Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ACCOMMODATION
For a developing country, Fiji is a fairly expensive place to visit, with room prices and
standards closer to those in Australia than Southeast Asia. However, at many budget is-
land resorts and some of the more remote, upmarket boutique resorts, meals and some
activities are included, making the price seem more expensive than it actually is. On the
outer islands there's usually nowhere else to eat other than the resort restaurant, which
can inflate the cost of staying. Nevertheless, there's great diversity around the islands,
with some resorts dedicated to scuba diving, surfing or ecotours while others specialize
in relaxation and fine dining.
Outside of the main towns, almost every place to stay is on a beach or overlooking the sea and
called a
resort
, regardless of its amenities. The highest concentrations of accommodation are
in Nadi and along the south coast of Viti Levu, which are the
best-value
places to stay, and
in the Mamanucas, which are graced with delightful beach resorts from budget to upmarket.
There are slimmer but adequate sprinklings of hostels, retreats and boutique resorts around
rural Viti Levu and on the outer islands of Kadavu, Ovalau, Vanua Levu and Taveuni, the
last of these also being popular for longer stays and holiday homes. Beyond, in the remote
outliers of the Lomaiviti Group, the Lau Group and Rotuma, accommodation is scarce and
provisions and general infrastructure are basic.
For those travelling on a
budget
, there are plenty of affordable beach resorts all around the
islands, with cheap hotel rooms and dorm beds in most towns. Obtaining
discounts
direct
from the resorts is difficult, although the large international hotels usually run tempting web-
site promotions. The best bet is to seek out accommodation-only deals via the Internet.
Several companies specialize in diving, kayaking and ecotour holidays in Fiji. See
“Sports
and outdoor activities”
,
for information on these niche operators.
ACCOMMODATION PRICES
Unless noted otherwise, the prices for all accommodation reviewed in this guide refer to
the least expensive double or twin room at standard rack rates including all taxes.
Rates
The majority of resorts quote everything in the
local currency
of Fijian dollars (F$), although
a few of the upmarket resorts, particularly those focusing on the US market, quote in US$.
All rates in Fiji are quoted
per room
and not per person, unless for dorm beds. Only a few
places, mostly urban hotels and hostels, offer single-person room rates. Almost all published
