Where to Stay in Fiji for First Timers (Best Areas in Fiji Guide)
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Planning your first trip to Fiji and wondering where to go? As a destination made up of over 300 islands, it can be overwhelming knowing where to stay in Fiji. Especially if you’ve never visited before, there’s a lot to take in. But don’t worry – I’ve got you!
As someone who’s volunteered and travelled around several parts of the country, I’ve got the lowdown on the best areas to stay in Fiji.
So if you’re a first-timer wondering where to stay in Fiji or you simply want recommendations of the best parts to visit – you’re in the right place! Here’s everything you need to know…
Overview of Fiji’s islands
When you think of Fiji, you probably imagine white-sand beaches, crystal clear water and luxury island resorts. But it’s also a diverse country with varied islands and loads of things to offer.
Some of the most popular places for first-timers in Fiji include Denarau on the mainland as well as the Mamanuca Islands. These are both easily accessible so they’re a good choice if you want less travel hassle.
BUT, depending on your travel style and budget there are other places that you might want to visit in Fiji, too. From romantic, remote sandy islands to options with mountains, lush rainforests and waterfalls.
So if you want to know where’s best for you – keep reading! I’ve broken this post into the main islands and areas of Fiji with all the info you need to decide.
Map of Fiji islands
Best areas to stay in Fiji for first timers
Viti Levu (the main island)
Viti Levu is Fiji’s largest and main island. It’s home to Nadi International Airport (NAN) and is a top choice for visitors who want the easiest-to-reach option. There are different parts of Viti Levu to consider if you’re vacationing in Fiji for the first time including Denarau Island, the Coral Coast and Pacific Harbour.
Denarau Island
Despite being called an island, Denarau is connected to Viti Levu’s west coast (near Nadi) and can be reached by car. It’s an upmarket tourist destination where you’ll find hotels like Hilton, Sheraton and Radisson Blu.
The main draw of Denarau Island is how convenient it is to get to – it’s around 20 minutes by car from Nadi airport. Denarau is also home to Port Denarau Marina (which is the departure point for boats to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands), so it’s a great spot for joining island day trips and tours, too!
You’ll find all the amenities and facilities you need in Denarau Island for a relaxing, hassle-free break. The hotels are brilliant so if all you want to do is switch off and chill – it can be a good option. However: don’t expect the best beaches here.
READ MORE: 15 Best Day Tours From Denarau, Fiji
If you’re dreaming of tropical island life, Denarau isn’t the place for you! It’s a lovely spot for relaxing but it doesn’t offer the same experience as Fiji’s smaller, outer islands.
🏝️ Where to stay: Radisson Blu Resort Fiji, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort
Coral Coast
On the main island, south of Denarau, you’ll find the Coral Coast. This is a part of Fiji that’s known for having lovely palm-lined beaches and resorts.
Although the beaches are nice, this still isn’t the place for perfectly powdery white sands. However, the Coral Coast is a brilliant destination if you want an easy, laid-back option – you can drive from Nadi airport in around 1hr30min.
Because of its convenient location, the Coral Coast is a popular choice with families travelling to Fiji. It’s also a great area to base yourself in if you want a more authentic and affordable getaway.
Plus, there’s plenty you can see and do around this region – from water sports and snorkelling to jet boat river safaris, hiking and horse riding. It’s also where you’ll find Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, which is a beautiful spot for walking trails.
🏝️ Where to stay: Maui Palms, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort
Pacific Harbour
If you want outdoor or adrenaline activities, you’ll love Fiji’s Pacific Harbour. It’s known as the country’s adventure capital, but it also has beaches with a more secluded vibe.
This part of Fiji is located a little further east from the Coral Coast, so it’s relatively easy to reach. It’s also less than an hour from the capital of Suva.
If you like having things to see and do, you can enjoy activities like river tubing, white water rafting and zip lining. It’s also an amazing base for off-road excursions like scenic dune buggy tours, boat rides on the Navua River and local village visits.
Pacific Harbour also has great snorkelling and scuba diving – Beqa Lagoon in the Pacific Harbour region is known for being one of the best dive spots around Viti Levu. It’s also where you can go cageless shark diving.
🏝️ Where to stay: Nanuku Resort, ULTIQA Fiji Palms Beach Resort, Waidroka Bay Resort
Mamanuca Islands – the #1 best place to stay in Fiji for first timers!
The Mamanucas are a group of paradise, sun-soaked islands just off the coast of Viti Levu. It’s a region that gives off all the remote postcard vibes – think white-sand beaches, swaying palms and crystal-clear waters.
Despite being a more remote region, the Mamanuca Islands are super easy to get to with ferries departing from Port Denarau. In my opinion, this makes it one of the BEST areas for first timers in Fiji!
If all you want is a fly-and-flop island getaway, the Mamanuca Islands fit the bill. It’s a dream destination for relaxing in the most beautiful setting, but you also have opportunities for things to see and do.
Some of the best things in this region include water activities like snorkelling and diving, island excursions, sailing trips and cultural experiences. It’s also a good choice if you want romantic experiences in Fiji like sunset sailing or candlelit dinners by the water.
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As one of the most popular areas in Fiji for tourists, the Mamanucas have some of the country’s top island resorts, too. You’ll find a mix of ultra-luxury and romantic five-star options as well as some family-friendly and more affordable choices.
🏝️ Where to stay: Six Senses Fiji, Tokoriki Island Resort, Castaway Island Fiji, Malolo Island Resort
Yasawa Islands – the best place in Fiji for paradise beaches
The Yasawa Islands are one of my favourite places in Fiji. They’re a group of islands located further north from the Mamanuca chain and they have the most incredible tropical scenery.
These islands are known for being a little more remote and peaceful than the Mamanucas. It takes longer to reach them but this also means that you’ll get a more secluded experience! It’s also one of the best regions for island hopping in Fiji.
Like the Mamanuca Islands, you can expect paradise in the Yasawas with untouched tropical beaches and palm trees. There are also some incredible resorts in the Yasawa Islands. Plus, you’ll get a more rugged mountainous backdrop which is super pretty!
READ MORE: 12 Best Yasawa Islands Resorts, Fiji
The activities in the Yasawas are similar to what you’d find in the Mamanuca Islands. You can expect incredible scuba diving, watersports, cultural activities and excursions. In this region, you can also visit the Sawa-I-Lau Caves, go hiking and between May-October you can swim with manta rays, too!
🏝️ Where to stay: Barefoot Manta Island Resort, Coconut Beach Resort, Navutu Stars Resort, Oarsman’s Bay Lodge, Paradise Cove Resort
Taveuni – the best place to stay in Fiji for nature
If you want a slightly different vibe in Fiji, Taveuni is an amazing island to choose for your first visit. This island is known as the ‘Garden Island’ and it’s a tropical paradise. It’s perfect if you love nature and adventure or if you want a peaceful retreat.
There are some beautiful beaches in Taveuni but the main focus is on rainforests, waterfalls and wilderness. Most of the island is made up of Bouma National Heritage Park so it’s a fab choice for hiking and exploring.
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Some of Fiji’s best dive sites are near Taveuni, too – including the world-renowned Rainbow Reef. Plus, you’ll find lots of romantic resorts that offer a secluded setting.
Taveuni is also pretty easy to get to so you don’t have to worry about a complicated journey. You’ll find direct flights from Nadi and Suva to Taveuni (Matei Airport, TVU) which take around 1 hour – 1hr30min.
🏝️ Where to stay: Taveuni Palms Resort, Tides Reach Resort, Vakanananu Retreat, Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages
Vanua Levu
Even though Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second largest island it’s surprisingly under-visited. However – I still think it’s a great choice for first-timers to Fiji, especially if you want a more authentic and secluded option.
If you visit Vanua Levu you can’t expect the same kind of modern tourism as other parts of Fiji, but for a lot of people that’s the big draw. It’s a beautiful island that feels untouched and a little off the beaten track.
That said, you’ll still find some pretty dreamy accommodation! This is also an amazing island for snorkelling and diving – it’s near some great dive spots like Namena Marine Reserve and Rainbow Reef.
Outdoor activities are also a biggie on Vanua Levu – it’s an unspoiled island, so there’s lots to explore with rainforest reserves, rivers and waterfalls. Plus, it’s a great place for cultural activities like visiting a local Fijian village.
READ MORE: Best 7-Day Fiji Itinerary Ideas (5x Options)
There are flights from Nadi to Vanua Levu, which take around an hour. You can choose to fly to either Savusavu Airport (SVU) or Labasa (LBS) depending on where you’re staying on the island.
🏝️ Where to stay: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Namale Resort & Spa, Savasi Island Resort, Koro Sun Resort, The Remote Resort
Fiji’s private island resorts
You’ll find private islands scattered around the country so this section isn’t about just one singular best area to stay in Fiji – but it had to be included somewhere!
Choosing to stay at a private island resort is one of Fiji’s BEST travel experiences. This is the option if you want all-out luxury. You’ll get incredible accommodation and all the space to relax in paradise.
There are several private island resorts in Fiji across different regions. Depending on where you stay, you can get organised transfers directly to your resort so it’s an ideal option if you want to fly and flop. It’s also one of my favourite options for a luxury Fiji honeymoon!
If your chosen resort includes transfers, this is a stress-free and convenient way to visit a more remote and secluded part of Fiji. You’ll get a true South Pacific paradise experience!
Travel tips for Fiji first-timers
- Best time to visit: Fiji’s peak travel season is from May to October. This is when the weather is dry and sunny and it’s best for beaches and outdoor adventures. You can find out more about Fiji’s weather and seasons in my Fiji weather by month post.
- Getting around Fiji: It’s relatively easy to get around Fiji despite being spread over 300 islands. To get to different islands you can take a boat, scheduled flight, seaplane or helicopter. To get around the biggest islands, you can use private transfers, taxis, buses or car hire. You can find all the details in this Fiji transport guide.
- What to pack: Fiji is a tropical destination so you’ll want to pack light, breathable clothing. You’ll also need reef-safe sunscreen, beachwear and comfy shoes for hikes or island excursions. It’s also worth taking insect repellent as well as a dry bag to protect valuables during water activities.
- Best Fiji experiences: Fiji offers countless amazing activities and experiences including snorkelling and diving, island hopping tours, boat trips, hiking and cultural experiences. There are also so many romantic things to do in Fiji like private candlelight dinners, sunset cruises and spa experiences.
Where to stay in Fiji Islands FAQs
Where’s best for couples or honeymooners to stay in Fiji?
If you’re planning your honeymoon in Fiji you have so many options of where to stay. I particularly love the idea of a luxury private island retreat where everything is taken care of. There are also incredible romantic resorts in the Mamanuca Islands like Tokoriki Island Resort and Likuliku Lagoon Resort which has overwater villas!
What part of Fiji is best for snorkelling?
Snorkelling is amazing across Fiji, but I recommend heading to the more remote islands – I found brilliant snorkelling in the Yasawa Islands. Taveuni and Vanua Levu are also great options with access to Rainbow Reef.
Which part of Fiji has the best beaches?
If you’re dreaming of powdery white sand and palm-fringed beaches, you’ll want to head to Fiji’s smaller, remote islands. I love the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands for their idyllic, postcard beaches.
Is it expensive to stay in Fiji?
Fiji is known for being an expensive destination with many high-end resorts and private islands. However, if you want to bring the costs down, you can choose to stay in more simple beach accommodation (which is still super dreamy)! It can also be cheaper to stay in one destination in Fiji rather than island hopping.
What is the best island in Fiji?
Fiji has over 300 islands so it’s impossible to say which is the best. However, I really loved Fiji’s Yasawa Islands for the heavenly, unspoiled beach scenery. Taveuni is also beautiful if you love nature.
How many days in Fiji is enough?
If you’re travelling to Fiji from New Zealand or Eastern Australia, 7 days is probably enough. If you’re travelling from further afield, you’ll definitely want 2 weeks or more to make the most of your trip.
What are the best resorts in Fiji?
Fiji has some of the world’s BEST resorts including Tokoriki Island Resort, Turtle Island, Kokomo Private Island, Likuliku Lagoon Resort and Royal Davui Island.
>> Discover the best Mamanuca resorts and best Yasawa resorts <<
Best area to stay in Fiji – Conclusion
I’ll never stop raving about Fiji so if you’re planning a trip – I’m so excited for you! Fiji is a gorgeous destination with so many amazing places to stay.
Depending on your travel style, interests and budget, you’ll find dream options across Fiji. Whether that’s a hassle-free stay at a luxury resort in Denarau or a more adventurous and authentic escape in Vanua Levu or Taveuni. You’ll also find remote, white-sand islands that are perfect for living your best beach life.
Wherever you choose, I know you’ll have an amazing time in Fiji. I hope this post has given you more clarity on the best areas in Fiji for you. If you still can’t decide where to go in Fiji, make sure you check out my 7-day Fiji itinerary ideas and island hopping guide, too!
READ MORE ON FIJI:
- Fiji Weather by Month: When’s the Best Time to Visit Fiji?
- Getting Around Fiji (Fiji Transport Guide)
- Is Fiji Boring or Worth Visiting?
- Is Fiji in French Polynesia? (+ Other Facts You Need to Know!)
- 22 Most Romantic Things to Do in Fiji
- Is Suva or Nadi Better? (Fiji Guide)
- 15 Best Mamanuca Island Resorts
- 12 Best Yasawa Islands Resorts
- 15 Best Day Tours From Denarau, Fiji
- Best Fiji Island Hopping Itinerary + Guide
- Best 7-Day Fiji Itinerary Ideas (5x Options)
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