will find some really nice beaches and various resorts offering an island vibe without actually having to get on a boat or drive too far!

Benefits of staying on the Coral Coast:

  • Good snorkeling
  • Not far from Nadi and no boat transfer required
  • Relaxing and away from the city
  • Better value-for-money hotels

Disadvantages of staying on the Coral Coast:

  • Far from lots of shops and restaurants
  • Can be difficult to organize certain day trips or excursions
  • Beaches are often filled with coral (not the white sandy beaches you’d expect to see in Fiji)

Where to Stay on the Coral Coast: My recommended hotels on the Coral Coast

sunset on the Coral Coast in Fiji
A beautiful sunset on the Coral Coast.

On the Coral Coast many of the hotels are larger, more spread out, and oceanfront, making them the perfect beach getaway. Expect pools, onsite bars and restaurants, palm trees everywhere, and sunsets on the ocean! Staying in a “bure” (a Fijian-style bungalow) is such a great way to experience Fijian living.

Here are a few of my personal hotel recommendations on the Coral Coast:

Budget: Tambua Sands Beach Resort

tambua sands beach resort
This place offers great value for money. Photo Credit: Tambua Sands Beach Resort

Located right on the beach with a pool, this is about as budget as it gets on the Coral Coast without compromising comfort too much. The Tambua Sands Beach Resort also has its very own freshwater pool, as well as its own on-site restaurant with views of the ocean!

There are also a bunch of fun activities you can get stuck into on-site, such as billiards, table tennis, and darts, as well as organized reef walks and visits to nearby Fijian villages.

With a two-person bure costing around $176 FJD per night for two people, we think this is a pretty great deal considering the resort’s amazing location and list of activities! You can check your dates and book your room online here.

Mid-range: Outrigger Beach Resort

the pool at the Outrigger Beach Resort in Fiji
The swim-up bar at the Outrigger on the Coral Coast. Photo Credit: Outrigger Beach Resort.

The perfect combination of beach life and luxury, the Outrigger Beach Resort is for those wanting a bit of pampering on their holiday – and honestly, who doesn’t? There are plenty of on-site activities, and we found that snorkeling right in front of the resort was an amazing experience. There are two amazing pools, a dedicated kids club, tons of delicious restaurants to choose from, and better yet, sunset bars!

The location on the Coral Coast means you don’t need a boat to get there but can still experience some of the tranquility and a beautiful beach that you might find on the smaller islands. There are also a few restaurants nearby the hotel as well, so you won’t be confined to just eating at the hotel.

You can expect to pay around $489 FJD for a standard king room with a resort view.

Check prices and availability for the Outrigger Resort here!

Luxury: Maui Palms

maui palms
This small hotel is stunning, and affordable! Photo Credit: Maui Palms

On one of our first times checking out the Coral Coast, we decided to try somewhere suitable for a mid-range budget, and we came across the wonderful Maui Palms – what a find! Their clean and homey villas are just 20 yards (18 m) from the beach and are right next to their very own infinity pool, so you’re really spoiled for choice on where to swim.

Located only 15 minutes from Sigatoka, the hotel offers everything that a resort would without the high price point. You can get a taxi into town for local meals, or choose to eat at the reasonably priced on-site restaurant, which serves delicious Fijian cuisine. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take cooking lessons here too!

You can expect to pay about $1,126 FJD per night for a 2-person villa with an ocean view. You can check availability and book Maui Palms online here.


Pacific Harbour

beautiful beaches on the coral coastbeautiful beaches on the coral coast
Beautiful beaches can be found on the main island of Fiji – you don’t necessarily have to go to another smaller island!

Heading about an hour’s drive east of the Coral Coast is the amazing Pacific Coast area. The heart of the Pacific Coast is a town called Pacific Harbour where there are some restaurants and shops as well as some great accommodation options.

It takes about 2-2.5 hours to get to the Pacific Coast from Nadi airport by taxi. If you’re taking a local bus, the ride should be about 3.5-4 hours.

Benefits of staying on the Pacific Coast:

  • Amazing beaches
  • Lots of adventure excursions nearby
  • Perfect location for the famous shark scuba diving
  • Only 45 minutes from Fiji’s capital city Suva, which makes for a good day trip
  • Super relaxing and quiet

Disadvantages of staying on the Pacific Coast:

  • More expensive than the cities
  • Less restaurant and shopping options (only one over-priced grocery store)
  • Select accommodation available
  • Can feel very isolated

Where to stay on the Pacific Coast: The BEST Hotels on the Pacific Coast

uprising beach resort pooluprising beach resort pool
This is the Uprising Beach Resort pool on the Pacific Coast. This place actually has dorms for only $50 FJD a night, meaning budget and luxury is possible!

The Pacific Coast is a bit more expensive than the cities or even the Coral Coast, but the beaches are incredible and there are lots of different things to do in the area, making it well worth it!

Budget and Mid-range Price: Uprising Beach Resort

uprising beach resort
Photo Credit: Uprising Beach Resort

The dorm beds are good budget-friendly options in the area, a dorm goes for $50 FJD a night. If you want your own room, a bure with a fan and garden view costs $170 FJD per night for two people. The resort is located on the beach and there is a pool. Uprising has a restaurant on-site and is only a 15-minute walk from the town center (or $3 FJD taxi ride) where there is a grocery store and reasonably priced restaurants.

Mir-range to Luxury: The Pearl South Pacific Resort

view from above the The Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour
This is a stunning place! Photo Credit: The Pearl South Pacific Resort

For the ultimate in luxury on the Pacific Coast, The Pearl Resort really is, well, the pearl in the crown (pun absolutely intended)! Situated in Pacific Harbour about a 2-hour drive from Nadi Airport, this resort is loaded to the brim with everything you could possibly need to have an incredible stay. From the volleyball court to the soothing spa, it’s really up to you whether you choose to relax, get active, or do both!

There’s also a stunning 18-hole golf course on-site too, which is open year-round with impressive views of the tropical forests and winding canals. Playing here really is like an expedition adventure in itself! The 6.2 km (3.85 mi) greens also have some deep bunkers and water hazards for you to really sharpen your skills at.

Rooms here start from $246 FJD per night, ranging from the beautiful superior rooms all the way up to the gorgeous penthouse suites. Some of these rooms lead directly to the tropical gardens, while others give direct access straight onto the beach with beautiful panoramic ocean views. Are you already checking your diary? Because I know I am!

You can book your stay at The Pearl South Pacific Resort here.

Suva

at the presidents house in fiji with the guard
Mom and I posing for the camera with the President’s House guard in Suva, Fiji.

Suva is the capital city of Fiji, and often gets a bit of a bad reputation with tourists as it is big and a little bit on the dirty side. While I wouldn’t recommend spending your entire time in Suva, I think it’s definitely worth spending a night or two here to experience a big city in Fiji! There is an airport in Suva or you can drive from Nadi which takes about 3.5-4 hours.

Benefits of staying in Suva:

  • Cheap shopping and markets
  • Can visit the museum, the president’s house, and the Grand Pacific Hotel (there are actually lots of interesting things to do in Suva!)
  • Plenty of restaurants and bars
  • City experience to see how most Fijians live

Disadvantages of Staying in Suva:

  • Less safe than other areas of Fiji
  • Dirty and busy with traffic
  • Good beaches are a little ways away

Where to stay in Suva: The BEST Hotels in Suva

grand pacific hotelgrand pacific hotel
The front of the famous Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Suva, there are actually quite a few options open to you! You can either choose to stay in an apartment in town, which tends to be cheaper and is better for experiencing living as a local, all the way up to staying in a 5-star resort on the outskirts of town.

Budget: Toorak Central

a clean hotel room in Toorak Central hotel in Suva, Fiji
This is a clean, budget option. Photo Credit: Toorak Central Suva

One of the best parts about staying in the city is that your budget goes a lot further than at the resorts! But that doesn’t mean that you have to live without all the amenities you’re used to either. In fact, you can stay really comfortably here on less.

Our top budget pick in Suva has to be Toorak Central, a fantastic 4-star hotel which offers spotless rooms in the heart of the city. All the rooms are air-conditioned, and even have a kettle, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom too.

After a day exploring the city, you can fill your stomach with a tasty meal at the on-site restaurant and hang out at the bar – sounds like an awesome evening to us! If you’re like Dan and occasionally get the itch to try out some golf, the Fiji Golf club is also just 5.5 km (3.4 mi) away.

Rooms here at Toorak Central start from just $180 FJD per night, and its location makes it perfect to check out downtown Suva and get to know the locals.

You can check dates and book your stay at Toorak Central here.

Mid-range Price: Novotel Suva

novotel suva lami bay hotel
There are some great places to stay in Suva! Photo credit: Novotel Suva Lami Bay

Looking to explore the city while staying at a hotel with incredible views? Well, you’ll want to check out the Novotel Suva! This hotel is just 6 km (3.7 mi) from the city center, making it a bit of an escape from the city while being only a 10-15 minute taxi ride away.

There’s also an on-site swimming pool (pictured above!), as well as a bar where you can grab drinks – perfect for when the sun is starting to go down. If you’re in the mood for an excursion, then there’s a bunch that you can arrange right from the hotel, including snorkeling, boat trips, and island visits!

A double room here with air conditioning and a balcony starts from $292 FJD per night, but it’s best to book well in advance as this hotel can be quite popular.

Luxury: Grand Pacific Hotel

grand pacific hotel suva
Look at this pool! Photo Credit: Grand Pacific Hotel Suva

For a little bit of royal indulgence, there’s no place to stay in Suva quite like the Grand Pacific Hotel – seriously, this hotel is where the Queen stayed when she hosted Fiji!

Built all the way back in 1914, this hotel has stood the test of time, and we can easily see why it’s still so popular to this day. With stunning ocean views, there’s a grand total of 5 on-site restaurants, 3 bars, a fully equipped fitness center, and even a day spa where you can relax and unwind.

There are quite a few options when it comes to deciding which room you’d like to stay at here. Their most affordable room is their classic king or twin room, which starts at $462 FJD per night, or if you want to try the royal suite, it will cost you $1,921 FJD per night!

You can check availability for the Grand Pacific Hotel and book your stay online here.

Activities to do While You’re in Fiji

drinking Kava at a hotel in Nadi, Fiji
Me, at a Kava ceremony!

While it’s sooo tempting to sit back and spend all of your time relaxing at the beach, there’s actually a ton of other fun things to do in Fiji as well! Taking part can be an amazing way of getting to know more about the culture, and have a blast while you’re doing so.

Here are a few of our personal favorite activities in Fiji that never fail to put a smile on our faces:

  • Try Kava – Now Kava isn’t exactly a drink you try for the taste, but as a way of getting to learn more about Fijian culture you can’t beat going to a Kava ceremony! It’s made from a ground-up plant root and is generally a substitute for alcohol (which is super expensive in Fiji). Some hotels and resorts occasionally put on a Kava ceremony, but if that’s not the case, you can also pay to go on a village tour and try Kava there.
  • Go snorkeling – A trip to Fiji wouldn’t be complete without also exploring its incredible underwater world. In fact, Fiji is world-renowned for scuba diving and snorkeling! From the brightly colored coral to the beautiful fish and sharks (yup, sharks!), there’s so much to see and explore down in the big blue. If you’re feeling super adventurous, you can go on an organized trip to Beqa Island, where you can go snorkeling with sharks!
  • Visit the mud pools – If you’re like me, when you hear of an all-natural day spa you think of three words – “Sign me up!”. The Sabeto Mud Pools and Hot Springs is located just on the outskirts of Nadi and is the best place to give yourself a mud bath that you totally didn’t know you needed. My skin felt so soft after – it’s unreal! Entry is about $20 FJD per person, or you can book yourself onto a multi-stop sightseeing tour that stops off here.
  • Deep-sea fishing – Fishing is something that’s right at the heart of Fijian culture. I mean, they have some of the most amazing seafood after all (try Kokoda when you get the chance)! With a little bit of luck, you can catch some really impressive fish, from marlin to mahi mahi, and more. Certain fish can be caught and released, while others you may be able to bring back to your hotel for the chefs to prepare for you.

Where to Stay in Fiji: My Personal Opinion

riding on a river cruise in Fiji
Thanks for reading and I hope my blog helps you decide where to stay in Fiji!

I think the perfect holiday to Fiji is a mix of city and beach. So for me, the best way to visit Fiji is to spend a couple of days in Nadi or Port Denarau (close to Nadi) as well as a couple of days in a relaxing location such as the Pacific Coast or on an island. By doing this, you’ll get to experience the best parts of Fiji- the people and the beaches!

Have you stayed in a particularly great hotel in Fiji? Tell me about it in the comments and I might just add it to this blog! Don’t forget to check out some of my other blogs about Fiji, including these:

The BEST Things to do in Fiji

12 Things to Know BEFORE Visiting Seventh Heaven Fiji

Guide to the Fiji Culture Village

Source: destinationlesstravel.com

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