From bells and whistles resorts and waterparks to golf courses and day clubs, Denarau Island has something for everyone, writes Dilvin Yasa.

Every so often, I’m asked where to stay in Fiji if they want the full resort experience – the kind with kids’ clubs, day spas, complimentary water sports and enough restaurants to keep everyone happy, but without feeling marooned miles from everything else.

The answer, for me at least, has been the same for the past 20 years: Get to Denarau Island immediately. Or perhaps more specifically, the resorts on Denarau Island that have turned this ridiculously picturesque stretch of Fiji into the go-to for travellers who want convenience without sacrificing that all-important relaxed holiday mood.

Where is Denarau Island?

There’s a reason Denarau Island has something for everyone: it’s a purpose-built and perfectly manicured resort enclave celebrated for its sprawling big-name resorts, 18-hole golf course and restaurant-dotted marina where quick and easy transfers are available to nearby islands.

Located on the west coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, Denarau Island – connected to the mainland with a short causeway – is just a 20-minute cab ride (or shuttle) from Nadi International Airport, so holidaymakers could be checking in to those beachfront hotels within 30 minutes of landing.

Although it’s been criticised for being worlds away from ‘the real Fiji’, what Denarau Island does offer (aside from plenty of tour companies who can quickly and seamlessly introduce visitors to Fiji’s traditional culture and people) is a holiday experience that has everything in one place. We’re talking waterparks, eateries, boutiques and daytrip options where white-sand beaches await.

Things to do on Denarau Island

Denarau Island’s bells and whistles resorts offer plenty of options to keep the whole family occupied, but there’s plenty to do if the kids can be dragged away from those gargantuan swimming pools, such as:

Big Bula Waterpark

Big Bula Waterpark’s giant water slides can be spotted a mile away, but it’s also home to winding inflatable rides, a splash park for little ones and surf simulators. Understanding that perhaps throwing oneself down a series of slides isn’t for everyone, Bula Spa is (mercifully) onsite for those who prefer soothing massages, facials and manicures while their little ones unleash their inner adrenaline junkies.

Locker hire, a snack bar and towel and equipment hire? Yep, they’ve thought of everything.

Big Bula Waterpark is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Family and individual passes available.

Address: Jayant Road, Denarau Island

Captain Cook Cruises’ Sunset Dinner Cruise

Those keen to pair a Fijian sunset with a tropical feast can do so aboard Fiji One, one of the largest sailing catamarans in the Southern Hemisphere. It isn’t any old sailing, but Captain Cook Cruises’ Fiji Sunset Dinner Cruise, which treats guests to the sights (and tastes) of the Mamanuca Islands during a three-hour sundown experience.

Departing from Port Denarau Marina, the experience combines island views with a welcome drink, Fijian song and dance performances and a traditional buffet dinner (expect dishes such as prawns, beef curry, lovo chicken and kokoda (marinated raw fish). Guests wanting to elevate the experience can pre-book a whole lobster for a more indulgent take on the evening.

Complimentary transfers from select hotels are also included, with the sailing available 5.30pm to 8.30pm Tuesday to Sunday (5pm to 8pm between May and September).

Address: Denarau Marina

Fiji Untold

Broadway, West End, Port Denarau? Okay, it might be a stretch, but viewing a Broadway-style show is possible, thanks to Fiji Untold, a twice-weekly event which promises to captivate the audience with the energy, spirit and mana of a powerful Fijian dreamscape.

Held at Vou, a social enterprise which provides full-time employment to over 60 local artists, expect an evening of contemporary dance, storytelling and – for those who’ve bought an evening package – a sumptuous meal.

Performances are held every Thursday and Sunday night from 6pm to 9pm (the show begins at 7pm). The AUD112 adult/AUD66 ticket includes return hotel transfers from Nadi properties, dinner, a drumming experience and the show itself.

Address: Lot 13, Maqalevu on Denarau Road, Nadi

Denarau Golf & Racquet Club

Located just around the corner from Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, Denarau Golf & Racquet Club offers enough challenge to keep keen golfers happy without scaring off holiday players. A fine line to walk, but that’s the beauty of creating an 18-hole championship course which winds past coconut palms, water hazards and ocean glimpses.

Off the fairway, the racquet side brings things back to life with tennis courts, some of the best pizza around, courtesy of Heineken House Bar & Restaurant, and an immersive farm experience for those interested in learning about organic farming methods and/or enjoying farm-to-fork dining.

Open daily from 7am to 6pm (11am to 9pm for Heineken House)

Address: Resort Drive, Denarau

Cloud 9

Welcome to Fiji’s floating answer to a beach club, a place where good vibes meet the open sea, largely thanks to a resident DJ setting the tone.

Moored in the middle of the dazzling Mamanuca Islands, Cloud 9, a two-level platform centred around icy cocktails, Italian woodfired pizzas and easy swims straight off the deck, can be anything guests make it. Water activities such as paddle boarding, jet skiing and parasailing are available but must be prebooked, while snorkelling (and relaxing on the day beds) are standard in a wonderful aquatic wonderworld that’s equal parts Studio 54 and tropical paradise.

Daily departures from Port Denarau at 9am and at 1pm with returns from Cloud 9 at 2pm and at 6pm. The boat transfer takes approximately 45 minutes.

Address: Roro Reef (off Malolo Island)

Malamala Beach Club

Two-level platforms anchored in the sea aren’t for everyone – which is where Malamala Beach Club comes in. Located on its own island, just 30 minutes from Port Denarau, this is a beach club experience which offers the lot: white sand beaches, beachside cabanas, a resort-style infinity-edge pool and an a la carte menu teeming with bold Fijian flavours.

The main club area by the infinity-edged pool is the heart of the action, but for something more secluded (and quiet), there’s an option to hire a beachside cabana on the other side of the island – complete with butler service.

Complimentary use of non-motorised sports equipment for snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding included.

Address: Malamala Island, Mamanuca Islands

Port Denarau Marina

Both the lifestyle hub of Denarau Island and the gateway to the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands nearby, Port Denarau Marina has something for everyone. Open daily from 9am to 11pm, this is the place to load up on Pure Fiji products and bikinis, pick up a bottle of wine or two, dine at a waterside (or bakery) or enjoy a cultural fire show once the sun goes down.

Remember too, tired legs will always appreciate jumping aboard the Bula Bus to explore Port Denarau’s major attractions, get to restaurants or check out other resorts.

The best restaurants on Denarau Island

Chargrilled steak, woodfired pizzas and superfresh seafood; Denarau Island has a restaurant option to please every palate.

Bonefish Seafood

A marina favourite for fresh, simply prepared seafood, Bonefish Seafood is just as famous for its generous portions and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere. Look beyond the fisherman’s basket and instead opt for the Seafood Treasure Experience: a feast overflowing with local mud crab, prawns, walu walu, mussels and calamari served on banana leaves alongside roasted vegetables.

Address: Port Denarau

Madame So

What does one make of a kitchen featuring an executive chef from France and a head chef from Vietnam? At Madame So, located at Softel Fiji Resort & Spa, it’s French-Vietnamese fusion at its best, offering diners a world of fresh flavours in a sophisticated atmosphere.

Don’t miss the crab spring rolls or the pho.

Open Tuesday to Sunday.

Address: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

Cardo’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

Burgers, pizzas, taco plates, seafood platters and yes, those mouthwatering steaks; Cardo’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar is a local institution for good reason. The challenge? To beat the weekend crowds eager to get stuck into the buckets of beers and live music – get in early.

Address: Port Denarau

Indigo Indian & Asian Restaurant

Disregard the name of the restaurant which sounds suspiciously like this waterfront restaurant is the jack of all trades and master of none; Indigo Indian & Asian Restaurant has been our Denarau family favourite for years. Home of the famous Masala mudcrab, it’s also quite possible (and recommended) to find room for the chef’s specialty: masala fried fish, not to mention a spicy biryani.

Address: Port Denarau

Byblos at the Radisson Blu

Lebanese might not be the first cuisine that comes to mind when you think of Fiji, but Byblos at the Radisson Blu is easily one of the country’s best with a menu teeming with much-loved Middle Eastern flavours. Take a beachfront seat and enjoy their signature mixed grill, sizzling chunks of meat served alongside pillowy pita, fresh tabbouleh and creamy hummus.

Address: Radisson Blu

Lomani Wai

Also at Radisson Blu Resort, an opportunity to enjoy in-water dining at Lomani Wai, where guests are seated in the pool and treated to a kava ceremony and fire show before a decadent three-course dinner. Consider it the ultimate Fijian night out.

Lomani Wai is only open on Saturdays, with a minimum of 15 bookings required to operate.

Address: Radisson Blu Resort

Nadina Authentic Fijian Restaurant

For a true taste of Fiji, Nadina Authentic Fijian Restaurant is pretty tough to beat. Known as the go-to for traditional cuisine on Denarau, Nadina leans into homegrown ingredients and time-honoured techniques to serve dishes like fresh kokoda (Fijian ceviche) and seafood feasts prepared in classic local style.

Address: Port Denarau

The best resorts on Denarau Island

Say hello to a world of kids’ clubs and swim-up bars; Denarau is home to a host of family-friendly resorts and apartments, including:

Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort

If Denarau had a crowd-please, Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort must surely be it. Fresh from a glow-up, the property strikes that sweet spot between polished and relaxed, offering beachfront room, multiple lagoon-style pools and direct access to the neighbouring golf course. We love their kids’ clubs, multiple dining venues and Fiji Airways check-in lounge. 

Radisson Blu Resort Fiji

It’s a numbers game at Radisson Blu Resort Fiji, an oceanfront retreat which serves up four climate-controlled pools (including a whitewater tunnel slide), six onsite restaurants and 10 acres of lush gardens inviting guests to make use of the kids’ club before tackling the private beach or day spa.

Suites featuring kitchens make this a firm family favourite.

Club Wyndham Denarau Island

Less hotel, more home base in paradise, Club Wyndham Denarau Island is the place to go for those who prefer apartment-style, one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas with full kitchens and laundry facilities – the perfect property for longer stays or for families looking for a little more space. Don’t worry, lagoon pools, a swim-up bar and beachfront access still give it that tropical resort feel. Kids’ club? It has that and so much more.

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

For those seeking a more refined take on luxury, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa delivers with ease. Alongside its five-star setting, the property offers thoughtfully designed spaces for all ages, including an exclusive adults-only beach club, a dedicated teen zone for guests aged 12-16, and the elegant Executive Journal Lounge for those craving an elevated experience.

Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa

Behold Fiji’s largest pool complex featuring Nine pools! Sure, we could wax lyrical about Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa’s split-level suites featuring kitchenettes and laundry facilities, adults-only zones, kids’ club, beachfront spa treatments and wealth of eateries, but honestly, it’s hard to go past those nine pools.

The Palms Denarau

Located a short walk from Port Denarau Marina, The Palms Denarau is geared towards convenience, offering families spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments featuring a full kitchen, laundry and balcony. The property also has a pool and an onsite cafe.

The Terraces Apartments

Similarly, The Terraces Apartments is all about convenience with the property’s one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments offering views across the golf course, and providing families with kitchen and laundry facilities, as well as a 25-metre lap pool, children’s pool area and cafe serving daily breakfast and a full poolside menu from 7am to 7pm. Perfect for those keen on self-catering.