Bula is a word you’ll hear everywhere in Fiji. It can mean hello, welcome or cheers, and it perfectly reflects the spirit of the islands. From the moment you arrive, you’re met with genuine warmth, easy smiles and a sense of connection that feels natural rather than staged.
Set in the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is made up of over 300 islands where thick green landscapes meet clear waters and long stretches of sand. The two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, are home to lively towns, rainforest interiors, and a relaxed pace of life. It’s a place that encourages you to slow down, switch off and settle into island time.
Here, happiness isn’t something to chase; it’s simply part of everyday life. Strong community ties, a deep connection to nature, and a culture built around sharing make Fiji feel welcoming from the start. Whether you’re here to unwind, explore or reconnect, it’s a destination that leaves you feeling genuinely refreshed.
When to visit
Visitors are welcome year-round, thanks to Fiji’s warm, tropical South Pacific climate. From November to March, the islands enjoy summer conditions, with higher humidity, thick greenery, and the occasional tropical shower. April to October brings drier, cooler weather, making it a popular time to visit. Temperatures remain comfortably warm throughout the year, typically ranging from the low-20s to the low-30s Celsius.
Summer
30°C
Autumn
28°C
Winter
25°C
Nadi & surrounds
Just 30 minutes from Nadi International Airport, the Nadi area offers markets, local dining, and the colourful Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the Pacific. Nearby Port Denarau is a hub for resorts, waterfront restaurants, and island transfers to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Inland, the Sleeping Giant mountains set the scene for mud baths, botanical gardens, cultural shows, and adventure experiences.
Eco-friendly adventures
Explore Fiji sustainably with fuel-free experiences such as cycling or scooter safaris from Nadi through local villages. On the Coral Coast, Eco-Trax offers pedal-powered rides along old sugar train tracks, passing mangroves, and cane fields before ending with a beach picnic.
River experiences
Fiji’s rivers can be explored at any pace, from gentle bilibili raft journeys and calm-water kayaking to white-water rafting on the Navua River and jet-boat safaris along the Sigatoka River, often combined with village visits.
Rest & relaxation
With more than 30 spas across the islands, Fiji is ideal for switching off. Enjoy treatments using locally sourced organic products in settings that range from riverside and mountain-top locations to beachfront resorts. The traditional Fijian Bobo massage is a must-try.
Life on the ocean
With over 300 islands, Fiji offers endless opportunities to enjoy the sea. Warm, clear waters are rich in marine life, earning Fiji its reputation as the world’s soft-coral capital. Snorkel, dive, surf or sail, or take a day trip to the Mamanuca Islands, where floating platforms, secluded beaches, and island resorts make it easy to spend time on the water.
Eat & drink like a local
Discover Fiji’s flavours with kokoda, a fresh raw fish dish cured in citrus and coconut milk. Traditional celebrations often centre around a lovo feast, where meats and root vegetables are slow-cooked in an underground oven. A kava ceremony usually comes first, a social ritual built around yaqona, the national drink. Near Nadi, the Vavavi Cooking and Cultural Experience offers a hands-on introduction to local food.
Resort & cruise dining
Thanks to fertile soil and a warm climate, Fiji’s produce is fresh and abundant. Resorts offer good-value international dining, with breakfast often included and meal plans widely available. Larger towns also have a mix of multicultural restaurants, and tipping is not expected.
Sunset moments
Sunsets are a daily highlight in Fiji. Join a sunset cruise with cocktails and dinner, or book a private dining experience at your resort, often set on the beach or overlooking the ocean.
Island picnics
Many island resorts can arrange private picnics on nearby deserted beaches or small private islands. It’s a simple but memorable way to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a castaway moment for the day.
Farm & plantation visits
Agro-tourism farms offer a different way to explore Fiji, with visits to chocolate makers, coffee growers, and rum producers. Along the roads, you’ll often find stalls selling tropical fruit and vegetables, a relaxed way to connect with local life.
Plantation Island Resort, Malolo Lailai Island
Located on Malolo Lailai Island in the Mamanuca group, Plantation Island Resort is a long-standing favourite for families and active travellers. Calm lagoon waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while facilities include multiple swimming pools, the popular Jungle Water Park, tennis courts, and a wide range of watersports. Spacious beachfront bures and garden rooms are set among tropical palms just steps from the sand, creating a relaxed, easy-going base with plenty to keep all ages entertained.
Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Port Denarau
Located at Port Denarau, this resort blends refined style with a sociable, laid-back atmosphere. Expansive lagoon pools, direct beach access, and a choice of restaurants make it easy to settle in, while the nearby marina offers shopping, dining, and island-hopping adventures. It works equally well for couples, families, and first-time visitors looking for a polished base with plenty going on nearby.
Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Coral Coast
Stretching along the Coral Coast, this resort is known for its strong connection to local culture and warm, welcoming service. Spacious beachfront grounds, traditional design elements, and daily cultural activities create a real sense of place. With family-friendly facilities alongside quieter areas to relax, it’s a well-balanced option for travellers wanting authenticity without sacrificing comfort.
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Coral Coast
Set on the sweeping white sands of Natadola Beach, this resort offers a sense of space, privacy, and understated elegance. Wide open grounds, a championship golf course, multiple dining venues, and a standout spa make it easy to slow down and settle in. The atmosphere is calm and refined, suiting couples and travellers looking for a peaceful, high-end stay by the sea.
Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Yasawa Islands
On a remote island in the Yasawa group, this intimate resort delivers a true escape from the outside world. With a limited number of bures and access to long, untouched beaches, days revolve around snorkelling colourful reefs, sailing clear lagoons, and enjoying private beach picnics. Highly personalised service and a strong sense of seclusion make it especially popular for honeymoons and special occasions.
