Fiji first timers guide

Whether you’re planning your first holiday to Fiji or your tenth, Fiji warms the heart and feeds the soul with a diversity of experiences catering for all tastes and ages.

Paddy McCarthy from House of Travel Ponsonby shares his top tips and hidden gems. From picnicking on a deserted white sandy beach with a loved one, immersing yourself in the Fijian culture, tasting local dishes and snorkelling the crystal lagoons, to riding the rapids of Navua River on Viti Levu, there is no doubt you’ll find your place of happiness.

1 | It’s family friendly. Kids’ clubs feature everything from sandcastle building to treasure hunts. Some resorts even have their own inflatable water parks. Ask us about family bures which can accommodate several guests, inter-connecting suites and resorts which sleep up to three kids in one room.

2 | Even teenagers love it. For active teens, sand dune adventures and forest hikes keep the kilojoules burning. And if they need bragging rights for the school yard, there’s even shark snorkelling!

3 | It’s paradise for couples. With glistening resorts, private beach picnics and fine dining with toes in the sand, couples flock to Fiji. We highly recommend staying at Tokoriki Island Resort, an exclusive resort just for adults with complimentary afternoon tea and canapes.

4 | You can get off the beaten track. Getting off the well-worn track could involve getting off the ground altogether — and onto a Blue Lagoon cruise. Sail to uninhabited tropical islands, anchor at their very own private beach in the Blue Lagoon, spend countless hours lazing on golden beaches and swim, snorkel or dive in crystal clear waters.

5 | It’s budget friendly. You don’t want to worry about the budget while chilling out. Look out for resort deals where kids stay, play and eat for free, usually up to the age of 11. All-inclusive is advantageous because you pay for everything in advance and often includes accommodation, meals, unlimited drinks, nightly entertainment and various water activities.

1. Yasawa Islands

Once the domain of the budget conscious, now also boasting several 4-5 star resorts for luxury seekers. Pristine unspoilt beaches offering amazing snorkelling, swimming with manta rays (May-Oct) and reef sharks or explore local villages for a glimpse of Fijian life. A three hour ferry ride from the mainland means the Yasawas is more secluded and the perfect antidote "for those wanting to get away from it all."

HOT Tip | Tick something incredible off your bucket list and arrive to your destination by helicopter.

2. Mamanuca Islands

Under an hour from the mainland makes this beautiful area very popular. Options to suit all budgets, great family friendly snorkelling and Cloudbreak, one of the best surf breaks in the world. Families with children will appreciate the popular kids clubs at our resorts

HOT Tip | If snorkelling straight off the deck of an overwater bungalow takes your fancy, ask us about the adults-only Likuliku Lagoon Resort

3. Denarau

Convenient for quick getaways and young families - from airport to resort in 20 minutes. No “postcard perfect” Fiji beach but high-end resort lagoon style pools have you feeling tropical in no time. Dining options galore on your doorstep or a short Bula Bus ride away.

HOT Tip | If travelling with kids check out the Big Bula Water Park and finish the day at the Denarau Marina. Enjoy a range of dining options, with meals your kids will love, without the resort prices.

4. Coral Coast

Drive one hour from the airport to an area offering something for everyone from the active to the sedate. Whilst the beaches may not be as ice white as the outer islands, you’ll get an authentic Fiji experience. Some of our most popular resorts are on the Coral Coast – ask us about some of our amazing all-inclusive packages – no more worries about blowing the budget while away.

HOT Tip | So you don’t miss out on an outer island experience, head out on a day trip to Malamala Beach Club — luxuriate on a lounger in your private cabana looking out on crystal clear water.

5. Fiji North

Great for diving, nature and all things aquatic. Popular with repeat travellers to Fiji wanting to explore more of Fiji away from mainstream locations – laid back and a distinct lack of commercialism this feels like the Fiji of yesteryear.

HOT Tip | Families love Jean Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji, a fabulous five-star resort, but if it’s snorkelling off the beach that you’re after, you can’t go past our favourite Vanua Levu resort, Koro Sun Resort Fiji.

6. Pacific Harbour

Adventure junkies take note – in under an hour’s drive from Suva you can Jet Ski, kayak, fish, white water raft, zip line and shark dive between bouts of relaxation. Check out Terra Treks, which offers dune buggy drives through the rain forest.

HOT Tip | Beqa Lagoon is a hot spot for divers of all abilities. For best visibility go between July and September.

Ready to say BULA to paradise? We can get you there. Chat to our Fiji travel specialists and together, let’s find your perfect Fiji escape today.