You’ll find palm groves and coconuts, turquoise waters, vibrant underwater worlds, and white sand beaches in every tranquil corner of Fiji’s island nation. But while many opt for quick trips and school holiday adventures to Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, true tropical island bliss awaits in the archipelagoes.
The Mamanuca Islands are located off the northwest coast of Viti Levu and consist of over 20 islands and islets. This collection of isles is known for its pristine beauty, from volcanic peaks to sandy shores to abundant marine life, and offers relaxation and respite from daily life.
Those seeking rest can enjoy private infinity pools, pampering at day spas, and leisurely island-hopping boat tours. Those after a few more thrills can take advantage of the crystal-clear waters by snorkelling or scuba diving among the vibrant reefs to spot tropical fish, turtles and reef sharks, as well as enjoy watersports.
From romantic overwater villas to family-friendly resorts, there are plenty of luxe places to stay in the Mamanuca Islands. While each island has its unique charm, all of them will see you slow down to “island time” and experience the generosity and warmth of Fijians as they share their slice of paradise with you.
Here are five of the best places to stay in the Mamanuca Islands, Fiji.
Tokoriki Island, Mamanuca Islands Fiji
A stay on Tokoriki Island promises serenity in spades, whether you prefer lounging by the pool or partaking in daily watersport adventures. To get there, you can take a picturesque boat ride or soar sky-high with a scenic 15-minute helicopter ride from Nadi Airport, which is the best way to take in the archipelago’s coral reefs and volcanic lands.
Consistently accoladed as Fiji’s most romantic resort, Tokoriki Island Resort is an adults-only hideaway on a white sand beach on the island’s more northern end. Specialising in honeymoons, renewals of vows and proposals, the team at Tokoriki has perfected the concept of barefoot romance with a menu of enchanting interludes, such as sensual, in-villa couples’ massages, floating pool breakfasts, intimate Champagne dinners on the jetty, private picnics on the beach and exclusive excursions by boat to nearby, secluded Monu Island. Beachfront villas with infinity edge pools are the ultimate love nests.
Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island
If you have the kids in tow, book a stay at Sheraton Resort & Spa on Tokoriki Island – the island’s only family-friendly accommodation. But, this modern island retreat is anything but a seaside crèche; unaccompanied couples can opt for private villas in the adults-only section of the resort, complete with private plunge pools and ocean vistas. The resort also boasts two restaurants – an all-day dining spot and the open-air Indian-Fijian restaurant Curcuma – plus an impressive pool overlooking the ocean, tennis courts, a gym, and a dreamy day spa. Meanwhile, the on-site watersports centre offers aquatic activities ranging from high-octane jetski jaunts and snorkelling adventures to cultural village tours of Yanuya and boat rides to nearby Castaway Island.
Malolo Island, Mamanuca Islands Fiji
Malolo Island is the largest of the Mamanuca Islands, home to two local villages and five resorts. To get there, you can take a short boat trip to the island or fly via seaplane to certain resorts.
A protected marine sanctuary surrounds the award-winning adults-only Likuliku Lagoon Resort, the ideal option for couples on the island. With likuliku meaning ‘calm waters’, the aptly named resort boasts 10 overwater bures sporting traditional Fijian design. While these romantic suites are the obvious attraction, the private beachfront villas offer personal plunge pools, outdoor showers, spacious rooms and sweeping views over the lagoon. From pampering in the day spa to parasailing in the cyan waters of the Pacific Ocean, Likuliku Lagoon Resort is a sybarite’s delight.
Six Senses resorts are known for marrying luxury with sustainability and their beachfront, jungle-set resort on Malolo Island is a haven of environmental responsibility, running off one of the largest off-grid solar installations in the South Pacific and growing its own produce, honey and eggs on a lush organic farm. A menu of nature-based and health-focused experiences begins with personalised wellness checks in the spa and include cooking classes with organic produce from the farm and fun demonstrations on how to recycle waste into soap, great for kids. Plus, sunsets spent by the pool, sipping cocktails made with homemade rum, are hard to beat.
Vomo Island, Mamanuca Islands Fiji
Another kid-friendly resort in the Mamanuca Islands is the stylish and glam Vomo, which occupies one of the larger and most beautiful private islands in Fiji. Set on 87 hectares, the island is located between the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands and can is accessed by boat or helicopter.
Vomo Island offers a menu of water sports for adults and older children, as well as hiking, tennis, golf and fun adventures such as the Survivor Challenge. Children aged over four hang out at the complimentary Kids Village, while infants are spoiled by Baby Butlers, for a small fee. Interconnecting beachfront villas are a great option for large families. With the kids club open for 12 hours a day, adults can enjoy some child-free time by the oceanfront pool too.
Now check out our guide to the best luxury resorts across Fiji.
For more luxury stays, experiences and holiday packages in Fiji, check out Luxury Escapes. It also has many limited-time deals on offer throughout the year, so you can save on your next tropical vacation. Head to the Luxury Escapes website for more information.