A vacation in Fiji offers travelers the chance to explore private islands, lounge in ocean-side bungalows or enjoy hotel resorts on sandy white beaches. Those who dream of accommodations on the water are in luck: Fiji's 333 islands offer modernly designed and moderately priced ocean-front hotels while retaining the essence of native Fijian culture.
The Yasawa Island Resort & Spa offers five-star accommodations on the private Fijian isle for which the resort is named. The 18 modern bungalows---called "bure" (Fijian for sanctuary)---sit on the crystal-clear Pacific and feature air-conditioning, Fijian-style thatched roofs, thick slatted shutters, sun decks, outdoor showers, hammocks and private beach huts. Yasawa Island offers guests water sports, boating to nearby islands, massage treatments and the chance to interact with locals. As of March 2010, daily rates for double-bure suites started at $890 per night.
Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
P.O. Box 10128
Nadi Airport
Fiji
679-672-2266 (reservations); resort: 679-666-3364
yasawa.com
Ideal for families, business travelers and leisure vacationers, Rydges Hideaway Resort offers guests comfortable lodging on the Coral Coast, located off the island of Viti Levu---the largest island in the Republic of Fiji and site of the nation's capital, Suva. Surrounded by clear turquoise waters, the Rydges property features 115 guest rooms and suites, including villas on the beach that feature king beds, private indoor and outdoor bathrooms and, of course, stunning ocean views. Other options include two-bedroom suites with private sundecks.
Guests at Rydges enjoy some of the most colorful snorkeling and diving in Fiji, as the island rests on the giant Coral Coast. An outdoor pool, free nightly entertainment and a kids' club for guests 5 and up are part of the family-friendly offerings here. As of April 2010, the best daily rates started at $225 per night, with Web-only bed-and-breakfast room specials available for $155.
Rydges Hideaway Resort Fiji
Queens Road at the Coral Coast
Sigatoka
Fiji
679-650-0177
rydges.com
The setting for Tom Hanks' 2000 movie "Castaway," this private isle stretches 174 acres across the shimmering South Pacific. A nature-lover's paradise, the island showcases vibrant coral reefs, white sand beaches and a natural rain forest. The resort offers spacious yet secluded beach bungalows, organized scuba excursions, a kids' club and boat trips to nearby islands. The 66 roomy bure feature traditionally thatched roofs, private beachfront access and modern facilities. Water-sports equipment like paddle boats, snorkeling gear and surf boards are available to guests free of charge, as are glass-bottom boat tours for viewing the colorful coral reef up close. As of April 2010, room rates started at $267 per night.
Castaway Island, Fiji
Private Mailbag
Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands
679-666-1233
castawayfiji.com
