FIJI MARRIOTT RESORT MOMI BAY
Fiji regulars will know Viti Levu's Coral Coast and Denarau Island well – but have you even heard of Momi Bay? It's just a 30 minute drive to Momi Bay through rolling green hills that look more like New Zealand than the tropics. There's even the occasional cow on the road, but never any traffic. Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay occupies prime position by the coast, looking out towards the Mamanuca Islands. Stay in one of Fiji's few over-water bungalows, take boat rides out to the islands direct from the resort, and toast each sunset at Fish Bar, a restaurant/ bar perched on the crest of a coastal cliff beside an infinity pool and an acoustic guitarist. See marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nanmc-fiji-marriott-resort-momi-bay
MATANIVUSI BEACH ECO RESORT
You don't have to be a surfer to stay at what was the world's first eco surf retreat, but some of Fiji's best waves break just a short distance away and there's a full-time surf guide with a boat to take you any time you like. But the beauty of Matanivusi (just east of the Coral Coast) is that anyone will love staying here. There's everything from yoga in the forest beneath a 400-year-old fig tree to a day spa set in forest and lots of diving locations nearby. There's 12 rooms in natural jungle beside a stunning lagoon all connected by a raised walkway above the forest. Meals are served under the stars with produce from an on-site organic garden. See surfingfiji.com
GRAND PACIFIC HOTEL SUVA
The grand old dame of the Pacific, this is the South Pacific's best remaining colonial-era hotel. Built in 1914, it's housed the queen (four times) as well as almost every head of state who ever came to Fiji (including our own PM in 2019). Its walls are full of black and white photographs from 100 years ago, but you don't need photos to sense the history within this historic hotel. Don't ignore Fiji's capital, Suva: there's historic restaurants and markets to check out, while sundowners at the pool bar watching the sun set across Suva harbour are a necessity. See grandpacifichotel.com.fj
WAKAYA CLUB & SPA
You're going to have to take a propeller plane ride to get here, but it's worth the journey. Established by an eccentric American business magnate as a sanctuary for guests to hide away at, there's only 10 suites built right beside a white-sand beach, and two private villas that have housed the likes of Russell Crowe and Tom Cruise. Surrounded entirely by a Marine Protection Area, guests can choose to dive and snorkel on some of Fiji's best preserved coral reefs, or spend days relaxing on the island's numerous private beaches. Meals are served beach-side in a variety of locations that best suit the wind and tide. See wakayaresort.com
SHANGRI LA FIJIAN RESORT & SPA
It's one of Fiji's longest established resorts for a reason. Located 50 minutes drive south of Nadi International Airport on its own private island connected by a causeway, Shangri La Fijian Resort & Spa is surrounded entirely by water. There's five restaurants and three bars all on the waterfront, in a resort modelled on a traditional Fijian village. Families love it for its kids' clubs, free activities and family-friendly amenities, but couples can stay in its adults only Reef Wing, relaxing around an infinity pool built by the lagoon, or at its award-winning day spa, a short walk away. See shangri-la.com/yanucaisland/fijianresort
VOMO ISLAND
Stay on your own private island at the northern end of the Mamanuca archipelago, at the edge of the dreamy Yasawa Islands. There's no other resorts on your island – though if you prefer total privacy from other guests, there's a tiny islet you can reach by five minute boat ride. The great thing about Vomo Island is it caters for families as much as it caters for couples. There's restaurants for romantic dates, and family-friendly dining options suitable for all ages. There's activities ideal for the whole family and kids' clubs and a creche, but there's also one of Fiji's best day spas which children can't enter. See vomofiji.com
Craig Tansley was a guest of Tourism Fiji
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