The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Fiji

This regal hotel in Suva, with a façade tiered like a wedding cake, was built in 1914 and still dominates the waterfront in the capital. It’s twice hosted Queen Elizabeth II and the heritage suites in the original building are packed with period features. Complimentary sundowners are served from 5pm to 7pm each day – enjoy them with a view of Suva Harbour.

Dip your toes in your private beachfront plunge pool while looking out to sea at this luxury Fiji resort. Lomani is an adults-only escape on Malolo Lailai island, where the emphasis is most definitely on couples. Alternate lazy mornings on the beach with adventure-filled afternoons hiking, water-skiing or snorkelling. All 30 suites and bures feature modern decor, with crisp white walls rather than the traditional island style of many other resorts. Book early to secure a coveted pool suite.

On a private island in the heart of the Mamanuca Islands, Castaway has 65 traditionally thatched bures, all moments from the ocean. There are also two pools, a kids club, a tennis court, beach yoga and a boutique shop. Dine under the starry night sky at an adults-only restaurant serving fresh sushi and poke bowls, made with organic ingredients sourced from Fiji. And with several restaurants and bars, some especially primed for sundowners, there are plenty of places to toast the day.

You could stay in an overwater villa in Fiji, but why not sleep aboard a yacht? This five-star resort on a private island has a 140ft (43m) schooner called Serenity. Onboard, there’s a cinema room, hot tub and a private bar – plus room to sleep 10. Alternatively, opt for a secluded villa on land. Take advantage of the free-roaming dining – you can eat on a private beach under the stars or inside a secluded oceanfront cavern.

If space and privacy equal luxury for you, then head to Qamea. The luxury resort, in northern Fiji, is spread across 17ha (42 acres) of tropical gardens. It has just 17 rooms, with a maximum of 30 guests. Head to the jungle, where you can enjoy a massage in a treehouse at the only Guinot Spa in the South Pacific. Afterwards, read a book in the hammock on your veranda or take a dip in your private pool.

It may be just 30km (17mi) west of Nadi International Airport, but this private-island, adults-only Fiji resort feels entirely secluded. Reach it by high-speed catamaran or, for the ultimate convenience, helicopter. Inside your beachfront villa, you’ll find decor inspired by Fijian crafts, an outdoor shower and a plunge pool. Climb the steps to the spa as they wind high above the forest canopy – you’ll be treated to panoramic ocean views at the top.

Moor your yacht and head straight to the spa at Musket Cove Resort to soothe those aching muscles. As one of the original resorts in Fiji, Musket Cove is something of an institution. On the second-largest of the Mamanuca Islands, the hotel has a marina that makes a desirable stop-off for passing boats. Choose the island villa, one of 10 on the private atoll, with a shared pool and barbecue area. Start your day jogging through 162ha (400 acres) of tropical gardens before securing a poolside cabana next to the swim-up bar.

Surrounded by lush forest, waterfalls and a private beach, Radisson Blu is something of a mega-resort. Here, 270 rooms are clustered around lagoon-style pools, ranging from cosy doubles to two-bedroom suites. Drop the little ones at the kids club and head to the golf course to practise your swing. Come nightfall, there are six restaurants for a different dining experience every evening.

The Royal Davui Island Resort is set upon a tiny, privately owned islet in the Beqa Lagoon, providing ultimate seclusion. There are just 16 villas scattered along its perimeter, which peep out from under the tropical canopy. As an adults-only resort, the Royal Davui is an idyllic romantic retreat for couples and honeymooners who can relax on the immaculate beaches edging the island.

Taveuni, a craggy, volcanic island brimming with colourful flora and fauna, is often referred to as the Garden Island of Fiji. Perched on a cliff with views across the Pacific Ocean, the Taveuni Island Resort is comprised of 12 lavish bures, surrounded by expansive, well-maintained gardens. With an exceptional restaurant and spa – both of which utilise fresh, organic ingredients – it’s an idyllic place to base yourself as you explore the stunning landscape.

Likuliku Lagoon is a crescent-shaped bay on the northwest shore of Malolo Island, shrouded in Fijian mythology. The design of the resort emulates a traditional Fijian village with handwoven thatched roofs and tribal-patterned interiors. The highlight of Likuliku Resort are the overwater bures – the only ones in the Fijian archipelago – which arch across the placid lagoon waters.

Emaho Sekawa Resort is simply magical. Each of the private residences has an expansive outdoor deck with panoramic ocean views, complete with a candlelit plunge pool and large outdoor bed. The staff are a wonderfully cheerful community, passionate about providing the best possible experience. Scuba diver? You’ll be pleased to hear the resort has a dive shop and boat, ready to whisk you off to some of the most pristine underwater sites in the world.

The adults-only Tokoriki Island Resort is on the Mamanuca Islands. If the heavenly beaches aren’t enough, there is a plethora of activities on offer, from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to basket weaving and medicinal botanic workshops. At the end of the day, kick back in your lavish bure, complete with a private pool, cabana and sun loungers.

The pristine villas at Navutu Stars Resort are spacious and bright, with high ceilings, cream walls, and wide doors that slide open onto the alabaster beachfront. Slip into the relaxed island rhythm with outdoor spa treatments and yoga sessions on the Sunset Deck, which has panoramic ocean views. The resort chefs craft Fijian culinary delights, and the cocktails flow as if on tap.

The only times that Vomo Island Resort doesn’t offer total privacy is when you call on your personal butler, masseuse or scuba-diving instructor. The 100ha (255-acre) luxury grounds are yours if you wish to claim the entire island for yourself – but a single beachfront villa offers more than enough seclusion. They’re within footsteps of the Rocks, an adults-only chill zone where you’ll witness the best sunsets in the South Pacific.