Where to Stay on a Fiji Surf Vacation
We talked last week about all the fantastic surf breaks in Fiji, and this week, we’ll give you some ideas on where to stay to make your surf vacation memorable.
You basically have two areas of Fiji to choose from: you can stay on one of the tiny private islands (east of Nadi) or on Viti Levu’s Coral Coast, both in close proximity to surf. Today, we will focus on the closest options to the surf, the islands of Tavarua and Namotu.
Tavarua Island Resort
Tavarua Island Resort is known for being the go-to spot for surfing. It caters to hard-core surfers, but it is also great for vacationing families and couples. The 24-acre heart-shaped private island started as a surf camp that offers diving, snorkeling, and kitesurfing. But it became so popular that even families began coming just for the amenities and to watch surfers!
There are 16 private rustic, island-style bures complete with comfort. The bures are made of local materials, and they feature Fijian art and surf photos inside. The bures are air-conditioned and have two queen beds, a day bed, and a huge beach deck. There are also two larger units called the Sunrise Bures, which can hold four people and have two bedrooms. The rooms also have sleeper couches for children and private balconies.
Tavarua serves three meals a day, and there’s also a buffet with healthy food in generous portions to restore guests from being out in the sun all day.
Tavarua Island Resort is situated on the south end of the Mamanuca Islands. It is 15 miles southwest of Nadi.
Namotu Island Resort
Namotu Island Resort is on a small island that you can walk around pretty quickly, but the best part about staying here is having access to seven world-class breaks. You’ll also have quick access to restaurants, swimming pools, Namotu Left, Wilkes Pass, Desperations, Cloudbreak, and Tavarua Rights.
The resort has three types of accommodations, which include three private bures and two larger VIP units. All bures are made of local materials such as daku (hardwood) and have high ceilings, air-conditioning, and lots of windows.
Namotu’s kitchen offers international and local cuisine, so you have diverse food options. The dishes showcase the best and freshest local food from the Pacific, such as yellowfin tuna, wahoo, walu, and mahimahi, as well as tropical fruits and produce. The three meals are served al fresco, so you can enjoy watching the waves or the stars while eating.
The staff are extremely attentive, and their boat transfers can bring you anywhere you want, whenever you need to go. Guests can also participate in a Fijian meke with music, food, and a kava ceremony.
Once you land at the airport, you’ll board a private bus for a 30-minute ride down to the coast where you will be picked up by the Namotu long boat for a 15-minute ride.