Where to stay in Fiji: the best hotel rooms in paradise

No matter what kind of trip you are looking for, there is a beautiful place to stay while you soak up this tropical paradise. I spent two weeks exploring Fiji, checking out some of the beautiful hotels that are scattered across the country. Here are a few of my favourite rooms at the best resorts I visited.

1. Beachfront Pool Villa at Tokoriki Island Resort

Tokoriki was the first resort I arrived at in Fiji, and what a welcome I received. A small boat came out to meet the ferry, and I climbed aboard, heading towards the small jetty. The staff were all gathered, singing Bula Maleya, the traditional Fiji welcome song. Their warmth and joy were infectious; what a spectacular start to my stay, the first of many wonderful interactions with the friendly and kind Fijians.

Shown to my beautiful Beachfront Pool Villa, I immediately fell in love with it. Sat right by the beach, there is a gorgeous private pool, perfect for relaxing on the large deck. There is also a huge and comfortable day bed on the desk, ideal for reading a book in the shade or sipping a glass of champagne before you slip into the pool.

The villa has separate living and sleeping areas, as well as a spectacular bathroom with a tropical outdoor shower. There are no televisions, phones or internet here – who needs them when you’ve got this view! The food at Tokoriki was some of the best I had in Fiji – think spicy beef curries, fresh garlicky seafood and a sensational array of Australian and New Zealand wines.

2. Beachfront Pool Villa at Matamanoa Island Resort

Matamanoa Island Resort is on its own private island, with one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches I saw in Fiji. This secluded and peaceful resort has only 47 rooms, leaving the majority of the island to be a haven of lush, wild foliage and soft sand beaches.

The Beachfront Pool Bures and Garden Resort Rooms are lovely, but the really special rooms are the Beachfront Pool Villas. These ten stand-alone villas are set on a private, north-facing beach, only metres away from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Each one has its own private plunge pool, outdoor shower and outdoor daybed. Inside, the rooms are split level and feel huge, with the bed facing the pretty views over the sea.

These rooms are a little walk away from the main resort, and a short climb down some steps to the beach, so they feel private and secluded. The beach these charming villas sit on is only accessible to guests in these ten villas – perfect for couples and honeymooners. I watched the sunrise over the ocean from this beach; I can confidently tell you it’s one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen.

(The Beachfront Pool Villas are not available from December to May, as they are close to the mating grounds of the protected Matamanoa birds)

3. Overwater Bungalow at Likuliku Island Resort

Likuliku Island Resort is famous for the spectacular overwater bungalows that curve out from the beach over the bright blue water. The only hotel in Fiji with overwater bungalows, Likuliku is an iconic place to stay with spectacular food and activities to enjoy as well.

Perched on the edge of the reef in a pristine lagoon, these overwater bungalows are traditionally made with local wood, Fijian design and are the perfect place to enjoy a drink while watching the clouds drift across the sky. You can jump right into the water from your deck, swim amongst the clouds of pink and orange fish and look for blue starfish on the white sand.

Sleeping in an overwater bungalow is such a unique experience; hearing the water lapping beneath you and feeling the ocean breeze as it gently blows the white curtains - there’s just nothing like it. Getting up in the morning for a coffee on the sundeck – nothing can wake you up quite like that view!

Spend your days heading out for little picnics on private sand cays, paddleboarding in the clear water or sunbathing on your deck, before dining under the stars and finishing your night with a cocktail in hand. The food at Likuliku is fantastic, with delicious flavours and fresh seafood, combining traditional Fijian with more modern techniques and dishes.

4. Beachfront Pool Bure at Tropica Island Resort

I can’t say enough good things about Tropica Island Resort. My time here started with one of the most spectacular welcomes I received in Fiji, with enormous, blue flags waving in the air on the jetty as I arrived. This 4* resort is a perfect example of what you want from an island break in Fiji.

All the rooms at Tropica are lovely but the Beachfront Pool Bures are definitely my favourite. Simple, white walls with splashes of colour around the room – these bures are fiercely Fijian. They feel cosy but light, with comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms.

Each bure has its own large plunge pool, surrounded by tropical gardens with views over the bright blue ocean in front of you. You can just sit back and watch the sun set into the sea while you enjoy a drink on the deck.

I’d also like to mention the Sanctuary Pool Suites at Tropica as well. Set just back in the lush gardens, they are a haven of relaxation, tucked away in the quiet trees with their own little pools to enjoy. Perfect for honeymooners or couples on a lower budget. Gorgeous rooms at a gorgeous resort, what more could you need?

5. Paradise Suite at Paradise Cove Resort

Paradise Cove was my final stop in Fiji, an amazing end to a wonderful trip. I stayed in the Paradise Suite, which is such a special room. Just steps from the beach, the private plunge pool has stunning views over the water and a hanging day bed that sways gently in the breeze.

Laze in the sun with a book or enjoy a cold gin and tonic from the complimentary mini-bar. Inside your room, the simple Fijian design keeps the room feeling light and airy, with a comfortable king bed and a cosy seating area. It’s the perfect room for honeymooners or couples celebrating a special occasion.

Paradise Cove is a lovely resort, found in the heart of the Yasawa Islands. The snorkelling up here is fantastic – just off the beach, you’ll find colourful corals, shimmering fish and bright blue starfish. You can also swim with manta rays in a nearby channel between June and October – swimming with these majestic creatures is such a privilege and a highlight of visiting Fiji.

I also really enjoyed a sunset tubing trip – we headed out in a small boat towards Champagne Cove, hopped into the water and onto our rubber rings, settling in to watch the sun sink into the water. The sky and the sea turned scarlet and gold – the perfect end to my trip to Fiji.

Planning a trip to Fiji?

I hope I’ve inspired you to visit idyllic Fiji. Whether you want to swim with manta rays in the Yasawa Islands, swim in your own private pool or jump into the water from your overwater bungalow, we can plan your dream Fiji holiday. If you want to start to plan, give us a call on 1273 320 580 or request a quote. We are experts in planning tailor-made holidays to Fiji, as well as round the world flights, so we can work together with you until we’ve created your perfect trip.