Fiji is a dream location made up of over 333 tropical islands spread across the South Pacific with just over 100 of them occupied. Before taking a trip to Fiji for the very first time, I had no concept how to even pick an island.
But understanding where to stay in Fiji can make or break your journey, whether you desire honeymoon luxury, family enjoyable, diving experiences or affordable relaxation.
Now after having spent time travelling Fiji several times across various islands, including the primary island Viti Levu, I will break down the most popular areas to remain in Fiji, who they’re finest for, things to do and my top hotel choices for each area.
Fiji Budget: What to Expect
Personally, I advise going to Fiji if you have a bigger budget plan, due to the fact that this is where the nation really shines: there are so many incredible luxury residential or commercial properties that are definitely worth the splurge for the complete island paradise experience.
For mid-range travellers, alternatives are more restricted, and you may discover yourself paying close to luxury rates for accommodation that doesn’t completely meet expectations.
Budget stays are available, specifically in the Yasawa Islands, but the quality can feel standard, frequently more like paying mid-range rates for an extremely simple or no-frills stay. Simply put: to truly delight in the very best of what Fiji needs to provide, a healthy budget goes a long way!
1. Denarau Island (& Nadi): Finest for Benefit & Short Remains
Finest for: Resort lovers Households desiring a hassle-free trip Honeymooners who don’t want to take a trip far Short-stay luxury without venturing far If you’re getting here by global flight, Nadi is your entrance to Fiji and its islands. Denarau Island is a man-made island just 20 minutes from the airport
. It’s often the given name that pops up when looking for where to stay in Fiji. This little island is linked to the mainland by bridge and is home to the majority of the large resorts, first-rate medspas and golf courses. The Denarau marina is likewise the departure point for all island hopping journeys to the external islands.
Pro Pointer: I wouldn’t advise staying in Nadi itself if you seek a true Fiji island experience. Nadi is best matched for budget travellers or those requiring a fast overnight stop before heading to the outer islands. While it provides cultural sights like local markets and temples, the town itself is busy and the beaches are far from the white-sand tropical paradise you might expect!
What’s good about Denarau?
- Only 20 minutes from Nadi International Airport.
- Gated location with high-end hotels (like Hilton, Sofitel, Radisson Blu)
- Clean grounds, golf course, health spas, and waterside dining
- Easy departure point for island-hopping (most ferryboats leave from Denarau Marina).
Disadvantages to remaining in Denarau
- Beaches are manufactured or not as stunning as external islands
- Feels extremely “built for tourists” and less genuine Fijian culture
- Costly: meals, activities, and rooms priced for tourists
Things to do in Denarau
- Explore Port Denarau’s shops and restaurants
- Relax at your resort’s pool or beach
- Take an excursion to the neighboring Mamanuca Islands (the closest island group to Nadi/Denarau)
- Visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and take in the Sabeto Mud Pools (35-minute drive from Denarau Island)
Top Hotels in Denarau
($$$) Sofitel Fiji Resort & Health Club: Modern, glamorous, beachfront with a fantastic pool scene.
($$) Radisson Blu Resort Fiji: Family preferred with waterslides and a huge lagoon swimming pool.
($) The Palms Denarau: Cost effective, apartment-style remain right near the marina.
2. Mamanuca Islands: Finest for Honeymoons & Island Paradise Vibes
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// www.w3.org/2000/svg’%20viewBox=’0%200%20683%201024’%3E%3C/svg%3E”alt=”Malolo Island in Mamanucas “/ >< img width= "683 "height ="1024"src= "https://breathingtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Malolo-Island-in-Mamanucas-683x1024.jpg"alt="Malolo Island in Mamanucas "/ > Best for: Couples and honeymooners Luxury seekers Island hopping adventures The Mamanuca Islands are what Fiji postcards are made of– powdery beaches, swaying palms, and dazzling turquoise waters. These islands are quickly reached by
boat or seaplane from Nadi, making them perfect for brief or luxury stays.
Leading Hotels in the Mamanuca Islands
($$$) 6 Senses Fiji: Eco-luxury resort offering private vacation homes, wellness programs and best for honeymoons. Read my complete resort review here.
($$) Castaway Island Resort: Family-friendly, easygoing high-end with sensational beaches.
($$) Tropica Island Resort: Tranquil adults-only retreat with infinity swimming pool views.
3. Yasawa Islands: Finest for Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience
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Yasawa Islands in Fiji “/ > Finest for: Experience candidates Couples Budget-conscious visitors Backpackers and solo visitors Additional afield than the Mamanucas, the Yasawa Islands provide untouched beauty and a slower pace.
Ideal for tourists wanting to check out standard Fijian culture and
- natural marvels without the crowds. Things to do
- in the Yasawa Islands Snorkel the
- well-known Blue Lagoon Explore the Sawa-i-Lau caves Enjoy sea kayaking and paddleboarding Swim with Manta Rays (seasonal)
- Go to regional towns
Leading Hotels in the Yasawa Islands
($$) Blue Lagoon Beach Resort: Budget friendly beachfront resort with exceptional snorkelling.
($$) Barefoot Manta Island Resort: Environment-friendly, known for seasonal manta ray snorkelling.
($) Octopus Resort: Cost effective, dynamic vibe and great diving close-by.
4. Coral Coast: Best for Households & Mid-Budget Resorts
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Coast Fiji mainland “/ > Finest for: Couples and honeymooners Households with kids Beach enthusiasts Culture lovers Stretching along the southern coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, the Coral Coast is dotted with resorts that blend beach relaxation with
- simple access to cultural experiences and adventure
- . Things to do along the Coral Coast Sigatoka River Safari experience See Fijian towns Horseback riding along the beach
- Check out sand dunes at Sigatoka
Top Hotels on the Coral Coast
($$$) InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Health club: High-end beachfront resort with a spectacular stretch of Natadola Beach, world-class golf course, and excellent dining choices. Read my complete review of this resort.
($$) Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort: Lovely setting, kids club, and cultural activities.
($) Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa: Cost effective, unwinded environment on the beachfront.
5. Pacific Harbour & Beqa Lagoon: Best for Experience & Diving
< img width ="683"height="1024"src="// www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20683%201024'%3E%3C/svg%3E "alt=" Pacific Harbour & Beqa Lagoon"/ > Best for: Experience junkies Scuba divers Those desiring an uncrowded, wild Fiji Called Fiji’s” Experience Capital,”Pacific Harbour offers thrills from land to sea. Believe shark diving,
- white-water rafting, and jungle ziplines. Beqa Lagoon close-by is well-known for world-class diving. Things to do in Pacific
- Harbour Shark diving at Beqa Lagoon Ziplining and jungle trekking White-water rafting journeys Surfing or golf
Leading Hotels in Pacific Harbour
($$$) Nanuku Resort: Luxury boutique stay with private vacation homes and ocean views.
($$) Beqa Lagoon Resort: Located on Beqa Island, specializes in dive journeys including shark encounters
($) The Pearl Resort: Budget-friendly beachfront resort with diving and golf plans.
6. Taveuni Island: Best for Nature Lovers & Waterfalls
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“// www.w3.org/2000/svg’%20viewBox=’0%200%20683%201024’%3E%3C/svg%3E” alt=”Tavenui Island Fiji”/ > Best for: Hikers and nature lovers Divers Off-the-beaten-path travellers Nicknamed”The Garden Island,”Taveuni Island is rich, wild, and best for
visitors wishing to explore Fiji’s natural charm far from the crowds. It’s likewise home to the famous Rainbow Reef. To reach Taveuni Island, you can take a domestic flight from Nadi or Suva, which lands at Matei Airport on Taveuni. Additionally, there are ferryboat choices from Suva. Things to do
- in Tavenui Island Walking Bouma National Heritage Park
- Swim in the Tavoro Waterfalls
- Explore the Lavena Coastal Stroll
- Dive the Rainbow Reef
Leading Hotels in Tavenui
($$$) Taveuni Island Resort & Health spa: Romantic luxury with incredible views.
($$) Paradise Taveuni: Boutique resort best for diving.
($) Maravu Taveuni Lodge: Budget-friendly, laid-back, and great for backpackers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION: Where to Stay in Fiji
Is it worth staying on mainland Fiji?
While Denarau is hassle-free, especially for a brief stay or an easy start to your trip, it’s not my top choice when it pertains to Fiji’s best beaches. The sand and water here simply don’t compare to what you’ll learn on the islands. If you can, I highly recommend heading to the Mamanuca Islands, they’re close sufficient to the mainland however offer that real island paradise feel that makes Fiji so special. Otherwise, the Coral Coast is an excellent middle ground, where you can drive 1 to 1.5 hours from the airport to reach some much prettier beaches without requiring to catch a boat or flight.
Which islands are best for couples?
If you’re dreaming of a romantic escape, the Mamanuca Islands are ideal for honeymooners and high-end candidates. Believe private beachfront cottages, white-sand beaches, and sunset cruises, perfect for unwinding and commemorating love in a tropical paradise. On the other hand, if you and your partner crave seclusion, experience, and rich natural charm, head to Taveuni. Called Fiji’s Garden Island, Taveuni uses unbelievable hiking, waterfalls, and diving, which is best for couples who wish to explore nature together and delight in peaceful, off-the-beaten-path minutes away from the crowds.
How costly is Fiji?
Fiji can suit a range of spending plans, however overall it leans towards the more expensive side, especially if you remain at luxury resorts or on the outer islands. High-end properties like those in the Mamanuca or Yasawa Islands (think overwater beachfront cottages, private rental properties, and all-encompassing stays) can quickly cost AUD $800–$2,000+ per night. Mid-range resorts on the mainland or Coral Coast are more budget friendly, with rooms beginning around AUD $250–$500 per night. Budget visitors can discover dorm beds or basic bure (bungalow) remains in the Yasawas from as low as AUD $50–$100 per night.
Activities like diving, island-hopping ferries and private trips also add up, but you can conserve by choosing package deals or adhering to totally free activities like snorkelling or treking. Food and drinks at resorts tend to be expensive, so selecting meal-inclusive stays or venturing to local restaurants on the mainland can help handle expenses. Flights to Fiji can be reasonable from Australia and New Zealand, but contribute to the total spend if you’re coming from further afield.
Where to Stay in Fiji– Final Words
With its spectacular landscapes and welcoming culture, Fiji and its islands offer unlimited methods to make your dream vacation come to life, no matter if you’re here for relaxation, love or experience, there’s a perfect location for you to stay in Fiji.
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