The Best Hostels in Fiji for Travellers on a Budget

Just 10 minutes from Nadi international airport, Tropic of Capricorn Resort is perfectly placed for exploring Fiji and hopping on your flight home. Choose from dorms, doubles or even oceanfront private rooms – with views across the azure sea to Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Head to the resort pool or golden-sand beach just steps away from your room when you need to cool off.

Set along a pretty strip of Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi, the aptly named Travellers Beach Resort sits in the shadow of palm trees. Dorms are plentiful here, ranging from four to 24 beds, including female-only options; plus, there are private rooms on offer. A cluster of cafes, restaurants and local shops is on your doorstep. Feeling peckish? The onsite restaurant serves delights like ika vakalolo, fish in lemon-infused coconut cream, with local greens and Fijian root crops.

The small island of Nanuya Lailai was the filming location for the 1980 Brooke Shields film The Blue Lagoon. Here, you can stay at the Sunrise Lagoon Homestay, a lovely family-run hostel. Six-bed dorms overlook crystalline waters. When you’re not sunning or taking a dip, ask the owners to arrange a day swimming with “friendly” sharks, teach you the art of spearfishing or go scuba diving.

If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, why not learn in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Whether you’re a novice or a pro, Rendezvous Surf Camp Fiji is a short boat ride from Fiji’s world-class surf breaks like Cloudbreak. Start in the baby waves before making your way beyond the break. Dorms sleep a maximum of four people, while private rooms are available for couples and friends. A major perk is that breakfast and dinner are included in your room price.

As its name suggests, Nadi Bay Resort Hotel is nestled within central Nadi, close to the beach and town. Surrounded by 8,000 square metres (86sqft) of tropical bushland, space is abundant here – there are two swimming pools, two restaurants and a 70-person cinema, too. Mixed dorms or private apartments are on offer, each fitted with either a fan or air conditioning to keep you cool in Fiji’s tropical climate.

Plonked directly on Mana Island’s glorious golden sands, Mana Lagoon is the ideal spot for beach lovers. Rooms are beautifully appointed, overlooking the teal water fringed by palm trees. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the room price, too. Learn to scuba dive with the Mana Lagoon’s friendly instructors – you can sign up to your PADI Open Water Diver certification or just head out on a guided snorkelling trip.

Perched on the white-sand Coral Coast of Viti Levu, the Beachhouse is one of Fiji’s best-hidden delights. There’s a room for every type of traveller here, from luxe bungalows with private outdoor bathrooms to garden huts and bunk-bed lodging. Breakfast is included, as is afternoon tea with scones and jam every day. Start the day with a yoga class before making the most of the complimentary sea kayaks.

With a palm-fringed beach as its backdrop, Naqalia Lodge makes the most of its position on the beautiful Wayasewa Island. Part of the Yasawa Island group, the lodge is run by locals, and each of the traditionally built cabins boasts 12-bed dorm rooms. Communal dining is encouraged (you won’t want to miss the Fijian cuisine), and there are kava sessions to take part in, too – if you can pull yourself away from the beach, that is.

Set on a sandy strip of Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi, Bamboo Backpackers bills itself as one of the largest backpacker hubs in Fiji. Rooms here are sleek, with both private and dorm options available. Head to the beachfront Travellers Cafe for a bite to eat – whether you’re feeling like bacon and eggs for breakfast or pizza from the specialised menu.

Bluewater Lodge is a humble, friendly tropical lodge, just a 2-minute walk from Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi. Choose between an eight-person dorm and twin and ensuite rooms. Lounge by the pool in one of the swing chairs, or take advantage of the cheap, onsite laundry facilities. Head into Nadi town for food – Kanu Gastropub serves the best-loaded fries and burgers around.