Fiji Beaches
Photo by Jodie Ashford
© All Rights Reserved
'Enchanted hideaway' is the best way to describe Fiji's beaches. Picture this. You're surrounded by the sound of surf; a breeze is fluttering the palm fonds overhead; an ice-cold drink sits sweating on the table next to you and all around for as far as you can see - nothing but an endless blue vista.
"Bula, mate! Welcome to Fiji."
Fiji is made up of several hundred islands of varying sizes, but for beach lovers, the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island chains off the northwest coast of Fiji's main island Viti Levu are where you want to head. The movie "The Blue Lagoon" was filmed here and yachts from all over the globe gather in season.
The weather in Fiji is tropical year round, and except for the January - March rainy season, any time is good to visit. You can stay on one of the islands or take day trips to them from the coast at Nadi. Many of the islands are private with only one resort and several thatch roofed bungalows called ‘bures’ on them. Whether you decide to play castaway or day visit from Nadi, the experience is sure to be unforgettable.
Nearest to Nadi and the international airport are the Mamanuca Islands. (And this has nothing to do with your mother preparing spaghetti for you in the microwave.) Most of the islands are so small you can walk across them in a few minutes. The least costly is Beachcomber Island, which offers a dormitory style 'grand bure' for its budget minded guests. The most exclusive and expensive of the islands accepts only one party at a time (up to six persons), catered to by their own private staff including two gourmet chefs, a personal butler, a personal maid, and boat captain. Thurston and Lovey Howell never had it so good!
In the Yasawa chain, a bit further out but still only a few hours by boat from Nadi, you’ll find similar islands and equally friendly Fijians. Yasawa Island even boasts a Champagne Beach. Can it get better than that? Maybe. One private island allows you to reserve your own Fiji beach for the day and have a champagne luncheon brought in and served to you there. Talk about room service. Optional swimming attire in Fiji is officially verboten...but on your own private beach...well I guess that‘s up to you and the resort owner. Better check first however.
Photo © Paul Buceta - Fotolia.com |
| Region | Country | Best Season | |||||
| Pacific | Fiji | April - December | |||||
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Beachcomber, Mamanucas | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Private | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| One of the Mamanuca Islands, this small reef enclosed atoll has some of the finest Fiji beaches.
Beachcomber Island Resort is the only resort and takes up the entire island. Photo by Paul Tingle © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Matamanoa Isle, Mamanucas | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Private | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| The Matamanoa Resort, the only one here, says you can sail, windsurf, dive, climb trees or weave baskets, among other things.
Personally, I prefer 'other things' - like lazing on the beach with a cool one. Photo by Vincent Zesser © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Malolo Island, Mamanucas | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Remote | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Crystal clear water, a refreshing swim and an afternoon nap in a hammock under a shady palm.
"Ah...if this ain't paradise...what is?" Nearby Accoms: Malolo Island Resort. Photo by Mike Keyser © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Navini Island, Mamanucas | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Private | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Stumble at one end of Navini island and you'll hit your head at the other end.
This is a very small resort - surrounded by a picture perfect Fiji beach and lagoon. Photo by Joe Wolff © All Rights Reserved | $$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Tokoriki Island, Mamanucas | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Private | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| At the Tokoriki Island Resort it's afternoon tea at 4pm and smart casual wear for the evening.
Make sure that casual wear has deep pockets - with lots in them. Photo by Darren Hannay © All Rights Reserved | $$$$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Treasure Island, Mamanucas | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Private | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Treasure Island Resort offers 6:00am jogging sessions around the resort. Get serious! I'm not out of bed until at least eleven.
Excellent beach. Maybe I'll sleep there. Photo by Kim Pham © All Rights Reserved | $$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Nacula Island, Yasawas | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Private | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Place to go when you need major rest andl relaxation.
Toss that satillite cell phone overboard and get back in touch with the rhythms of mother nature. Enough said. Photo by Gili © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Nanuya Island, Yasawas | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Private | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Only four 'bures' and four 'villas' on the island. They call it 'naturally tranquilizing'.
I hope they serve some ice-cold 'natural tranquilizers' with dinner as well. Photo by Asim Chida © All Rights Reserved | $$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Waya Island, Yasawas | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Remote | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| The Octopus Resort here makes a drink with shots of rum and Blue Curacao called the 'Electric Octopus.' Bottoms up! Now, if we all hold hands we can probably generate enough power to run the entire resort. Photo by Gili © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Yasawa Island, Yasawas | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Remote | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Yasawa Island Resort is another premium Fiji beach property that caters to the private-jet set.
I'm flying in commercial because my plane's in the repair facility for its annual maintenance. Photo by Thomas Schmidt © All Rights Reserved | $$$$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| CLICK HERE FOR EXPLANATION OF TERMS | |||||||
| Let's keep it safe out there! Because ocean conditions change daily, follow these rules: (1) Always check with 'locals' about hazards before entering the water, (2) Obey all 'warning flags', (3) Swim inside 'safety areas' provided, (4) Never swim alone, and (5) Never swim far out. Finally, when in doubt, don't go in. | |||||||
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