Denarau Island | Travelvibe

Looking for an amazing tropical vacation? Well, Denarau Island in Fiji is a fantastic choice and it's got everything – stunning beaches, top-notch golf courses, luxurious spas, and fancy restaurants. It's the perfect spot to escape to and soak up some sun and fun. Denarau Island isn't your typical natural paradise, though. It used to be all mangroves, but now it's transformed into this high-end resort area that's super polished and perfect for anyone looking for a bit of pampering. I walked on the neatly manicured lawns and stayed at one of the five-star resorts – it was an absolute dream! It doesn't matter if you're there with the kids or on a romantic getaway, there's something for everyone on Denarau Island. I was a bit skeptical at first, thinking it might be too good to be true, but trust me, the attractions on this island really are top-notch. I had an unforgettable time! Best Things To Do In Denarau Island & Attractions Some Facts About Denarau Island Location: West coast of Viti Levu Population: There is a tiny population in Denarau. Most locals live in Nadi. Climate: The average temperature is 25.5 degrees Celsius (77.9 degrees Fahrenheit), and the average annual rainfall is 1,826 millimetres (71 inches). Time Zone: FJT / GMT+12/+13 How to get to Denarau: There are direct international flights from the South Pacific islands, Australia, New Zealand, and Korea that land in Nadi International Airport. The flights are connected to many other flights. There are several ways to reach Denarau Island: Denarau Island is located 25 minutes south of the Nadi Airport. Guests can reach it by taxi, public bus service (Westbus), or a private transfer. https://youtu.be/NZ_PCypbni8 1. Take Her to Dinner Denarau is a food lover's paradise. Many top-notch restaurants can be found here, especially within the resorts. For instance, I was amazed that the Radisson Blu Resort has an impressive lineup of six amazing restaurants all by itself! You can experience Thai cuisine at Chantara Thai Restaurant or Loma Ni Wai, meaning "in the water." The options are endless, from buffets to a la carte, from family-friendly restaurants to adult-only bars, ocean views, or a restaurant on the water! 2. Spa Maya I just visited this peaceful spot right above the Port Denarau terminal. The place is amazing and takes its inspiration from ancient Vedic scriptures that are over 5,000 years old. I got some amazing herbal treatments for my face, body, and hair. It was such a re-balancing and rejuvenating experience! 3. Make the most of your Resort Facilities Denarau Island is home to eight large resorts. Apart from getting out to explore the island, make sure to spend some time enjoying the resort itself with others. Whether you're splashing around in the pool, playing volleyball with the family, or watching a cultural show, your resort has lots of activities to keep you entertained! 4. VOU Hub for Arts & Culture Activities The Broadway-style show 'Fiji Legend Untold' is performed in a large tent outside Denarau, and it represents a Fijian legend through contemporary dance. "Fiji Untold" explores the origins of the Fijian stick dance through the encounters of a young noblewoman with giants, octopus gods, and shape-shifting iguanas. The evening shows are a perfect way to unwind after dinner since they happen three times a week, from 8 to 10 pm. It's super convenient because they even include rides to and from the resort, plus you get some tasty snacks and refreshing soft drinks while you're there. During your reservation at the resort tour desk or the VOU Hub online, ask about the transfer time. 5. Do Some Kayaking Where there's water, you'll find kayaks near the beach to hire. Explore the coast by hiring a kayak from a resort on the beach. In addition, if you prefer, you could choose a cruise day trip in which you can kayak and explore the Fijian volcanoes. 6. Take a Sunbath in Natadola Beach Natadola Beach is a magnificent reef-front beach on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu, a world-class beach in Fiji. 7. Spa Denarau For Pure Fiji's luxurious massage therapies and skin products, a visit to Spa Denarau, located in Port Denarau, is a must. Made locally, Pure Fiji is a truly Fijian product. This product features an array of organic ingredients, such as raw sugarcane and antioxidant leaf hydrosols, all sourced from rural communities in Fiji. 8. Mini Golf & Bungee Tramps The whole family can enjoy Mini-golf. Located just across the road from the Sheraton Villas, this is a great place to bring kids of all ages. Besides the bungee trampoline, an outdoor bowling alley and tricycles can be rented. 9. Splash out at the Big Bula Waterpark This brightly colored waterpark is located in the heart of Denarau, but if you do, you'll be able to find it thanks to the giant inflatable shark! The best way to keep cool is by having a blast on water slides. They come in all sorts of sizes and excitement levels! You can have a friendly competition with your buddies on the obstacle courses, or if you're feeling adventurous, try climbing the huge water slides. And if you're up for a real challenge, take on the tallest ones and push past your fear. Trust me, it's an awesome way to beat the heat! Afterward, you can splash around again in a gated area just for tiny tots. Open daily. 10. Do a Skydive Jump from 8,000 feet or 14,000 feet (2,550-4,300 m) on Denarau Island! And the best part? You can capture every moment of your adventure! You can either have a camera strapped to your hand or, if you want every angle covered, go for a professional cameraman to tag along. Trust me, it's an experience you don't want to forget! Experience the thrill of freefalling at 200km/h (125m/h) while admiring coral reefs, turquoise waters, and breathtaking islands. Book your jump with Skydive Fiji for a jump on an outer island. If your budget allows, you can even skydive to an island resort before staying there! 11. Eat at the Beach Bar and Grill Restaurant I had the best time at Fiji's Beach Bar n Grill! The sunset views were stunning, and the staff were so warm and friendly – just like you'd expect in Fiji. They have a great selection of food and drinks, and the prices won't break the bank. It's a must-visit spot! 12. See the Islands from the sky You can see the Fijian paradise islands from the sky with a seaplane trip from Denarau with Turtle Airways (visit Viator or Tripadvisor) or Pacific Island Air (Viator or Tripadvisor). I had an amazing day trip where I flew to this peaceful island called Sawa-I-Lau. It was incredible, like something out of a movie! The flight was super short, only between 20 minutes to an hour and a half, and I got to see the stunning Blue Lagoon. The views from the plane were breathtaking! The pilot will usually ask what you would like to see ahead of time, and the minimum number of passengers is two. Please note that flights will not go ahead without at least two passengers. 13. Hike at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park Featuring a dense forest and beautiful dunes, this national park is one of the best things to do in Fiji. There is a visitor center where you can get all the info. 14. Get the Kids Involved in Kids' Club There are kids' clubs at most resorts on Denarau, and nanny services are available for babies and toddlers. Fijians are famous for their good nature with children, and you'll soon discover that they are having as much fun as you are. Parents can also take advantage of kids' clubs to reconnect, relax by the pool, or enjoy a massage. 15. Catch a Cultural Show When you're in Fiji, definitely check out the local traditions. I loved the cultural nights at the resorts where they serve food cooked in an earth oven, called a lovo, and there's also dancing. Over at Port Denarau, there's this amazing dance show that lasts an hour. They mix it up with Fijian, Polynesian, and even fire dances. It's a nightly thing at 6:30 pm, but they take a break on Sundays. 16. Go fishing I've got to tell you, Denarau is a fisherman's dream! They've got all kinds of fishing trips, from fun family reef fishing to the thrill of landing the biggest fish during deep-sea game fishing. Everything's taken care of for you when you go – they sort out your lunch, all the equipment you'll need, and there's always an expert guide to show you the ropes. All you need to bring is your excitement for adventure and your love for fishing (oh, and don't forget your sunscreen). 17. Visit Taveuni Hill Fort I visited the Singatoka Fort on Taveuni, which was built by a Tongan leader named Maile Latumai back in the 1700s. It's really impressive, especially when you think about how many other forts there are in Fiji. This one has its own unique charm. 18. Set off on an Island Adventure Getting away for a quick day trip to a stunning island is a breeze when you start from Port Denarau. It's like the front door to the amazing Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. I totally love how simple it is to just hop on a boat and escape for the day! Visit South Sea Island, where you can snorkel, dive, and relax on the beach, or take a cruise to Tivua Island with Captain Cook Cruises. If you're feeling adventurous, take the ferry to Barefoot Kuata Island to snorkel with reef sharks. 19. Explore Fijian Cuisine with Flavours of Fiji Learn how to cook Fijian cuisine with the Flavours of Fiji cooking classes. The classes begin at the Nadi market, where students pick fresh ingredients to bring back to the school's commercial kitchen on Denarau. Here, home-style chefs share traditional cooking tips and techniques as they guide you through Fiji's seasonal menu. This class allows you to discover the rich culture of Fiji. After all, the best part of attending a cooking class is feasting on the delicious dishes you've created! Classes are held Monday through Saturday. Come hungry! 20. Cruise to the Mamanuca Islands When I was in Denarau, I had so many options to explore the nearby islands. Every day, there were cruises and various boat trips leaving from Denarau Marina. I even saw some jet boats and sailing tours. They all head out to the beautiful Mamanuca Islands which are just a short trip away from the main island. It's such an easy and fun way to see more of Fiji's stunning scenery. Usually, day tours consist of boarding a boat in the morning, stopping at an island resort for lunch, swimming and snorkeling, and being picked up again. 21. Cave tour of Cannibals Cave Cannibal Cave, located in Fiji, is indeed a site of historical significance and mystery. I just walked into Cannibals Cave and it was pretty cool, literally. No bats or bugs, so it was nice and comfy to hang out in. The entrance led to a bigger room with all these cool pointy rocks hanging from the ceiling and growing from the ground. My guide knew a lot about the cave, like how it formed and why it's important for nature around here, he told us everything. But the really wild part was hearing about the cave's history. It turns out people used to eat each other here, do some intense religious stuff, and fight like crazy. They'd even drag their enemies into this place to do who knows what. Nowadays, most folks in Fiji are Christian, and that old scary stuff is just history. Our guide told us how the Fijians left those days behind after Europeans showed up. After walking around and seeing everything, I just think about all of it. The guide got me thinking about how we keep the past alive, even the scary parts, so we don't forget and we can learn something from it. 22. Visit Denarau Golf and Racquet Club It was opened on 9 June 1993 with a golf course of 6538 meters. Pannya Planning's Mr. Eiichi Motohashi designed it. 23. Visit Momi Bay Battery Historic Park The Great Sea Reef is protected by naval guns, bunkers, and other structures, which have stood since World War II to protect the main passage through it. 24. Take a tour of Kula Eco Park wildlife sanctuary in Sigatoka I recently visited a place called Kula Eco Park, which some people refer to as Kula Wild Adventure Park. It's an amazing little park located in Sigatoka on Viti Levu, Fiji's main island. Picture a charming park nestled in a valley surrounded by forest, and it's really close to the ocean, just a stone's throw away, actually. The park is dedicated to celebrating nature and encouraging visitors to love and respect the environment in a way that doesn't damage it. The park was initially established as a 'bird park' in the late 1980s, but ran into hard times. By 1996, the park was in poor condition with most birds in dire need of proper nutrition and care. Kula Eco Park Management bought the Park in 1997 and took immediate action to save the Park's inhabitants. Today, the Park is the environmental showpiece of the South Pacific. Visitors to the park can take a self-guided tour and explore the park at their own pace. The park offers a variety of activities and attractions, including a nature walk through the park, a Behind The Scenes Tour, a Kid's Park Ranger For A Day program, Splash Mountain Jungle Water Slide, Kula Kiddies' Splash Pool, and Kula Krazy Canopy Flier. There are loads of paths to walk on, and you can spot some wildlife while you're at it. I had a blast riding on the canopy flyer, and let me tell you, the Splash Mountain water slide is a whole jungle adventure on its own! The park works in cooperation with The National Trust for Fiji, The Endangered Species Recovery Council of San Diego, The Parks Board of New South Wales (PBNSW) Australia, and is a Full Institutional Member of The Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks & an Honorary Associate of the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia (RZSSA). 25.Visit Port Denarau Located right on the ocean, Port Denarau is the bustling hub of this quaint island. A quick ride on the Bula bus gets you there fast, leaving you with plenty of time to shop for a unique kaftan or relax with a spa treatment. In addition to restaurants serving tempting eats like sushi, burgers, spicy curries, and succulent seafood platters, there are several fast food options. During sunset, check out the nightly cultural performance, or end the evening with an evening meal under the stars and a live band. 26. Go Jet Skiing If you're looking to add some excitement to your day, why not rent a jet ski or join a jet ski tour? It's a great way to enjoy the water and feel the rush of speed. You can choose from shorter half-day adventures to longer full-day trips. Trust me, it's a blast – I've tried it out myself, and it's the perfect mix of thrill and soaking up the sun! The best way to see the islands is to take a full-day trip from your resort to Bounty Island in the Mamanucas. Here, you can snorkel among tropical fish before stopping for a drink on Beachcomber Island. 27. Get Some Retail Therapy Port Denarau is the biggest resort spot in the South Pacific, right next to Denarau Marina. It's a shopper's paradise with loads of places to find Fijian keepsakes, handmade items, cool clothes, and even some fine wine and tasty food. The shops are a mix of regular and duty-free, so there's a bit of everything for everyone. I've stroll around there, and it's a lovely way to spend a day, just browsing through all the unique finds and maybe picking up a few treasures to take home. Of course, there are plenty of restaurants too so that you can explore something outside of your resort. There are over ten restaurants, including the Hard Rock Cafe. 28. Shop, Dine and Drink at the Port Denarau Marina Whether you're here on a day trip or staying on Denarau Island, you'll want to visit the Port Denarau Marina. Featuring souvenir shops, eateries, and all your essential services, it's the perfect place to spend an afternoon. 29. Unwind in One of the Resorts' Adult-Only Areas There's no question Denarau Island is family-friendly, but couples and adult groups will also have a good time! Radisson Blu Resort and Sheraton Fiji Resort have quiet adult-only areas, but the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Hilton Fiji Beach Resort have full-blown adult-only complexes where you will spend the day; in pure luxury! 30. Book a day trip to the Islands Whether you're looking for white-sand beaches, clear water, or breathtaking snorkeling, Port Denarau offers a wealth of day trip options to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands. At Cloud 9, you can soothe your senses while enjoying cocktails, find tranquility snorkeling off remote island beaches. What things to do in Denarau Island for Foodies? Fiji and the South Pacific are islands that can be experienced through the flavors of its cuisine. If you're looking for an accessible Fiji destination with a wealth of foodie experience, then set your sights on Denarau Island. The luxury resort island is a foodie's paradise, packed with restaurants to try the local cuisine and hands-on food activities. We'll guide you through the eateries, accommodation, and activities that every foodie should try in this foodie guide to Denarau Island. Visit Flavours of Fiji and learn to cook Fijian cuisine Learn to cook Fijian dishes in a Fijian village Enjoy a traditional Fijian "lovo" at the Fiji Culture Village. Explore a restaurant that is submerged in the water at the Radisson Blu Resort. Visit the Nadi produce markets Enjoy a private waterfront dinner at the Sofitel Fiji Resort Do an island excursion cruise complete with a barbecue lunch Visit Ports O'Call or The Kitchen Grill for fine dining. Embark on a sunset cruise with a barbecue or lobster dinner Get your health fix at the Waitui Beach Club What is the best Spa in Denarau Island, Fiji? The islands that created "Fiji time" are perfect for rejuvenation and refreshing experiences so that you can enjoy a spa visit with a refreshing tropical breeze. You don't need to settle for a standard Swedish massage in Denarau; you can enjoy a Fijian-style massage, a tropical environment, and skilled therapists there. The beautiful spas in Denarau even offer a few "alternative" spas if you fancy something different. So treat yourself to luxury at these wonderful spas. Senikai Spas Fiji Denarau Beauty Spot & Spa Oasis Spa Island Surf Beauty & Spa Hilton Spa & Poolside Spa Pavilion Harmony Retreat Day Spa Spa Maya So Spa Spa Denarau Heavenly Spa by Westin What is the best wedding Venus in Denarau Island, Fiji? Luxury is what you have always wanted, and an island-style wedding, a touch of class, perfect weather, and first-class service are what you have been dreaming of. Those wedding venues will cater to all those needs. You need to select one from Denarau Island's wedding resorts. The resorts are flexible and will help you plan a unique wedding, whether you want a beach ceremony or a spectacular ballroom ceremony. If you like, you can even sail the Fijian waters onboard a cruise ship. Find all your options on this list of stunning wedding spots on Denarau Island. Wyndham Resort Denarau Island Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Captain Cook Cruises The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa Sheraton Fiji Resort Sofitel Fiji Resort Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa What are the best honeymoon resorts on Denarau Island? Denarau Island is just a short drive from Nadi International Airport, making it one of the easiest places for your guests to get to in Fiji, as well as a great honeymoon destination if you only have a short time for your wedding. A five-star Fiji resort adds class to your wedding and makes your honeymoon memorable. Check out the wedding and honeymoon resorts on Denarau Island and start planning your special occasion in paradise. Wyndham Resort Denarau Island Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa Sheraton Fiji Resort Sofitel Fiji Resort The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa Radisson Blu Resort Fiji What are the best fine dining restaurants in Denarau Island, Fiji? The fine-dining restaurants in Denarau are perfect for special occasions, trying something different from the typical resort buffet or inspiring the foodie within you. Fiji is not typically known for its fine dining, but there are still a few establishments with a la carte menus, impeccably presented dishes, and exceptional service. We have selected the best fine dining options on Denarau Island in this list of fine dining restaurants. Lomani Wai The Kitchen Grill Salt Restaurant The Rhum-Ba Signature Tables Ports' O Call What are the best hotels on Denarau Island? Looking for accommodation on Denarau Island? You have a fantastic selection of five-star resorts and stylish apartments to choose from. Almost all resort hotels have waterfront locations, while the apartments are within walking distance of the busy Port Denarau Marina. The list includes all the best hotels on Denarau Island: Oasis Palms Hotel Wyndham Resort Denarau Island Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa Sheraton Denarau Villas The Terraces Apartments Sheraton Fiji Resort & Spa The Palms Apartments The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa Best Things To Do In Denarau Island, Fiji 1.Take Her to Dinner2.Spa Maya3.Make the most of your Resort Facilities4.VOU Hub for Arts & Culture Activities5.Do Some Kayaking6.Take a Sunbath in Natadola Beach7.Spa Denarau8.Mini Golf & Bungee Tramps9.Splash out at the Big Bula Waterpark10.Do a Skydive11.Eat at the Beach Bar and Grill Restaurant12.See the Islands from the sky13.Hike at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park14.Get the Kids Involved in Kids' Club15.Catch a Cultural Show16.Go fishing17.Visit Taveuni Hill Fort18.Set off on an Island Adventure19.Explore Fijian Cuisine with Flavours of Fiji20.Cruise to the Mamanuca Islands21.Cave tour of Cannibals Cave22.Visit Denarau Golf and Racquet Club23.Visit Momi Bay Battery Historic, Park24.Take a tour of Kula Eco Park wildlife sanctuary in Sigatoka25.Visit Port Denarau26.Go Jet Skiing27.Get Some Retail Therapy28.Shop, Dine and Drink at the Port Denarau Marina29.Unwind in One of the Resorts' Adult-Only Areas30.Book a Daytrip to the Islands Wrapping Up Heading to Denarau Island in Fiji? You're in for a treat! It's the perfect spot for a chill vacation with its amazing beaches. Feel like playing golf? They've got top-notch courses. Need some pampering? Check out the fancy spas. And the food? Delicious! There's more fun stuff too, like snorkeling, diving, hopping from island to island, and getting to know the local culture. So don't wait any longer – pack your bags and dive into the fun and beauty of Denarau Island. And hey, if you need tips on what to do, there's this cool article called '30 Best Things To Do in Denarau Island" that's got you covered.