Fiji is an archipelago made up of over 330 islands and half a thousand islets, located in the treasure trove that is the South Pacific. Turquoise waters twinkling in the sun, long, pristine stretches of sand, magnificent volcanoes and mountains – Fiji may seem to be yet another beautiful resort holiday destination, but it is the warm hospitality of its locals that elevates it to peerless. Breezy “bula”s, a traditional Fijian greeting, ring out wherever you go. Stop for a chat with a local and don’t be surprised to be invited back to his village or home. Do accept, for splitting a bowl of kava, a traditional South Pacific beverage, with a Fijian family is a relaxing way to pass “Fiji time”.

Not that you will need help passing time here. Snorkellers and divers will be thrilled with the magnificent coloured reefs and diverse fish and sea creatures found in Fiji’s sparkling clear waters. For those looking to work off their delicious Fijian meals, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and guided hikes through lush tropical forests can be found on many resorts. Otherwise, lying on the beach with occasional dips in the calm seas is also a legitimate way to spend your vacation.

With Fiji Airways flying direct from Singapore twice weekly on their comfortable fleet of A330 aircraft, paradise is only a 10-hour flight away. Here, we give our recommendations on where to stay for a vacation of your dreams, and budget.

Save: Octopus Resort

Located on Waya Island in Likuliku Bay, slightly over an hour by boat from the main island, Nadi, Octopus Resort is a wonderful beachfront resort that offers both shared and private accommodation. Backpackers can choose to stay in dormitories or private rooms with shared bathroom facilities while those looking for more private digs can choose from garden or beachfront bures (traditional one room huts). A dive shop offers sea sports gear and lessons at very reasonable prices while the day spa often holds promotions for its relaxing treatments. The onsite restaurant is set on a sand floor and boasts stunning beach views. The compulsory meal plan includes a small buffet breakfast, a varied lunch menu, and dinner 4 nights a week are 3-course gourmet meals (complete with amuse bouche!), with the remaining nights featuring a communal-style dinner and a barbecue night – all delicious and exceeding expectations. Octopus also hosts a wide number of activities including morning yoga, cooking lessons, quiz nights, and even a very entertaining hermit crab race, ensuring that one can never be bored on this slice of paradise.

Splurge: Paradise Cove Resort

Paradise Cove Resort is nestled in a stunning cove on Naukacuvu Island in the Yasawa island chain. The remote island resort is about 3 hours on a ferry from Nadi, though we recommend taking a 20-minute scenic seaplane transfer instead. Their one-bedroom bungalows and larger villas offer air-conditioning and private outdoor showers. In addition to the dive shop, a tour desk is on hand to assist in organising day trips and cruises. A day spa offers the relaxing massages and treatments that Fiji is famous for, while the newly built air-conditioned gym is complete with state of the art exercise equipment and a weights area. Black Rock, the on-site restaurant, features the best of Pacific Island fare. Food is very much a focus of the resort, and it shows. The compulsory meal plan includes a la carte and continental breakfast, a varied lunch menu with Western favourites and Fijian specials, and dinner is a 5-course gourmet affair, with the menu changing every 2 days. You can choose to keep yourself busy (or not!) with activities such as daily yoga, basket weaving, mountain hikes, and visiting the local village.

Curated Travel offers special rates for accommodation at the Octopus Resort and Paradise Cover Resort. Email us at enquiry@curatedtravel.com.sg or contact us here for more details.