Upmarket Fiji island resorts

[Stargazer]

Thank you WeeWillyWonka for your brilliant review. Far better than any hotel web page. Looking forward to subsequent reviews.

 

[Austman]

I’ve been to Fiji many times both for work and pleasure and have stayed in many hotels both on the mainland and on the islands.

I have several family there who are hotel managers. It means I get LOTS of hotel talk with them about what’s currently hot and what’s not. They do lots of management networking with other hotels and resorts.

For me, I’d say it’s the general lack of attention to detail and maintenance that can let Fiji hotels and resorts down. It can be a bit too lax at times. Making up for that are Fijian staff. Fijian staff are especially invariably lovely.

Denarau is not bad. It’s main disappointment is the lack of a beautiful beach. Some (maybe all?) of the major resorts have adults only areas including pools and restaurants. For sure the Hilton has both. Port Denarau is not a bad place to go for a change from the resort. There’s lots of restaurants/shops/bars in a fairly pleasant setting.

On the mainland itself, the InterContinental is one of the best, if not the best resort. Its location is gorgeous. But even the IC is now showing its age a bit. The Club area is very good but it’s quite a hike to get to it. There are plentiful buggies however.

Out on the islands is where you’ll more reliably get beautiful beaches and clear waters. But standards can be pretty sloppy.

It’s little wonder that Tokoriki Island Resort gets top awards year after year. It has top notch standards and offerings. But with top prices to match. On the same island, literally next door, is a Sheraton. While the Sheraton is not bad, Tokoriki Island Resort leaves the Sheraton for dead.

On my recent visit, there was a lot of hotel talk about the current heavy bookings. Prices were high because of that. But the hotels in general noticed it was easing off, so prices might drop according.

This time I stayed in two places on Denarau, at the InterContinental (Club) and on two different islands.

 

[Stargazer]

I’ve been to Fiji many times both for work and pleasure and have stayed in many hotels both on the mainland and on the islands.

I have several family there who are hotel managers. It means I get LOTS of hotel talk with them about what’s currently hot and what’s not. They do lots of management networking with other hotels and resorts.

For me, I’d say it’s the general lack of attention to detail and maintenance that can let Fiji hotels and resorts down. It can be a bit too lax at times. Making up for that are Fijian staff. Fijian staff are especially invariably lovely.

Denarau is not bad. It’s main disappointment is the lack of a beautiful beach. Some (maybe all?) of the major resorts have adults only areas including pools and restaurants. For sure the Hilton has both. Port Denarau is not a bad place to go for a change from the resort. There’s lots of restaurants/shops/bars in a fairly pleasant setting.

On the mainland itself, the InterContinental is one of the best, if not the best resort. Its location is gorgeous. But even the IC is now showing its age a bit. The Club area is very good but it’s quite a hike to get to it. There are plentiful buggies however.

Out on the islands is where you’ll more reliably get beautiful beaches and clear waters. But standards can be pretty sloppy.

It’s little wonder that Tokoriki Island Resort gets top awards year after year. It has top notch standards and offerings. But with top prices to match. On the same island, literally next door, is a Sheraton. While the Sheraton is not bad, Tokoriki Island Resort leaves the Sheraton for dead.

On my recent visit, there was a lot of hotel talk about the current heavy bookings. Prices were high because of that. But the hotels in general noticed it was easing off, so prices might drop according.

This time I stayed in two places on Denarau, at the InterContinental (Club) and on two different islands.

Which islands did you stay at. Can you provide a brief rundown of pros and cons. Thanking you in advance.

 

[Austman]

Which islands did you stay at.

For the upmarket island resort it was Tokoriki Island Resort. All accommodation is in beachfront bures. All food is a la carte, even breakfast. Some photos attached. I did visit the Sheraton next door.

The other island resort was nice but not upmarket. There’s quite a range in Fiji.

Tokoriki Island Resort:

 

[Austman]

At the InterContinental (Club):



And the area, Natadola. It’s actually a surf beach:

 

[lovestotravel]

Since this is a Fiji thread, and not having been to Fiji for 15 years.. Tipping

Who/what/where can you tip ? I know the pay is quite poor and food is not cheap in Fiji

I have read and it seems that tipping jars at reception are the main way to tip ?

But what about housekeeping, pool guys, restaurants, porters etc ?

What's the best way to help them out ?

 

[Lynda2475]

I recommend the Waitu beach club adults only area of the Sofitel, definitely the best of the Denaru hotels and no kids. I wrote a trip report witth lots of photos here: De extended long weekend in Denaru

I would avoid raddisson at all costs, lots of large bogan family groups and kids. Everytime we dropped off people after a day trip the noise was overwhelming, whereas Sofitel super peaceful at the waitu end.

Next fiji visits i will head to one of the islands for better beaches but definitely add a couple of days at Sofitel for pure chill out on the way home. They are excellent at recognising status and you can save a bunch.

Concurr with pre booking diners.

 

[Austman]

I recommend the Waitu beach club adults only area of the Sofitel, definitely the best of the Denaru hotels and no kids

I had dinner at the Sofitel one night. I was staying next door at the Hilton.

The Sofitel seemed far more impressive than the Hilton in the common areas. The Hilton has it’s own adults only area which includes a restaurant (B,L,D), pool and bar.

The Hilton is mostly a residences type property. Many (most?) of the rooms are actually apartments.

 

[daft009]

I had dinner at the Sofitel one night. I was staying next door at the Hilton.

The Sofitel seemed far more impressive than the Hilton in the common areas. The Hilton has it’s own adults only area which includes a restaurant (B,L,D), pool and bar.

The Hilton is mostly a residences type property. Many (most?) of the rooms are actually apartments.

Yeah we did that too.

Stayed at Hilton and buffet dinner at Sofitel a few times

Preferred the openness of the Hilton

 

[Stargazer]

I recommend the Waitu beach club adults only area of the Sofitel, definitely the best of the Denaru hotels and no kids. I wrote a trip report witth lots of photos here: De extended long weekend in Denaru

I would avoid raddisson at all costs, lots of large bogan family groups and kids. Everytime we dropped off people after a day trip the noise was overwhelming, whereas Sofitel super peaceful at the waitu end.

Next fiji visits i will head to one of the islands for better beaches but definitely add a couple of days at Sofitel for pure chill out on the way home. They are excellent at recognising status and you can save a bunch.

Concurr with pre booking diners.

Thank you for your excellent report. Really felt I was there soaking up the sunshine. You mentioned in your report about having insurance which provided unlimited COVID medical coverage. Which policy did you take out?

 

[Lynda2475]

I found the a la carte dinner better at Waitu Beach club restaurant than the main Sofitel restaurant and am not a fan of buffets. When i was there you could only book waitu if staying in a waitu room.

If not eating at Waitu i would head down to the Marina, less expensive and tasty options.

 

[Stargazer]

And the name of your insurance policy ….

 

[Austman]

FWIW, for the required COVID insurance, I took the one recommended by the Fiji government and linked to by Fiji Airways:

- FJ_Visit_Insurance.Core.App

USD 39.99 for a 15 days cover.

I suppose, with any insurance, it’s claim time when you find out how good they are. Fortunately I didn’t need to claim.

 

[Lynda2475]

And the name of your insurance policy ….

Go Insurance - Go Plus

I didnt need to make any claims, and travel land scape has changed now so I havent checked if there are better options now that most of the world is no longer worried about Covid.

 

[WeeWillyWonka]

I’ve been to Fiji many times both for work and pleasure and have stayed in many hotels both on the mainland and on the islands.

I have several family there who are hotel managers. It means I get LOTS of hotel talk with them about what’s currently hot and what’s not. They do lots of management networking with other hotels and resorts.

For me, I’d say it’s the general lack of attention to detail and maintenance that can let Fiji hotels and resorts down. It can be a bit too lax at times. Making up for that are Fijian staff. Fijian staff are especially invariably lovely.

Denarau is not bad. It’s main disappointment is the lack of a beautiful beach. Some (maybe all?) of the major resorts have adults only areas including pools and restaurants. For sure the Hilton has both. Port Denarau is not a bad place to go for a change from the resort. There’s lots of restaurants/shops/bars in a fairly pleasant setting.

On the mainland itself, the InterContinental is one of the best, if not the best resort. Its location is gorgeous. But even the IC is now showing its age a bit. The Club area is very good but it’s quite a hike to get to it. There are plentiful buggies however.

Out on the islands is where you’ll more reliably get beautiful beaches and clear waters. But standards can be pretty sloppy.

It’s little wonder that Tokoriki Island Resort gets top awards year after year. It has top notch standards and offerings. But with top prices to match. On the same island, literally next door, is a Sheraton. While the Sheraton is not bad, Tokoriki Island Resort leaves the Sheraton for dead.

On my recent visit, there was a lot of hotel talk about the current heavy bookings. Prices were high because of that. But the hotels in general noticed it was easing off, so prices might drop according.

This time I stayed in two places on Denarau, at the InterContinental (Club) and on two different islands.

This is a very accurate assessment of Fijian hospitality and the resorts.

-----

In terms of my experience at the Outrigger Coral Coast, it's a large resort that targets mid-range holiday families. The nanny service and kids clubs are stand-out features here.

The hotel situated along the coral coast (Sigatoka) so expect an hour drive by car from Nadi airport. Rooms are classified either in the main building or a Bure (Plantation, Ocean, Beachfront). I stayed in a Beachfront Bure which is a 5 minute walk (downhill) from the hustle of the main accommodation building. This provides a secluded feeling within the resort which creates a metaphorical barrier between Bure guests couples and other families - good if you want quiet ambiance within a busy resort.

Most room rates offer a Butler service who provides a daily afternoon canape and drinks delivered to your room, as well as any other bespoke requests you might have. It's a nice touch. The Bure was large, with a thatched room, with seperate bathroom area - quite spacious.

There are 4 restaurants and 2 bars within the resort, so you have a variety of dining and drinking options. The main pool area is very large and even though it is predominately used by families, it didn't feel overcrowded. The Outrigger also offers an adults only pool but the size of this area is small and can feel congested as people use it throughout the day. This same area also doubles for a function venue so the pool is frequently closed early for weddings etc.

The main beach area offers a range of non-motor water sports activities. IIRC, it was rocky underfoot. For those who enjoy golf, there is a driving range across from the resort; clubs can be hired there.

One thing to be mindful of is that this resort is created for a captive audience; in other words, there is a lack of convenience to explore other areas unless transport is organised. It's not like Denarau where you can 'resort or restaurant hop' with ease.

Overall, i rate this a 4 star resort with service that matches this.

 

[Stargazer]

Thank you. This is a great review and will assist in the planning of my trip.

 

[WeeWillyWonka]

Pleasure. I’ll add more in the coming week.

 

[featheast]

I have a trip booked for late January 23, and have travelled to Fiji about a few times now this time I picked Vomo when it had a stay 5 pay 4 a while back. All inclusive together with child care facility is always helpful when travelling with little ones, I can’t tell if it worth the top dollar charged for now but based on TripAdvisor review seems mostly positive.
In terms of Denarau itself, being a diamond for many years I chose Hilton mostly each time. The quality of the room unfortunately went downhill throughout the years l, so this time I booked Sofitel for 3 nights before venturing out. Again review for Sofitel seems good apart from noise thanks to the thin walls. I hope this is not too bad, but the playground for kids looks wonderful as well as the bunk beds so consider it a risky move (and of course factor in the Accor plus and one free night).

 

[WeeWillyWonka]

Here you are, Stargazer (and anyone else)

The Sofitel Denarau was renovated prior to Covid (I’ve visited the hotel pre-and-post refurb) and the finished product is it is a beautiful property with plenty of options for adults with or without children.

Travel to the resort from Nadi airport is best served using one of the many taxis that wait outside the arrivals exit. There’s no need to book unless you have many travellers with you – although I recommend confirming the price of the fare before you agree to a ride.

Rooms at the Sofitel can be booked with or without Waitui Club Access; the latter provides access to an adults only beach club that encases a large pool and restaurant area (I’ll discuss this further below).

If you reserve a standard room, check-in is at the grand front lobby; if you book a room with Waitui access, you’ll be shuttled to the Beach Club where you are offered a welcome drink and a more bespoke check-in experience - cute. Early check-in is rare, so have pool attire handy so you can enjoy the outdoor amenities while you wait for your room.

I visited the hotel in July 2022, not long after Fiji opened up to tourists post-covid so the resort was at capacity. This meant that to dine at one of the restaurants, it was imperative to book as soon as you arrive; even then, this may not guarantee you a reservation for several days later. The resort features three main restaurants (one acts as a buffet for dinner), a take-away café, convenience store, two bars (or a lounge as the hotel refers to it), and spa. The resort packs a lot into the property and it doesn’t feel tedious to move around it. There is a main pool which is always crowded and lounges fill up early.

A standard room is smaller compared to other hotels at Denarau, but each room is provided with complimentary mini bar consisting of beer (Fiji Bitter/Gold), soft drink, chocolate and crisps, and refilled daily. When I stayed, the room rate included a $100 per person, per day, resort credit that could be spent anywhere within the resort, and can be rolled over to accumulate into subsequent days for the duration of your stay. For example, my wife and I stayed for 3 nights, so by the third day, we had $600 spent. The caveat with this is that food is charged at resort prices so you can chew through the value very quickly….but do it!

A room rate for the Waitui Beach Club grants access to an exclusive pool and restaurant area, which is quiet and relaxing (it’s an adults only area). The food from the restaurant is very good (you can select either ala carte or buffet breakfast if it’s included in your rate) and the club serves free coughtails and canapes each afternoon from 5-6pm (don’t be afraid to double park your drinks!). The Club offers a welcome relief from the busier main resort areas, but it does fill up early in the day as people reserve sun lounges.

Others here have posted similar experiences about The Sofitel, and I agree with them so it’s a good (but expensive) choice for a first time visit.

 

[drron]

We were in Fiji for Christmas 2019. We stayed at the IC club, Marriott Mimi bay and the Sheraton Denarau. We stayed there because we have been staying there since it opened in 1982.

I did a trip report but I can’t give you a link as I still haven’t worked out how to do it on my iPhone. Title is Our Last Bula time. If you want to read it just search for that title in the trip report forum.