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Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, fine dining, learning about culture, multigenerational escapades or flop-and-drop holidays in resorts, Fiji is an ideal destination. The tropical weather, crystal-clear water, stunning coral reefs, luxury hotels and endless options for water sports and ocean activities are what makes this country so dreamy.
Lush jungles, fresh air, sunshine, quality produce and a myriad of day spas offer visitors a deep sense of wellness and the chance to disconnect from our busy lives.
Drinking and dining in Fiji
Vasaqa
Run by Fijians, this restaurant is heaven for lovers of a 10-hour smoked brisket, melt-in-your-mouth eight-hour spit-roasted pork, bao buns and prime cuts with chunky chips. You’ll enjoy a taste of the islands with kokoda (Fijian ceviche), cassava, baked kai (mussels in coconut milk) and green papaya salad with chilli kumquat dressing.
Crab Shack
A little further down the coast, you’ll find seafood with premier water views. Rustic and simple but fresh and delicious, this little beach restaurant is right on the ocean next to the beautiful reef of the Coral Coast. Order mussels, prawns, crab and lobster, and the island speciality: kokoda.
Waitui Beach Club
In the “adults-only” section of the Sofitel, this is the perfect spot for a chilled-out beverage before or after dinner around the pool. With stunning views of the ocean from the Champagne bar and DJs playing cool tunes, this is an idyllic “palm trees and sunsets” destination.
The Rocks Bar Vomo
If you’re staying at Vomo, you’ll have access to the best-located bar in Fiji. Staggering views, a glorious pool and a myriad of cocktails and excellent bites like the vegetarian crispy rice salad Nam Khao, steamed dumplings, Cambodian curries, sushi platters or the very popular soft shell crab baguette. For adults only.
Taka
A casual Japanese restaurant designed for locals, Taka is in the main strip of Nadi. Chef Taka is revered for his cuisine, which includes yakitori, udon, soba and ramen noodles. He serves up bento boxes of sushi, beef and miso soup, along with authentic curries and barbequed fresh salmon and tuna.
Wailoaloa Beach Club
If you’ve ever dreamed of sitting right on the beach underneath tables with pretty lights to watch the sunset, then this is the beach club for you. Friday nights are fun here with pub food, pizzas, beer and good tunes. You’ll find rustic Fiji hospitality with a Balinese Jimbaran Bay vibe.
What are the best seasons to visit Fiji?
Dry Season
April through to November is essentially dry, with low humidity. It’s 26°C-30°C most days, with the temperature a little cooler at night. This is prime time in Fiji and tourists flock here because of its continuous beautiful weather.
Watersports and outdoor activities are the ideal pursuits at this time of year. Hire a jetski, paddle the rapids, play golf or lie by the pool. July and August are the coolest months if you like your tropical weather a little less extreme. These months, when it’s less likely to rain, can be busy.
Wet Season
December through to March is more wet and humid, with the occasional storm. Most of Fiji’s annual rainfall occurs at this steamy time of year. Cheaper prices can be found, and if you’re in the pool or the ocean – who cares? You’ll have time to rest, relax, enjoy the spas when it rains and the pool when the sun shines. There is a risk of cyclones but Fiji is accustomed to these rare weather events and excellent safety plans are present everywhere.
The wet season is the perfect time to learn to cook, take a yoga retreat, or simply relax and read a book. Resorts and tourist destinations are not as busy at this time for those who like to keep your holiday pace less hectic. If you’ve yet to see tropical rain, you might love the occasional torrential downpours interspersed with sunny dry periods. Humidity is high and mosquitos come out in force so wear light, breathable clothing and don’t forget insect repellent.
Where are the best places to stay?
Fiji Mariott Resort Momi Bay
Book one of the only over-water bures on the island at this five-star resort and have the waters of Momi Bay at your feet. Indulge at the Quan Spa or hire a SUP or kayak and paddle the tranquil blue waters. Close to the resort you’ll find world-class diving and surfing.
Yasawa Island Resort
“Yasawa” means heaven. Head here for the ultimate in relaxation, gourmet dining, exclusive picnic opportunities on Champagne, Lovers’ or Paradise Beach and a plethora of activities like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, tennis, guided walks and catamaran trips at your fingertips. You’ll have to drag yourself from your hammock to visit the beachfront Baravi Spa.
Nanuku
Considered by many as the best resort on the mainland, Nanuku is located on a private coastal estate. Dial up the romance as you snorkel amongst coral in the famous Beqa Lagoon, trek to awe-inspiring waterfalls or climb sand dunes for stunning views. Go paddleboarding or lounge poolside and drink tropical cocktails. Staff can create bespoke dining experiences in the treetops or on the beach.
Malolo Island Resort
For families or couples, Malolo is a blissful, award-winning, Fijian-owned resort without phone or internet access. Reconnect with your loved ones without the modern interruptions. Have a heavenly experience at the new Leilani’s Spa at the edge of the rainforest or spend your days swimming in front of your beachfront bure.
Vomo
Renowned for its premium, organic, island-fresh food offerings, Vomo’s Rocks Bar is adults only and the best place to totally chill with unforgettable sunset cocktails. Stay in a spectacular private residence, stunning beachfront retreat or hillside villa, with chic furnishings and your own pool for an elegant, timeless escape.
Namale
Immerse yourself in luxury at this five-star resort on Vanua Levu, just a short ferry ride from the mainland,. Hike through lush jungles to discover waterfalls and white-sand beaches, spike the adrenaline with watersports or relax at The Namale Spa Sanctuary, which offers ancient healing techniques and decadent massage treatments.
What is Fiji best known for?
Fun in the sun
Bula! Visitors are all seduced by this friendly welcome of the Fijian people. With fabulous weather and an endless list of exciting things to see and do a holiday in Fiji makes people feel happy. Snorkelling, paddling, deep-sea diving, swimming and fishing are all on the agenda. It’s also perfect for those looking for a pampering holiday focused on improving their wellbeing.
When it rains, there’s wellness, yoga, cooking classes and art studio tours where you get to try some traditional painting and learn how to do Fijian arts and crafts. Families can chill out, read, or connect with each other over a board game. Couples can indulge in a long lunch or spend the day in a spa.
Surfing
Fiji is known as a tropical island paradise with excellent surf. From March to November, surfing addicts hit Fijian shores to surf the diverse conditions that surround the islands. The Mamanucas, the Coral Coast and Taveuni offer a range of conditions that suit everyone; from beginners who need instruction on the less crowded swells of the Coral Coast to those who are ready for the challenge of world-class surf breaks like Cloudbreak, Frigates, Namotu and Wilkes.
All enjoy the year-round warm water temperatures (27-28°C). Surfing in Fiji generally involves taking a short boat ride out to the reef breaks because there are very few beach breaks. Booties are needed and protecting the coral and marine life should be a priority for any visitor.
Culture and tradition
Attend a lovo; a traditional Fijian feast where meat, fish and vegetables are wrapped in leaves and smoked in an underground pit. Traditional storytelling singing and dancing occurs while the hot coals cook the food. You can also see this at the Fiji Culture Village just outside of Nadi. Kava ceremonies occur regularly here and give visitors a true insight into this cultural experience.
Kava is used for stress relief and relaxation and has uplifting, euphoric and sedative effects. Bobo massage therapy using local oils to stimulate the circulation in your limbs is another, non-medicinal form, of relaxation. It involves a practitioner making long strokes along the muscles which enhances wellbeing, releases knots and heals aches and pains in the body.
Out and about: what to do in Fiji
Relax at a floating bar
Hang out on a platform in a protected reef area. Have a laid-back party and spend your time chilling on board these floating day clubs. Just off the coast of Nadi, Cloud Nine or Seventh Heaven offer great food and cool tunes with international DJs setting the vibe.
Flying high in a helicopter
Venture to untouched beaches, verdant gardens and remote jungles on an unforgettable helicopter tour. Helitours Fiji offers scenic flights over the coral reefs and round the islands as well as adventure activities. Get dropped at the Sleeping Giant zipline or quad bike centres or choose an island location for a picturesque picnic.
Eco-trax
Tour the island on environmentally friendly e-bikes, dual-mounted on platforms. The bikes follow existing train tracks that take you through friendly villages, into the hills, alongside deserted beaches and, ultimately, to Vunabua (Frangipani) Beach where you can swim and snorkel. A zero-carbon footprint makes this social enterprise a winner.
River tubing
Cruise the Navua River and absorb the vivid green interior of the island. Grab your rubber tube and float on the water, passing by waterfalls and through caves. Visit remote villages and experience the pure joy of good, old-fashioned fun (and adrenaline) as you dip over rapids and swim in the river.
Get a taste of village life
A jetboat ride gives you access to the longest river on Viti Levu. Pass through extraordinary island terrain as you head for the Sigatoka Valley and see where Fijians source their freshwater mussels, fish, prawns and eels. Meet villagers, try cava with the chief, and eat a traditional meal together.
Swing big in paradise
Take lessons or test your existing skills on a championship-calibre course at Denarau in the middle of the island close to many of the popular resorts. The stunning Natadola Bay Golf Course on Natadola Beach is a challenging but fair course and fifteen of the eighteen holes have Pacific Ocean views.
Family-friendly Fiji activities
One of the best things about Fiji is the direct flights from so many destinations across the world. Once you arrive in Fiji, it is only a short journey to wherever you want to go, whether it’s by road, boat, helicopter or small plane. Fiji is a delightful playground for kids of all ages. Babies are adored, toddlers are indulged, primary-aged kids are welcomed with open arms, and teenagers have a smorgasbord of fun activities to choose from every day.
With nannies on hand at every resort and sensational Kids’ Clubs at most, children will find something to love here whether they are interested in cooking lessons, crab hunts, face painting, snorkelling or nature walks. Even better, parents can take a bit of time out to rest and unwind. Adrenaline is also on the menu; teenagers can join jet boat tours, go quad biking, cycling, e-biking, kayaking, ziplining or paragliding. For teens over 16, there‘s also skydiving (but they’ll need a parent’s permission).
CEO of Tourism Fiji, Brent Hill, says that hotels and resorts around the islands, like Plantation Island, Paradise Cove, Malolo Island, Kokomo, Namale, The Intercontinental, The Radisson and JMC (Savusavu) and Shangri La Yanuca Island are all fabulous for families.
Discover Fiji
This article was originally featured in the fifth issue of Dream by Luxury Escapes magazine. Get your copy of the latest issue here.
