Top Luxury Experiences In Fiji: Resorts, Private Islands And Exclusive Getaways

Fiji’s pristine beaches, lush rainforests and spectacular marine life attract visitors from all over the world looking to soak in the sun, scuba dive and snorkel among coral reefs, surf the waves, and experience its cultural and culinary highlights. About 79 per cent of the 929,740 visitors who made the trip to the archipelago in 2023 were holidaymakers who stayed in a variety of accommodations, such as world-class five-star resorts and hotels as well as more budget-friendly lodgings in remote areas. From high-end stays and private island retreats to helicopter tours and sunset cruises, there is no shortage of luxury experiences in Fiji for well-heeled travellers keen on immersing themselves in sophisticated elegance and Fijian hospitality. Plan an unforgettable holiday to this archipelago with our guide to the best luxury experiences that money can buy.Yasawa IslandsBlessed with dramatic peaks and sun-drenched white sandy beaches, the Yasawa Islands of Fiji are a haven for nature lovers and those looking for an adventurous ocean escapade. Their natural beauty has been featured in Hollywood movies, but only you can discover the islands’ charms for yourself. Even if you’ve committed to one island, there are secret beaches to discover, deserted bays to snorkel in and scenic lookouts where you can watch the sun slip into the sea.The Yasawa Islands have many 5-star luxury resorts for you to choose from, including The Yasawa Island Resort And Spa, which has 18 generously proportioned bures (wood-and-straw huts) dotted along the beachfront; The Paradise Cove Resort, which is nestled on Naukacuvu Island and has a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)-certified dive centre; and the Turtle Island Resort, which has room only for 14 couples at a time. Check out the Fiji Travel website for a complete list of top resorts and hotels on the Yasawa Islands to determine the best accommodation for your needs.Mamanuca IslandsThe Mamanuca Islands are one of the top contenders for Fiji’s most picturesque region. A string of 20 islands make up this archipelago and the vibrant coral reefs of the area make it a biodiversity hotspot of national significance. Thanks to the protection of a thriving barrier reef, you can safely dive beneath the surface of the lagoon to explore spectacular corals or mysterious wrecks. With world-class luxury resorts to boot, you will quickly understand why the islands attract thousands of holiday-goers every year.The Mamanuca Islands have many 5-star luxury resorts for you to choose from, including the Six Senses Fiji, where each residence is equipped with a kitchen and comes with its own nanny to keep the kids entertained; the Likuliku Lagoon Resort, which has 45 traditionally designed and styled bures that come with views of the beautiful Likuliku Lagoon and Pacific Ocean; and the Tokoriki Island Resort, whose “relaxed luxury” approach puts warm Fijian hospitality and attention to detail at the forefront of guests’ experiences. Check out the Fiji Travel website for a complete list of top resorts and hotels on the Mamanuca Islands to determine the best accommodation for your needs.Taveuni IslandsThis is Fiji’s third-largest island after Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. It is commonly referred to as the “Garden Isle” because Bouma National Heritage Park makes up more than a third of its land. Hiking trails crisscross the national park where you can spot over 100 species of birds, including the colourful kula parrot and orange dove. The place is perfect for nature lovers, so consider cooling off under a waterfall in the heart of the jungle or taking a dip beneath the waves at world-famous dive sites like the Eel Reef and the Great White Wall in the Somosomo Strait.The Taveuni Islands have many 5-star luxury resorts for you to choose from, including the COMO Laucala Island, where you can play golf at an 18-hole championship course; the Raiwasa Private Resort, where guests have their own private car and chauffeur; and the Taveuni Palms Resort, where you are almost guaranteed to see pods of dolphins, whales, turtles and other marine life during your stay. Check out the Fiji Travel website for a complete list of top resorts and hotels on the Taveuni Islands to determine the best accommodation for your needs.Savusavu On Vanua Levu IslandFiji’s second-largest island is home to a quaint coastal town built on the backs of the copra, beche-de-mer and sandalwood trades—Savusavu. The town’s rainforests, corals reefs and Salt Lake, to name a handful of attractions, draw thousands of solitude-seeking tourists every year. Many yacht owners drop anchor here to mingle with the friendly locals before continuing on their way to the Lau Islands.Savusavu has many 5-star luxury resorts for you to choose from, including the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji, who pride themselves on their sustainability credentials and were the first resort in town to recycle paper and plastic; the Namale Resort And Spa, which is situated among lush jungle landscapes, sun-soaked beaches and enchanting waterfalls; and the Emaho Sekawa Luxury Private Retreat, whose three open-plan villas are designed with natural materials, authentic soft furnishings and luxury linens. Check out the Fiji Travel website for a complete list of top resorts and hotels in Savusavu to determine the best accommodation for your needs.Kokomo Private IslandSituated on Yaukuve Levu Island, the Kokomo Private Island resort provides elegant and contemporary accommodation with world-class environmental standards. Here, locally sourced cinnamon timbers that make up the complex complement the sustainably-sourced linens and breezy cottons that make up your bed. The residences and expansive villas overlook the Great Astrolabe Reef, where in-house marine biologists nurture thriving coral gardens. Indulge in Kokomo Private Island’s exquisite food, which is organically grown or freshly-caught, and soothe your body with a seashell massage after a full day of adventure.Royal Davui IslandThis resort offers a level of Fijian barefoot luxury, elegance and privacy not found in many of the country’s larger accommodations. Situated in the breathtaking Beqa Lagoon, the adults-only island is the epitome of tranquility and beauty, attracting honeymooners; couples looking to get married among white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and tall palms silhouetted against the setting sun; and those simply looking to forget the worries of modern life. Taking its name from the davui (conch shell), the resort features 16 plush and private villas tucked into a lush tropical forest. Perched atop rocky cliffs and a few steps from the beach, each villa boasts plunge pools surrounded by sun decks designed to capture commanding views over the lagoon and nearby Beqa Island. While you’re here, lunch on the deck beneath an ancient banyan tree, escape to the island’s lookout for a romantic dinner or have a picnic on your very own beach. After a day out on the water, check into the spa for treatments that include a warm seashell massage and an Ayurvedic herbal detox. Helicopter ToursImagine flying over white sandy islands where palm trees scattered across a blue ocean stand tall, coral reefs sparkle in the day’s sunlight and mountains feel within hand’s reach as you pass by them. Fiji is a marvel to see from above and the best way to do that is by booking a helicopter tour. They tick all the boxes for romance, adventure and awe, giving visitors a different view to the archipelago than most people see. We recommend Heli-Tours Fiji, which service all of the Fiji Islands, including the main centres and island resorts; Island Hoppers Fiji, which offers express transfers from Nadi International Airport or Denarau to the Mamanuca Island Resorts, Coral Coast and beyond, alongside day trips and scenic tours; and Pacific Island Air, which caters to the Rakiraki district, the Mamanuca Islands, the Coral Coast, and the Yasawa Islands.Sunset CruisesFiji is one of the top destinations in the world for vivid sunsets that take your breath away. Who wouldn’t want to bask in the rays of the setting sun with a champagne glass in hand and dine under the stars? Choose from the popular “Fiji Sunset Dinner Cruise” by Captain Cook Cruises where you can indulge in a buffet dinner at golden hour, or the Coral Cats Sailing experience with its transitional day-to-night view from deck. Getting ThereFly to Nadi International Airport (NAN) from India via Singapore, Hong Kong, Melbourne or Sydney.