USD
Fiji’s Best Overwater Stays
Written by Annabel Fuller
Say “bula” to blissful sandy beaches, colourful corals and direct access to aquamarine waters with an enchanting overwater stay.
Who says you need to travel to the Maldives for overwater bliss? Discover lapping waves, crystal-clear lagoons and jaw-dropping sunsets from your private oasis – all just four hours from the Australian east coast – with a Fiji overwater stay. Here’s our roundup of the best Fiji overwater vacation spots, plus some of the best close-to-the-water stays.
Discover Fiji
Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa
With sugarcane fields, coconut palms and untouched beaches fronted by traditional villages, Vanua Levu is a soulful island paradise that remains charmingly untouched. Just a short hop from Nadi, find yourself in the secluded paradise of Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa. Enclosed by 160 acres of lush rainforest, this haven puts pleasure front and centre, with a collection of overwater bures ready to help you unwind. Perched above a private lagoon within the resort’s protected marina, each bure boasts a private sundeck with direct access to waters teeming with tropical fish, stingrays and turtles. Elsewhere at the resort, legendary Fijian hospitality shines through; savour Asian-fusion cuisine, including coconut mud crab and ginger garlic lobster, at the waterfront restaurant or bliss out at the Rainforest Spa.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Home to the first of Fiji’s overwater bures, Likuliku Lagoon Resort is an adults-only paradise that effortlessly combines romance, luxury and true Fijian hospitality. Slip straight from your bed to the ocean with a stay in an Overwater Bure, where a private bathing pavilion and sun-drenched deck come standard. Perched on the edge of a protected marine sanctuary, the resort puts sustainability at its core, with a planting program for native trees and protective measures in place for the rare Fijian-crested iguana. Should you be able to pull yourself away from the serenity of the Overwater Bure, you’ll find daily tasting menus at Fijiana Restaurant and tranquil treatments courtesy of Tatadra Spa.
Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
Nothing captures the essence of a romantic Fijian getaway like an overwater bure at this five-star resort. Stretching across the resort’s tranquil lagoon, retreat to one of just 22 adults-only, overwater bures, each offering stunning vistas of glittering Viti Levu’s west coast. As the only overwater bures on Fiji’s main island, you can expect the finest luxuries – a freestanding bathtub, direct lagoon access and a sun-soaked terrace ideal for cocktail-sipping as the sun sets.
Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina
Discover the epitome of barefoot luxury at Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina, nestled within 400 acres of tropical gardens, sugar-fine sands and palm-fringed islands in Fiji’s Mamanuca archipelago. Known for its appeal to international sailors, Musket Cove invites guests to fan out along the water’s edge in one of its six luxurious Fijian overwater Lagoon Bures. Mingle at the resort’s iconic Yacht Club Island Bar, a laidback beachfront bar perfect for sunset cocktails, before diving into the waters below your overwater accommodation. Should you wish to leave your romantic bure bubble, you’ll have easy access to island-hopping excursions, dolphin-watching safaris, diving and fishing trips and world-class surfing.
Still want to be close to the water … but not over it?
OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort
Set your watch to island time and switch into ultimate relaxation mode with a beachfront escape to the five-star OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort. Perched on Viti Levu’s spectacular Coral Coast, find yourself just steps from colourful coral reefs, sapphire lagoons and pristine beaches, all shimmering under the deep purple and red hues of Fiji’s renowned sunsets. Stay in a glamourous Beachfront Bure and savour a tempting grilled dinner with tropical cocktails at the palm-fringed Sundowner Bar & Grill. Explore the underwater world surrounding the island by snorkelling or kayaking and get your fill of traditional customs by witnessing the seemingly impossible at a unique firewalking performance.
Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa
Escape to the water’s edge and experience island paradise at the five-star Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa. Home to a private two-kilometre beach, seven show-stopping pools (including an adults-only area) and an endless stretch of swaying palms, barefoot bliss doesn’t get much better than this. Stay in one of the glamorous beachfront rooms, savour pan-Asian favourites at Maravu and drop the little ones at IKA Kids’ Club before an indulgent afternoon of cocktail-sipping and heavenly poolside spa treatments.
Six Senses Fiji
Each suite and villa at the five-star Six Senses Fiji comes complete with a private pool, sun deck and guest experience manager. Quiet, calm and contemporary design make this luxurious oceanside retreat an ideal anchor for your restorative Pacific stay, with crisp beachfront accommodation and onsite spa facilities. Located on the largest of the reef-filled Mamanuca Islands, this 120-acre boutique resort, housing only 24 suites and villas along with 11 spacious residences, ensures you’re always close to the shimmering ocean.
Sheraton Denarau Villas
Disconnect to reconnect at Sheraton Denarau Villas, a five-star all-villa paradise ideally located on Fiji’s Denarau Island. Just a stone’s throw from Nadi, you are guaranteed to feel a world away with a stay in one of the spacious, light-filled villas. Choose any oceanfront villa to enjoy enchanting Pacific Ocean vistas. Emerge from your private oasis to discover the resort’s wider facilities. There’s a lagoon-style swimming pool, an oceanfront infinity pool, a charming beachfront eatery with a swim-up bar and an 18-hole golf course.
Featured image: Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest. Source: supplied
Looking for more inspiration? Check out The World’s Most Opulent Overwater Villas.
