From barefoot luxury to family escapes, these Fijian resorts deliver time and again, writes Dilvin Yasa.

Fun fact: there are well over 100 resorts in Fiji, but how do you find the best resorts in Fiji? Narrowing down what you’d like, whether it’s a bells and whistles family resort close to the heart of the action, or a remote island fantasy where it’s just you and your partner (give or take a few million fish), is a big part of the process.

Of course, there’s also our ruthless edit of Fiji resorts, each one designed to gift holidaymakers the ultimate tropical holiday experience…

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

Over in Viti Levu’s Natadola Bay, widely considered one of the world’s prettiest beaches, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa unfurls itself across 35 acres of lush, tropical gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Sure, it’s the only five-star resort in the region, but that doesn’t mean the property rests on its laurels, serving up three swimming pools, four onsite restaurants, access to the 18-hole Natadola Bay Championship golf course and Club InterContinental for a more elevated stay including private check-in and daily afternoon tea.

With six categories of rooms (most of them generous at around 63 square metres and above) and the choice of Beachfront or Lagoonview suites – many with outdoor Cleopatra tubs and daybeds, there’s an accommodation style to suit every kind of traveller.

Kids are well looked after too, with Planet Trekkers, the resort’s kids’ club for ages four to 12, and Teen Trekkers, proving the ultimate draw. Here, they can pitch, putt, volleyball or stare at their phones when they think no one is watching, while parents make use of the spa (hot tip: the beachside cabanas are the perfect place to enjoy a treatment).

Located a 50-minute drive from Nadi International Airport, local attractions include the Sigatoka Sand Dunes and Sigatoka River Safari.

Address: Maro Road, Natadola Bay

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Set in the calm, reef-protected waters of Savusavu Bay, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has long carved out a reputation as one of Fiji’s most meaningful luxury stays, accommodation and experiences thoughtfully crafted so that the resort – and Fiji itself – can be enjoyed by future generations.

The accommodation, traditional Fijian bures, might have had a glow-up in recent years (they’ve added environmentally friendly air conditioners), but the activities continue to have conservation at their core. Indeed, resident eco-programs include coral restoration and mangrove planting, tours of the property’s 15-acre organic farm which supplies much of the resort’s produce, school and village visits plus crafting opportunities.

The greatest thing about Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, however, isn’t its sustainability chops, but how well it caters for children. The complementary Kids Bula Club assigns dedicated nannies to children under six, while older kids are grouped with ‘Fijian Buddies’ in small rations. Teens have their own activity program too, leaving parents free to make the most of kayaking, snorkelling, sailing and more.

Savusavu, located on the island of Vanua Levu, is a one-hour flight from Nadi, while the transfers to the resort take a further 20 minutes.

Address: Lesiaceva Pt Road, Savusavu

Likuliku Lagoon Resort

Over on Malolo Island in the Mamanucas, Likuliku Lagoon Resort makes a compelling case for leaving the little ones at home. This adults-only, all-inclusive retreat – wholly owned by a local Fijian tourism family – was the first in the country to introduce those fabled overwater bures, and remains the only one with authentic stilted bungalows set above a protected lagoon (and turtle breeding ground). Is it a favourite with honeymooners and other loved-up couples? You betcha. And it all comes down to privacy and that particular brand of barefoot luxury that doesn’t feel too overdone.

Offering 10 overwater bures and 35 beachfront bures – 18 of them with private plunge pools, outdoor showers and daybed retreats, rates here include three gourmet meals daily at the property’s two onsite restaurants and use of non-motorised watersports equipment such as kayaks, windsurfs and catamarans. There’s also a spa, gym, hiking trails and a thoughtful wet-weather program, while cultural touches like Kava ceremonies anchor guests in place. A recommendation? A romantic picnic at the property’s private island is not to be missed.

A stay at Likuliku Lagoon Resort requires either a 10-minute helicopter or 25-kilometre boat transfer from Nadi.

For a similar adults-only luxury experience, consider also Tokoriki Island Resort, located in the Mamanucas.

Address: Yaro, Malolo Island

Kokomo Private Island Fiji

The Kokomo Private Island Fiji experience begins long before the island – set in Fiji’s Kadavu group – comes into view: with a champagne and fruit basket care of the resort’s dedicated aviation hangar and luxury transfer lounge at Nadi’s Domestic Airport. From there, it’s a ridiculously scenic, 45-minute flight on the property’s Twin Otter seaplane or helicopter for the ‘real’ holiday to begin.

On the island, where guests are greeted with song, 21 one- to three-bedroom beachfront villas and five three- to six-bedroom residences – all with private pools and generous indoor-outdoor living – lie in wait. The experience is all-inclusive with a la carte dining, in-villa meals, a daily restocked non-alcoholic mini bar (alcohol, inexplicably, is only available for purchase across the resort), laundry and pressing, non-motorised watersports and land activities. Not only that but nanny services are complimentary for tots 0 – 3, as well as Kids’ and Teens Clubs. Those ensconced in one of the residences can also bank on shared island transfers and a personal butler, nanny and buggy.

Will it be snorkelling, diving, deep-sea fishing, sailing, spa treatments or more? No matter the activity, it’s always difficult to get past what is easily the most popular attraction on the island: the ocean trampoline. Get in early.

Those who want an untouched island experience nearby for a fraction of the price could consider Oneta Resort, located on Ono Island instead. The small, family-run eco-resort is in the perfect location for exploring the Great Astrolabe Reef nearby, and swimming with the local manta rays.

Address: Kokomo Private Island Fiji

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

Over in Viti Levu’s western coast, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay – a firm family favourite located a smooth 45-minute drive from Nadi International Airport – delivers that castaway fantasy without the logistical headache. Outwardly, it’s sheer remote fantasy, all overwater bures hovering above a turquoise lagoon and swaying palms, but the resort is steeped in the practical: delivering something for everyone with a magician’s ease.

For many, much of the thrill of a stay here is centred on those overwater bungalows with ladders leading into the pristine water, but just as enticing for families are the resort’s ocean-front and lagoon bures and those all-important interconnecting rooms near resort facilities. Oh, and its three swimming pools, five distinct dining experiences serving up everything from ocean-to-plate seafood and Fijian barbecue, and an onsite organic farm.

Kids, of course, are well catered for, with programs that blend fun with eco-focused learning. The Turtle Kids Club runs daily but we love the resort’s Momi Marine Biologist, Momi Eco Warrior and Momi Art & Wellness programs where kids can undertake activities such as coral planting and bird nest building.

Address: Savusavu Road, Momi Bay

Six Senses Fiji

70s songstress Charlene once sang I’ve been to paradise, but I’ve never been to me but this is not the reality for any guest arriving at Six Senses Fiji, a property celebrated for marrying wellness and sustainability with luxury without making anyone feel guilty about it.

A jungle-set resort on Malolo Island, located just 25 kilometres from Nadi International Airport, Six Senses FIji offers 24 spacious pool villas and suites, plus two- to five-bedroom residences – each one with a private pool. For families and large groups, the residences also feature fully equipped kitchens and sun decks, plus dedicated nanny services.

And here’s the thing: although much of the focus here is on wellness (guests signing up to the resort’s personalised retreats and programs can expect full immersion into the world of yoga, mindfulness, sleep, immunity, longevity and self-discovery), there’s plenty of traditional holiday activities on offer too. Surf lessons, reef restoration with coral gardeners, cooking classes and demonstrations on how to turn recycled waste into soap; no one can say the program isn’t broad.

Again, what stands out here is Six Senses Fiji’s offerings for younger guests – particularly the hidden wooden fort in the forest where a range of activities, be it paper making or coconut crafts, take place each day.

A multitude of transfer options are available, from speedboat to helicopter.

Address: Malolo Island

Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort

Over on Denarau Island where resorts, restaurants and boutiques jostle for attention, convenience has long been the name of the game, but a stay at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort is about so much more. Fresh from a significant refurbishment, the property has a wealth of accommodation options (including accessible rooms), many of its light-filled rooms and suites opening onto ocean views or lush, tropical gardens.

Facilities here are extensive – and then some, with six swimming pools across the wider complex, including lagoon-style pools and quieter corners for those seeking calm, plus a fully equipped fitness centre and the nearby Denarau Golf & Racquet Club which is home to an 18-hole course and tennis courts. Dining? Options run the gamut from relaxed poolside bites to refined Fijian-inspired fare (we love the toes-in-the-sand experience of sunset dining at Tatavu Grill & Bar).

Side by Side, Sheraton’s dedicated kids’ club for those four to 12, is a key part of the resort experience, serving up both an indoor space for movies, arts and crafts (and hopefully, napping), and an outdoor playground with trampoline and slide. Cooking classes, VR experiences, farm family experiences and cultural learning – it’s all on offer, and additional nanny services can be requested.

With Port Denarau Marina a short walk away, Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort presents as the perfect option for longer stays and is hugely recommended during Christmas when the whole property commits to the season.

Address: Denarau Island South  

Want more? Check out…

Vomo Island Fiji for a private island experience suitable for both couples and families just a 35-minute speedboat ride to Vita Levu’s Vuda Marina.

Nanuku Resort Fiji for the ultimate, five-star Pacific Harbour family experience which leans equally into local culture as well as thrilling activities nearby.

Turtle Island for those times when only six stars (yes, really) will do, in a luxury Yasawa Islands property which accommodates just 14 couples at a time.

Navutu Stars Resort for a more affordable Yasawa Islands alternative where the focus is on adults-only romance.

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa when you need a slick Port Denarau resort offering convenience and an in-house experience for every member of the family in spades.