Denarau Island is known as the beating heart of Fiji, and for good reason.
This small tropical oasis is packed with world-class resorts, restaurants and views for every type of traveller.
Stay
Denarau Island is home to nine renowned accommodation options, designed to fit with any budget.
For a 5-star experience, we recommend staying at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, a unique and luxurious hotel with a calming atmosphere. The resort includes a widely popular children’s club, a teenage zone with arcade-style games, and a late-night bar for adults. Plus, it is home to Solis Restaurant, a beach-side Mediterranean dining option with breathtaking views over the horizon. At the Sofitel Salon, guests can indulge in hand and feet treatments, manicures, and even hair and makeup services. Or, sign up for a spa treatment in the air-conditioned massage pavilion and plunge into a private whirlpool spa bath.
For a more affordable yet equally exciting stay, it doesn’t get much better than The Palms. Here, you can choose between 1,2 or 3 bedroom apartments, all situated directly opposite the famous Port Denarau Marina and shopping precinct. The relaxed environment is perfect for chill family holidays, and the friendly staff are always happy to help. Each room is fitted with all the comforts and amenities you could dream of, resulting in a perfect holiday stay.
Play
Port Denarau Marina is the starting point for many of the island’s iconic tours and activities.
From the Marina, you can join a popular Blue Lagoon Cruise, which takes guests on a tour of the surrounding islands across 3, 4 or 7 nights. While on board, you will visit uninhabited tropical islands and even anchor on a private beach in the Blue Lagoon for hours of swimming, snorkeling and sun-bathing. Talented Fijian artists provide evening entertainment, and guests are invited to learn about traditional culture when visiting chiefly villages. Blue Lagoon Cruise delivers plenty of opportunities to get up close with native animals too. Whether it’s swimming with reef sharks or snorkeling with schools of fish, theses cruises are a great way to immerse yourself in Fijian culture and nature.
For those looking for a single-day activity, Moale Charters set sale from Port Denaru to Mala Mala Island every day at 10am. The island is made up of 7 acres of tropical land and white sandy beaches, surrounded by 100 acres of coral reef. During the trip, you are invited to snorkel, fish, kayak, or even sign up for a massage. Plus, you can dig in to a fresh buffet lunch which showcases the best local produce on offer.
For a more relaxing experience, head to Oasis Spa in the heart of the Marina. Here, you can unwind with massages, facials, spa treatments, manicures and more. With options to choose from individual and couples packages, you are guaranteed to leave feeling pampered and rejuvenated every time.
And for families looking for a fun day out, Big Bula Waterpark is the world’s largest inflatable waterpark, featuring giant slides, wave machines, 10-metre-high palm trees and obstacle courses. With special areas for younger kids, and adventurous rides for adrenaline junkies, the whole family will love spending an afternoon in the water.
Dine
When it comes to delicious local delicacies, Denarau Island is spoilt for choice.
At Nadina Authentic Fijian Restaurant, guests are invited to dine like locals with dishes such as raw fish salad, kokoda, and many more staple Fijian options. The restaurant also offers Kava drinking, and performances from local artists. Here, the staff are all about creating a genuine Fijian experience for visitors.
For a contemporary dining experience, Indigo Indian and Asian Restaurant is a blend of Indo-Fijian specialities including Crab Masala and Lamb Mussalam. Visitors can dine on the waterfront or inside their cosy kitchen while celebrating the colourful fusion of exotic flavours, unlike anything you’ve tried before. Many of the ingredients used on the menu are sourced directly from the restaurant’s own farm. Here, you can watch the sunset and relax with a delicious dinner.
For those craving a hot coffee or sweet treat, Snowy House Dessert Cafe is open till late every day. Their menu includes cakes, pastries, cookies and even ice cream sundaes, perfect after a long day of beach fun. The wide range of desserts suit all dietary requirements, and the venue provides a more casual dining experience.
To read about our favourite things to do in Fiji with kids, click here.
