Fiji is more than just a postcard destination—it’s a place where adventure and ease exist side by side. Whether we were exploring the islands, swimming in crystal-clear water, or simply watching the sunset, every day felt effortless and unforgettable. Because it is so far, it’s worth spending at least one week here.

When To Visit

The dry season in Fiji is from May to October. This is when you will have sunny days with less humidity. Prices will be higher during these months so if you are looking for lower costs, visit during the wet season. Rain can be occasional during the wet season and when it does rain it’s usually for a short period of time.

Getting There

From Canada, there is a direct 12-hour red eye flight from Vancouver to Nadi on Fiji Air every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday that you can find for as low as $1000 CAD round trip. From the US, there are direct flights from LA, SF and Dallas to Nadi on Fiji Air. Flights from LAX are daily (and they also have direct flights via Quantas Airlines). SFO flights are every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. And Dallas flights are every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Flight can be purchased from the US for as low as $700 USD.

Before You Go

• All resorts in Fiji take credit card, but they will charge you a small fee of 3.5% for using a credit card. It is also best to get some local currency (Fijian Dollar) for tips and if you want to purchase items outside the resort.
• They use type I plugs, which have three flat pins in a triangular pattern, and operate on a 240V supply voltage at 50Hz so make sure to bring an adapter to charge your devices.
• They drive on the left side of the road here (similar to the UK and Australia) so if you decide to rent a car, make sure you’re comfortable driving on the opposite side of the road.
• You are only allowed to have less than 350g of powders in your carry on. This includes coffee and kava. If you are planning to fly home with these, make sure to pack them in your bag, or purchase them after security.
• You cannot bring honey into Fiji. They will confiscate it at customs when you land.
• Pack insect repellent (some hotels may provide this though if you forget).
• Fiji Fire is one of the best hot sauces I’ve ever had. You can buy it at the airport before you fly out or the “Shop n Save” local market if you want to bring some home.
• Fiji is a resort country. Picking a resort based on what you’re looking for is key as you will be spending a lot of time there. There are romantic resorts, more family-friendly resorts, resorts with lots of activities, etc.

NANUKU RESORT

Conveniently located on Fiji’s main island (Viti Levu), staying at Nanuku Resort eliminates the need for an additional flight or boat. It is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the Nadi International Airport and offers a variety of land and ocean activities, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, ziplining, river-tubing and cultural experiences like kava ceremonies. They also have an amazing shark diving experience. This is a family-friendly resort but still offers tranquil experiences for couples or small groups. They also provide you with one nanny per child 8am to 8pm every day, included in the cost, for the duration of your stay (no minimum age)!

Garden Villa is a great room to stay in, despite not having a view of the ocean. It is very private and has outdoor showers, your own plunge pool, an outdoor day bed and blackout blinds. The rooms with an ocean view cost quite a bit more but if budget isn’t an issue, they are also great but less private since guests can walk along the beach trail that goes in front of all the beachfront suites. You can use Hilton Honors points to book this hotel as well! 105,000 points per night in a Nanuku Suite. If you have a late departing flight they charge for a late check out fee (past 11am). It’s around F$400 (~$250 CAD).

Getting There

The resort can organize the airport transfer for you for this two-and-a-half-hour drive. It costs around F$500 FJD ($225 USD) per way for a private car of up to 4 people. Depending on how you book your resort stay, the transfer may be included in your package. There is also the option of booking a round-trip private flight charter (30-minute flight) for $2,400 USD as there is a private air strip right next to the resort.

Getting Around

The property is fairly big, and you are able to explore all of it if you want. Most of the villas and suites are only a short walk to the main restaurant and pool. They provide you with bikes at your villa to get around the property, as well as umbrellas in case it rains. You can also always call the concierge to send a golf cart.

What To Do

The resort provides you with an activity guide and weekly calendar upon check-in. There are a lot of great activities that you can do at Nanuku!

• Shark Dive – if you are a certified diver, this is a once in a lifetime experience. You can dive with Tiger Sharks and Bull Sharks here. Nanuku Resort is trying to open their own dive operation in the future, but you will have to book with an external operator if you want to do this. It’s best to book in advance as the dives fill up quickly.
  • Beqa Adventure Divers – located on the main Island, close to Nanuku Resort. They offer shark diving on Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri & Sat mornings. A two tank dive costs FJ$500.
  • Aqua Trek Beqa Dive Center – located in Pacific Harbour, close to Nanuku Resort. They offer shark diving on Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat mornings. A two tank dive costs $205 USD + $25 USD for full gear.
• River Tubing – a fun family friendly experience outside the resort is river tubing down the Navua River. Book directly through River Tubing Fiji as it will cost quite a bit less than booking through the resort. It costs about $100 USD per person and includes lunch pick up and drop off. They also stop by a local village up the river which is interesting to see. It isn’t too far (maybe 15 minutes) from Nanuku Resort, but it is a far day trip from hotels near the airport. Bring insect repellant.
• Half Day Private Island Escape – a four-hour excursion to a nearby private island. You can snorkel and fish along the way and it includes lunch. It costs FJ$1450 for two people (you can add more people for FJ$100 pp up to 4 people).
• Spa Treatment – they have a spa on property and have a great massage. Sometimes they have promotions so check before you book. And you get a ten-minute free Fijian foot ritual which is a coconut bath soak, a foot scrub and a massage with any booking.
• Warrior Cooking Class – take this free cooking class. Look for it on the activity sheet because it’s only once a week. It is fun and a free lunch!
• Management Drinks – don’t miss the management drinks which happens once a week. You get free cocktails and beer, and you can try cava!
• Coconut Cup Making – a fun activity you can do for free at the resort, and you get to take it home with you.
• Basket Weaving – another activity that you can try for free at the resort.
• Taunovo River Kayak – a guided kayak up the river that runs on property. It’s a nice river and worth a kayak or boat ride up to see it.
• Burelotu Hike – a 30-minute round trip hike up a mountain on property. You bike to get there and at the top you get a nice view of the resort beach. On the hike, you get some history of the mountain.
• Yoga – every other morning they have free yoga at 7am.

Eating at Nanuku Resort

They offer a full-board meal plan (for an extra cost of about $130 USD per person per day) but this doesn’t include alcohol. Portions are very big here, so you likely won’t need to pay for full board. Some of the free activities also include lunch. It is worth getting the inclusive breakfast though. It’s delicious and they give you a lot of food which could probably hold some people over until dinnertime. The best item on the breakfast menu is the crab omelet. You can also pack up what you don’t eat and keep it in your suite for a snack later.

Friday’s they normally have a Lovo, a traditional, ancient Fijian method of preparing food in an underground oven. Make sure not to miss it! At the restaurant, you can buy a bottle of wine and if you don’t finish it that evening, keep it for your next meal. They also have fresh juice every day which is really refreshing. And if you like hot sauce, ask for the Fiji Fire hot sauce at every meal as it’s one of the best I have tried!

OTHER RESORT OPTIONS

Namale Resort and Spa

An exclusive, adults-only experience with an exceptional mix of land and ocean activities including reef snorkeling, diving, horseback riding, and exploring waterfalls. It also has an award-winning spa and wellness programs are perfect for relaxation. It only offers all-inclusive pricing and is located on Vanua Levu, requiring an additional domestic flight from Nadi. It costs around $2000 CAD per night to stay here.

Tokoriki Island Resort

An intimate, boutique resort that’s adults-only, perfect for romantic getaways. They have gorgeous beachfront bures and villas, many with private pools and ocean views. This is a small resort, highly rated for personalized service. It is located in the Mamanuca Islands, known for clear waters and stunning coral reefs, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving. Because it’s located in the Mamanuca Islands, it is only accessible by boat or helicopter transfer, which can add travel complexity and cost (private speedboat transfer costs ~$500 USD per way but there also is a public catamaran that runs daily). It doesn’t offer many land activities. It costs around $1600 CAD per night to stay here.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

A family friendly luxury resort known for its inclusive childcare and 1-1 nanny support. Rates normally include all-inclusive meals and non-alcoholic beverages. There is also great diving and snorkeling nearby. It does have a 5-night minimum stay, and it is located on Vanua Levu, requiring an additional domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu. They also don’t have the typical white sandy beach you envision in Fiji – it’s more of a rocky coral beach. It costs around $1600 CAD per night to stay here.

Royal Davui Island Resort

An exclusive adults-only all-inclusive private island boutique resort, known for its secluded atmosphere and personalized services. Each of their sixteen villa offers its own plunge pool and snorkeling around the island is excellent. The all-inclusive component only includes meals though and not drinks. It is in the Beqa Lagoon, about 10 miles off the southern coast of the main island of Viti Levu (about a 40-minute boat ride from Pacific Harbor). It costs around $2200 CAD per night to stay here.

Vomo Island

Private island resort with great food and spacious villas. A great resort for a romantic getaway (there is an adult only area) or a family vacation. Includes many activities free of cost such as kayaking, a sailboat, and a 9-hole pitch and putt. Transfers to the island only happen in the morning which is normally fine if flying from NA but something you need to consider if traveling from Australia. They also have a 5-night minimum stay over the December holiday window. It costs around $2200 CAD per night to stay here in a beachfront villa.

Beqa Lagoon Resort

If the main purpose of your stay is to dive with sharks, this is where you should stay. You have to stay there to dive with them and you can see tiger sharks and bull sharks in the Shark Reef Marine Reserve. There is a 9am ferry that leaves from The Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour and transfers you to Beqa Island. It costs around $700 CAD per night to stay here and includes round trip transfers and meals (for 2 people). They also offer diving packages.

Kokomo Private Island Resort

A family friendly 6-star luxury destination with access to the Great Astrolabe Reef. It is all-inclusive and provides great diving and snorkeling. They provide exceptional service and a lot of activities for kids. Every one of their 26 villas has its own infinity pool. Prices here are a lot higher than other resorts. Rates start at $2700 CAD per night for a one-bedroom villa.