One of the best ways to have the tropical vacation of your dreams is to stay in an over-water bungalow in Fiji. Here is how you can make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime Pacific getaway.
The 15 Best Over-Water Bungalows in Fiji
There are a few accommodations offering over-water bungalows in Fiji because they know that tourists love staying right by the water.
However, there are still only a few resorts catching on to the trend, so we also included some bungalows that are not typical over-water bungalows but offer a similar experience. Here are some of our favorites.
1. Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort
- Location: Sydney Drive, Off the Queen’s Highway, Korotogo
- Average Price: $335 a night
Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort is one of the best luxury resorts in all of Fiji. It has several accommodation options, including regular rooms, bungalows, and over-water bungalows called bures.
The views of the water and swimming opportunities are incredible.
Besides the bungalows, you can enjoy plenty of other amenities at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, including 40 acres of gardens, a swimming pool, several restaurants, and excellent entertainment. The resort contains adult-only sections as well as plenty of activities for children.
2. Likuliku Lagoon Resort
- Location: Malolo Island, Malolo
- Average Price: $1,000 a night
Likuliku Lagoon Resort is the perfect luxurious destination for a romantic getaway or a girls’ trip. This adults-only luxury resort is the perfect playground for grown-ups.
All guests stay either in traditional Fijian bungalows called bures, either over-water bungalows or garden bungalows.
Besides the gorgeous bungalows that blend traditional and modern, amenities include a highly rated on-site restaurant, organized activities including windsurfing, and a location that previous visitors agree is simply stunning.
3. Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa
- Location: Hibiscus Highway, Savusavu
- Average Price: $270 a night
The Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa is truly the best place to get away from it all. This resort nestled in the forest has several accommodation options.
Besides over-water bungalows, you can rent your own villa or apartment. No matter where you stay on the property, you’ll get to enjoy tradition-inspired décor, your very own balcony, and even a minibar.
The amenities on the resort are extensive, including the spa, golf course, and other sports facilities, but we’ll understand if you’re tempted to just spend the whole day in your bungalow watching the waves.
4. Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
- Location: Savusavu Road, Momi
- Average Price: $559 a night
Wherever you go in the world, Marriott resorts are synonymous with great amenities and service, and the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is no different.
This beautiful resort right by the water allows guests to rent over-water bures, or traditional bungalows, along with lagoon bures and regular rooms.
Amenities at the resort include five restaurants, several swimming pools, and private beaches. Previous guests praised the family-friendly atmosphere, including a playground and activities just for kids.
5. Musket Cove Island Resort
- Location: Malolo Lailai
- Average Price: $554 a night
Musket Cove Island Resort provides a twist on the accepted over-water bungalow. These traditional-inspired bures are arranged around a private island, with the balconies extending over the serene green waters of the lagoon.
Guests can also explore the lush tropical gardens on the property, swim on the private beach, and try their hand at traditional Fiji crafts.
For Musket Cove, the journey is really part of the experience — you can only reach the resort by private catamaran. How’s that for a luxury experience?
6. Tokoriki Island Resort
- Location: Tokoriki Island
- Average Price: $804 a night
Tokoriki Island Resort may not have bungalows that extend directly over the water, but you won’t mind when both the beach and a private pool are just outside your door.
Visitors can stay in a luxurious villa or in a traditional-inspired bure, including the typical Fijian thatched, sloped roof.
All bungalows get their own private pool. Other amenities at the resort include a spa, restaurants, and plenty of organized activities led by friendly locals.
7. Royal Davui Island Resort
- Location: Beqa Island
- Average Price: $1,300 a night
Guests staying at the Royal Davui Island Resort truly get treated like royalty. If you stay in one of the bures, you may not be right over the water, but you are located right over your own private plunge pool. That certainly sweetens the deal.
Previous guests at the Royal Davui Island Resort rave about the amazing beaches and snorkeling and diving opportunities. This is one of the best locations in Fiji.
8. Qamea Resort & Spa
- Location: Qamea
- Average Price: $404 a night
The Qamea Resort & Spa is the perfect getaway for adults looking for a relaxing vacation. The adults-only resort has everything for all types of vacationers. Active tourists can enjoy the on-site certified diving center.
And those just looking to kick back and relax can spend the day lounging on the beach or in the spa. Accommodation options at the resort include bungalows and rooms in the beach-front villa.
9. Tadrai Island Resort
- Location: Mana Island
- Average Price: $1,300 a night
Tadrai Island Resort takes the traditional Fijian bungalow to the next level. The architecture stays traditional, but instead of a traditional bure, you can stay in an expanded home away from home that is closer in size to a villa, all with your own private plunge pool.
Amenities at this adults-only resort include an upscale oceanfront restaurant, included organized activities, and a spa located in its very own beachfront bure.
10. Toberua Island Resort
- Location: Toberua Island, Toberua
- Average Price: $438 a night
At Toberua Island Resort, guests can choose to stay in spacious villas or traditional bungalows. The luxurious bungalows come in three different sizes, all with oceanfront locations and excellent views. The luxurious waters of Fiji are only steps away.
Besides bungalows, other amenities at the resort include a PADI-certified dive facility, spa, and plenty of organized activities — or you can just spend your time lounging by the pool or beach.
11. Plantation Island Resort
- Location: Plantation Island, NA Malolo Lailai
- Average Price: $407 a night
Plantation Island Resort is nestled in a beautiful lagoon, providing immediate access to the water without any of the dangers of the open ocean.
Stay at the beautiful bungalows and enjoy traditional Polynesian décor, your own deck overlooking the scenery, and great amenities.
Reviewers praise this resort for being family-friendly. It has activities to keep kids and adults busy such as water sports and organized tours of coral reefs.
12. Shangri-La Yanuca Island
- Location: Yanuca Island, Voua
- Average Price: $247 a night
Pretty Shangri-La Yanuca Island is nestled on a private island. The sprawling resort has many accommodation options, although the reef bures or bungalows are reserved for adults only (the rest of the resort is family-friendly).
Amenities include a fitness center, swimming pool, children’s playground, and many more activities, all located on one of Fiji’s most beautiful lagoons.
13. Yatule Resort & Spa
- Location: Natadola Beach, Sigatoka, Natadola
- Average Price: $172 a night
Yatule Resort & Spa blends the best of traditional and modern. Guests can stay in traditional bures, or bungalows, just steps away from luxurious Natadola Beach, equipped with traditional architecture and décor.
However, you’re hardly roughing it with amenities such as a swim-up bar, restaurant, and live entertainment.
Yatule Resort & Spa is a great vacation destination for golfers because it is just two minutes away from the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.
14. Likuri Island Resort
- Location: Natadola Beach, Sigatoka, Natadola
- Average Price: $88 a night
Likuri Island Resort, nicknamed Robinson Crusoe Island, is the best resort you can stay on to get a taste of Fijian culture. You get to stay in traditional bures, or bungalows, that come in different sizes, including family bures with enough room for the kids.
Plus, the resort is packed with activities to help you get to know how the locals live, including kava ceremonies, dancing, and excursions into the jungle. The food is sourced from local farmers and follows traditional recipes with a modern twist.
15. Sigasiga Sands Boutique Resort
- Location: Hibiscus Highway, Savusavu
- Average Price: $93 a night
Sigasiga Sands Boutique Resort is the best place to stay if you want a resort experience that feels a bit more personal. You can stay in a bungalow, cottage, or villa.
All accommodation options have great amenities, including air conditioning, a full kitchen, and seating. Shared amenities include lounges complete with hammocks, sports facilities, and even a barbecue pit.
Making the Most of Your Fiji Hotel Stay
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Here are some tips to make sure your Fiji bungalow stay is the best ever.
Getting to the Hotel
Most tourists to Fiji fly into Nadi International Airport on the island of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island. Many luxury hotels are located on the Coral Coast, also on the island of Viti Levu. Most hotels arrange private transfers for their guests, or you can pay for an airport shuttle yourself. If your hotel is on another one of Fiji’s hundreds of islands, you can get a catamaran such as the Yasawa Flyer. Many resorts on smaller islands, especially those on private islands, arrange transport for you.
Crime and Safety
Fiji is a safe country with fairly low crime levels. The crime most tourists encounter is petty theft. There have been some incidents of violent crime affecting tourists, especially sexual assault.
But this is mostly in urban areas such as Suva. In a resort in a bungalow, you’ll be safe as most resorts invest in security or are far removed from places where crimes can occur.
Traveler Tips
When staying in a resort, always ask staff about the safety of water sports, as some beach areas in Fiji have dangerous riptides. Make sure that you don’t go snorkeling or diving unless you are confident in your swimming abilities.
Roads in Fiji are dangerous and often poorly maintained, so let your resort arrange transportation for you instead of driving yourself.
You can wear whatever you want in your resort, but be careful when venturing elsewhere as Fiji locals tend to follow a conservative dress code.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some other things fellow visitors to Fiji wanted to know in the past.
Are there any over-water bungalows in Fiji, South Pacific?
Yes, some Fiji resorts do have over-water bungalows. However, only five in the whole country offer this accommodation option, and they tend to be pricey. For a more affordable option, choose a beachfront bungalow that offers nearly the same experience.
Which island in Fiji has over-water bungalows?
The two biggest islands in Fiji, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, host the most resorts with overwater bungalows. Luacala Island is a private island that also offers over-water bungalows, but it is extremely exclusive.
Are over-water bungalows worth it?
Staying in an over-water bungalow is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is no other way to get the experience of diving into the water right from your accommodation or feeling the waves lapping at the base of your vacation home.
Where is the best part of Fiji to stay?
The Coral Coast on the main island of Viti Levu has many great resorts and beautiful beaches. If you want pure luxury, then go for a private island resort on one of the smaller islands.
How many nights should I stay in Fiji?
A luxurious Fiji vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so don’t cut it short! Try to spend at least a week here to truly relax and make the most of your resort experience.
Which Over-Water Bungalow Will You Choose?
Although many resorts offer beachfront bungalows as an accommodation option, only five in all of Fiji offer true over-water bungalows.
Of these, we recommend Likuliku Lagoon Resort as they were the first to introduce this concept to Fiji and have had time to perfect it. Wherever you go, enjoy your time in Fiji and spend plenty of time in the water!