Fiji’s not a hard sell. But if you’re thinking of going beyond the postcard beaches and leaning into the real stuff. Reef breaks, floating bars, remote island.
🛥 Getting Off the Main Island
If you want to see the best of Fiji, don’t stay put. Denarau Marina is your gateway to the outer islands. All the ferries and private boats leave from here. Easy, smooth, and a short taxi ride from Nadi and its international airport.
🏝 Where to Stay
- Six Senses on Malolo Island is your premium pick. Luxury, quiet, and as dreamy as you’d hope. Plenty of activities to sink your teeth into and top-notch surf missions are handled by the amazing Dan Sinclair.
- Plantation Island is perfect for families, laid-back and super accessible with daily ferries from Denarau.
🥾 Want to Hike an Island?
Head to the one where Castaway was filmed. It’s remote, stunning, and requires a short swim from the boat. Reef sharks included (don’t worry, they’re chill). Not for the faint-hearted. Bonus karma if you pick up a bit of plastic that’s drifted ashore.
🏄 For the Surfers
- Cloudbreak is as good as everyone says. Heavy, fast, unforgettable. Respect the locals, mind the pack, and enjoy the ride.
- Tavarua & Namotu are surfer-friendly islands with daily boat lifts to world-class breaks. Book early; spots are limited and go fast.
🐟 Eat, Fish, Repeat
Fishing is huge here, from tuna to coral trout and everything in between. It’s fresh and sustainable (as long as you only take what you need). Seafood lovers will be happy.
As for drinks, you’ve got to try kava at least once. Earthy, mellow, and surprisingly great paired with dark chocolate. Yup, they even make kava chocolate, and yes, it’s delicious.
🌴 And Two Words to Say Everywhere
Learn these two:
Bula (hello, welcome, good vibes)
Vinaka (thank you)
Say them out loud, and just like that, you’re somewhere else. The smiles get warmer, the pace slows, and you’re no longer a tourist; you’re part of it.
Planning your trip?
Bring reef shoes, respect the ocean, and leave each place a little cleaner than you found it. You’ll come back with a full heart, salt in your hair, and maybe a Bower watch tan line if you pack right 😉