Wherever you go, expect the warmest welcomes the world has to offer. Not surprisingly, diving and snorkeling are a highlight - the waters are home to more than 1,198 species of reef fish, almost 300 different species of hard coral, as well as giant clams, turtles, sharks, and rays. A short hop from the tourist hubs of Nadi and Denarau Island, the magnificent Mamanuca Islands are among the most popular places to visit in Fiji, and for good reason. Dive with resident tiger sharks in Beqa Lagoon, kayak or raft the Navua River, snorkel the outrageous reef at Nananu-i-Ra or simply soak in some sun on the dazzling white sands of the Coral Coast – there is a lot to do (or not do) on this island. The main, flower-filled and vaguely colonial settlement of Savusavu attracts sailors with its sheltered green bays and small selection of decent shops, bars and restaurants. Remote and authentic yet easily accessed by plane or ship from Viti Levu, Kadavu is one of Fiji's best off-the-beaten-path assets. Fiji’s Great Astrolabe Reef. But you don't have to travel far to flee the crowds and find your own Fijian paradise. You'll find accommodation to suit every budget and style, from thatched bures (traditional Fijian huts) to luxurious beachfront villas, and most of these resorts occupy their own islands in the Mamanuca chain. Ah, the Mamanucas. Nadi Airport to Pacific Harbour by car – 3 hours. Port Denarau is located on Fiji's Denarau Island, which is connected to Viti Levu by bridge and is just a 20-minute drive from Nadi International Airport. The main airport is near the town of Nadi, on the island's western side, where souvenir shops and Indian restaurants jostle along the busy streets. The Bouma National Heritage Park protects a large part of the island, with rare tropical blooms and superb bird-watching; Kula lorikeets and silktails are among the many prized bird species here. These jungles support an impressive diversity of birds, including the Kadavu musk parrot, velvet dove, and crimson shining parrot. The town of Savusavu has a colorful farmers market, and its sheltered bay is popular with sailors. Nadi Airport to Coral Coast by car – Between 1 & 2.5 hours depending on hotel location. To the south of Yasawa Islands, west of Fiji’s capital, are the crystal clear waters, palm-fringed sandy beaches, and live coral reefs of Castaway Island. Here is a near-perfect string of wee white sand isles that hover in blue water like some hallucination of paradise. Some are sprinkled along the shore, while others are split-level treehouses on stilts that stretch up into the lush rainforest canopy. Islands like Leleuvia, Naigani and Koro have very low-key resorts on lost-feeling alabaster beaches, while Wakaya hosts the Wakaya Club, one of the country's most exclusive and beautiful resorts. Matava and Papageno Resort are two of the favorites. Whether you're an avid diver seeking fish-rich reefs, an eco-tourist, a beach babe, or a backpacker, find the perfect place to visit for your next South Pacific vacation with our list of the best islands in Fiji. Best Things To Do in Fiji. Most of the islands lie less than an hour away by boat from Denarau Island Marina. Less touristy than Viti Levu, Vanua Levu is the second largest island in Fiji and a popular destination for nature lovers who like to travel off the beaten path. The romantic Matangi Private Island Resort here is a favorite wedding and honeymoon destination. Suva, on the island's eastern side, is the capital and one of the largest cities in the South Pacific, with a lively expat community. You will have an awesome time playing with the kids in the … Despite the fact that this main island and its dozen or so smaller sisters lie so close to Viti Levu, few visitors make it out here. Viti Levu is the largest of the islands and home to the capital city, Suva. Pulsing drums announce when each meal is ready, and the friendly staff find you on the island to take your dinner order. Topping the luxury list are Vomo Island Resort; Likuliku Lagoon Resort; and adults-only Tokoriki Island Resort, one of the best resorts in Fiji for couples. For couples to travel between the different islands, it is recommended that they use a seaplane. All rights reserved. Most tourists who are staying on Viti Levu base themselves here or on the Coral Coast, about a two-hour drive from Nadi, where white-sand beaches and large resorts rim the coast. But there isn't just one Fiji, so which island holds your perfect tropical holiday? The island's rutted dirt tracks are fun for 4WD enthusiasts - especially along the scenic Hibiscus Highway, which traces the coast past coconut plantations and apple-green fields of sugarcane. Denarau Marina … Nap in the shade of a Savusavu palm tree, or float in the lagoons of Viti Levu. You're not going to get a whole lot of cultural bling out here but if you want reliably good weather, brag-worthy sand, waiters wielding cocktails and lots tourist of company, the Mamanucas are for you. This island was the last 3 nights of our trip and it couldn't have ended on a higher note. The Mamanuca Islands. Far from the well-trodden tourist trail, the unspoiled Kadavu group of islands are known for the fantastic diving on the Great Astrolabe Reef, the planet's fourth largest barrier reef. Set in the south is Suva, the capital and best neighbourhood in Fiji to stay … Outside of town, hike jungle-clad mountains and undeveloped coasts of traditional villages. Sparsely populated, the land is relatively dry, the beaches white. If you travel in the shoulder seasons, May through June, and October, you'll have a better chance of decent weather and cheaper rates. Snorkeling, Wakaya Island | Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble / photo modified. While the Mamanucas got Tom Hanks, the Yasawas got Brooke Shields when the 1980 film Blue Lagoon was filmed here. The waterfalls and lush rainforest of Taveuni Island are peaceful places to commune with nature at your own pace. This is the definition of tropical paradise—a honeymooner’s utopia of palm-fringed islands … All that aside, when the conditions are right, Restaurants has perfectly tubular waves that make some of the best to ride in Fiji! Until then, these are the best private island resorts in Fiji, where you can enjoy thriving coral reefs, warm waters, seaside spa treatments, fresh food, and vibrant Fijian culture in solitude. The breathtakingly beautiful island of Taveuni is the … Located on Denarau Island in Fiji, this resort mingles both the island culture as … Fiji’s beaches are for more than sinking your toes in the sand and getting a nice tan. Here's the low-down on the main options. Aerial view of Mala Mala Island, Mamanuca Islands. Fiji’s Qalito Island was nicknamed “Castaway Island” after the release of the film starring Tom Hanks in 2000. Private island hideaways and gorgeous, beachfront gems that fulfill every South Pacific fantasy. Approaching from the sea, four-acre Toberua (pronounced "Tomberua") looks a little like Gilligan's Island, with its sliver of white-sand beach, arching palms, and cute thatched bures. The Best Islands to Visit in Fiji Best Region in Fiji for water sports: The Mamanuca Islands. Meanwhile Nadi, the main transport hub showcases the country's Indian heritage via sari shops and plenty of yummy curries. Matangi Private Island Resort | Ed Bierman / photo modified. Head to Vanua Levi for the pick of the snorkeling, or visit Denarau Island to explore the beautiful … These 20 splotches of sublime white sand and striking blue water boast some of Fiji's best weather, with plenty of sunshine and less rain than other island groups. Top sites include Rainbow Reef, Eel Reef, the Great White Wall, and Waitabu Marine Park. A family favorite in the luxury market, it has one of the best kids' clubs on Fiji… This article was originally published in May 2019. Bear in mind, though, that is high season, and accommodation and flights will be more expensive. Fiji has some of the best coral in the world and one of the largest reefs in the world too. Diving and snorkeling are also excellent in the waters around the islands - Jean-Michel Cousteau (Jacques' son) runs a popular dive center here, with courses for all skill levels. Approximately 30 resorts are spread through the 12 major islands … About 15 minutes from Nadi, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, in the foothills of the Sabeto Range, is a popular day trip for garden lovers, and after admiring all the orchids, you can soak in the nearby Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool. … From November through April, tropical systems move into the area, and heavy rain can pound the islands, but if you don't mind this, you'll find the cheapest rates at this time of year. Rent a 4WD and explore the wilds. Other popular things to do here include hiking and mountain biking through the jungle; river tubing; and basking on the empty, jungle-fringed beaches. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. The beach lies on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu, … You can also play "reef golf" on the 18-hole course, though you'll have to wait for low tide, and if you really want to splurge, you can book out the entire island. 9 Best Fiji Islands 1. Viti Levu is the largest and most important island in Fiji and it’s where you’ll find the majority of its inhabitants. For relatively dry weather and less chance of tropical storms, the best time to visit Fiji is July through September. But Viti Levu also has a wild side. Its best beaches compete in beauty with the Seussian array of marine life below the water’s surface and the candy … Stretching into the shape of a smile, northeast of Taveuni, 240-acre Matangi Island is one of the best islands to stay in Fiji for couples. Like its much larger sister island, Vanua Levu, to the west, Taveuni is a haven for hikers, nature-lovers, and anyone who wants to experience the country's more authentic side on their Fiji holiday. Sea planes, helicopters, and speedboats whisk guests to these resorts from Nadi, and you can also tour these islands on a Blue Lagoon cruise or the high-speed catamaran, the Yasawa Flyer. Here's an idea of average transfer times in Fiji: Nadi Airport to Denarau Marina by car - 15 minutes. Celebrities, like Keith Richards, frequently visit these shores, ensconced in large air-conditioned villas that are strung along a sliver of white-sand beach fringed by turquoise waters and coral reefs. This is one of the world's rare places, where you can drop off the grid and immerse yourself in pristine natural beauty, both on land and in the water. Thanks to this quintessential tropical beauty, Survivor and the famous Tom Hanks movie Cast Away were both filmed on islands in this chain. Everywhere you go you'll find accommodation for all ranges from super-luxe to backpacker fun. Popular things to do in the Yasawa Islands include kayaking, swimming with manta rays, and exploring the cathedral-like Sawa-i-Lau caves. In a remote location on Malolo Island, which is part of the Mamanuca archipelago, the Six Senses is an eco-friendly resort on a beautiful beach. Want to get way, way out there? It's where you can escape the stress of modern living and the cold this winter. Among the Islands, are Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands that are most sought after by couples.The Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands are among the best Fiji Islands to visit. © Copyright 2020 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. The Yasawas pick up the glorious tropical tail of the Mamanuca Islands and bring them north to more quiet and isolated bliss. The Mamanucas are such picture perfect islands that the film Cast Away was filmed on this chain's uninhabited Monuriki Island – visit it on a day trip. Lush rain-soaked islands like Vanua Levu and Taveuni are off the beaten tourist track, with hiking trails, waterfalls, and flower-flecked jungles, while unspoiled Kadavu lures divers to the planet's fourth largest barrier reef. 10 Best Islands in Fiji Robinson Crusoe Island. About an hour's drive from Nadi, palm-lined Natadola Beach is one of the best beaches in Fiji, with gentle surf and decent snorkeling at its eastern end. TELL ME MORE The nation's 15 islands are spread across an area of ocean the size of western Europe and populated by just 15,000 people. Rightly known as the "Garden Isle," Taveuni is the lushest, tropical-flower-laden, waterfall heavy and hiking friendly island in Fiji. The island is actually an extinct volcanic crater, with coral reefs fringing the lovely Horseshoe Bay, a seductive curve of white-sand beach lined by palms. Even more dedicated divers go to the nearby Namena Marine Reserve for the country's most pristine waters. And with arguably the P… Gau Island, in the Lomaiviti Islands group, is actually Fiji’s fifth largest island. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Uluigalau, at 1,241 meters). Names like the Mamanucas and Yasawas roll off the tongue like gentle waves on a tropical beach, and these island groups offer everything from luxury hideaways and rustic eco-lodges to family-friendly resorts. Best Fiji Resorts on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for 93 resorts in Fiji, South Pacific. Its other main drawcard, Aitutaki, is home to one of the Pacific's most famous lagoons PROS The islands are tiny, so it's easy to get around (Rarotonga takes 35 minutes to circumnavigate). Kadavu Island is best known for the Great Astrolabe Reef. Chances are, you will probably... Vanua Levu… Fiji is blessed with so much turquoise water, white sand beaches, jungle rivers and authentic culture that it almost seems unfair. Water sports include scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking, while land-based activities range from nature walks and golfing on the nine-hole course, to tennis, croquet, private picnics, and tours of the organic gardens and orchidarium. If you're visiting Fiji for the first time, you'll probably fly into Viti Levu, the country's largest island and international gateway. Meanwhile, famous surf spots like Cloud Break lure in wave riders and their families while Beachcomber Island is known as the reigning party resort island of the country. One of the best ways to explore the island is along the Lavena Coastal Walk, a five-kilometer hiking trail that rims the rugged coastline, where black- and white-sand beaches merge with reef-dappled waters. A highlight is the Lavena Coastal Walk that follows the forest's edge for five kilometers along white and black sand beaches and villages to a lush waterfall. Anywhere you stay, you'll have to get there by boat from the main village passing by prehistoric-looking jungle coves chirping with rare and colorful endemic birds. Guided kayaking trips are a great way to explore the coastline, and you can also visit some of the local villages for a dose of authentic Fijian culture. Are you interested in diving, snorkelling, best beaches... Viti Levu. There are over 30 stunning dive sites within just 20 minutes of the Castaway Resort, making it one of the most popular destinations for scuba diving and snorkelling in Fiji. Start … Popular mid-range resorts include Matamanoa Island Resort, Malolo Island Resort, Mana Island Resort, and Castaway Island Fiji. What these islands lack in cultural interest, they compensate for with dazzling beaches, clear waters, and fish-rich coral reefs. Royal Davui Island Resort is the best … Divers in the know make the pilgrimage to the Rainbow Reef famous for its forests of soft corals. The international gateway to the Fijian Islands, Viti Levu boasts a taste of everything the country has to offer from international-caliber resort areas like all-inclusive and highly manicured Denarau Islands to the mountain village of Navala where locals live in traditional thatched bure (huts). Best island in Fiji Best island in Fiji. A high-speed catamaran makes getting there from either Viti Levu or the Mamanucas a cinch and accommodation ranges from lush resorts to laid-back backpacker digs. Each features natural materials, such as woven bamboo, tropical hardwoods, and lava rock, as well as sumptuous Italian linens, Tibetan rugs, high-speed Internet access, oversized soaking tubs, and private gardens. If you still can't choose between all these tropical beauties, hop aboard a Blue Lagoon Cruise and sample more than one. Most are only an hour or so boat ride away from Viti Levu. If you're looking for some posh digs near the airport, Denarau Island is an exclusive resort enclave with a cluster of large hotels and an 18-hole golf course, about six kilometers from Nadi. Wakaya Island is home to a very exclusive private resort and is located nearby Ovalua, the home of the original early Fijian capital, now an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters in almost every shade of blue, these islands tend to be drier than their southern counterparts, and they pucker into steep peaks that plunge to beautiful white-sand beaches. If you venture away from the tourist hubs, you can explore traditional mountain villages; zipline through the jungle, and raft or kayak down the Navua River through pristine rainforests. About 20 kilometers outside Labasa (Vanua Levu's largest town) is the legendary Snake Temple, with the Naag Baba Mandir, a sacred Hindu growing stone. © 2020 Lonely Planet. Traveling to Royal Davui was an awesome start - the extra charge… ” “ My husband and I have traveled in the US,Canada, Mexico, Eastern and Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. 50% of the island is forest with the highlands of the island being an important bird habitat for the Fiji … View Full Profile It is known as the "Garden Isle," thanks to its lush jungles and many waterfalls, fed by frequent rains. Part of the Lomaiviti Group of islands, due east of Viti Levu, 2,200-acre Wakaya Island is privately owned and home to the all-inclusive luxury Wakaya Club & Spa, a plush, private hideaway in pristine surrounds. Make sure to hit Tavarua Island while you’re there – find out why in our 10 Best … But if doing nothing is your idea of paradise, you can just curl up in a hammock under rustling palms and gaze out at the blue, blue sea. Here's when you can see the final full moon of 2020, How to view the Kilauea volcano eruption safely, according to the National Park Service, Thailand partners with Tinder to help single people find love on matchmaking trips, Take a walk right through Fort Lauderdale's new eye-catching art installation. A luxury spa presides over the water's edge. One of the best beaches to swim in Fiji, it offers an … Robinson Crusoe Island may be just a short, 45-minute boat ride from Nadi, but it feels like a... Taveuni. Plus, these months are generally outside school holidays in this part of the world, so the islands won't be as crowded. Pacific Harbour, about an hour's drive from Suva, is an adventure sports hot spot, where you can dive with sharks in Beqa Lagoon. Tourist infrastructure is practically non-existent, except for a few friendly eco-resorts strung along the coast, some with organic gardens and pretty beaches.
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