Fiji’s turquoise waters, lazy palms, blinding sands and kaleidoscopic reefs attract travellers from all over the world. The country consists of more than 300 individual islands and just about all of them have vistas worthy of a desktop screensaver.

With a coastline so beautiful and so large, it can be hard to pick only a few Fijian beaches to explore. And with many beaches privately owned by resorts, you’re unlikely to be able to visit them all.

These eight are some of the most stunning strips of sand that Fiji has to offer.

 

1. Musket Cove, Malolo Lailai

Best for: A relaxed resort with beachfront bures for a romantic getaway.

Musket Cove on the popular resort island of Malolo Lailai is everything you’d hope for in a Fijian escape. Its tranquil waters are fringed by palms, its white sand is shadowed by hammocks, and the sunset from Dick’s Place bar is one of the best in the area.

You won’t find great snorkelling right off the beach at Musket Cove, but resort boats depart regularly for nearby sandbars and reefs that are teeming with marine life.

Insider tip: The Musket Cove accommodation does cater to families but doesn’t have as many kid-friendly amenities as other resorts on Malolo Lailai. If you’re travelling with a young family, you might like to explore Plantation Island Resort, which features a kids’ club and even a mini-golf course.

 

2. Botaira Beach, Yasawa Islands

Best for: A secluded island paradise that’s perfect for honeymooners.

Botaira Beach is nestled in the remote Yasawa Islands, where the upbeat resorts of the Mamanucas give way to a far more secluded and serene atmosphere.

Botaira Resort lays claim to the sweeping stretch of soft white sand, which divides the lush green forest from the gin-clear water. And the scenery is just as beautiful beneath the surface; with manta rays known to frequent the nearby reefs.

Insider tip: Like other island groups in the area, the Yasawas are home to a variety of resorts. Do enough research online and you might just find a hidden gem.

 

3. Seagrass Bay, Laucala Island

Best for: Exclusive tropical luxury where time stands still.

Seagrass Bay is a top competitor for Fiji’s most photogenic beach; framed by dramatic grassy headlands that jut into luminous shades of blue, speckled with coral reef.

But enjoying the serenity doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to be staying at the five-star Laucala Island resort to access the beach, which includes just 25 luxurious villas.

 

Insider tip: No visit to Seagrass Bay and Laucala Island would be complete without enjoying the incredible snorkelling just offshore. Remember your sunscreen and ask resort staff for any hazards to watch out for, such as rip currents on certain tides and dangerous marine life, like stonefish.

 

4. Honeymoon Beach, Turtle Island

Best for: A private playground for travelling newlyweds.

In keeping with the theme of luxury, Honeymoon Beach on the private Turtle Island is about as exclusive as they come. Turtle Island boasts 14 beaches and provides accommodation for just, you guessed it, 14 lucky couples.

If candlelit dinners on small floating pontoons, horse rides along the shore and spa baths with 360-degree views of the stunning Pacific sound like your ideal honeymoon, Turtle Island won’t disappoint.

Turtle Island is also the famous filming location of the Brooke Shield’s classic movie, Blue Lagoon.

Insider tip:Turtle Island’s fine dining features some of the freshest seafood and local produce around. However, raw seafood can pose a risk of contamination, even if it’s freshly caught. Stick to well-cooked foods to give yourself the best chance of a holiday free from tummy trouble.

 

5. Castaway Island

Best for: A family-friendly vacation with something for everyone.

The picturesque beaches of Castaway Island have long been a favourite among travelling families and honeymooners alike. The island caters to all tropical tastes, with plentiful water sports, cultural tours and wellness activities.

The Castaway Kids Club is well-known and the resort even offers a babysitting service for an extra fee.

 

Insider tip: Castaway lies in the Mamanuca Chain, which features some of Fiji’s best surfing spots. However, the waves in the area aren’t for the faint-hearted; regularly reaching over three metres high on outer reefs.

 

6. Natadola Beach, Coral Coast

Best for:Tropical solace within striking distance of Nadi.

In contrast to many of the other beaches on this list, Natadola is a more easily-accessible slice of paradise; just a 30 minute drive from Fiji’s capital, Nadi.

Natadola is one of the shining jewels of the Coral Coast. It’s suitable for swimming at all tides and features some great snorkelling close to shore.

Insider tip: Natadola is a short taxi ride from Nadi - just ensure you ask the taxi driver to start running the meter when you depart so you’re not charged an excessive fare.

 

7. Namale Beach, Vanua Levu

Best for: Rubbing shoulders with celebrity guests.

Fiji’s second largest island, Vanua Levu, often flies under the radar for many tropical travellers. The island has an air of untouched beauty, with the wild rainforest of the Wasali Reserve and the winding Hibiscus Highway.

Nestled in a southern bay of Vanua Levu is Namale Beach; a private oasis owned by the Namale Resort and Spa. The hotel opens onto the Koro Sea and is a short distance from Savusavu, the largest town on the island. If you’re looking for an exclusive oasis that’s good enough for the likes of Russell Crowe and Edward Norton, Namale could be the perfect luxury getaway for you.

 

Insider tip:There’s more to Vanua Levu than extravagant resorts. The island boasts some of the most breathtaking adventure travel in Fiji and countless hiking trails.

 

8. Sunset Beach, Mana Island

Best for: Sprawling sunsets and relaxed accommodation.

A breathtaking Fijian getaway doesn’t always need to come with a breathtaking price tag. Sunset Beach on the small Mana Island in the Mamanucas has all the tropical seclusion without the five-star accommodation bill.

Mana Island Resort is a family-friendly option with a kids club, tennis court and water activities.

 

Insider tip: Mana Island caters to high school leavers and college graduates for an annual “schoolies” celebration, through a company called Unleashed. Unless you’re happy to join the teens as they blow off some steam after their exams, it’s wise to avoid their schoolies weeks, which typically falls in the last weeks of November and the first weeks of December.

 

The Fijian islands are home to countless resorts that cater to all kinds of travellers. Whether you’re a travelling family on school holidays or adventurous honeymooners, finding your ideal Fijian beach is only a matter of research.

 

Do you have a favourite beach in Fiji? We’d love to hear about it! Send us an email at stories@scti.co.nz, and tell us about your favourite sandy spot in Fiji and why you love it.

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