authentic travel fiji

10 Places to Visit in Fiji for Unique Experiences

Giving justice to the beauty of the sun-soaked archipelago of Fiji in words is no easy feat. The mere mention of Fiji for many will provoke thoughts of verdant tropical foliage, turquoise lagoons lapping against pristine beaches and cascading waterfalls – and they wouldn’t be wrong. Made up of 333 islands dotted throughout the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji is not only stunning in every sense, here you’ll find some of the most incredibly unique experiences. The nation’s proud heritage and culture shine through its hospitality and authentic local experiences which we are about to showcase. Keep reading for the best places to visit in Fiji for unique experiences!

Post Contents

The Best Time to Travel to Fiji

Important tips for fiji travel, village tour to meet indigenous landowners, scuba diving on taveuni island.

• Fijian Crested Iguana Experience

Blue Lagoon Cave Tour on Yasawa Island

Traditional kava ceremony, explore monuriki island, off-road cave safari in momi bay, snorkel encounter with sharks off kuata island, zip line fiji, sigatoka river safari on denarau island, explore our gallery of customisable fiji tours, what you need to know before you visit fiji.

The perfect year-round destination; as the temperature rarely drops below 18 degrees celsius, there’s no one ‘best time of year to go to Fiji’. If you’re looking to travel to Fiji from Australia , you’ll find the seasons are very similar. 

The dry season spans May to October and is also the peak season when the islands are at their busiest. The wet season, which spans November to April, will see hot, humid conditions with frequent showers and storms. However, both seasons have their merits so the best month to visit Fiji largely depends on what you plan to do when there. To read all about the best time to visit Fiji in detail, check out our Fiji travel guide .  

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Below we’ve detailed some of our quick tips for Fiji travel. However, for more, check out our detailed posts about Fiji and connect with our trusted Local Designers on the ground in Fiji who can answer all your questions and design your perfect trip!

• Fiji is made up of over 333 islands, however, 87% of its population lives on the two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
• Fiji is one of the few countries in the world that has three national languages – Fiji-Hindi, Fijan and English.
• Fijians are mad for rugby and it is their national sport. Introduced by the British during their colonial rule, the national team of Fiji has grown to be one of the most successful in the world.
• In Fiji, Christianity is dominant, followed closely behind by Hinduism and Islam.
• The currency of Fiji is the Fijian Dollar (FJD). At the time of writing, November 2020, 1 FJD was equivalent to 0.47 USD.
• Being surrounded by the ocean and incredible coral reefs, Fiji is committed as a country to being single-use plastic-free in the very near future. Plastic bag manufacture, sale and supply was banned at the beginning of 2020. 

Unique Experiences in the Best Places to Visit in Fiji

We’ve hand-selected unique experiences from our fully customisable itineraries designed by our Local Designers in Fiji. Any of these experiences, tours and itineraries can be tailored to suit your interests and budget when you choose to design your trip with Designer Journeys!

Fijian culture is intriguing, diverse and incredibly welcoming. The best way to experience this on your trip is to engage in a tour of local villages with your dedicated Fijian guide. Your guide will typically have a good relationship with the village chief in order to allow your visit and you’ll often bring an offering. 

You’ll be greeted by a traditional dance and then you’ll have the opportunity to learn about life in these villages including visits to the schools, churches and handicraft shops where you may even enjoy a demonstration. As food is a big part of Fijian culture, you’ll often be invited to enjoy a feast with a local family!

• Shell Village Tour from Likuliku Lagoon
• Salia Village Visit on Kioa Island
• Viwa Village Visit with Viwa Island Resort

Scuba diving in Fiji is a must! Whilst Fiji’s beaches, rainforests and lagoons are incredibly scenic, nothing beats heading below the surface to come face-to-face with the wonderful marine life that occupies Fiji’s coasts and coral reefs.

Taveuni Island deserves a special mention when it comes to excellent dive sites; Rainbow Reef and Somosomo Strait are considered to be two of the world’s best dive sites, home to beautiful coral gardens and over 1500 species of fish!

• Diving on Taveuni Island
• Diving on Yasawa Island

Planning to Tour the Best Places to Visit in Fiji?

Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Fiji experience. Begin designing your journey today!

Meet one of Fiji’s indigenous inhabitants on a personalised tour of the iguana sanctuary at Likuliku Lagoon Resort. From your expert guide, you’ll learn all about the history of the Fijian Crested Iguana, how it has been saved from extinction on Malolo Island and what is being done to ensure the survival of its habitat and biodiversity. This is a truly engaging experience, especially for children and wildlife lovers. 

A stone’s throw offshore from one of the world’s top 10 beaches on Yasawa Island, you’ll find the spectacular Blue Lagoon. What lies beneath the surface is an unforgettable experience for all water babies. Swim through hidden chambers, beside giant schools of fish, manta rays and turtles over the vibrant corals – this is some of the best snorkelling in Fiji!

With dramatic volcanic cliffs and beautiful beaches framing the lagoon, this snorkelling experience will be one you won’t forget any time soon. 

• Blue Lagoon Cave Tour

Whilst Fiji’s best selling points are dominated by its pristine beaches, verdant jungle-clad hills and turquoise waters, it is undoubtedly the cultural experiences you encounter whilst on this archipelago that will make their mark on your Fiji tour. 

For a truly genuine experience, a Kava ceremony is one of the best things to do in Fiji. Seated on the floor in a circle, the root-based plant is mashed into a drink that is believed to soothe the soul by the ceremony leader. You’ll be offered a coconut shell cup, told to clap once, then drink the entire serving saying ‘Bula’ (good health) and return the cup ready for the next person!

• Traditional Kava Ceremony in Yasawa

There are hundreds of islands in Fiji so why pick this one out? Well, Monuriki Island, often nicknamed ‘Castaway Island’ is the island made famous by the Tom Hanks-starring film, Cast Away , and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Fiji. 

With your local guide, you can visit the island, taking in some of the famous set locations where ‘Wilson’ came to life and also learn about some of the local flora and fauna including the Fijian Crested Iguana. 

• Castaway Island Tour

Nothing is quite as exhilarating as zooming into Fiji’s lush interiors to learn about the history of Fiji’s largest cave system, the Naihehe Cave. You’ll be in safe hands as your expert driver manoeuvres the high-powered vehicle, safely yet in an exciting way. 

You’ll cross the mighty Sigatoka River using the age-old Fijian barge technique, learn about local village life from your guides and witness some incredible natural beauty. 

• Off-Road Cave Safari

From the Mamanuca Islands, this exciting experience will whisk you to the isolated Yasawa Islands where you’ll disembark at Kuata Island with its unusual rock formations, rustic buildings and picture-perfect beaches. 

After a briefing with your guide, you’ll head out to meet the resident school of white tip and blacktip reef sharks. Your expert guides will monitor the shark’s behaviour the entire time so that you can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience safely.

• Ultimate Snorkel Encounter with Sharks

Ready to Design Your Own Fiji Trip?

If these experiences are shouting out to you, why not design your trip from scratch with the help of our expert Local Designers in Fiji who will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design a trip that is perfect for you. Begin designing your Fiji journey today!

Zoom over a tropical rainforest and thick, lush canopy and take in breathtaking views high above the forest floor and the Wainadoi River Valley on this eight-zipline tour!

With stunning views, thrilling rides and distinctive flora and fauna to define your day, you’ll be able to experience Fiji’s amazing wilderness from a unique perspective. Your guides will accompany you for the day following a full safety briefing so there’s no need to panic about whooshing over the canopy solo!

• Zip Line Fiji on the Coral Coast
• Zip Line Tour in Momi Bay

Venture away from the crowds and deep into the heart and soul of Fiji on a jet boat and village safari tour along the Sigatoka River. From Denarau Island, you’ll head off with your knowledgeable guide as they regale tales of the region. 

Your scenic jet boat trip up the river will be punctuated by disembarkation at a local village where you’ll engage with the residents, participate in a Fijian ceremony and have the honour of meeting the village chief. This is a Fiji tour that you won’t want to miss out on. 

• Sigatoka River Safari

Trust Our Locals in Fiji to Design Your Unique Experience!

Now you’ve got a taste for just how many authentic, unique and exhilarating activities await in this spectacular tropical archipelago, you are probably itching to design your own trip to Fiji!

Navigating the seasons, planning your island hopping routes and making sure your trip is filled with unique activities are just a few of the tricky steps which can be the difference between a truly extraordinary Fiji tour and an average one. At Designer Journeys, all of our trips are designed to meet your vision of extraordinary!

Our Local Designers in Fiji have decades of experience in tailoring custom trips to your budget, travel style and interests. Choose to connect directly with our Local Designers by designing your own trip from scratch or explore our gallery of fully-customisable trips to get inspired! Each and every tour can be customised to suit you. 

Begin your Fiji journey today!

Explore unique itineraries filled with experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Begin your Designer Journey today!

Grace Homer

At my desk, you'll find me tapping out inspiring adventures, finessing incredible trips designed by Local Designers and focussing on all things content. Having lived in Southeast Asia between Vietnam and Bali for three years, I'm now keeping toasty with a cuppa in a little English town planning future adventures for which I have constant inspiration. Offline, there's nothing I enjoy more than long cycle rides, fueling the foodie in me and seeking out new spots - preferably all at the same time. Find me on LinkedIn or Instagram and keep an eye out for travel inspiration here!

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How to choose the right island in Fiji for your vacation

Oct 11, 2023 • 8 min read

Find the right island for you with this guide to Fiji © Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

There are 333 islands in Fiji 's archipelago, so choosing the best one for you can be an intimidating endeavor.

While you can’t really go wrong no matter which island you choose – there are no bad ones to visit – each one has its own sense of identity, from decadent resort to family getaway or backpacker adventure. Wherever you go, expect the warmest welcome the world has to offer when you step beyond the main tourist hot spot of Nadi .

1. Viti Levu

Best for urban Fiji and family-friendly resorts

The international gateway to the Fijian Islands,  Viti Levu offers a sample of everything the country has to offer, from international-caliber resort areas like all-inclusive and highly manicured  Denarau Island to the mountain village of Navala where locals live in thatched bure (huts).

Families will love the range of quality activities like kayaking or rafting down the Navua River , ziplining over treetops at Zip Fiji , walking through the Garden of the Sleeping Giant , relaxing on the family-friendly beaches of Natadola and taking a ride on a retired sugarcane railroad in a velocipede with Ecotrax Fiji. The island hosts three of Fiji’s national parks , an escape into the wilderness guaranteed.

Dive with resident tiger sharks in Beqa Lagoon, snorkel the thriving reef at  Nananu-i-Ra or simply soak in some sun on the dazzling white sands of the  Coral Coast . There is a lot to do (or not do) on this island.

The capital  Suva is worth a visit to see modern Melanesian life at its liveliest at the Municipal Market , Fiji Museum and air-conditioned shopping malls. Meanwhile,  Nadi , the main transport hub, showcases the country's Indian heritage via its impressive Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami temple , sari shops and plenty of delicious curries. On Viti Levu, you could stay for weeks without making a major dent in the expansive list of all the available activities.

Planning tip:  Although Suva is Fiji's capital city, all international flights arrive in and depart from Nadi (pronounced nan -di), so you'll be spending a little time on Viti Levu. 

2. The Mamanucas

Best for white-sand islands and surf breaks

Ah, the  Mamanucas ... here is a near-perfect string of white-sand isles that hover in the blue water like some hallucination of paradise. Most are only an hour or so boat ride away from Viti Levu and they are so picture-perfect that the film Cast Away (2000) starring Tom Hanks was filmed on this chain's uninhabited Monuriki Island. You can visit it on a day trip.

Meanwhile, famous surf spots like Cloudbreak lure in surfers in search of the barrel of their life while friendlier waves attract those still working on their paddle power. Pristine reefs with sea turtles, reef sharks, rays and resident fish ring around just about every island in the chain, making it a snorkeler’s paradise. When it’s time to dry off, an empty beach is just a paddle away.

Beachcomber Island is known as the reigning party resort island of the country, where bottles of barely chilled Fiji Gold or Fiji Bitter are opened with abandon. Backpackers in the Mamanucas tend to follow a trail that coincides with the Bula Pass, a boat transfer pass that buzzes from island to island. But if you have the cash to spare, there are plenty of upscale resorts that offer champagne beach picnics where privacy is nearly guaranteed.

If you want reliably good weather, brag-worthy photos of white sand beaches and waiters wielding cocktails, the Mamanucas are for you.

Best for desert-island-paradise dreams

The Yasawas pick up the glorious tropical tail of the Mamanuca Islands and bring them north to quiet and isolated bliss. A high-speed catamaran or a small plane makes getting there from either Viti Levu or the Mamanucas a cinch and accommodations range from five-star resorts to laid-back backpacker digs.

Sparsely populated, the land is relatively dry and the are beaches white. While the Mamanucas got Tom Hanks, the Yasawas got Brooke Shields when the (rather problematic 1980s, don't ask) film Blue Lagoon  was filmed here.

Island hop, explore the clear dark waters of  Sawa-i-Lau Cave and snorkel and dive the technicolor reefs throughout the chain. The reef passage between Nanuya Balavu and Drawaqa is frequented by manta rays, although currents can be strong so pick your day carefully.

It can be harder to get a glimpse at Fijian living when you’re stuck to the confines of the sandy shoreline your resort is set on. Fortunately, Waya Island has a village that’s famously hospitable and welcomes guests in search of an authentic island experience.

Detour:  Once in the islands, ask at your resort about getting a lift to nearby islands or enquire about local water taxis. Often these are local motorboats in varying stages of disrepair (and with scant regard for safety equipment); however, the boat captains know the water, reefs and weather like the back of their hands. 

Best for off-the-beaten-track adventures

Remote and authentic yet easily accessed by plane or ship from Viti Levu, Kadavu is one of Fiji's best off-the-beaten-track assets. Eco-adventurers will find happiness at the handful of resorts that grow their own organic produce and work in tune with Kadavu’s villages.

Anywhere you stay, you'll likely have to get there by boat from the main village passing by prehistoric-looking jungle coves chirping with rare and colorful endemic birds. The east part of the island is fringed by the Great Astrolabe Reef, the fourth-largest barrier reef in the world renowned for its cavern and tunnel-filled underwater landscapes, manta rays and phenomenal fishing.

Planning tip:  Each resort has its own boat and will pick up guests from Vunisea airstrip, but make arrangements in advance. Boat trips are expensive due to fuel costs. In rough weather it can be a wet and bone-crunching trip to the more remote resorts.

5. Vanua Levu

Best for exploring traditional villages and diving

High waterfall-strewn peaks are contrasted with bucolic lowlands of sugarcane and coconut plantations on relatively untouristed  Vanua Levu .

The main flower-filled settlement of  Savusavu attracts sailors and divers with its sheltered green bays and a small selection of shops, bars, restaurants and a marina that doubles as a social club. Outside town are miles of near-empty beaches, some with resorts, some fronted by villages and others only surrounded by jungle. Visitors should rent a 4WD and explore the wilds.

Divers in the know make the pilgrimage to the Rainbow Reef famous for its forests of soft corals. Even more dedicated divers go to the nearby  Namena Marine Reserve for the country's most pristine waters, rife with thousands of fish. Get lucky enough at the right time of year and you might spot a pod of dolphins or migrating whales in the waters around Savusavu.

Planning tip : If you do decide to hire a vehicle to explore more remote parts of this beautiful island, be aware that petrol stations are few and far between and almost everything is closed on Sundays.

6. Ovalau and the Lomaiviti Group

Best for historic buildings and off-beat travel

Levuka on  Ovalau was once the capital of Fiji and today it's one of the only towns in the South Pacific with Wild West-style buildings and a Unesco World Heritage listing. Outside of town, hike forested mountains and undeveloped coasts of traditional villages. By bike or rental car, Ovalau’s road that hugs the coastline is an easy way to feel a thrill of a big adventure without the commitment of a long trip.

Although Ovalau and its smaller sisters lie close to Viti Levu, few visitors make it over here. Islands like Leleuvia, Naigani and Koro have very laid-back accommodations on alabaster beaches, while Wakaya hosts the  Wakaya Island Resort and Spa , one of the country's most exclusive resorts.

Best for jungle, waterfalls and hiking

The third-largest island, known as the Garden Island,  Taveuni is the lushest, tropical-flower-laden, waterfall-heavy and hiking-friendly island in Fiji. Bouma Heritage National Park encompasses most of the island, meaning most of the forests are protected. There are peaks to ascend and coastlines to wander. A highlight is the Lavena Coastal Walk that follows the forest's edge for 5km (3 miles) along white and black sand beaches and villages to a waterfall, or there's a trek to a series of three waterfalls hidden among paths lined with wildflowers.

The Rainbow Reef (see Vanua Levu above) is also accessed from Taveuni and smaller offshore islands like Qamea and Matagi have resorts on sugar sand beaches. Everywhere you go you'll find accommodation for all ranges from super-luxe to backpacker fun.

Local tip:  Taveuni is one of Fiji’s best areas for birdwatching. Over 100 species of bird can be found here. The forested Lavena coast is also a good spot to see orange or flame doves, Fiji goshawks, wattled honeyeaters and grey and white herons.

8. Lau and Moala Groups

Best for getting away from it all

Want to get way, way out there? The Lau and Moala Groups are Fiji's frontier islands for visitors, virtually untouched by tourism. Flights and boat services are few but with time, a sense of adventure – and, even better, a sailboat – it's possible to explore these friendly paradises of blue water and traditional villages.

In Fulaga you’ll find a turquoise lagoon marked with hundreds of limestone islets and beaches sans footprints. Vanua Balavu also has its own clusters of dramatic islands linked by coral reefs. On Kabara, you can wander through a village with Tongan-influenced architecture and pen a postcard for the monthly supply ship to retrieve.

Elsewhere throughout Lau, discover beaches where coconut crabs are the main inhabitants, explore an overgrown trail to a saltwater lake, search for bats tucked atop limestone caves and peek at coral reefs that have been undisturbed for millennia.

This article was first published May 2019 and updated October 2023

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Fiji Vacation Packages

An authentic fiji luxury vacation – 5-star – meals included.

• Description

This authentic luxury Fiji vacation is perfect for the discerning traveler.  Overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Pacific Harbour, Nanuku Auberge Resort offers an incomparable beachfront setting with breathtaking ocean views. Designed for guests seeking a private vacation retreat with all the comforts of home and access to luxury resort amenities including dining, spa, fitness and clubhouse facilities with dedicated luxury services for a truly unique experience.

Fiji is renowned for its stunning beaches, beautiful warm climate, and its unique relaxed island atmosphere. With adventure around every corner you’ll find incredible things to do in Fiji or choose to simply surrender to the natural rhythm of island life. No matter what you’re here to find, you’ll find it at this indulgent resort.

Authentic Luxury Fiji Vacation Details

Optional activities, not included.

The Authentic Luxury Fiji Vacation is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.

All prices are USD$/person (including all Taxes). Subject to availability and seasonality. Other Conditions Apply (see Terms and Conditions).

*Permitted Travel Dates: Now – April 11, April 19 – June 26, July 22 – September 19, October 14 – December 19, 2019 and January 6 – March 31, 2020. Valid for new bookings only and up to 2 adults and 2 children traveling. Travel must commence and end within permitted travel dates.

 Upgrade to a Beachfront Pool Suite

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Travel from the USA to Nadi, Fiji

Head to San Francisco or Los Angeles to board your overnight flight to Nadi, Fiji.  As you cross the International Date Line, you will lose 1 day.  You'll gain a day when you head home, so it all evens out in the end.

Scenic Drive to Pacific Harbour Resort

Enjoy the incredible Fiji countryside as your take a 2 hour scenic ride in a private car to Nanuku Auberge Resort.

Or upgrade to arrive in style on the resort's private landing strip after a 30 minute scenic flight!

5 Nights Accommodation, Nanuku Auberge Resort

Enjoy your time on this luxury island any way your heart desires. You can relax on the beach, lounge in your luxury suite, explore the island or take part in the many inclusive activities or book various tours and/or charters.

There are a variety of activities to keep you entertained on your vacation. You can have a beach picnic as you dip your feet in the soft sand while enjoying the undisturbed view of the Pacific Ocean. If you are in need of some pampering you may soothe tired muscles, tune up after a vigorous day outdoors or surrender to full-body rejuvenation under the auspices of our highly skilled spa therapists. Delve into the Fijian culture and enjoy traditional Fijian Meke dancing, a combination of dance and storytelling through song. Visitors are often invited to join in on the traditional dance. Feel like hitting the water? Grab a kayak, canoe or Hobie cat and set out on the Pacific Ocean right from the beach and allow yourself to be wowed by the sea-life and marine terrain.

A variety of upgraded tours and activities are available as well. Take a tour and experience the natural and cultural heritage of the islands on a highlands rafting adventure with Rivers Fiji. Raft deep into the highlands of Namosi, and take in the beauty of emerald rainforests, soaring hanging cliffs and a majestic waterfall. Feeling daring? Shark diving is an experience not to be missed. With the assistance of professional dive masters, divers have the opportunity to see bull, black tip reef, grey reef and female tiger sharks and explore some of the world’s finest and relatively undiscovered diving where hard coral ledges drop off along walls into the blue abyss. Explore Beqa Lagoon, a myriad of soft coral ablaze with every color imaginable in long strands waving in the gentle currents. Diving, zip lining, jet skiing and surfing are excursions also available on the island.

Return Home

After a private car transfer returns you to Nadi Airport, board your international flight to the USA.

Excellent service!!! Everything went smoothly, and everything I got to see and do was amazing!!!

Darin was helpful and picked a real winner with Navutu Stars. It was perfect! Yatule and Qamea were also wonderful, but our favorite was Navutu. Overall, the trip planning went well with Darin. I felt that a few emails with questions were ignored or overlooked. Fiji is an amazing place with truly beautiful people and gorgeous reefs under crystal clear waters. I would advise any snorkeling lovers to put Fiji on your bucket list!

Arranged a trip to Fiji with Darin. We had a wonderful time and the trip exceeded our expectations. Every detail was arranged and in place as planned. We could not have asked for anything more. Would very highly recommend to others.

We stayed 5 nights at Paradise Resort on Tavenui and dove Rainbow Reef. Although the ride from the airport was over rough road for about an hour, the resort, people, and food were wonderful! The House Reef is "regrowing" after the 2016 Cyclone Winston, but the 30 minute boat ride to Rainbow Reef was easy and put you on magnificent dive sites, some with 100% coral coverage. It is "drift diving" so you see a lot of the sites. My favorite was the all day trip we made with two dives in the morning and the surface interval spent with a picnic lunch on a deserted island before the afternoon dive! One warning....do not expect to always be able to dive the "White Wall" as it is dependent on tides and moon cycle. The second site we dove was the Wanananvu Beach Resort on the main island of Viti Levu. This is different in that they anchor on the Reef and the sites further away seem to be better, but you can't always get there because of wind. The diving was also terrific here with healthy coral reefs and lots of fishes. Food, room on the beach, and people were perfect!

We had a wonderful time..everything was just perfect.. We are in love with Fiji..and plan to visit again soon.! Koda Boulton, planned the perfect vacation for us. Thank you

We truly enjoyed our trip to Fiji. We travel often and About Australia made the trip easy and enjoyable by providing the travel itinerary. They were very friendly and helpful and provided the necessary travel documentation in a timely manner. We will definitely use them again. The only suggestion I would have is timing. We arrived at the hotel from San Francisco approximately 6:30 a.m. and our room was not ready until 2:00 p.m. and they could not move us to another room because they were at 110% capacity. We were quite tired from the long trip so it was very inconvenient. The same thing happened on our check-out date. We at to check-out at 11:00 a.m. however our flight did not leave until 10:10 p.m. and they were at 98% capacity so we could not get a late check-out time. I suggest working out check-in and check-out times better with the hotels for clients that have long flights and arrive very early or leave very late. That was very frustrating. That is the reason I did not give you five stars.

Our trip was planned so carefully and perfectly. We were able to see and do everything we wanted within our time limits, and Joanne was such an asset in helping us figure out what was most important. There were no issues at all on our trip, and everything went smooth and kept us relaxed the entire vacation. Can't recommend this Travel Agency enough!

Amazing experience! Everything was perfectly planned and laid out for us. Shout out to Stephanie M for always giving a quick reply and always being extremely helpful and friendly.

Josh helped us put together a 2.5 week trip to Australia and Fiji and our trip was absolutely perfect! All of the day tours we went on were small, and locally run which made them even more enjoyable. They took the stress out of planning an international vacation and even helped us work through some visa hiccups. Overall, highly recommended and I couldn't have been happier with our experience.

The entire trip was a huge success. Each one of the stops on the mainland of Australia, Tasmania and both islands of New Zealand were excellent. We booked our own flight to Sydney, and when we arrived, the About Australia voucher system took over. Each one of the vouchers were very clear and concise regarding when, where and how to proceed, so that there was never a frightening moment for us. Every flight, every shuttle, and every hotel worked perfectly. All excursions but one was at or above expectations, and that was simply a mix up in dates, which was resolved immediately. We would certainly recommend About Australia to anyone visiting Australia and/or New Zealand in the future.

We stayed at the Sofitel Resort and Spa. It is a beautiful resort. The staff is fantastic, always concerned your needs are being met. Service and food is plentiful,

Wether you're there to relax or want to join in daily activities it is your choice, no pressure, just a friendly environment to do as you please.

Fiji was like every single picture we saw...lush, green and mountains. The Fijian people were as warm and hospitable as the temperatures. We were so much in our element of resting and relaxation. The only suggestion I have, is for About Fiji to communicate better with the hotel Hilton DoubleTree Sonasaila. When we arrived at 730am, our rooms weren't ready, nor were there any accommodations for us to properly rest. We had to 'hang out' until 3 pm in the lobby. If this is a regular occurrence, may I suggest that About Fiji mention this to your guests. Suggest guests arriving at the hotel this early be prepared. Have the hotel be better prepared for the early-arriving guests. After traveling for 20 hours, a shower would have been most welcome. (Though the warm chocolate chip cookie was SO delicious!). Thank you!

The resort was very nice, the room was large and well appointed! If you are there more than two or three days, definitely schedule excursions as you WILL get cabin fever! Snorkeling and boat trips to other islands from the marina were great!

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The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji 🌴 [2024]

The complete travellers’ guide to fiji.

Peppering the tropical waters of the southern Pacific Ocean, Fiji is an island nation that’s diverse, cultural and beautiful. Each of the 333 islands tells a unique story, whether it has left its made its mark via a rugged volcanic island or a simple sand cay surrounded by azure waters. Between the islands, shallow coral reefs decorate the ocean with diverse marine life making Fiji a diver’s, snorkeller’s and angler’s paradise.

But Fiji certainly isn’t all about coral reefs and sandy beaches. Some of the larger islands have a rugged interior typically awash in a mix of plantations and verdant jungles dotted with remote Fijian villages and dramatic river formations leading to more waterfalls than you can count. That’s Fiji in a nutshell, but if you’re planning a trip to the islands, you’ll want to take a deep dive into Fiji Pocket Guide where this complete guide to Fiji is the ideal place to start…

Learn about the diverse regions and island groups of Fiji and follow our recommendations to various travel guides throughout Fiji Pocket Guide to help plan your trip according to your personal style and interests.

An Intro About Fiji

Location : Fiji is located in the South Pacific in the continent of Oceania. Fiji sits in the centre of Tonga , Wallis and Futuna, Vanuatu and New Caledonia and is about two-thirds of the way between Hawaii and New Zealand .

Land size : 18,274 km 2  (7,056 sq mi)

Climate : Daily average temperature – 25.5 ° C/77.9 ° F, average rainfall 1,826mm/71.9″ – 3,065mm/120.7″. Find out more in What is the Weather Like in Fiji?

Time zone : FJT / GMT+12/+13 Find out more in What is the Fiji Time Zone?

Population : 896,500

Languages : English, Fijian and Hindi Find out more in  What is the Fiji Language?

How to Get to Fiji

First things first, you’ll need to see if you are actually able to travel to Fiji due to restrictions put in place at the borders after the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit Tourism Fiji ‘s website for the latest travel information.

Next, what is the best way to get to Fiji? Fiji can be accessed by flight, cruise ship or private sailing yachts. The most popular way to get to Fiji is by international flight, so let’s start with that.

Flying to Fiji

Direct international flights come from Australia , New Zealand , Hawaii , Vanuatu , New Caledonia , Nauru , Samoa , the Solomon Islands , Tonga , Kiribati , Tuvalu , Wallis & Futuna , the US and South Korea . If you are coming from further afield, then you will need to make a connecting flight most likely in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Hawaii. See How Long Does it Take to Fly to Fiji? for more information.

Although Fiji has two international airports, around 97% of visitors to Fiji come via Nadi International Airport on the island of Viti Levu (Fiji’s main island). Learn more in our guide, Which Airport to Arrive in Fiji .

Cruises to Fiji

Fiji is on the itinerary of several South Pacific cruises from Australia , New Zealand and French Polynesia . There are five ports of call in Fiji, the main ones being Suva , Lautoka and Port Denarau . Find out about which cruiseliners have Fiji on their itinerary, as well as what to do at each port of call in The Guide to Taking a Cruise to Fiji .

Sailing to Fiji

Fiji is conveniently located at the centre of the Transpacific journey between the US and New Zealand. The yachting season is between May and October. Learn about the sailing formalities and the ports of entry in The Sailing Guide to Fiji .

A Note on Customs Declarations

Fiji has strict biosecurity measures at the border to stop unwanted pests and diseases from entering the country. Therefore, anyone arriving in Fiji has to declare any “risk items” they have packed in their luggage – even common items like food and sports gear. Be sure to read up on Everything You Need to Know About Arriving in Fiji   so you are prepared.

Check out our complete guide on   How to Get to Fiji for even more tips on making your way to the islands of Fiji.

When to Visit Fiji

Fiji is a tropical country and experiences warm temperatures throughout the year. It has two distinct seasons, a dry season which is drier and cooler, and a wet season which is hotter and humid. Learn more about the climate in What is the Weather Like in Fiji?

Dry Season (May to November)

The dry season is also known as the winter season in Fiji, although many would not describe it as winter with temperatures around 19-29°C (66-84°F) . The rainfall per month is an average of 70-150mm (2.8-6″) . The dry season is also the time for  swimming with manta rays ,  surfing big waves , clearer  scuba diving  conditions and catching sailfish, skipjack tuna and wahoo .

Wet Season (December to April)

The wet season is hotter and more humid, with temperatures around 22-33 ° C (72-91 ° F) and an average monthly rainfall of 180-310mm (7-12″) . This is also Fiji’s cyclone season, which means there’s a risk of cyclones (but only a risk, which you can learn more about in  How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Fiji ). The wet season is also the best time for catching Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna and Mahimahi , as well as avoiding other tourists.

Still can’t decide when the best time is to travel to Fiji? Check out our complete guide, The Best Time to Visit Fiji , which dives much deeper into the subject.

What to Pack for Fiji

The main thing you need to keep in mind when packing for Fiji is having a tropical wardrobe that includes some more modest items of clothing for visiting Fijian villages. A packing list for Fiji might look a little something like this:

• Shorts/Skirts/Dresses some below the knee for village visits
• Singlets/T-Shirts
• Light shirts/T-shirts  to cover the shoulders for village visits
• Light cotton shirt to cover arms for sun protection
• Sarong (Sulu) to cover your legs on village visits
• Light sleepwear
• Light jacket/Cardigan/Pashmina  for cooler evenings
• Outfit for smart/casual dress-code restaurants at luxury resorts
• Bikini/Boardshorts
• One-piece swimsuit  for watersports/village stay for women
• Rash vest  for sun and surf protection
• Light rain jacket if visiting in the wet season
• Flip-flops/sandals
• Walking shoes/sandals

And that’s just clothes! For a full packing list of everything to take, including accessories and toiletries, check out  The Complete Packing List for Fiji .

Health Products

Although the water in towns is generally safe to drink, there is questionable drinking water in Fiji’s villages and more remote islands – see Can You Drink the Water in Fiji?   That coupled with high UV levels and the presence of mosquitos means that certain health products are essential to take to Fiji.

Fiji also has a fragile marine ecosystem so natural sunscreens and mosquito repellents are a must, while water purification bottles/tablets are preferable to buying bottled water for obvious environmental reasons. See our health essentials packing list in What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Fiji .

Fiji Currency

The currency in Fiji is Fijian Dollars . While credit/debit cards are accepted in major resorts and businesses in Fiji’s towns, you should have cash available for taxis and visiting villages. If you need more information, just head to What is the Currency in Fiji?

How Long to Visit Fiji For

Admittedly, Fiji makes an idyllic getaway for just staying in the same resort for a few days to a week – and that’s fine; we all need some R&R from time to time. More intrepid travellers, however, will find that Fiji is an excellent country not only for island-hopping but road tripping around Viti Levu .

For those of you who want to explore, here’s what you can achieve in certain timeframes… (And don’t worry, we’ll get onto the destinations in the next few sections).

3 Days / A Long Weekend in Fiji

Over a long weekend, you will have enough time to explore Nadi , Denarau and the Coral Coast or perhaps take a quick trip to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands . See some example itineraries in  The Best Fiji Itineraries for a Weekend .

5 Days in Fiji

Five days is enough time for a quick island-hopping itinerary in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands or check out Fiji’s landscape of resorts and adventure activities along the Coral Coast and Pacific Harbour . Alternatively, those with more budget could take a charter flight to and between Vanua Levu and Taveuni . Check out  The Best Fiji Itineraries for 5 Days .

7 Days / One Week in Fiji

A week in Fiji gives you time to relax in any one of the island groups, but for those who want to move around, you could take a road trip around Viti Levu or do some island-hopping in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands . Alternatively, you could explore between the two less-visited islands, Vanua Levu and Taveuni . See  The Best Fiji Itineraries for 1 Week  for trip ideas.

14 Days / Two Weeks in Fiji

14 days allows you to extend itineraries suggested for a week. It will also give you time to explore a mix of Viti Levu and the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands or Viti Levu , Vanua Levu and Taveuni , or a week in Kadavu and a week in Viti Levu … Check out more suggestions in  The Best Fiji Itineraries for 2 Weeks .

Where to Visit: Viti Levu

Hardly anyone visits Fiji without spending some time in Viti Levu . Home to the main international airport, Viti Levu might be an obligatory place to visit but at 10,389 sq km (4,011 sq mi), Viti Levu is Fiji’s largest and most diverse island. Fiji’s “main island” is split into several exciting destinations, each with its own unique landscapes, attractions and charm. Dive deeper into what Viti Levu has to offer in The Complete Guide to Viti Levu or connect to our travel guides of each region below.

Nadi is the main arrival city in Fiji but is much more with an array of attractions to enjoy. From hot springs to bustling produce and handicrafts, Nadi provides a number of ways to immerse in the diverse cultures and landscapes of Fiji. Take a look at more of what Nadi has to offer in The Complete Guide to Nadi .

Want to explore more of Fiji’s popular arrival town? Start planning your trip in your unique style with the following appropriate guide:

• The Guide to Nadi on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Nadi
• The Guide to Nadi for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Nadi
• The Food  Guide to Nadi
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to Nadi .

Although just a 10-minute drive from the town centre of Nadi, Denarau is a stark contrast to Nadi’s dusty streets and hustle and bustle. Denarau is a manmade island connected to Nadi by a causeway and polished to perfection with five-star resorts, a golf course, a shopping centre and a marina. Learn more about Fiji’s fabulous manmade island in The Complete Guide to Denarau Island .

See yourself relaxing by a luxury resort pool or visiting for the day? Plan your getaway to Denarau using one of the following guides:

• The Luxury Guide to Denarau Island
• The Guide to Denarau Island for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Denarau Island
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to Denarau
• The Food  Guide to Denarau Island
• The Guide to Denarau Island on a Budget .

Coral Coast

Viti Levu’s southern coast is a hotspot for beach resort holidays, as well as inland adventures should you want to go chasing waterfalls or take a jet boat ride up the Sigatoka River . Find out more about the resorts, attractions and vibes of Viti Levu’s most popular coast in The Complete Guide to the Coral Coast .

Want to relax by the beach or have inland adventures on the Coral Coast? Plan your trip according to your unique travel style with one of the following guides:

• The Guide to the Coral Coast on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Coral Coast
• The Guide to the Coral Coast for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to the Coral Coast
• The Food  Guide to the Coral Coast
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Coral Coast .

Pacific Harbour and Beqa

Situated between the Coral Coast and Suva, the Pacific Harbour and the offshore island of Beqa are where most of Fiji’s adventure activities can be found. Think white water rafting, shark diving, jet boating, river tubing, jet skiing and more. Learn more about the wild side of Viti Levu in The Complete Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa .

Does the Pacific Harbour sound like your kind of adventure? Cater a trip more to your style with the following guides:

• The Guide to Beqa & Pacific Harbour on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa
• The Guide to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa
• The Food  Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa .

Fiji’s capital sits on the harboursides of Viti Levu’s southeast coast. The colonial-style buildings offer a different landscape in Fiji, while the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park reminds visitors that nature is never too far away. Find out more about visiting Fiji’s capital in The Complete Guide to Suva .

Whether you’re a couple on a honeymoon, a young family or backpackers on a budget, we have a Suva travel guide to suit most travel types:

• The Guide to Suva on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Suva
• The Guide to Suva for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Suva
• The Food  Guide to Suva
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Suva .

The northern side of Viti Levu is the island’s least-visited side, but that by no means means that there are no resorts , luxury villas or budget cottages to base yourself for the inland hiking, Bligh Water scuba diving or simply relaxing in Viti Levu’s sunniest region. Start planning your trip to the sunnier side of Fiji in The Complete Guide to the Suncoast .

Plan your getaway to northern Viti Levu according to your preferred style of travel with the following appropriate article:

• The Guide to the Suncoast on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Suncoast
• The Guide to the Suncoast for Families
• The Food  Guide to the Suncoast
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Suncoast .

Where to Visit: Mamanuca Islands

A scattering of some 20 islands in the glistening South Pacific waters feel a world away yet are conveniently close to Nadi International Airport . A 10-minute helicopter ride or a 30-minute ferry can have you on the idyllic Mamanuca Islands , most of which with just a single resort where you can soak in the sun, feel the sand between your toes and snorkel in the reefs circling the islands.

Each island has its own unique vibe largely due to the diverse island resorts, ranging from fun-filled family resorts to exclusive adult-only retreats to budget surf or dive resorts. Some of the islands are open to day-trippers, while others are exclusively for guests.

The Mamanuca Islands has just about every type of island activity available in Fiji, but some of the more unique features include the Cloud 9 floating pizza bar and some of the best surf breaks in the South Pacific including the famed “ Cloudbreak ”.

So if the Mamanucas are calling to you, start planning your getaway with The Complete Guide to the Mamanuca Islands .

Plan Your Trip to the Mamanuca Islands in Your Travel Style

Plan a trip to the Mamanuca Islands according to your own unique travel style with one of the following articles:

• The Guide to the Mamanuca Islands on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Mamanuca Islands
• The Guide to the Mamanuca Islands for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to the Mamanuca Islands
• The Food  Guide to the Mamanuca Islands
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to the Mamanuca Islands .

Where to Visit: Yasawa Islands

The string of the volcanic Yasawa Islands is often what many envision of the Fiji holiday: secluded islands with sweeping beaches, turquoise lagoons and remote villages of Fijian communities. This group of around 20 islands sit off the northwestern coast of Viti Levu just north of the Mamanuca Islands. Getting there requires a slightly longer mission, either from Nadi on a 30-minute helicopter/seaplane flight or between two to four hours by ferry.

The Yasawa Islands has been known as the backpacker hub of Fiji for many years thanks to its array of budget resorts, but more and more luxury boutique resorts have developed on the islands in recent years.

In terms of experiences, scuba diving, fishing, cultural activities are all on the menu as they are across most of Fiji. However, more unique offerings include trips to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves and snorkelling with manta rays between May and October.

Sounds like your type of paradise? Learn more about the Yasawas in The Complete Guide to the Yasawa Islands .

Plan Your Trip to the Yasawa Islands in Your Travel Style

Plan your trip according to your interests with the following appropriate guide:

• The Guide to the Yasawa Islands on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Yasawa Islands
• The Guide to the Yasawa Islands for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to the Yasawa Islands
• The Food  Guide to the Yasawa Islands
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to the Yasawa Islands .

Where to Visit: Vanua Levu

Vanua Levu might be Fiji’s second-largest island and a dot on the Fiji map you can hardly avoid, but the truth of the matter is that only around 2% of visitors travel to the island. That means that tranquillity and unspoiled land and seascapes are easy to find in Vanua Levu, which is home to a variety of accommodations, from luxury boutique resorts to budget holiday homes.

The island might have its fair share of copra and sugarcane plantations, but jungle landscapes are never too far away, where many of Vanua Levu’s resorts can be found nestled among them often with a waterfall or two. Beaches are also never too hard to find but more water exploration can be enjoyed among the coral reefs, where Vanua Levu has some of the most renowned dive sites between the Namena Marine Reserve , the Great Sea Reef and Rainbow Reef .

You don’t have to feel too far from civilisation either on Vanua Levu, which has two major but small towns, Savusavu and Labasa , as well as plenty of quaint Fijian villages.

Learn more about visiting Fiji’s “Friendly North” in  The Complete Guide to Vanua Levu .

Plan Your Trip to Vanua Levu in Your Travel Style

Vanua Levu provides all kinds of holiday experiences, which you can read up on in the following guides:

• The Guide to Vanua Levu on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Vanua Levu
• The Guide to Vanua Levu for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Vanua Levu
• The Food  Guide to Vanua Levu
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Vanua Levu .

Where to Visit: Taveuni

Sitting off the southeastern tip of Vanua Levu across the Somosomo Strait is the island of Taveuni , also known as the “Garden Island”. Around 80% of the island is made up of the Bouma National Heritage Park , a volcanic formation carpeted in a tropical jungle where small Fijian villages are guardians to its attractions, from the towering Bouma Falls to the coastal journey of the Lavena Coastal Walk . Needless to say, Taveuni is an island for the active traveller.

Aside from seeing verdant forests and authentic villages, Taveuni also makes a great base for scuba diving at the Rainbow Reef or snorkelling in the Waitabu Marine Reserve . Pearl farms, beaches and general “island time” are other ways to enjoy the island.

While there is a spectacular range of resorts, lodges and private villas on the island to suit most travellers, it’s also worth researching the surrounding islands of Qamea , Laucala and Matangi with their spa resorts, surf resorts and even a private island seven-star resort.

For more information on the Garden Island, take a look at The Complete Guide to Taveuni .

Plan Your Trip to Taveuni in Your Travel Style

Start planning your trip to Taveuni according to the style you prefer to travel using the following guides:

• The Guide to Taveuni on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Taveuni
• The Guide to Taveuni for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Taveuni
• The Food  Guide to Taveuni
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Taveuni .

Where to Visit: Lomaiviti Islands

Delve into Fiji’s characterful history in the Lomaiviti Islands , home to Fiji’s first capital, Levuka , which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The small town on the islands of Ovalau is preserved with colonial buildings while surrounding islands provide an alternative island holiday experience much less visited than the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.

The Lomaiviti Islands are located off the eastern shores of Viti Levu, taking only 10 minutes to fly from Suva’s airport or around four to five hours on one of the cargo ferries. Each island has its story, from the historic Ovalau to the luxury private island of Wakaya to the turtle sanctuary on Makogai . Between the islands, the diversity in marine life is astonishing thanks to several established marine reserves where it’s possible to dive with giant clams, turtles and sharks.

Learn more about Fiji’s less-visited island group in The Complete Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands .

Plan Your Trip to the Lomaiviti Islands in Your Travel Style

Whatever your style and interest, we have a guide to the Lomaivitis to suit:

• The Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands
• The Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands for Families
• The Food  Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands .

Where to Visit: Kadavu

Pronounced “Kan-davu”, Kadavu is a large island in the southern regions of Fiji, accessible by a one-hour flight from Nadi or a lengthy cargo ferry trip from Suva. Either way, the journey is worth the effort to see a side of Fiji that stands still in time. The 75 villages of the island are all on the coast, where boat transport is just about the only way to get around as hardly any roads venture into the thick jungle.

Resorts here are all about experiencing life off the grid, being self-sustainable by growing their own crops and working in harmony with local fishermen. Needless to say, a stay in Kadavu provides a real slice of island life. That’s not to say that there isn’t much else to do than get the Robinson Crusoe experience, as the world’s fourth-largest barrier the reef curves around the island for some epic scuba diving, manta ray snorkelling and even surfing.

For those seeking a real off-the-beaten-track adventure in Fiji, check out The Complete Guide to Kadavu .

Plan Your Trip to Kadavu in Your Travel Style

Kadavu is not a place for adult-only resorts and only has one luxury private island resort among its offering for budget B&Bs and mid-range eco-resorts. Find out more in the following guides:

• The Guide to Kadavu on a Budget
• The Guide to Kadavu for Families
• The Food  Guide to Kadavu
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Kadavu .

Where to Visit: Lau Islands

Only a minuscule number of tourists visit the sparse scattering of around 60 islands that make up the Lau Islands , but they are definitely still worth mentioning for the Fiji enthusiast. Almost the entire east side of Fiji is the Lau Islands where many of the islands are closer to Tonga than they are to Viti Levu. With that, the cultures here are unique and unchanged for centuries, where some islanders have traditions from both the Fijian and Tongan cultures.

Visiting the islands and their people requires either one of the weekly flights to Vanua Balavu or Cicia , a multi-day island-hopping cargo voyage from Suva, or one of the few Lau Islands’ cruises with Captain Cook Cruises each year (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor ) . Alternatively, you can take a charter flight to the island group’s only resort, Vatuvara Private Islands , which provides many of the offerings that we feature in The Luxury Guide to the Lau Islands – the only travel style we curated a guide for in the Lau Islands, as the tourist industry here is so undeveloped.

Intrigued? Check out The Complete Guide to the Lau Islands .

How to Get Around Fiji

Yes, after seeing the number of island groups in Fiji, let alone the different islands and some of the larger islands to explore, you’re probably wondering: how do I get around all of these islands?

Transport differs between island groups. More touristic islands, such as the Mamanucas and Yasawas are well serviced with ferries, seaplanes and water taxis, while the lesser-visited islands may only have transport that is provided by your chosen resort. The main ways to get around Fiji include:

Domestic Flights

There are two scheduled domestic carriers in Fiji, both offering regular flights between Fiji’s most populated islands. Learn more about these flights in   The Complete Guide to Flights in Fiji .

Charter Flights

Charter flights via fixed-wing, seaplane and helicopter aircraft are available in Fiji to take passengers between Fiji’s island groups, particularly Viti Levu and the Mamanucas , Yasawas , Vanua Levu , Taveuni and Kadavu . Find out more in  Where to Hire a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji  and  Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji .

High-speed catamaran ferries service the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands from Port Denarau in Viti Levu, while the slower passenger, vehicle and cargo ferries run from Suva in Viti Levu to the Lomaiviti Islands , Vanua Levu , Taveuni and Kadavu . Find out more in  The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry .

Rental cars are available in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu . Learn more about hiring a car in The Guide to Renting a Car in Fiji .

Public Buses and Express Buses

Public buses are the cheapest type of transport available in Fiji. They are available in Viti Levu , Vanua Levu , Taveuni and Ovalau . Find out more in   How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus .

Taxis in Fiji can be identified by their “Taxi” signs and “LT” at the beginning of the registration plate. They offer affordable metered fares within towns, while fares for sightseeing or going between towns can be negotiated. Find out more in   The Guide to Taxis in Fiji .

There are a lot more ways to travel around Fiji so be sure to browse our Fiji Transport Guide: 16 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji for more advice.

Accommodation in Fiji

First and foremost, Fiji is a country of resorts. In most cases, resorts handle everything: accommodation, entertainment, tours and sometimes even transport. For these reasons, one of the most important decisions you can make for a trip to Fiji is where you are going to stay.

That’s not to say that Fiji solely has resorts. If that’s not your style, then you have lodges, hotels, homestays, holiday homes, villas and even small-ship cruises to choose from.

The most abundant accommodation type in Fiji, resorts are typically complexes with hotel-style rooms or freestanding bure (bungalows) and facilities such as a restaurant and swimming pool. Many resorts across Fiji, especially on remote islands, offer an entertainment schedule, as well as optional paid tours, such as scuba diving, fishing, massages and more. Note that there are also adults-only resorts in Fiji , as well as family-friendly resorts with kids’ clubs. Dive deeper into what a resort entails in How to Pick the Best Resort in Fiji for You . Plus, don’t miss The Top 50 Resorts in Fiji .

International-style hotels can be found in Fiji’s largest towns, such as Nadi , Suva and Lautoka . The rest of Fiji’s hotels are typically budget hotels found across Fiji’s smaller towns on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu . Learn more in  How to Pick the Best Hotel in Fiji for You . Plus, browse our  10 Best Hotels in Fiji .

Holiday Homes and Villas

For a more intimate style of accommodation in Fiji, choose a holiday home or villa. Note that these are some of the very few self-catering accommodations available in Fiji and can usually only be found on Fiji’s larger islands, like Viti Levu , Vanua Levu and Taveuni . Learn more about what holiday homes are like in  How to Pick the Best Holiday Home in Fiji for You and villas in  How to Pick the Best Villa in Fiji for You . Plus, find the ideal stay in the   10 Beautiful Holiday Homes in Fiji and   10 Best Luxury Villas in Fiji .

Becoming more and more abundant in Fiji with the popularity of booking websites like Airbnb , Booking.com and Expedia , homestays are where locals open up their spare room to visitors. With many homestays available in Fijian villages, this can be a truly authentic way to experience the Fijian culture. Note, however, that this is not an appropriate accommodation choice for travellers who like their luxuries and modern comforts. Find out more about what a homestay is like in How to Pick the Best Homestay in Fiji for You . And pick a homestay from the  10 Best Homestays in Fiji .

Small-Ship Cruises

Fiji has two small-ship cruises sailing primarily to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands and less frequent sailings to other island groups throughout the year. Each offer cabin accommodation along with the opportunity to visit different islands, free and optional paid activities, and meals. Learn more about these cruises in The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji .

Things to Do in Fiji

Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to do in Fiji than drink cocktails and sit by the pool. Fiji exceeds at adventure, relaxation and culture. There’s so much to do that we could hardly fit it all into our  101 Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List .

The thing to remember is that resorts offer most of the activities in Fiji, especially those in the outer islands. The sort of activities available at resorts include:

• Scuba diving
• Snorkelling
• Swimming with sharks or manta rays
• Spa treatments
• Fijian village visits
• Fijian cultural dancing (meke)
• Fijian crafting lessons
• Cooking classes
• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Parasailing
• Walking/hiking

That’s not to say that there are no exciting experiences outside of the resorts. Especially on the islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu , there are independent tours and activities to try. For instance:

• Jet boat tours
• White water rafting
• Quad biking/off-roading
• Sightseeing tours
• Golf courses

Again, you’ll find much more inspiration from our 101 Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List so get on there!

Food and Dining in Fiji

From the menus of the restaurants in Fiji’s major towns to the resort restaurants, a wide range of international cuisine is represented in Fiji. Fijian foods are also easy enough to come by especially on resort menus, while Indo-Fijian cuisine is best sampled at town curry houses.

There are no major health concerns to be worried about when it comes to food in Fiji. Resort restaurants have a high standard. However, one should be a little wary when it comes to street food – it’s best to try food that is cooked and to avoid drinking tap water (or treat it) if you’re unsure of the quality.

Self-catering is rarely available in Fiji, only in villas, holiday homes and apartments. See the   Guide to Food Shopping in Fiji  for purchasing groceries.

Vegetarian options are widely available in Fiji, but those with other dietary requirements should contact their resorts prior to arrival. Although most resorts can cater to just about any dietary need, they tend to need notice in order to prepare.

For more food-related advice, check out  The Complete Guide to Food in Fiji and see what to try in the 18 Unique Foods in Fiji You Have to Try .

Typical Costs and Budget – Is Fiji Expensive?

We all travel very differently. Therefore, making a precise budget for everyone is a, quite frankly, impossible task. Nevertheless, you can work out your own needs, thus budget, by simply looking at the typical prices listed below or in   Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost?

The Cost of Accommodation

• Dorm bed/night – FJ$25-$100
• Homestay private room/night  – FJ$30-$100
• Budget double private ensuite room/night  – FJ$86-$200
• Mid-range double private ensuite room/night  – FJ$150-$250
• Luxury double private ensuite room/night  – FJ$250+
• Family rooms/night  – FJ$140-$1,000

The Cost of Food

• Indian & Chinese restaurant mains  – FJ$6-$15
• Restaurant mains  – FJ$20-$30
• Restaurant breakfast meals  – FJ$6-$15
• Resort breakfasts  – Free
• Resort lunch meals  – FJ$16-$25
• Resort restaurant mains  – FJ$25-$70
• Resort meal plans/day  – FJ$58-$250
• Bottle of water  – FJ$1.60-$4
• Bottle of wine  – FJ$15-$30
• Pint of beer  – FJ$4-$8
• Cocktail  – FJ$10.50-$30

Grocery prices for self-catering can be found in  What is the Cost of Food in Fiji?

The Cost of Tours and Activities

• Day cruise  – FJ$150-$250
• Swim with sharks  – FJ$200-250
• Shared half-day fishing charter  – FJ$360-$500
• Snorkel tour  – FJ$70-$120
• Two tank scuba dive  – FJ$280-$320
• River tubing  – FJ$190
• Cultural night tour  – FJ$160
• Beach horse riding  – FJ$190
• Half-day zipline tour  (transfer included) – FJ$260
• Jet boat safari  – FJ$280
• Skydive  – FJ$850
• Kula Eco Park admission  – FJ$50
• 45min helicopter scenic flight  – FJ$580
• Massage  – FJ$80-$190

The Cost of Transport

• Ferries to the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands  (one way) – FJ$80-$135
• Water taxis to the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands  (one way) – FJ$575-$9,618
• Cargo ferries to other outer islands (one way) – FJ$25-$68
• Flights to outer islands  (one way) – FJ$92-$600
• Public buses  – FJ$1-$5
• Express buses  (Nadi to Suva) – FJ$20-$30
• Multi-day tour bus  – FJ$780
• Private resort transfer  – FJ$50-$200
• Car rental/day  – FJ$180
• Private taxi driver/day  – FJ$150
• Taxi  (20 minutes) – FJ$30

Again, check out our guide, Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost? for more budget tips and costs.

Fiji Accommodation

• Smugglers Cove Beach Resort
• First Landing Beach Resort
• Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
• Nadi Nalagi Hotel
• Tanoa International Hotel
• Mercure Nadi
• Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
• The Palms Apartments
• The Terraces Apartments
• Sheraton Fiji Resort
• Sheraton Denarau Villas
• Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa
• Radisson Blu Resort Fiji
• Mango Bay Resort
• Bedarra Beach Inn
• Wellesley Resort Fiji
• Tambua Sands Beach Resort
• InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
• Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa
• The Warwick Fiji
• Crusoe’s Retreat
• The Beachhouse
• Namuka Bay Lagoon
• Nanuku Auberge Resort
• The Pearl Resort
• Royal Davui Island Resort
• Beqa Lagoon Resort
• Holiday Inn Suva
• Grand Pacific Hotel
• Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel
• Tanoa Waterfront Hotel
• Volivoli Beach Resort

Mamanuca Islands

• Plantation Island Resort
• Castaway Island Resort
• Treasure Island Resort
• Malolo Island Resort
• Sheraton Resort & Spa Tokoriki Island
• VOMO Island Resort
• Six Senses Fiji
• Beachcomber Island Resort
• Mana Island Resort
• Serenity Island Resort
• Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina
• Funky Fish Resort
• Ratu Kini Dive Resort
• South Sea Island Resort
• Tokoriki Island Resort
• Matamanoa Island Resort
• Likuliku Lagoon Resort
• Lomani Island Resort
• Tropica Island Resort
• Tadrai Island Resort
• Mana Lagoon Backpackers

Yasawa Islands

• Barefoot Kuata Resort
• Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
• Navutu Stars Resort
• Naqalia Lodge
• Mantaray Island Resort
• Barefoot Manta Resort
• Long Beach Escape
• Boathouse Nanuya
• Nabua Lodge
• Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
• Octopus Resort
• Safe Landing Eco-Lodge
• Coralview Island Resort
• Viwa Island Resort
• Paradise Cove Resort
• Coconut Beach Resort
• Nanuya Island Resort
• White Sandy Beach Resort
• Gold Coast Resort
• Oarsman’s Bay Lodge
• Sunrise Lagoon Homestay
• Yasawa Homestays
• Savasi Island Resort
• Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
• The Remote Resort
• Nukubati Private Island
• Sigasiga Sands Resort
• Koro Sun Resort
• Palmlea Farms
• Emaho Sekawa Resort
• Island Breeze Fiji
• Naveria Heights Lodge
• Grand Eastern Hotel
• Daku Fiji Resort
• Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat
• Fiji Lodge: Vosa Ni Ua
• Gecko Lodge Fiji
• Korovesi Sunshine Villas
• The Friendly North Inn
• Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel
• Sau Bay Retreat
• Taveuni Island Resort & Spa
• Taveuni Palms Resort
• Raiwasa Grand Villa
• Vacala Bay Resort
• Matangi Private Island Resort
• Tides Reach Resort
• Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages
• Taveuni Dive Resort
• Garden Island Resort
• Qamea Resort & Spa
• Aroha Taveuni Resort
• Paradise Taveuni
• Maqai Beach Eco Resort
• Makaira Resort
• Maravu Lodge

Lomaiviti Islands

• Toberua Island Resort
• Wakaya Club & Spa
• Leleuvia Island Resort
• Ovalau Holiday Resort
• Caqalai Island Resort
• Bobo’s Farm
• Royal Hotel
• Kauwai Guesthouse
• The Baystay
• Kokomo Private Island
• Oneta Resort
• Matava Resort
• Matana Beach Resort
• Mai Dive Astrolabe Reef Resort
• Tiliva Resort
• Navutovuto Accommodation

Lau Islands

• Vatuvara Private Islands
• Moana’s Guesthouse
• Lakeba Guest House

For more information on our top picks, take a look at the 50 Best Resorts in Fiji ,   10 Beautiful Holiday Homes in Fiji and more in our Accommodation category.

Plan a Fiji Trip According to Your Travel Style

Finally, this wouldn’t be the best travel guide to Fiji without taking into account that everyone likes to holiday differently. Here at Fiji Pocket Guide , we have travel guides for all styles of travel, including budget travellers, luxury travellers, honeymooners, families, adults-only and foodies. If one of these fits your style, then jump ahead to the appropriate travel guide:

• The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji on a Budget
• The Complete Luxury Travel Guide to Fiji
• The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji for Families
• The Complete Adults-Only Vacation Guide to Fiji
• The Complete Foodie  Guide to Fiji
• The Complete Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to Fiji

Happy travels and thanks for reading this travel guide to Fiji! You might also like our  31 Tips for Travelling in Fiji .

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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Related posts, 8 things to do in suva for foodies, 10 things to do in the lomaiviti islands with kids, 10 romantic activities in nadi for couples, 10 luxury activities in taveuni, taveuni transport guide: 8 ways to get to taveuni (& get around taveuni), 10 luxury activities in the yasawa islands, recommended for you, 24 best things to do in taveuni, the complete travel guide to the mamanuca islands ⛱️ [2024], the luxury travel guide to the suncoast, accommodation, destinations, things to do, connect with us.

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Fiji's best luxury retreats

By Condé Nast Traveller

Royal Davui

Just 16 luxury bures nestled on an island that can be swum around in 40 minutes - for the more exercise inclined - Royal Davui is a definiteive honeymooners' daydream and a definite way to disappear from life's stresses for a few days. Days are spent by the pool, snorkelling or taking advantage of the gorgeously secluded, brilliantly equipped (indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, iPads, wall-to-wall glass doors that open onto the sea, air-conditioning for those that like to keep the doors closed instead), sea-front bures that are cleverly tucked in among the trees so that each couple feels as if they are the only one there. On-call boat trips to nearby islands offer waterfall hikes or picnics a deux on deserted islands that only appear when the tide is low, while the bar at night - set in the branches of a giant Banyan tree - brings all the guests together for cocktails and the occasional hermit crab race - before they retire separately for dinner to enjoy delicious locally grown and caught food. The perfect desert island getaway - the only slight downside of this destination is the lack of beach. It appears only at low tide - but when it does you can wander almost all the way around the island amid the rocks and truly realise your Castaway fantasy. If you can, try to book a bure on the sunset side of the island rather than the sunrise side - if you want a lie-in. The service is as friendly and helpful as you'll come to expect in Fiji and standards are high - however this resort has a slightly less formal atmosphere than some others in the area and it's more about relaxation than big activities. Having said that, the spa is not as much of a focus as elsewhere - as a destination it has to be a 9 out of 10, while the plush-ometre of the amenities is more like a 7. But then not everyone needs a state-of-the-art spa when they're on a desert island, do they?

Address: Royal Davui Island Resort, Lami, Fiji Islands Website: https://royaldavuifiji.com Telephone: 00 679 3307 090

Taveuni Island Resort

The first couple to come to Taveuni Island to set up a resort, the now-extended New Zealand family who still run it have the highest of standards and determinedly want your holiday to be perfect - but they manage to retain a distinctly relaxed attitude while doing so. Not as authentically Fijian as other resorts you might come across, this is modern and manicured - each bure is more of a luxury bungalow overlooking a stunning view of the South Pacific (make sure you book a sea front one - being in the second tier means your view is distinctly lacking), while the stunning infinity pool - over hung by 2 palm trees - creates the sort of view that dreams are made of. With great diving and snorkelling trips on offer whenever you feel like it, there are also hotel kayaks that you can jump into and explore the coastline yourself - seemingly undiscovered palm-fringed beaches for you to claim as your own to the left; solitary desert islands further out to the right. While you're there, the Lavena and Bouma waterfall trip is a must - jump from them; swim under them; take your ultimate "honeymoon photograph" in front of them - this is where Blue Lagoon was filmed so it would be rude not to play the game. Taveuni is known locally as "the garden island" for its lush vegetation - one of the larger Fijian islands, it offers plenty to do before you go off to discover some of the smaller locations nearby. If you decide to remain at Taveuni for the entire duration of your stay nobody could blame you though - it's relaxed, high end, palm-fringed luxury with not a whim left uncatered to.

**Address:**Taveuni Island Resort, Taveuni Island Website: http://www.taveuniislandresort.com Telephone: 00 679 8880 441

Qamea Resort & Spa

Thatched bures set on white sand amid a forest of palm trees, Qamea Island Resort manages to combine absolute authenticity with luxury - indoor and outdoor showers, full air-conditioning and colonial four-poster beds mean that this is a long way from beach living, despite the turquoise waters lapping the beach 40 yards from your front door. A glorious spa set amid the trees behind the resort has a Swiss Family Robinson feel about it, while the more recently added luxury Superior bures at the end of the resort are definitely worth paying extra for - your own pool and private beach feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The standard bures are comfortable and spacious - but don't offer the luxury of seclusion you'll find elsewhere - and while organised activities and entertainment (wine tasting, local dancing, sarong-tying lessons), might feel enforced to some guests, for others it's a fantastic way to expel some energy after the luxury of living life in "Fijian time" (ie, slowwww), all day. Don't miss the opportunity to have dinner a deux on the beach - it doesn't get much more romantic than a little moonlit palm-fringed South Pacific - and be prepared to go with the flow: while all the amenities are there, they aren't necessarily all working and fixing a hotel safe, lightbulb or stereo, finding a hairdryer that works, or ironing your laundry isn't always the staff's top priority - but then in a place like this that's not hard to understand, though slightly irking considering the price of a week's stay. A nanny culture, meaning compulsory buoys worn to swim and a no-swim rule before 7am and after 5pm, is explained by a boating accident that happened some years ago - accidents are no more or less likely to happen here than in any other beach side resort, and the resort would do well to look to the future and work to fulfil the potential of this stunning location. Fabulous food and wonderful friendly staff - that Fiji is famous for - means that any negatives are easily overlooked, however. It's an unforgettable place where you could easily lose a week or two.

Address: Qamea Resort & Spa, Tavenui Island Website: http://www.qamea.com Telephone: 00 679 888 0220

Laucala Island

You don't have to be as rich as Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz to stay on the Fijian island of Laucala - but it's nice to pretend you are while you're there. A definitive no-expense-spared experience, the resort combines German efficiency with Fijian friendliness and the result is an authentic, glorious adult theme park for which the word "luxury" doesn't feel big enough. Each of the apartments - spread across the island and miles from each other so that each requires its own golf buggy - is completely different: set on a private beach; over the water or built into the rocks above the island with its own wooden staircase into the sea. Each has its own pool, two bathrooms (one inside, one outside), drawing room (with fully stocked bar and fridges) - ours even had a private platform under a palm tree on the beach, for yoga or dancing, dependent upon your mood. Five restaurants, a riding school, a full 18-hole golf course, a spa offering Cleopatra bath tubs and open air, cliff top massages, and all the toys you care to dream of - waterskis, jet skis, glossy gin palaces to serve you Champagne breakfasts as you go in search of deep sea fishing, beautiful wooden sailing boats and a pool that wanders over the island over waterfalls before coming to an end at the edge of the beach, with trained staff on hand to give you lessons on any of the above - mean this feels like a dream experience but is somehow spread out carefully across the island so as not to be too guilt-inducing. If you prefer, you can simply enjoy the perfection of a deserted beach instead. Cocktails in the Rock Garden bar involves sitting above the sea as flying foxes make their way home in the evening, with staff on hand to bring you individually-prepared canapés once in a while - each waiter is in touch with his colleagues by subtle walkie talkie conversations constantly so that you're unlikely to run into your fellow guests unless you specifically request to do so (which is tempting considering the A-list calibre that they tend to be). Have lunch in the Asian fusion Seagrass restaurant before wandering down to snorkel below it - turtles and reef sharks aplenty prove that despite the money this development has spent, real Fijian life goes on here. Laucala raises the bar of luxury hotels - it's everyman's answer to what he'd do with a megabucks lottery win.

Address: Laucala Island, Taveuni, Fiji Islands Website: http://www.laucala.com Telephone: +679 8880077

All properties featured can be booked through Fiji specialists Turquoise Holidays (01494 678 400; www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk/fiji )

Reviews by Dolly Jones; published July 2011.

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A Local’s Guide to Fiji

By Rebecca Misner

Viviana Taubera grew up in the island nation of Fiji and was always in or near the ocean. She turned her love for the water and marine life into a career as a marine biologist. She is passionate about coral-reef and mangrove restoration and manta-ray conservation, and she is an advocate for local Fijian communities.

This interview is part of The World Made Local , a global collaboration between the seven international editions of Condé Nast Traveler in which 100 people in 100 countries tell us why their home turf should be your next destination.

How would you describe Fiji in your own words?

Fiji is all about water. It’s a small nation made up of little islands, so there is water everywhere. And lots of green! I’m from the island of Taveuni, which is a really small island. There are a few cars there, and most people just walk everywhere. But the few cars that are there just stop and pick people up. It’s a very friendly place with a strong sense of community. I visited Australia, and people at the shops or on the street don’t really say hello to each other or stop and chat. In Fiji, if you go to the shops or are out and about, you say hello or “Bula” to whoever you see. Everyone is considered an auntie or an uncle.

What smells and sounds conjure home for you?

Ah, the smell of lovo takes me back to Fiji. Lovo is a traditional way of cooking where you dig a pit and place coals in it, and then you wrap meat and vegetables in banana leaves, place them on the coals, and then bury the “oven”—and the food cooks underground.

Viviana Taubera

We have a traditional type of dancing where we call on our ancestors. We do it for visitors and at home for special occasions. We also have a traditional style of singing and songs that we sing for visitors to welcome them to Fiji, the “Bula Malea” song, and then to say farewell to them. The goodbye song, “Isa Lei,” is very sad. In the song, we wish guests a safe journey home, and we tell them that we hope to see them again. Both songs are overwhelmingly beautiful—people often weep during them, especially the goodbye song.

Where should we eat in Fiji?

Kokomo launched the first chapter of the international Dock to Dish program, which supports local fisheries. There’s a local tribe of women from an island here. The fisherwomen source indigenous fish that are in season and that are mature in size. Kokomo then buys from these fisherwomen, and the head chef, a Fijian woman named Caroline Oakley, cooks the fish. She’s amazing, and it’s powerful that a chain of local women are bringing you the fish you’re eating.

What’s a favorite spot we should visit?

There’s a freshwater mountain lake called Lake Tagimaucia, on the island of Taveuni, that is stunning. I’ve been a few times. It’s a really long hike to get there, but it’s worth it. For us, the lake water is very cold. But a good cold, because you hike up and the water is chilly and the air feels cold—it’s refreshing. And there is a little flower that you’ll see around the lake—this is the only place in the whole world where this flower grows.

Where to go to relax and get away from it all

I go swimming with manta rays when I need to relax and recharge. Manta season here is April to August, but they’re around all year. No one has a bad time swimming with mantas! It’s like a mental-health reset.

Follow Viviana Taubera on Instagram @vee_taubera

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Authentic experiences to enjoy in Fiji

Far from purely a flop-and-drop holiday destination, Fiji’s luxury resorts and local operators offer activities that immerse guests in their locale. We’ve rounded up these authentic experiences that travellers to Fiji can enjoy on their next trip.

Aqua exploration & conservation.

Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands, surrounded by a turquoise Pacific Ocean that is ripe for exploring. In the ‘Soft Coral Capital of the World’, a title bestowed by renowned marine oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, visitors can snorkel or scuba dive to spot the vibrant marine life and delicate ecosystems that call these waters home.

For a hands-on conservation experience, resorts such as Kokomo Private Island involve guests in coral restoration projects. Led by marine biologists, Kokomo’s program sees guests identifying heat-resilient corals which are planted in a nursery before being transplanted back onto the island’s house reef. There are more than 1,300 corals in the nursery and over 300 transplanted corals, ensuring the surrounding reef continues to thrive.

Farm-to-table dining

Fiji’s luxury island resorts are increasingly using produce grown in on-site vegetable and herb gardens within their cuisine. Nanuku Resort has its own beehives with honey harvested onsite, a chicken enclosure provides fresh eggs for breakfast, and guests are invited to participate in catch-then-cook activities such as spearfishing.

Como Laucala Island has a dedicated farm-to-table philosophy which sees most of its produce and seafood sourced from the island and its surrounding waters. A 50-acre farm is home to avocado, papaya, and passionfruit orchards, as well as pigs, quail, ducks and even a herd of Wagyu cattle. Guests can experience a farm tour led by executive chef Daniel Boller to see the gardens and orchards by vehicle, before seeing the cattle paddocks, piggery, and poultry shed. Pick vanilla pods, taste the island’s honey, collect eggs for breakfast, or forage for banana, papaya, or cassava in time for the weekly Fijian ‘Lovo’ dinners.

Visit local producers

A great activity for those with little ones, café Bulaccino , which operates two locations in Nadi and Suva, offers tours of its 30-acre organic farm in Nadi. Wander the pathways and pick seasonal fruit, see the onsite bee farm to taste honey from the source, see how traditional Fijian cassava cake is cooked, visit ducks and chickens, and pet the friendly farm sheep.

KokoMana offers tours of their Savusavu cocoa farm and factory to demonstrate how they create fine-flavour chocolate from ‘tree to bar’, according to sustainable best practices. Those who want to try their hand at crafting chocolate can arrange a one-day chocolate experience, which includes learning skills such as roasting, cracking, and winnowing through to conching and refining, tempering, and moulding. Guests can design their own chocolate labels and will take home their sweet treats.

Cultural excursions

Immersing yourself in the local culture is one of the most profound ways to experience a destination.

Kokomo Private Island offers excursions to Dravuni or Buliya villages, where guests will be welcomed with a traditional ‘sevusevu’ ceremony, share kava with the village chief, and explore the village with a guide where they can support communities by buying from local artisans. Back at the resort, there are Fijian activities such as weaving, carving, jewellery making or sarong styling, as well as teaching the basics of the Fijian language.

Six Senses Fiji provides Fijian language lessons, operates tours of local villages, and hosts Cultural Nights, where guests can experience traditional dance and song performances, feast on Fijian delicacies, and try yaqona, a drink made from the kava plant, while they listen to stories about island life.

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Ultimate Nadi Travel Guide (Fiji)

Bula and welcome to Nadi, the gateway to Fijian paradise! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning friend, we’ve crafted the ultimate guide to ensure you make the most of your holiday. Get ready for a journey filled with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and the warm embrace of Fiji’s hospitality.

Nadi is Not Just a Stopover!

Nadi is not just the place you land and take-off from! It’s this awesome place in Fiji (west coast of Viti Levu) that’s like the welcoming door to a tropical wonderland. Imagine a town where you get to see and experience a mix of cultures – Fijian, Indian, Chinese, and European all coming together in one vibrant place.

It’s pronounced “Nandi”, that’s “Nah-n-dee”, not “Naydee”! Yes, there’s an invisible “n” before the “d”

Natural Beauty

First off, nature lovers, you’re in for a treat! There’s a place called the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, and it’s like walking into a green paradise. You’ve got these cool mud pools in Sabeto, which are not only fun but also good for your skin! And oh, the beaches along the Coral Coast are like straight out of a dream.

Now, here’s the fun part – Nadi is like the launchpad to some of the coolest islands. Picture this: hopping from one island to another, snorkeling in clear-blue waters, and just living that chill island life.

Friendly Locals

People in Nadi are super friendly; they’ll greet you with a big “Bula!” which means hello. And guess what? You can even try skydiving if you’re feeling adventurous, or just relax with a spa day. It’s like a place that has something for everyone.

Foodie Paradise

And food! Can’t forget that. Fijian food is a mix of everything – from fresh seafood to Indian curries. Your taste buds are in for a treat.

Cultural Centre

Don’t forget the cool cultural stuff – traditional ceremonies, dances, and events. It’s like stepping into a whole new world!

So, Nadi isn’t just a stopover; it’s a place where you can have the coolest adventures, meet awesome people, and just soak in the beauty of Fiji. 🌺🏝️

Weather in Nadi

Alright, let’s talk weather in Nadi! Get ready for some tropical vibes. Nadi, being in Fiji, has this awesome warm and tropical climate. It’s like having sunshine on repeat!

So, picture this: warm temperatures throughout the year. No winter coats or heavy jackets needed! The average highs usually hang out in the mid-80s to low-90s Fahrenheit. Beach weather all day, every day!

But, there’s a little secret – it does have a rainy season. From November to April, you might get some rain. It’s not a deal-breaker, though. More like short, refreshing bursts that keep everything green and lush.

And oh, don’t forget the humidity! It’s like nature’s own spa treatment. You’ll feel that tropical moisture in the air, giving you that real island feel.

Now, for the night owls, the evenings are pretty pleasant. You won’t need a heavy sweater; a light one will do the trick. Just perfect for strolling around and enjoying the night vibes.

So, to sum it up, Nadi’s weather is like a tropical paradise. Sunshine, warmth, and a bit of rain dance – all the ingredients for a fantastic holiday! 🌞🌴

Navigating Nadi: Where to Stay

As a general rule of thumb you can divide places to stay in Nadi into two camps: Denarau (luxury), and Wailoaloa (budget).

Denarau Island

A hub of luxury resorts and entertainment, Denarau Island is a favorite for those seeking a pampered escape. Indulge in world-class amenities, golf courses, and family-friendly activities. Denarau is a fantastic place with some awesome spots to stay. These are the top places:

• Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa

• A luxurious stay with stunning ocean views.
• Multiple pools and a beautiful beach at your doorstep.
• Restaurants and bars to keep your taste buds happy.
• Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island
• Elegant rooms and suites with modern amenities.
• Lagoon-style pools and a private beach for ultimate relaxation.
• A variety of dining options to suit every palate.
• Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
• Stylish accommodation with a touch of Fijian culture.
• Set in lush tropical gardens with direct beach access.
• Indulge in world-class spa treatments.
• The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa
• Contemporary rooms with island or ocean views.
• Multiple swimming pools and access to the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club.
• Delicious dining options.
• Sheraton Fiji Resort
• Modern rooms with private balconies.
• Three swimming pools and a dedicated kids’ pool.
• A range of water sports and activities.
• Marriott Fiji Momi Bay Resort & Spa
• Located a bit outside Denarau but worth considering.
• Overwater Bure villas for a unique experience.
• Multiple dining options and a beautiful lagoon.
• Wyndham Resort Denarau Island
• Spacious and comfortable rooms with kitchenettes.
• Family-friendly with a kids’ club and pool.
• Close to the Denarau Marina for island excursions.

These are just the best seven places, but don’t worry there are many more options. Whether you’re into luxurious resorts or family-friendly spots, Denarau has got you covered!

Wailoaloa Beach

For budget-friendly options with a laid-back vibe, Wailoaloa Beach offers a range of accommodations. Enjoy stunning sunsets and a relaxed atmosphere close to Nadi’s main attractions. Wailoaloa is a cool place with some awesome places to stay. Here are the top 7 places:

• Aquarius On The Beach

• Budget-friendly accommodation right on the beach.
• Relaxed atmosphere with a beachside bar and restaurant.
• Perfect for travelers looking for a laid-back vibe.
• Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel
• Beachfront location with both dormitory and private rooms.
• Lively backpacker atmosphere with a pool and outdoor cinema.
• The Boatshed Bar & Grill serves up tasty meals.
• Bamboo Backpackers
• Ideal for budget travelers with dormitory-style accommodation.
• Social and friendly atmosphere, great for meeting fellow travelers.
• Outdoor pool and sun terrace for chilling out.
• Nadi Bay Resort Hotel
• Just a short drive from Wailoaloa, offering a bit more seclusion.
• Comfortable rooms and a tropical garden setting.
• Poolside bar and restaurant with Fijian entertainment.
• Grand West’s Villas
• Apartment-style accommodation with kitchen facilities.
• Close to Wailoaloa Beach and a short drive to Nadi Town.
• Outdoor pool and barbecue area for guests.
• Beach Escape Villas
• Boutique-style villas with a beachfront location.
• Stylish and modern accommodation with a relaxed atmosphere.
• On-site restaurant and bar for convenience.
• Bluewater Lodge
• Budget-friendly lodge with both private and dormitory rooms.
• Outdoor pool and garden area for relaxation.
• Walking distance to Wailoaloa Beach and local restaurants.

Wailoaloa is a fantastic spot for those who want a more budget-friendly and relaxed experience. Whether you’re a solo traveler or on a budget, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and beautiful views of the ocean.

Beyond the Sand and Sea: Things to Do

For a more detailed look, see our “ Things to do in Nadi ” post!

1. Nadi Town: Immerse yourself in local life at Nadi Town. Explore the vibrant markets, visit historic temples like Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami, and embrace the lively atmosphere.

2. Garden of the Sleeping Giant: Discover the beauty of tropical orchids and native plants in this lush garden. Take a leisurely stroll and find tranquility surrounded by nature.

3. Sabeto Mud Pools: Dive into therapeutic mud pools and hot springs in the Sabeto Valley. Experience the healing properties of Fijian mud—a truly unique and rejuvenating adventure.

4. Cloud 9: For the adventurous souls, head to Cloud 9—a floating bar and platform in the middle of the ocean. Enjoy cocktails, water activities, and the breathtaking views.

5. Island Transfers: Explore nearby islands with island-hopping adventures. From seaplanes to helicopter tours, experience the beauty of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.

Culinary Delights: Where to Eat

Port denarau.

Indulge in a variety of dining options at Port Denarau. From Fijian specialties to international cuisine, there’s something for every palate. Denarau Island offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes. Here are the 7 best places to eat in Denarau:

• Bonefish Seafood Restaurant:

• Specializing in fresh seafood with a Fijian twist.
• Offers a relaxed atmosphere with ocean views.
• Popular dishes include coconut crab and fresh fish.
• Lulu Bar & Restaurant:
• Located at Port Denarau, offering a mix of international and Fijian cuisine.
• Stylish setting with outdoor seating overlooking the marina.
• Known for its diverse menu and refreshing cocktails.
• Nadina Authentic Fijian Restaurant:
• Provides a genuine Fijian dining experience.
• Serves traditional Fijian dishes prepared with local ingredients.
• Live Fijian music and dance performances during dinner.
• Cardo’s Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar:
• A popular choice for steak lovers.
• Known for its quality cuts and extensive wine list.
• Elegant setting perfect for a special night out.
• Indigo Indian and Asian Restaurant:
• Offers a diverse menu with Indian and Asian flavors.
• Vegetarian and vegan-friendly options available.
• Warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Mamacita Mexican International Restaurant:
• A vibrant eatery serving Mexican and international cuisine.
• Colorful decor and lively ambiance.
• Extensive menu featuring tacos, burritos, and more.
• Tiko’s Floating Restaurant:
• Unique dining experience on a floating pontoon.
• Specializes in fresh seafood and grilled dishes.
• Offers stunning sunset views over the water.

Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, international cuisine, or traditional Fijian dishes, Denarau has a range of dining options to satisfy your palate.

Nadi Markets

Dive into the local food scene at Nadi Markets. Sample fresh produce, tropical fruits, and Fijian street food—perfect for foodies on the go.

Other Places to Eat in Nadi

In addition to Port Denarau and Nadi Markets, you can find authentic Fijian food at several local restaurants and eateries in Nadi. Here are our best 6 recommendations:

• Bulaccino Cafe:
• Combines Fijian and international flavors in its menu.
• Serves fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
• A great place for breakfast or brunch.
• Taste Fiji Kitchen:
• Offers a taste of Fijian home-cooked meals.
• Features a variety of Fijian dishes, including kokoda (Fijian ceviche) and rourou (dalo leaves cooked in coconut cream).
• Sitar Indian & Thai Restaurant:

• While it specializes in Indian and Thai cuisine, it also offers Fijian dishes.
• Provides a diverse menu with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
• A good place to experience a fusion of flavours.
• The Grace Road Kitchen:
• Known for its farm-to-table concept, using ingredients from its farm.
• Offers a mix of Fijian and Korean dishes.
• A unique culinary experience with a serene atmosphere.
• Singh’s Roti Shop & Curry House:
• A local favorite for Fijian-Indian cuisine.
• Famous for its roti wraps, curries, and spicy dishes.
• Casual setting with quick service.
• The New Nadi Farmers Club:
• A social club that serves Fijian and international dishes.
• Offers a laid-back atmosphere with live music on weekends.
• Try their lovo nights for a traditional Fijian feast.

These eateries provide a range of Fijian culinary experiences, from traditional dishes to modern fusions. Enjoy exploring the diverse flavors of Fijian cuisine beyond the popular tourist areas.

Nightlife in Nadi: Where the Fun Continues

1. Bars at Denarau: Enjoy vibrant nightlife at Denarau with bars offering live music, dance floors, and exotic cocktails. Unwind and dance the night away.

2. Fijian Kava Ceremony: Immerse yourself in traditional Fijian culture with a kava ceremony. Join locals for this authentic experience and feel the sense of community.

Practical Tips: Navigating with Ease

1. Transportation: Opt for local buses or taxis for budget-friendly travel within Nadi. Car rentals are also available for those wanting more flexibility.

2. Currency: Fijian dollars are widely accepted, and ATMs are easily accessible. Credit cards are commonly used in hotels and larger establishments.

3. Respect Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with Fijian customs and etiquette. A friendly “Bula” and a smile go a long way in fostering connections with the locals.

Embrace the Spirit of Fiji

Nadi, with its warm smiles and captivating landscapes, invites you to create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Nadi offers a perfect blend of island living and modern comforts. Vinaka vakalevu—thank you for choosing Nadi as your holiday haven! 🌺🌴

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Fiji Embraces Happiness As a Way of Life, Not Just a Tourism Campaign

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 27th, 2023 at 8:30 AM EDT

Sometimes it takes a negative reaction or backlash to remind tourism marketers to refocus their efforts on highlighting the local community.

Peden Doma Bhutia

It may seem that it took one purportedly “stereotypical” tourism campaign for Fiji to realize that happiness, a brand truth that the destination continues to highlight in all its campaigns, isn’t something that is switched on for tourists — it’s how the country lives.

However, according to Emma Campbell, Tourism Fiji’s outgoing chief marketing officer, “Happiness lives within Fiji and its people, whether tourists are there or not.”

In its “Where Happiness Comes Naturally” campaign launched this year, Fiji tourism falls back on its trusted theme of happiness as a homage to its local people, natural environments, culture, and the authentic experiences on offer.

“We felt it was important to highlight that the source of the happiness a Fijian holiday brings, is Fijian culture and the people at the heart of it,” Campbell said.

The tone is in sharp contrast to Fiji’s earlier “Open for Happiness” brand campaign, featuring Australian actress Rebel Wilson, which faced flak for perpetuating stereotypes about the island nation being a “happy brown paradise.”

The video is no longer available in Fiji’s YouTube channel .

Talking about the shift in brand positioning, Campbell said, the “Open for Happiness” campaign needed to make a big impact in the moment as Fiji was reopening alongside many similar resort destinations.

“We worked with a high-profile celebrity to help amplify the campaign, and really leaned into the insight that people were ready to escape everyday life after a turbulent time, and just have a break.”

The portrayal was however seen as an attempt to sell a stereotype.

Similar and Ubiquitous Destination Branding

Destination management organizations worldwide typically focus on promoting their brands on physical attributes, such as sites, infrastructure and attractions, said Oliver Martin, partner at tourism consultancy Twenty 31.

However, Martin said since the branding of global destinations have become similar and ubiquitous, it is challenging to identify a destination purely based on its advertising. “The campaigns and glossy advertisements appear to blend into one another, resulting in a sea of blandness.”

Nevertheless, some destinations have recognized the need to shift their focus from physical assets and instead develop and communicate their brand based on the personality and emotional triggers of the destination — a powerful baseline to create and nurture a destination brand, he added.

Market Development Facility’s Fiji office, an independent development implementation arm of AusAid, has hired Twenty31 to lead the development, management and analysis of an ongoing data insights program on behalf of Tourism Fiji, Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association and the ministry of trade, co-operatives, small and medium enterprises.

Talking about the process and transition from Fiji’s focus on the stereotypical white traveler to a more immersive traveller, Martin said, the “Open for Happiness” campaign was partly a reflection of where the market was in 2021.

“The Tourism Fiji team invested time and resources to comprehend market dynamics and the potential high-value travel consumer. They developed a brand strategy in line with their findings. They likely always knew a foundational brand strategy and positioning were needed once the market stabilized,” he added.

Fiji’s Story From The Eyes of Its People

The “Where Happiness Comes Naturally campaign,” felt like a natural evolution to shift perspective and tell Fiji’s story from the eyes of its people, said Campbell.

As things continued to evolve after the pandemic, the tourism board decided to highlight authentic travel experiences that Fiji could offer to visitors — from unique kava ceremonies, to visiting local villages and sharing a lovo (community meal cooked in an underground oven).   

In mid-2022, Tourism Fiji team understood the need for a more authentic, “real” brand positioning, especially as the market continued to change and consumer preferences and needs evolved.

Tourism Fiji “got it,” said Martin, “They understood that in the development of their new brand positioning they needed to focus on the emotional connections existing and prospective travellers have with Fiji.” 

Recalling the Covid period that hit the island nation hard, Campbell said, “Resilience, resourcefulness, entrepreneurialism, and a strong sense of community got Fiji through the pandemic.”

And it was this collective experience that motivated the tourism board to refresh its brand positioning, to show the true face of Fiji and its people to the world.

Commenting on the “Where Happiness Comes Naturally” campaign, Viliame Gavoka, Fiji’s deputy prime minister and minister for tourism and civil aviation, said, “To see the spirit of our nation, the warmth and joy, shine through in our new brand just reinforces what a special nation we are.”

Tourism Recovery

Tourism recovery for Fiji has been nothing short of great as the island witnessed a strong recovery with inbound visits around 50 percent above forecast at 636,000 visitors in 2022, compared to 894,389 international visitors in 2019 .

“We are expecting to achieve 85 percent of 2019 numbers in 2023 with a full recovery expected in 2024,” Campbell said.

March was another excellent month for visitor arrivals in Fiji with the archipelago welcoming 60,548 visitors, a 102 percent increase over March 2019 and 120 percent above Tourism Fiji’s target for the month, according to data provided by Tourism Fiji.

Additionally, Fiji had noted shorter booking windows in 2022, but Campbell said the destination has been witnessing a shift in 2023, with some of Fiji’s peak periods booking up fast even as far ahead as September.

This, she said, reflects greater traveler confidence and the normalization of travel post pandemic. 

Additionally, Fiji recently launched a China website, for what was one of its top four source markets pre-Covid.

The tourism board said the website is an attempt to inspire Chinese travelers to visit the island nation through content that focuses on the dreaming and planning phases of the consumer journey.

Clearly, Fiji understands that happiness means different things to different people and the destination wants visitors to find their own version of it. Much on the lines of Pharrell Williams’, “Clap along if you know what happiness is to you!”

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Tags: advertising , china outbound , Chinese tourists , culture , destination marketing , destination marketing organizations , dmos , fiji , islands , marketing , sustainability , tourism campaigns , tourism marketing

Photo credit: Fiji's "Where Happiness Comes Naturally" tourism campaign. Source: Tourism Fiji Tourism Fiji

Fiji invites the World in to Experience Genuine Happiness

FIJI, 27 JANUARY 2023: Tourism Fiji is rolling out a refreshed take on their renowned ‘happiness’ brand platform, just over a year on from borders reopening to tourists. The new brand platform, ‘Where happiness comes naturally’ is a meaningful evolution that pays homage to Fiji’s local people, stunning natural environments, rich culture, and the authentic experiences on offer, encouraging travelers to discover a side to Fiji they may not have known existed.  A recent study into sustainable travel revealed that 66% of travelers want to have authentic experiences representative of the local culture*. Tourism Fiji is tapping into this growing consumer desire for meaningful travel that creates a connection to culture and communities. Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka says “It makes me immensely proud to share what makes us special with the world. The pandemic was hard on Fiji but to see the spirit of our nation – the warmth, joy and natural hospitality – shine through in our new brand just reinforces what a special nation we are. I’m hugely grateful to our entire industry for the dedication they have shown, and to Tourism Fiji and our agency partners for capturing our people and paradise so beautifully”. “This new campaign and platform is a milestone for brand Fiji” Chair of the Tourism Fiji Board Andre Viljoen says, “it allows Fiji and our people to be front and centre, and I think it truly celebrates where we are now and how far we’ve come post-pandemic. I’m looking forward to welcoming even more wonderful visitors to Fiji off the back of this campaign”. Tourism Fiji Chief Executive Officer, Brent Hill adds, “For over a decade our tourism brand platform, ‘Where Happiness Finds You’ has attracted people from all over the world.  “During the peak of the pandemic, visitor numbers fell to almost 30,000 annually. As our borders closed, the people of Fiji showed that they are so much more than just a friendly face. Resilience, resourcefulness, entrepreneurialism, and a strong sense of community got Fiji through when our tourist numbers were decimated. Our visitor numbers have since been steadily growing, reaching 102.5% of pre-pandemic numbers in December 2022**.   “With short booking windows becoming the norm***, and travellers increasingly booking trips 0-21 days from travel, we wanted to roll out ‘Where happiness comes naturally’ to capture that demand, and welcome even more visitors back to Fiji in 2023, showing them a side of the country that they may not have experienced. We are a small island nation with a lot of happiness to offer, and this new brand platform showcases the rich and diverse cultures and traditions that exist within Fiji at their most authentic.”   As part of the brand evolution, Tourism Fiji has announced five new travel pillars that it will develop and promote to tourists; Natural Environment, Adventurous Experiences, Community Connections, Recharge and Reconnect, and Food and Drink. These demonstrate a core range of authentic experiences visitors can have in Fiji, such as:  

• Natural Environment – explore the wonders of Fiji that have formed over thousands of years and connect with nature; Talanoa Treks’ 2 – 5-night hikes let people discover a different side to Fiji only accessible on foot.   
• Adventurous Experiences – for those seeking adrenaline-filled drift adventures, experience the Rainbow Reef - an underwater paradise discovered by Jacques Cousteau and known as the soft coral capital of the world.  
• Community Connections – take part in a traditional Kava drinking ceremony which dates to 3 millennia ago. The botanical marvel has been used in Fiji as a form of welcome at traditional social gatherings, and in cultural and religious ceremonies. 
• Recharge & Reconnect – soothe the soul with a dip in the Sabeto Mud Pool and Hot Springs. The therapeutic experience offers a natural remedy to help replenish the mind, body, and spirit.  
• Food & Drink – splurge on a personalised chef experience at luxury resort Kokomo with local female Head Chef, Caroline Oakley, renowned for her ‘cooking with heart and soul’ approach to food.  

The roll out also includes a new logo which fuses modern and bold typography with the traditional Fijian art form of masi. It has been designed by Tourism Fiji’s global agency Host/Havas, in collaboration with, third generation masi artist, Wati Maraiwai Talavutu. She comments: “Being given the opportunity to create a new logo that celebrates our heritage and showcases our traditions to the world has been an incredible experience. I’m proud to be a part of this new campaign that honours the rich and diverse cultures and traditions that exist within Fiji.”  

Rather than using traditional commercial travel photographers to showcase the new brand platform, Tourism Fiji opted to capture their vibrant Fijian spirit more authentically using renowned National Geographic photographer Matthieu Paley.  Tourism Fiji’s new brand platform, ‘Where happiness comes naturally’ will roll out globally from January. 

#happinessnaturally #fijihappy  Click here to see more of our Brand Work

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• Key Street: Michigan Ave. Leads to 7 Key Hotels in Chicago

A brief guide to all the MICHELIN Key hotels in Chicago.

Travel Hotels Chicago MICHELIN Keys

On April 24, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide announced its very first Key hotels in the United States — a brand new distinction recognizing the most outstanding hotels in the country. We're thrilled to report that in Chicago, eight hotels earned at least One Key. Of those, half make their home in the kinds of historic buildings that give this city its well-earned reputation as one of the most architecturally distinguished cities in the country. Follow Michigan Avenue north from the heart of the Loop to the Gold Coast and you’ll pass within two blocks of all but one of them. The Chicago Athletic Association sits within a Venetian Gothic landmark. The Gwen makes its home in a storied 1929 Art Deco skyscraper. The Pendry sets up shop in the masterpiece that is the 1929 Art Deco Carbide & Carbon Building. And the lower floors of the Viceroy make use of the meticulously-preserved, 1920s-vintage Cedar Hotel. There are Key hotels too in newer builds, among them the Peninsula (with uniformed bellboys and staffers who seem to know the name of each individual guest) and the Waldorf Astoria , its lobby a marble marvel. Below, explore the map and scroll down for more about each of the MICHELIN Guide’s eight hotels in Chicago.

The Eight KEY Hotels in Chicago:

Chicago Athletic Association — One Key

Pendry Chicago — Two Keys

The Langham Chicago — Two Keys

The Gwen — One Key

The Peninsula Chicago — Two Keys

Waldorf Astoria Chicago — One Key

Viceroy Chicago — One Key

Nobu Hotel Chicago — One Key

Top image: Pendry Chicago

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