Fiji is sinking. Yes, you, read that right.
And while it’s unlikely you’re going to experience any Titanic-esque escape sequences, the gorgeous island is becoming less and less habitable every year. Which is why now is the perfect time to go!
Fiji is home to thick rainforests, rugged hills, and cooling waters that make skinny-dipping extra extra risky. It is a tropical island paradise, and it will provide you with as much rest, relaxation, and adventure as you need!
Alas, with so many awesome islands to choose from, working out where to stay in Fiji can be difficult, or confusing. However, just like Superman swooping in to save the day, my guide here will extricate you from this troublesome predicament you find yourself in.
With all my top tips, you will be well prepared for tackling a holiday in this amazing country, so let’s get right into it!
Photo: Rachita Raj
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Not too fussed about where to stay but want a great stay? These are my top recommendations for places to stay while travelling in Fiji.
Blue Lagoon Beach Resort | Best Hotel in Fiji
This exceptional resort is the best hotel in Fiji in my opinion. It is in the Yasawa Islands and offers 4-star accommodation, a private beach, an outdoor pool, and other great amenities. Rooms have air-conditioning, seating areas and comfortable beds. There’s also a great on-site restaurant.
Castaway Island, Fiji | Best Luxury Resort in Fiji
If you want to treat yourself and your family to some unabashed luxurious R&R, then look no further! This award-winning resort is located on its very own private island – Castaway Island – about 27 kilometres from Denarau Island. Expect panoramic drop-dead gorgeous views of the exquisite white sand beaches, coral reefs and blue-green waters. Your kids will thank you after a day of playing in the free kids club and trying out all the free non-motorised water sports on offer! You can opt for a traditionally thatched Fijian-style beachfront bungalow and fall asleep to the sound of the waves!
Bluewater Lodge | Best Hostel in Fiji
As one of Fiji’s top hostels, the Bluewater Lodge hosts an awesome vibe and is a fantastic place to start your Fiji adventure. Located just 10 minutes from the airport and 2 minutes from the beach, there is no better set-up to ease you into the country and set you up for the sweet beach life. When starting on the main Island, you can’t go wrong with a pool, chilled hostel mates, and great facilities.
Malaqereqere Villa | Best Airbnb in Fiji
If you’re looking for stunning sunsets, impeccable beach vibes, and a whole lot of sauce, you will find it super tricky to beat this stunning Airbnb. With room for 6 guests, a private pool that is tactfully carved into the landscape, and a lush garden that opens onto the beach, your stay won’t fail to be super comfy. Located on Fiji’s main island, this property will also give you access to a fantastic kitchen, washing facilities, and the cold-air thing.
Fiji Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Fiji
The Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa Islands are an archipelago of 20 islands set northwest of the main island of Viti Levu. Although you won’t find any banks or shops here, the Yasawa Islands offers visitors a myriad of breathtaking sights and extraordinary natural beauty.
Nadi
Located on the main island of Viti Levu, Nadi is one of the busiest towns in Fiji. Home to the country’s international airport, Nadi is where most visitors will start or end their journeys.
Denarau
Denarau is a man-made island situated just five kilometres from bustling Nadi. It’s the perfect destination for travellers keen to sit back, relax and enjoy the view.
Suva
Suva is the capital and largest city in Fiji. It is located on the southeastern coast of Viti Levu and is a hub for tourism, politics and commerce.
Coral Coast
Fiji’s Coral Coast is home to many resorts and high-end hotels. Since the coast is so pristine, and lengthy, there are an unbelievable number of great spots to hang out in. Think R&R, but wayyy nicer.
Fiji is a picture-perfect postcard of paradise. This island nation in the South Pacific Ocean is known for its pristine white sand beaches, verdant jungles, laid-back atmosphere, and a generous helping of epic places to visit.
Viti Levu is the largest and most important island in Fiji – it’s where you’ll find the majority of its inhabitants. Set in the south is Suva, the capital city. Here you’ll find an excellent selection of bars, restaurants, cafes, and pubs perfect for a lively night out.
North of Suva is Nadi. This port city is one of the busiest and most well-connected in Fiji. It’s a great base for travellers interested in island hopping and is home to the Nadi airport, where you’ll likely fly in to.
Photo: Rachita Raj
Coral Coast is located on the underbelly of Fiji’s main island. Not far from Pacific Harbour, Coral Coast is home to less concentrated accommodation and an unspoilt coastline. If you’re looking to relax at a luxury hotel or pick up a drink at one of those sunset bars, this is the place to do it.
Just 5 kilometres northwest of Nadi is Denarau Island. A private and upscale area, Denarau is packed with luxury resorts and hotels, as well as shops, attractions and amenities. Because there’s so much to do, this is my number-one pick for where to stay in Fiji as a Family.
Finally, the Yasawa Islands are a chain of islands north of Viti Levu. These islands have picture-perfect white sandy beaches and shimmering blue waters, which is why they make a great addition to any trip!
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Fiji’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Let’s take a look in more detail at the 5 best places in Fiji to stay. Whether you want one of those tasty beach houses or a scrappy hostel bed, I’ve got you covered.
1. The Yasawa Islands – Where to Stay in Fiji for Your First Visit
The Yasawa Islands are an archipelago of 20 islands located northwest of the main island of Viti Levu. Although you won’t find any banks or shops here, the Yasawa Islands offer visitors a myriad of breathtaking sights and extraordinary natural beauty.
The Yasawa Islands boast remote beaches, blue lagoons, and lush jungles to explore. It’s hard to take this place off any great Fiji itinerary because you kind of have to go here!
Want to indulge in local cuisine? Well, look no further. The Yasawa Islands are home to a great selection of restaurants and cafes that serve fresh and delicious Fijian staples, like roti, cassava, and taro.
Coconut Beach Resort | Best Hotel in the Yasawa Islands
Coconut Beach Resort is an awesome option for Fiji accommodation for travelling couples and families alike. This hotel is the perfect base for sightseeing, world-class diving, exploring or snorkelling. The resort has three types of rooms with a range of amenities. It also offers a sun deck, free Wi-Fi, and room service.
Blue Lagoon Beach Resort | Second-Best Hotel in the Yasawa Islands
This exceptional resort is the best hotel in Fiji. It is situated on Nacula Island and offers 4-star accommodation, a private beach, an outdoor pool, and other great amenities. Rooms all have air-conditioning, seating areas, and comfortable beds. There’s also an excellent on-site restaurant.
Barefoot Kuata Island | Best Hostel in the Yasawa Islands
With palm trees, a coral coast, and an unbeatable vibe, this hostel will make your stay in Fiji memorable as hell. There’s a bucketload of free activities on offer, including crab racing, basket weaving, kayaking, and snorkelling. The poolside bar is perfect for chilling out and absorbing the vibe.
Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands
- Delve deep into history and tradition by visiting the village of Bukama.
- Explore the spectacular Sawa-I-Lau Caves.
- Go snorkelling or scuba diving and explore the wonderful world beneath the waves.
- Head out on a day trip to the nearby Mamanuca Islands.
- Lace up your boots and hike from one end of the island to the other.
- Lounge on the golden sands of pristine Champagne Beach.
- Sample fresh fruits and produce by visiting a Yasawa Island plantation.
- Take part in a Fijian kava ceremony.
- Visit Drawaqa Island, a beautiful paradise with coral gardens.
2. Nadi – Where to Stay in Fiji on a Budget
Located on the main island of Viti Levu, Nadi is one of the busiest towns in Fiji. Home to the country’s international airport, Nadi is where most visitors will start or end their journeys.
Nadi is an excellent place for finding cheap accommodation, which is great considering Fiji is already quite expensive. Dotted throughout the city is a high concentration of budget backpacker hostels, affordable hotels, and great-value homestays and rentals.
Fiji Gateway Hotel | Best Hotel in Nadi
The Fiji Gateway Hotel offers relaxing 4-star accommodation at an affordable price. It is situated in Nadi, the best neighborhood in Fiji to stay in if you’re on a budget, and it is close to shops, cafes, the beach, and bars. This hotel has tennis courts and a jacuzzi, as well as a cafe and restaurant.
Aquarius On The Beach | Second-Best Hotel in Nadi
This charming hotel is conveniently located in Nadi. It has easy access to the entire island and is also close to a myriad of activities and attractions. Rooms come complete with air conditioning and wireless internet. There’s also a coffee bar, restaurant, and sundeck.
Cosy Luxury Apartment | Best Airbnb in Nadi
Taking Airbnb to an extra level of style and class is this fantastic Nadi apartment. Newly built, the property boasts super-modern facilities including a private pool and gym access. With room for up to 6 guests, it isn’t too expensive (per person), and there is also a fantastic kitchen space.
Bluewater Lodge | Best Hostel in Nadi
Staying in Nadi is a great idea to get your bearings, and the Bluewater Lodge has everything you could need to get off to a flying start! Only 10 minutes from the airport, and 2 minutes from the beach, this pool-boasting hostel will show you a wicked time!
Things to Do in Nadi
- Get ahold of your adventurous spirit and snorkel with sharks! This activity will have you truly buzzing, and comes with a safety briefing.
- Head to Tu’s Place to eat the best Kokoda in Fiji.
- Hike the Nausori Highlands and enjoy the views.
- Check out Tivua Island by boat, and enjoy a BBQ lunch and hotel pick-up!
- Marvel at the unique and colourful Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple.
- Pick up fresh local fruits and veg at the Nadi Produce Market.
- Shop for souvenirs at the Nadi Handicraft Market.
- Soak in the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pools.
- Visit Navala, one of the most picturesque villages in Fiji.
- Wander through the lush Garden of the Sleeping Giant.
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View on Osprey View on REI3. Denarau – Best Place to Stay in Fiji for Families
Denarau is a man-made island situated just 5 kilometres from bustling Nadi. It’s the perfect destination for travellers keen to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.
This neighborhood is home to a high concentration of luxury resorts and hotels. It’s my top choice for families because it has excellent facilities and offers so many exciting and entertaining things to do. From water slides to zip lines, there’s lots of fun to be had in Denarau.
Want to explore more of Fiji? Well, you’re in luck! Denarau is an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the outer islands, beaches and forests. It truly is one of the most beautiful places in Oceania.
Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa | Best Hotel in Denarau
The Sofitel in Denarau is one of my top picks for where to stay in Fiji with kids. Guests have private beach access and can enjoy the outdoor pool with waterslides, a sauna, and a jacuzzi. Rooms are relaxed and spacious, and each is well-equipped with modern amenities. It’s way better than most resorts for sure.
Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa | Second-Best Hotel in Denarau
This spectacular resort is one of the best places in Fiji to stay for families. It has an array of excellent activities and features, including 7 swimming pools and waterslides, plus a kids club and pool. The rooms are stylish and modern with air conditioning, refrigerators, and private terraces.
Radisson Blu Resort Fiji | Best Resort in Denarau
This hotel is centrally located in Denarau, one of the best areas to stay in Fiji for families. It has modern rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms, and it’s in close proximity to the beach, bars, and restaurants. This hotel has a variety of fun amenities, including water slides and an outdoor pool.
Castaway Island, Fiji | Best Luxury Resort in Denarau
If you want to treat yourself and your family to some unabashed luxurious R&R, then look no further! This award-winning resort is located on its very own private island – Castaway Island – about 27 kilometres from Denarau Island. Expect panoramic drop-dead gorgeous views of the exquisite white sand beaches, coral reefs and blue-green waters. Your kids will thank you after a day of playing in the free kids club and trying out all the free non-motorised water sports on offer! You can opt for a traditionally thatched Fijian-style beachfront bungalow and fall asleep to the sound of the waves!
The Terraces: Big Family Apartment | Best Airbnb in Denarau
Visiting Fiji Islands with your family? Then your best choice for accommodation is this family Airbnb. The apartment can fit 4 people, is located in one of the friendliest and calmest areas, and has a lot of shops, activity options and restaurants around. You can enjoy the daily room service, beautiful outdoor, area and a massive balcony. All in all, this is a great place for a family holiday!
Things to Do in Denarau
- Dine on flavourful, sweet and savoury fare at Chantara Thai Restaurant.
- Feast on authentic Fijian fare at Nadina.
- Eat delicious Asian fare as you stare out at the sea at Maravu Restaurant & Bar.
- Fly through the air above the trees on a zip line at Zip Fiji Nadi.
- Hop on a boat and enjoy an awesome Fijian day cruise to the Mamanuca Islands. Only reachable by boat, you will be in for some outrageous snorkelling and guaranteed adventure!
- Indulge in the delicious crepes at Ports O’Call restaurant.
- Learn to make local culinary favourites by taking a cooking class with Flavours of Fiji.
- Swim, splash, slide and play at Big Bula Water Park, the world’s largest permanent inflatable waterpark.
- Leave the kids at home and embark on a sunset dinner cruise, with live entertainment and the possibility of a lobster supper!
4. Suva – Best Area to Stay in Fiji for Nightlife
Suva is the capital and the largest city in Fiji. It is located on the southeastern coast of Viti Levu and is a hub for tourism, politics, and commerce. The city is also home to the tallest building in Fiji and you’ll find a variety of landmarks, museums, markets and shops.
Suva has a large number of bars, clubs, and pubs, so is fantastic for nightlife. From 5-floor bars to cosy hidden gardens, you’ll be spoiled for choice in lively Suva.
Rainforest Eco Lodge | Best Hostel in Suva
The best thing about this stay is undoubtedly its location, in the middle of a luscious rainforest! While the facilities aren’t super modern, they are comfortable enough that you can really enjoy your surroundings, and there is still a pool to cool off the heat. This is one of the best eco-resorts in Viti Levu.
Quest Suva | Best Hotel in Suva
A great location and spacious apartments – it’s no wonder I love this property. Situated in Suva, it allows for easy access to a range of popular attractions as well as bars and restaurants. Guests can enjoy amenities, including a fitness centre and laundry facilities.
Happy Home: A Charming Studio | Best Airbnb in Suva
Having a small home all to yourself after a night out can sometimes be a lifesaver. This tiny studio is in a quiet location, but the main area is close by and within walking distance. You’ve got a kitchen, a nice outside area, and an incredibly helpful and welcoming host. Previous guests absolutely loved this Airbnb and I would highly recommend it too. It’s one of my favourite airbnbs in Fiji.
Things to Do in Suva
- Drink, dance and enjoy a floating paradise at Cloud 9.
- Dance the night away at Traps Bar.
- Go for a swim in one of the natural pools in Colo-I-Suva.
- Grab a pint at O’Reilly’s Bar.
- Marvel the massive Sacred Heart Cathedral.
- Eat fresh and delicious seafood at Tiko’s Floating Restaurant.
- Dine on exquisite sushi at Daikoku Suva.
- Indulge in flavourful local cuisine at Governors.
- Shop for tropical fruits and vegetables at the Suva Municipal Market.
- Feast on mouthwatering lobster at Eden Bistro & Bar.
- Sip cocktails at the Down Under Pub Fiji.
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Grab an eSIM!5. Coral Coast – One of the Coolest Places to Stay in Fiji
Fiji’s Coral Coast is home to many resorts and high-end hotels. With the pristine beach and lengthy coast, there are an unbelievable number of great spots to hang out in. Think R&R, but wayyy nicer.
Coral Coast is located between Nadi and Suva, so it can be an excellent base for splitting up the journey. If you’re journeying southwards, there is no cooler place to spend a few days. After all, this is what makes Fiji one of the best tropical islands on the planet!
Mango Bay Resort | Best Hotel in Coral Coast
Offering a lagoon-shaped pool and massage services, if you fancy a place to relax, the Mango Bay Resort is it. This beautiful resort has a restaurant on-site, and isn’t too far from Pacific Harbour, if you fancy a nosey round there. A mix of modern facilities and traditional decor gives this resort the edge.
The Beachouse | Best Hostel in Coral Coast
With a complimentary continental breakfast and the use of sea kayaks, this resort/hostel thing is an awesome place to spend a few nights. The dorm rooms are relatively small at 6 beds, there is free Wi-Fi, and the menu is centred around locally sourced fruits and vegetables to give you a more authentic vibe. It’s also awesomely placed to help you explore the astounding surrounding nature!
Villa Belo | Best Airbnb in Coral Coast
This absolute gem of a find is bound to impress. With fantastically friendly hosts, you have the run of your own spacious villa, and the option to get involved with local experiences. There is a private pool for you to enjoy, and you can even hire a boat for sailing or go snorkelling!
Things to Do in Coral Coast
- Get involved with river tubing Fiji, down the Navua River’s gentle rapids.
- Get your hiking boots out at Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, or maybe a sandboard would be better …
- See the fantastic Natadola Beach and relax on the glowing sands.
- Do an off-road cave safari tour to Naihehe Caves; they are a superb option for an explore, so get right into it!
- Try glassblowing. Yes, you heard me, try and make some cool glass thingies! Can’t be that difficult, can it?
- Go surfing. There are some awesome waves on this side of the island, so get stuck into that if you can.
- Do a Fijian cooking course, there are plenty available and you’ll learn a valuable set of skills!
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Hide Yo’ Money!Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Fiji
Fiji can be heavy on the pocket so protect yourself against all contingencies and make sure you grab some quality travel insurance before heading out to Fiji!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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FAQs on Where to Stay in Fiji
Here’s what people usually ask me about where to stay in Fiji.
What To Pack For Fiji
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Photo: Rachita Raj
Is Suva a good place to visit in Fiji?
Yes! Suva is a fantastic place to visit, containing powerful examples of Fiji’s history, and some amazing places to stay. Since it is the highest populated and most built-up area of the country, this is where a lot of the good nightlife happens. I’d recommend Quest Suva if you’re looking for a hotel.
Is it more expensive to stay on Fiji’s main island?
No. Fiji’s main island is usually the cheapest place to stay, given the greater access to imported goods, and the larger stock of resources. Going to an Island is going to limit how much stuff they can get from elsewhere; especially if you’re eating and living Western, it’s going to be more expensive on the other islands.
Where to stay in Fiji on a budget?
The town of Nadi, located on the main island of Viti Levu, is where you can probably find the cheapest accommodation in Fiji. You’ll find loads of budget backpacker hostels (Bluewater Lodge), affordable hotels (Fiji Gateway Hotel), and great-value homestays and rentals (Cosy Luxury Apartment).
Where to stay in Fiji for snorkelling?
The Yasawa Islands, in my opinion, is the place to be if you want to go snorkelling in Fiji’s incredible waters. You can stay at the excellent Coconut Beach Resort or Barefoot Kuata Island hostel in the Yasawa Islands. The Coral Coast also would be wonderful for all you snorkelers out there. Stay at this charming Airbnb Villa Belo while you’re there.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for paradise, Fiji is it! This stunning island nation offers visitors spectacular views, white sand beaches, glistening turquoise waters, and lush jungles.
Add in a lively nightlife, delicious food scene, and diverse culture, and it’s safe to say that Fiji is a world-class destination for travellers of all ages, interests, and budgets.
In this guide, I’ve looked at the best places to stay in Fiji. If you’re still not sure which is right for you, here’s a quick recap.
Bluewater Lodge is my favourite hostel because it has a great location, a friendly atmosphere, and it’s close to restaurants, shops, and the beach.
Looking for a hotel? Blue Lagoon Beach Resort in the Yasawa Islands has an outdoor pool and air-conditioning in 4-star accommodations.
And finally, if you are in the mood to splurge, Castaway Island, Fiji is your go-to! After all, chilling on your private island retreat is the stuff of bucket lists, is it not?!
So, what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the Fijian island life already!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Fiji.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Fiji.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Fiji to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Fiji is a great way to maximise your time.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Oceania backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
Photo: Rachita Raj
Updated June 2023
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