Fiji has always been and always will be a wonderful place for Aussie travellers to holiday. 

As travel advisers, one of the questions we used to often hear was 'Where can I stay in Fiji?' 

Where are the best places to holiday in Fiji? 

There are three main areas you'll likely stay. Each suits different requirements, so make sure you discuss your personal needs with your travel advisor for a customised Fiji Holiday recommendation.

Denarau Island

If you are travelling with infants and or toddlers, you may want to consider Denarau Island. It is just a quick 15-minute drive from the airport. Once you're off the plane, you really are nearly there! Young families are very welcome here, and there are usually plenty of deals where kids can stay or eat free. 

Despite being called an island, it is connected by road, so no boats are required. The well-known Fiji Bula Bus can take you between the hotels and to the port. Enjoy day trips out to the islands or the small Shopping Centre near the marina.  

There are nine hotel resorts on Denarau, and they are all in a row. Many of these hotels share their facilities. In some cases, you can eat dinner at a neighbouring hotel restaurant, and it can be charged back to where you are staying. 

To make sure everyone in the family has a wonderful Fiji holiday, there are plenty of options and services on the island. The hotels offer room types to suit all budgets. There are kids' clubs and nannies available. The Denarau hotels all generally have beautiful pools with toddler play areas and lots of space. 

Please be aware: if you want to spend your time on a picturesque beach, this may not be the right area for you. The beaches at Denarau Island aren't always how you imagine (it can be black sand beaches and maybe not what you picture Fiji to be).

The Coral Coast

Depending on which end of the Coral Coast you stay, it can take somewhere between 1 to 2 hours to get there from the airport. It can be a bumpy ride (not like the roads we are used to in Australia). If you have young kids who may not cope with travelling after a flight, it might be better to look at Denarau Island. Or at least secure infant child seats for these longer journeys (your travel adviser can organise this for you in advance). 

The resorts on the Coral Coast are huge, with lots of onsite facilities. Compared to Denarau Island, these resorts are spread out from one another. For example, it might be 5km till the next one, so it's not somewhere you head out for a wander to explore on foot. If you were planning to visit another resort or head out for some sightseeing, you would need to book either a driver or car service. Generally, tourists don't need to leave their resort unless planning to do a day trip experience or heading somewhere else for the day. The resort facilities and activities are more than enough to keep you entertained. 

The resorts on the Coral Coast are often more inclusive and can offer amazing Fiji holiday packages. If you don't want to move around too much, a holiday on the Coral Coast is for you. With stay/pay packages, meal packages, entertainment each evening and lots of activities, this will be a truly relaxing holiday. 

The beaches on the Coral Coast are BEAUTIFUL, but that does depend on the time of day because they are tidal, so you won't have water lapping the shores all day long. 

The Islands 

The Islands will usually live up to the 'picture' you have in your mind when you think of a holiday to Fiji – or a tropical island escape. You know, the beautiful beaches, heaps of water activities, and pure relaxation in the sun! 

While you are more isolated here, there are usually plenty of activities to keep you occupied. And yes, there are kids' clubs! Despite the picture-perfect paradise, there are some things to consider which your travel adviser can help you with to make sure this is suitable for your needs. For example, some islands don't have TVs and/or air conditioning in each room. This is not always considered standard, despite what Aussies may think.    

You will need to organise transport to get to The Islands. 

Depending on which island resort you are staying at, the ferry trip from Denarau can take up to 2 hours. If you have young kids, it’s worth considering if they will be ok with the journey to get there. Consider the flight, transfer to Denarau, waiting for the ferry and then the ferry journey across before reaching your final destination.  Being in the travel game a while, we highly recommend considering a travel expert to organise these connections for you. 

For instance, an experienced travel adviser will know to book the early morning flights. They connect well with the drive and ferry timetable to get you to your destination with minimal waiting. They will also advise if you should take a Water Taxi or Sea Plane transfer instead. 

Just for the record, booking the later flights which are often cheaper and promoted Fiji Deals, may not save you much, if any money by the time you reach your chosen destination. 

By booking a later flight, you'll need to stay overnight on the mainland first. That often costs more in the long run and is just annoying (you just want to get there and unpack once!). It really delays the start to your holiday. 

Pro Travel Agent Heads Up.

While you will arrive into Nadi airport (or Suva airport for some regions), we suggest not planning to spend your holiday at either of these places, as you may be sorely disappointed. These are both major towns but may not provide the Fiji experience you have been dreaming of. A travel adviser would rarely plan for you to stay at either of these locations for a typical holiday to Fiji. However, depending on your holiday requirements, your travel agent will customise your trip and Fiji holiday package accordingly. 

Have things changed in Fiji since the pandemic?

Yes! Like most countries dependent on tourism, Fiji has suffered incredibly during the pandemic. It is exciting that we can travel there again, however, please understand that many hotels, resorts and venues are still operating on fewer staff and you might need to pack your patience!  

Plus, there is a reason people say, 'You're on Fiji time now'. It's a slower pace of life, which, let's face it, is part of why we love it. 

Find a Fiji specialist here to help plan your dream Fijian Holiday.