So, you want to go to Fiji, eh? Got your scuba gear, camera and that sexy two-piece coconut string bikini all packed and ready to go?
Oh, you don’t know where to stay in Fiji? Don’t worry. We know choosing the best island in Fiji is quite tricky. After all, there are over 300 islands to choose from!
That’s why we created this helpful guide to choosing the best places to stay in Fiji. Whether you’re a brave solo traveller, perhaps thinking about tying the knot in Fiji, or a luxury all-inclusive family - our great guide will make your stay in Fiji the best.
Grab that camera and that suntan lotion because you’ll be on your plane to Fiji soon. Here’s our guide to the best islands in Fiji.
There’s an Island in Fiji Fit for Every Budget and Ambition
As we mentioned, there are over 300 different islands in Fiji. Luckily, choosing the best island in Fiji isn’t tricky. Our team has made things easy for you. We’ve broken this detailed Fiji travel guide up into different essential bits.
We’ll focus on islands that are great for:
- first-time travellers,
- budget and penny-pinching travellers,
- travellers that can’t go without a thriving nightlife,
- families that travel together,
- and even swept-off-your-feet romantic couples.
You best bookmark this page as it’s jam-packed with Fiji-goodness! Let’s start by looking at an island that’s perfect for first-timers.
1. Viti Levu: Perfect for that First-time Fiji Experience
We all know that first-times can be daunting. Scary even. Yet, the only frightening thing about this island is the fact that you may never want to go back to your ol’ boring, regular life.
Without forcing you onto the road less travelled, Viti Levu offers a fantastic introduction to the fun Fiji lifestyle. Of course, going on a day trip to some unexplored caves and corals is relatively easy to do from here.
If this is your first time in Fiji, Viti Levu will charm you. There’s a wide variety of all-inclusive resorts, to more traditional resorts that can accommodate any group size.
Once you’ve made Viti Levu your new home base, it’s time to explore! There are loads of adventures just around the corner on this island.
If you’re brave enough, take a dip with the resident tiger sharks, or hop on to fabled Denarau Island. Here you can mix with the locals. If you’re friendly enough, they may even invite you into a thatched bure or hut.
There’s more than enough to do on this island. No matter your age or the size of your group. We think that Viti Levu is the perfect introduction to Fiji.
Things we like:
- A central transport hub.
- Plenty of shopping districts, restaurants and clubs.
- Wide variety of day trip adventures.
- Dazzling white sand beaches.
2. Vanua Levu: Perfect for Budget Travellers
If you are on a tight budget or just love pinching those pennies pink, then Vanua Levu is the perfect Fijian island for you. Once you dip your toes into the crystal clear waters, you’ll forget all about budget sheets.
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean that you can’t afford to live that 5-star island resort life. On this island, you’ll be treated like royalty!
Yes, Vanua Levu is less travelled than its bigger sister, yet this only means that you can get the best service and attention from the staff at the resorts, shops and restaurants. There’s even a handful of bars to try out.
Vanua Levu is also the flower in Fiji’s pacific crown of jewels. This island is filled with bright flowers and boasts endless waterfalls to discover around every corner.
High sweeping peaks contrast quite nicely with the orderly sugarcane and coconut plantations. Outside of the town, you’ll discover undiscovered beaches and wild jungles.
If you suddenly realize that you’ve been saving so much money, we highly recommend renting a 4WD to explore the untamed wilds on this island. Along the way, you’ll discover some extraordinary Instagram photo opportunities.
Things we like:
- Unspoiled beaches and jungles.
- A quiet, hardworking town with few tourists.
- Plenty of opportunities to dive and explore the colourful coral reefs.
- Forgotten waterfalls that’ll make you feel like a Hollywood actress.
3. Suva: Perfect for Keeping That Party Going
No trip to Fiji would be complete without exploring Fijian nightlife. If you are a party bug and can’t wait to shake that booty, then Suva is the island for you.
Well known as Fiji’s younger, party animal island, Suva offers travellers a great selection of safe clubs and bars to frequent. Yes, Suva isn’t nearly as big as Bali or Phuket, yet nobody wants to bump shoulders against seedy locals or ladies of ill-repute.
Suva will keep you entertained and safe. The Fiji Times, a local newspaper, will keep you informed about upcoming parties and events. While some bars may not be safe for a single, foreign woman, there are enough options to keep the party going.
This island also has well-maintained public transport and taxi services. Party-goers can quickly grab a taxi to do some fun-filled bar-hopping.
The next day, when you’re nursing that record-breaking hangover, you can grab a towel and head off to a secluded beach where you can get some wholesome goodness to restore your mind, body and soul.
Things we like:
- A vibrant nightlife that starts after 6 pm.
- Plenty of exciting bars, clubs and restaurants.
- Day markets to keep you entertained until the next party starts.
- Pristine beaches and parks to recover your breath between parties.
4. Yasawas: Perfect for Families
Despite having a dark, cannibal-infested history, Fiji is perfectly safe today for travellers and even families. So, grab the kids and head off to the Yasawas! Your paradise island is waiting.
It’s easy to get to the Yasawas, meaning that dad won’t have to deal with endless questions of “When are we there?”. A quick high-speed catamaran can take you from Viti Levu to the Yasawas.
While the island is sparsely populated, the Yasawas have enough adventure and luxury to entertain the entire family.
Tell your teens that Brooke Shields filmed Blue Lagoon here! If they don’t know who she is, they’ll be in for a treat. Mom can explain everything about Brooke Shields over a tasty, healthy lunch that’s freshly prepared in one of several restaurants on this island.
After lunch, grab the kids and explore traditional villages. Here you can get your fill of dark and lighter, happier stories about Fijian history.
The Yasawas are also perfect for teaching the young ones the fine art of scuba diving. Local experts are only too eager to assist and show off their lovely and beautiful lagoons and coral reefs.
Things we like:
- A central transport hub.
- Plenty of shopping districts, restaurants and clubs.
- Wide variety of day trip adventures.
- Dazzling white sand beaches.
5. The Mamanuca Islands: Perfect for Romance
While almost every island in Fiji has something unique to offer honeymooners or those romance-inflicted couples, the Mamanuca Islands are something else. Here your man will say, “Yeah, mama!” as the two of you explore Fiji together.
The Mamanuca islands are only two hours away from popular Nadi. Here you and your loved one can fall in love, over and over again. Say goodbye to those tourist-filled islands, and say hello to secluded beaches, private coves and breath-taking views.
While the Mamanuca Islands don’t have the fast-paced city life of the other Fijian islands, it makes up for it in gentler ways. Here you two can have private dinners on the beach. Your bungalows can have private pools perfect for some adult, risky swimming activities.
Of course, there’s not much else to do but spend time together exploring every seductive inch of this island. Take long romantic walks on the beach. Snorkel with marine life in turquoise coloured waters. Enjoy a drink in a child-free bar.
If you are serious about avoiding more miniature humans, i.e. kids, there are plenty of tiny, remote islands in the Mamanuca chain that’s strictly for adults only.
A honeymoon in the Mamanuca Islands is like nothing else on earth. Trust us.
Things we like:
- Secluded and private beaches.
- Breath-taking scenery.
- No kids allowed!
- A photo-perfect moment, every moment.
Is Fiji an Excellent Place for a Holiday?
If you haven’t already bought your ticket to Fiji, here are some other incredible, honourable mentions as to why Fiji should be your next holiday destination.
1. Fiji is safer than Bali.
Over the last couple of years, Fijian culture adopted an open and welcoming attitude. They call it the spirit of family, and every traveller is welcomed like a long-lost family member. This warm and welcoming attitude has also made Fiji a safer alternative than Bali.
2. It’s almost always summer in Fiji.
Say farewell to those winter blues. Fiji is in the southern hemisphere and sits just perfectly to get plenty of sunshine. Even winter is mildly warm and comfortable here. This climate means that you can go to Fiji at any time of the year, and the weather will be perfect!
3. There’s an adventure around every corner.
Fiji is quickly becoming the playground of Hollywood celebs. They’ve discovered that there are still real adventures to be had in Fiji. You can also enjoy those same adventures, no matter what your budget is. Some of our favourite things to do in Fiji include:
- Learn a traditional dance.
- Snorkel and dive among the best-preserved coral reefs.
- Rent a private island.
- Take a helicopter ride.
- Learn basket weaving and go on treasure hunts.
You see, Fiji offers every type of traveller an exciting adventure. Fiji will have you covered whether you want to travel with the family, are a solo blogger, or are a power couple looking for a quick break.
Are you ready? Fiji is calling!
There you have it, our ultimate list of the best places to stay in Fiji. If you're looking for resorts in Fiji that are more catered to your family vacation or romantic getaway, check out our other guides for places to stay in Fiji: