Is it Worth Buying a Resort Meal Plan in Fiji?

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When to Choose a Meal Plan in Fiji

Meal plans in Fiji are a good idea to purchase in any one of the following scenarios:

• The meal plan is compulsory to purchase
• You would rather prepay for meals
• If your resort is not already all-inclusive
• You’re a big eater.

Resorts with Compulsory Meal Plans

Some of Fiji’s remote island resorts have meal plans that are compulsory to purchase but are not included in the nightly rate. These resorts typically have a limited a la carte menu and/or buffets which occur at set times of the day. Some of the resorts with compulsory meal plans include:

• Likuri Island Resort
• Beachcomber Island Resort
• Barefoot Manta Island Resort
• Blue Lagoon Resort
• Mataray Island Resort
• Octopus Resort
• Paradise Cove Resort

These resorts usually have snack menus should you want to eat in between meals. Snacks are an additional fee that will typically be charged to your room.

The Price of Meal Plans in Fiji

Each resort has its own prices for meal plans, but a ballpark figure is as follows:

• Half-board meal plan is FJ$70-$150 per adult and around FJ$35 per child per day
• Full-board meal plan is FJ$95-$280 per adult and FJ$50-$160 per child per day.

Full-Board or Half-Board?

The best choice between full-board and half-board depends on how much of an eater you are. Half-board typically includes a buffet breakfast and a three-course dinner. Some of us can fill up with a big enough breakfast from the breakfast buffet to see us through until dinner. Otherwise, snacks are available to purchase as a backup.

Full-board includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. The larger resorts with several dining options will usually split each meal of the dinner plan into something similar to the following:

• Breakfast: buffet breakfast or one dish from the a la carte menu
• Lunch: one/two dishes from an a la carte menu
• Dinner: buffet dinner or two/three dishes from an a la carte menu.

If you think an optional meal plan is a good idea for your Fiji holiday, take a look at the 10 Best Fiji Resorts with Meal Plans.

Kids Eat for Free Specials

Some of Fiji’s family resorts offer specials where kids eat for free. This typically means children aged two to 12 years old who are dining with a paying adult. It also usually means the child has to eat off a selected menu, like the kid’s menu or the designated children’s buffet. Breakfast will also be included, typically from a breakfast buffet.

For some examples of resorts offering “kids eat free” specials, see the 10 Resorts in Fiji Where Kids Eat for Free.

All-Inclusive Resorts

When it comes to meals in Fiji, all-inclusive resorts take the cake (pun intended)! These luxurious havens offer a hassle-free dining experience that’s hard to beat. Most all-inclusive resorts in Fiji include three meals a day in their packages, along with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. Some even throw in a few cocktails to keep you in the holiday spirit! (We’ll drink to that!) The best part? You don’t have to worry about meal plans or budgeting for food. It’s all taken care of, leaving you free to focus on what really matters – soaking up the sun, exploring the islands, and creating unforgettable memories.

Keep in mind that while all-inclusive resorts offer convenience, they might limit your options for trying local eateries outside the resort, if available (many all-inclusive resorts are in remote areas with no other dining options). It’s also worth noting that in order to avoid food waste and make the most of some islands’ limited resources, many all-inclusive resorts have set meals or set menus where you’ll be expected to order food for the day at breakfast, for instance. For a list of all-inclusive resorts, check out our 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Fiji.

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When Not to Choose a Meal Plan in Fiji

If a meal plan is not compulsory or if you are staying on an island where you have other dining options available to you, you might want to reconsider buying a resort meal plan to save your budget (and your stomach).

A La Carte Resort Restaurants Vs. Meal Plans

For resorts that offer both a la carte dining and meal plans, we recommend paying for meals as you go with these resorts, for three main reasons:

• You’ll have the flexibility to experience different dining options, as you won’t feel obligated to eat at the resort for every meal
• It’s often cheaper to pay-as-you-go if you keep an eye on menu prices and mix it up with dining at some cheaper restaurants/self-catering too
• It’s also cheaper for those of us who don’t eat huge amounts – usually, the already included buffet breakfast, as well as dinner and perhaps a midday snack, is enough.

If you think an optional meal plan is a good idea for your Fiji holiday, take a look at the 10 Best Fiji Resorts with Meal Plans.

A Note About Set Meals and Set Menus

When staying at resorts in Fiji, particularly those in remote locations, you might encounter set meals or set menus. This means that instead of an extensive à la carte menu, you’ll be presented with a limited selection of meal choices for each sitting. Some resorts offer a set menu with two or three options for each course, while others might have a single set meal for all guests. This approach allows the kitchen to maintain high-quality standards and manage food supplies efficiently, especially in isolated locations where fresh ingredients might be less readily available. Don’t worry, though! These set menus usually change daily, ensuring variety throughout your stay. Plus, many resorts are happy to accommodate dietary requirements if you let them know in advance. It’s all part of the unique island experience!

For more on those dietary requirements, check out Fiji for Vegans & Vegetarians + 25 Best Restaurants and The Gluten-Free Guide to Fiji to learn more about managing them.

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Other Dining Options in Fiji

When you’re not hooked on the meal plan of your chosen resort, where else can you eat?

In many of Fiji’s towns, you have a range of restaurants to choose from. Eating outside of resorts is notoriously cheaper than eating at your resort. Check out some of the areas of Fiji with the most dining options in the following guides:

• The Best Eats & Restaurants in Nadi
• The Best Eats & Restaurants in Denarau
• The Best Eats & Restaurants in Suva
• The Best Eats & Restaurants on the Pacific Harbour & Beqa
• The Best Eats & Restaurants on the Coral Coast
• The Best Eats & Restaurants on the Suncoast
• The Best Eats & Restaurants on Vanua Levu
• The Best Eats & Restaurants on Taveuni.

Alternatively, if you’re staying in one of the very few resorts with self-catering facilities, you can pick up groceries from supermarkets and markets in Fiji’s towns. Check out Where to Buy Food in Fiji for advice.