The Best Hotels to Book in Fiji for Every Traveller

This grande dame sits on the waterfront in Fiji’s capital, Suva. It’s been a landmark since 1914, when the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand built the Grand Pacific to house passengers travelling on the South Pacific route. Expect high ceilings, double louvered doors and broad verandas. Book a heritage suite in the original building – you’ll gain access to the exclusive Victoria Lounge, where breakfast and complimentary sundowners are served every day.

Alternate lazy mornings on the beach with adventure-filled afternoons snorkelling, water-skiing or hiking at this adults-only resort. Alternatively, sunbathe by your private, beachfront pool villa, if you’re lucky enough. Book into the open-air beach spa for a romantic treatment – they use all-natural, all-local products, including coconut milk. If you can tear yourself away, explore Malolo Lailai Island by bike or canoe. A dolphin safari and a trip to Solevu Village market are a must.

With its international airport, most visitors pass through Fiji’s largest island – but why not stay? With dolphin spotting, scuba diving and kitesurfing hotspots on your doorstep, Viti Levu makes a great Fijian base. Make your way to the quiet resort on Tambua Sands. The detached cottages are surrounded by 17 acres (7ha) of forest, so they feel entirely private. The garden rooms offer mountain views, whilst the beachfront bures have the advantage of their own pools.

Everything at Navutu Stars – from the cottages built by local craftsmen, to the fish landed each morning on the beach – aims to give you a true experience of island life. There are just 10 bungalows here, the only resort on Yanggeta Island. Explore by kayak, join a daily boat trip to see the Blue Lagoon or stop by local villages. Sunburned? Try a spa treatment of aloe and banana leaf to soothe sore skin. Come dinner, order the Singapore chilli crab at the on-site restaurant, which operates according to a plantation-to-plate ethos.

A short seaplane journey will drop you off at Castaway Island, just 20km (12mi) from Nadi International Airport. Families will appreciate the kids club with a focus on outdoor activities. Opt for the popular family bures right on the beachfront. You’ll be closest to the ocean, restaurants and sporting facilities, though nothing is too far away on Qalito. While the kids are occupied, book a massage or perfect your serve with a game of tennis.

Natural rather than manicured, the 52-acre (21ha) island Vanua Levu is full of mangroves and forests to explore. The ten lofty villas of this hotel in Fiji jut out on volcanic outcrops over the sea, each with a private pool. Alternatively, stay aboard the Serenity, a 43m (140ft) three-masted schooner with its own cinema and bar. Make the most of the on-site dive shop – they’ll guide you to the best surrounding coral reefs.

Owner and world sailor Julie runs this eco-resort and organic farm – you’re encouraged to help out with duties to keep the land productive. Food is mostly grown on-site, while the Fijian thatched villas are powered by solar energy. Fresh water comes from the nearby mountain. Start the day with laps in the ocean-view pool before quenching your thirst at the wellness bar, stocked with Fijian noni juice and fresh-cut aloe vera smoothies.

Looking for Fiji hotels on a budget? Stay at the Beachhouse on Viti Levu. Choose from an air-conditioned timber loft beneath the palms, a garden hut bungalow or a shared six-bed dorm. This hotel is mostly geared towards backpackers and younger travellers, as things can get lively here. Learn to surf, play beach volleyball or take advantage of the free daily yoga classes. Breakfast is included. Did we mention Fiji’s only craft brewery is right on site, too?

Located just across the road from Nadir International Airport, the Gateway Hotel is a convenient pitstop for those making long journeys to reach Fiji. Rooms – from singles to suites and family rooms – are retro modern with charming wooden furnishings and spacious patios, perfect for stretching your legs after a long flight. There’s a poolside restaurant, bar and café for when you get peckish.