Affordable Hotels And Resorts In Fiji

To be sure, there is no shortage of luxury private island resorts in Fiji where you could easily blow a good portion of your kid's college fund on a week-long stay. There are plenty of all-inclusive resorts and overwater bungalows just in case you feel like planning a dream vacation. But what many travelers don't know is that Fiji has an affordable side, too.

"Contrary to the common misconception of Fiji only offering super-luxe resorts, Fiji offers some of the most budget friendly resorts, with no shortage of beauty, that offer the traveler unique authentic experiences not possible elsewhere," says Melissa Pomeroy of Fiji Vacations, "Fiji is an exceptional value for the money."

From a private island resort along the Coral Coast to a haven for the surf set on the south coast of Viti Levu, follow our lead to get the most bang for your vacation buck at these affordable Fiji resorts.

Scuba divers have long known the secret of this affordable property in the eastern reaches of Vanua Levu, right across from the Garden Island of Taveuni. And for guests who don't dive, snorkeling on the Rainbow Reef here is likely to become a ritual that plays out several times daily.

Sau Bay Fiji Retreat sits on nearly 100 acres of virgin rainforest, with hammocks strung from trees along a narrow but scenic cove. Guest cottages have king beds, granite wet bars and—the highlight—outdoor showers. Kayaks and snorkeling equipment are free to use throughout your stay.

This tropical escape in Pacific Harbour on the south coast of Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu, attracts honeymooners looking for an affordable time in paradise. Among the many amenities available to guests at Pearl South Pacific are an 18-hole golf course, a swimming pool with a swim-up bar and excursions that range from white water rafting to surfing the famed nearby break at Frigates Passage.

Rooms are bright and airy, with the option of ocean, marina or garden views, so you can decide to splurge a bit or save some more. Free parking and the complimentary daily breakfast buffet go a long way in stretching your vacation dollars, too.

The relatively affordable rates at this four-star property set within in a tropical rainforest on the gorgeous Garden Island of Taveuni might be what originally persuade you to book a stay. And once you check into your oceanfront vale on the island's southwest coast, you'll find even more to love.

Families and larger groups can book bures with two bedrooms and two outdoor showers, and there are secluded bures popular with honeymooning couples, too, with lovely views of the Somosomo Strait. Taveuni is a scuba diving hotspot, but the island brims with other adventures, too.

Guests of Paradise Taveuni can sign up for a range of activities that include heading out on a wild boar hunt with the locals, treks to waterfalls where you can jump off and swim and, in August, even whale-watching excursions, when humpbacks pass close to the island on their annual migration.

Families and couples descend in fairly equal parts at this popular Mamanucas resort set on a wide cove on the east side of Malolo Lailai Island. Guests arrive via quick boat transfers from Nadi. Plantation Island Resort appeals to active types with a constant schedule of activities that range from surfing and golf on the nine-hole course to scuba lessons, paddleboarding and the chance to bike around the island on self-guided tours, too.

Accommodations are similarly diverse, from pricier beachfront bures to garden view options. Ocean view hotels rooms are set to open here, too, in late 2019.

Surfers who also love to dive (and vice versa) make up the bulk of the international guests at this fabulous, wallet-friendly resort east of Suva on the south coast of Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu. You can choose to stay in the more affordable ocean view rooms or upgrade for a bit more to an oceanfront bure. With all there is to do at Waidroka, you likely won't find yourself spending much time indoors, anyway.

The resort's surf instructors teach lessons and take more experienced riders to famous nearby reef breaks, including Frigates Passage, that are a short boat ride from the property. Families can head off ziplining or on white rafting trips and village visits.

Nearby Beqa Lagoon is the big lure for divers, with the famous shark diving experience and exquisite coral reefs carpeted with soft corals that have made Fiji's waters famous.

Set on Naukacuvu Island in the gorgeous Yasawa chain, off the west coast of Viti Levu, Paradise Cove Resort has big appeal, with a wide stretch of white sand beach and a range of accommodations that includes two-bedroom garden villas, oceanfront bungalows and an adults-only sanctuary where you'll find the Cove Villas and two serene swimming pools.

There's a dive center onsite as well as a kids' club that's complimentary for kids three and older—extra incentive for parents who are looking for a built-in way to really relax on vacation.

Famous for the tradition of fire walking, the island of Beqa lies off the southern coast of Fiji's biggest island, Viti Levu. Scuba divers, often traveling in groups from dive clubs abroad, abound at this resort on the west coast of Beqa. And even if snorkeling is more your speed, there's plenty to love here beyond the gorgeous coral reefs offshore from Beqa Lagoon Resort.

Thatched roof bures with large decks that give onto tropical gardens make for a peaceful respite you're not off lazing on the beach. The affordable rates include three daily meals, transfers to the resort from Nadi and activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, hiking and kayaking.

Situated on its own private island along Fiji's Coral Coast, less than an hour south of Nadi, this inexpensive resort offers a range of options for bedding down, from budget dormitory rooms to private bures. Breakfast is included in all rates at Robinson Crusoe Island Resort, and you can upgrade with meal plans for an affordable daily add-on, too.

Families love that kids four and under eat free. Lots of free activities are included with your stay, from the use of the house sea kayaks and paddleboards to snorkeling, a kids' club and Fijian weaving and cooking demonstrations, too.

A former copra plantation is the backdrop for this special resort on the island of Tavewa in the Yasawa chain, where coconut palms tower over a white sand beach and there are only a handful of bures for guests. Staff that treat you like family add to the intimate experience of a stay at Coconut Beach Resort Fiji.

Guests arrive by catamaran or seaplane from Nadi and can dive right into island culture with activities that include village visits, kava ceremonies and fishing with handlines. The Yasawas are known for their stellar scuba diving and snorkeling, and an excursion to the nearby Sawa-I-Lau Caves is another must during your stay.

You'll pay far less to be on the same beach (Natadola) as the beautiful InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa when you stay at Yatule Resort & Spa, right next door. The resort fits beautifully into its surroundings, and none of the bure-style villas are taller than a coconut tree. Sigatoka, famous for river tours, is just 20 minutes away, and you're only 45 minutes from Nadi here.

The onsite restaurant dishes up fresh and healthy fare that blends western, Fijian, Asian and tandoori dishes. Head to the activity desk to book all manner of adventures in the nearby area, from zipping and mud baths to village visits and river rafting.

Tiled rooms with balconies that overlook the garden or lagoon are basic but cheerful at this resort in Sigatoka. And if you're looking for an affordable stay along the Coral Coast with easy access to the water and lots of other activities, too, Bedarra Beach Inn fits the bill.

Snorkeling equipment and sea kayaks are free to guests throughout their stay. There's a freshwater pool where you can sip a cocktail by the water. And a lagoon-style beach with a particularly wide sandy stretch at low tide is just a short stroll away, through the property's tropical gardens.

The hotel's tour desk can arrange all kinds of nearby fun including adventures along the Sigatoka River and daytrips to Robinson Crusoe Island.