The Luxury Travel Guide to Denarau Island© FijiPocketGuide.com
The Luxury Travel Guide to Denarau Island

The Luxury Travel Guide to Denarau Island

© FijiPocketGuide.com
Last Updated: 18 September, 2024

How to Plan a Luxury Getaway to Denarau

Denarau Island is a slice of paradise that promises love at first sight. This polished luxury destination offers the ultimate convenience: a stunning island just 25 minutes from the airport, accessible without a boat ride. Five-star resorts cater to your every need before you even realise you have them, while a fabulous array of activities suits all types of luxury travellers. Let us guide you through the perfect getaway with this luxury guide to Denarau Island.

Before we dive into our luxury guide to Denarau, take a moment to bookmark The Complete Luxury Travel Guide to Fiji. Trust us, you’ll find a wealth of essential tips there.

Table of Contents

10 Luxurious Tours and Activities in Denarau

Indulge in the lap of luxury with these opulent experiences in Denarau, where pampering and extravagance await at every turn.

  1. Fly by helicopter or seaplane over the stunning islands of Fiji
  2. Enjoy a private cruise to secret snorkelling spots
  3. Take your loved ones or “the boys” on a private fishing charter
  4. Indulge in a luxury spa treatment
  5. Spend the day in the serene adults-only complex of your resort
  6. Treat yourself to a private dining experience at the Signature Tables
  7. Treat the little ones to a kids’ club, while you indulge in some alone time
  8. Play golf on the championship-grade Denarau Golf & Racquet Club
  9. Celebrate that special occasion in a luxury wedding venue or with a romantic proposal
  10. Enjoy an exclusive day sail with QUIXOTIC Charters Fiji.

For more information on all our luxury activity ideas, take a look at the 10 Luxury Activities in Denarau.

The Luxury Travel Guide to Denarau Island© FijiPocketGuide.com

How to Get to Denarau

After your arrival at the Nadi International Airport, you need not wait long until you’re relaxing in a five-star resort. Denarau Island is only a 25-minute drive from Nadi Airport, attached to the mainland by road, so all you need to do is choose your luxury road transport. See all your options for getting around in the Denarau Transport Guide.

Airport Transfers

Take the hassle out of driving by taking a private transfer between Nadi Airport and Denarau Island. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport on your arrival, ready to whisk you away to your luxury resort in a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle. Check out recommendations for private transfers in the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Fiji.

Luxury Car Rental

For a truly independent holiday experience, enjoy the privacy of your own luxury car rental. You have a wealth of car rental options in and around the Nadi International Airport, with rental companies offering a range of luxury vehicles, such as Europcar and Hertz. Take a look at The Best Car Rentals in Fiji for a full comparison of car rental companies.

Helicopter Charters

For a truly spectacular arrival in Denarau, consider taking a helicopter charter. Several companies offer this thrilling transport option, including Island Hoppers Helicopters, Heli-Tours Fiji, and Pacific Island Air Helicopters. These aerial transfers not only provide a swift journey but also treat you to breathtaking views of Fiji’s stunning landscapes from above. For more details on helicopter services in Fiji, check out our guide on Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji.

There are many other ways to get to and around Denarau, from taxis to bus services. Find out more in our 10 Ways to Get to Denarau Island.

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Luxury Services in Denarau’s Resorts

Part of a luxury vacation in Denarau is having everything you could ever dream of in one place. The five-star resorts peppered across Denarau Island do their utmost to provide more services and experiences than you ever thought you would need. All guest types are catered for, from swooning honeymooners to excitable families.

Luxury Spas in Denarau

Your body, mind and soul are well looked after at the spas of Denarau’s resorts. Every luxury resort has its own spa complex offering an extensive range of treatments, from soothing body wraps to even children’s massages. One of the largest spa complexes awaits at The Westin Denarau’s Heavenly Spa. Their lush garden setting instantly transports you to peacefulness. All you need to decide is which therapeutic facility to use first: a massage, lap pool, steam room, plunge pool or therapy pool. We also love Oasis Spa, nestled in a quiet corner of Port Denarau Shopping Centre, with its skilled masseuses offering alternative treatments like the Fijian bobo. Compare all your spa options in the 10 Best Spas in Denarau.

Adult-Only Areas

We get it; not everyone shares the joy of over-enthusiastic children splashing in the swimming pool. Resorts like Radisson Blu and the Sheraton Fiji Resort have adult-only pools and lounging areas. Alternatively, amp up the experience at the Waitui Beach Club at the Sofitel Resort or KORO at The Hilton, which provide a complete adults-only experience. Relax in the pools with a swim-up bar, taste delectable sharing platters and drinks at the adult-only bars, be waited on in your own private cabana, and enjoy fitness programs from yoga to boot camps. Check out our 5 Best Adult-Only Resorts in Denarau for more information, as well as in our The Adults-Only Guide to Denarau Island.

Kids’ Clubs

For families, everyone in the family gets a holiday when staying in Denarau. Mum and Dad have time to reconnect while the little ones engage in the Fijian culture with one of the fantastic kids’ clubs. Kids’ club itineraries are jam-packed throughout the day with Fijian games, language lessons, crafts and time to play in the playgrounds. Now you can go on that scuba trip you’ve always dreamed of or indulge in a couple’s spa treatment! Find out more about the 5 Best Kids’ Clubs in Denarau, as well as in The Family Guide to Denarau Island.

Weddings and Honeymoons

Couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to romantic settings in Fiji. Resorts like the Radisson Blu Resort have dedicated outdoor wedding venues from their intimate Vei Domoni Lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and the Sofitel Fiji Resort has its very own wedding chapel. Fiances-to-be can find a range of creative proposals, such as the proposal package of a helicopter flying over Malamala Beach Club with “Will You Marry Me” written in the sand, or newlyweds have a wealth of romantic activities to choose from – see our 10 Romantic Things to Do in Denarau. Plan your dream wedding or honeymoon with our Guide to Weddings & Honeymoons in Denarau.

The Luxury Travel Guide to Denarau Island© FijiPocketGuide.com

Luxury Excursions from Denarau

We know it’s hard to leave the confines of your stunning luxury resort, but you’ll be glad you did when you see the nearby islands of the Yasawas and the Mamanucas. Operators can get you to experience them in the most luxurious ways possible by sea or by air. What’s more, make your trip extra special by choosing to do it only with your loved ones on private excursions.

Scenic Flights from Denarau

Don’t settle for anything less than the best views of the Fiji islands. A scenic flight over vibrant waters peppered with paradise islands and coral reefs is nothing short of breathtaking. Either embark on a helicopter flight over the 33 islands of the Mamanucas with Heli-Tours Fiji or treat yourself to an excursion via seaplane with Pacific Island Air. A seaplane tour with Pacific Island Air flies over the remarkable Yasawa Islands and lands on the water at the Nanuya Island Resort. Enjoy a two-course lunch before taking a cruise to the Sawa-I-Lau Caves. Discover more experiences like this in the 10 Best Scenic Flights in Fiji.

Private Sailing Excursions

If you’re yearning for an exclusive adventure in Fiji’s crystal-clear waters, a private cruise to hidden snorkelling spots is the way to go. Coral Cats Sailing Fiji offers a range of vessels to suit different group sizes and preferences. Choose from the 13 m Wanaka sailing catamaran for larger groups, the intimate 8.5 m Miss Minnie racing catamaran, the spacious Reel Game, or the speedy Zigzag for island-hopping and surfing excursions. These customisable experiences include snorkelling, island visits, and sailing, ensuring a tailor-made day on the water.

For the ultimate luxury experience, indulge in a private yacht charter with Yacht Charters Fiji. Their opulent Sailing Catamaran Knysna 48f offers an exclusive full-day adventure from 9 am to 5 pm, complete with convenient hotel transfers from Denarau. Savour a gourmet lunch prepared by your private chef, along with premium snacks and refreshments throughout the day. While the yacht doesn’t provide alcohol, you’re welcome to bring your favourite champagne or spirits to enhance your experience. The catamaran is equipped with top-of-the-line amenities, including professional snorkel sets, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and fishing gear for those who wish to try their hand at sport fishing. For the adventurous, the crew can arrange bespoke experiences such as secluded beach picnics or personalised diving excursions to explore Fiji’s vibrant coral reefs.

Explore private beaches, snorkel unexplored reef systems, visit remote islands, or simply experience Fiji away from the usual land-based restraints with QUIXOTIC Charters Fiji! Available for day sails and full sailing holidays, this luxury catamaran is yours for exclusive use. An adventure on QUIXOTIC is complete with exquisite dining experiences of locally sourced provisions, while the menu of activities is just as impressive, including Hobie sail kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, hiking, cave exploration, cultural experiences, and more. See more experiences like this in the 10 Best Sailing Tours in Fiji.

Private Fishing Charters

Indulge in the ultimate aquatic luxury with a private fishing charter. Aboard your own lavishly appointed vessel, accompanied by an expert fishing guide and equipped with top-of-the-line gear, you’ll set sail into Fiji’s pristine waters. Here, the thrill of the catch awaits as you pursue prized gamefish such as mahimahi, blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and the formidable giant trevally. For those preferring a more tranquil experience, the vibrant coral reefs offer excellent opportunities for light tackle fishing. Discover the crème de la crème of Fijian fishing excursions in our curated list of the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Denarau.

More Things to Do on Denarau

The rest of your time on Denarau can be enjoyed indulging in world-class spa treatments, teeing off on the championship golf course, or setting sail on a sunset dinner cruise, which you can find out more about in the 10 Luxury Activities on Denarau Island. For experiences that don’t necessarily fall into the luxury category but are no less amazing, check out the 20 Best Things to Do on Denarau Island.

The Luxury Travel Guide to Denarau Island© FijiPocketGuide.com

Luxury Dining in Denarau

From unique Fijian dishes to exceptional versions of international favourites, Denarau Island’s dining scene has something for every type of luxury traveller. What’s more, dining is made an experience in itself with unique and fine dining venues. Celebrate a special occasion with one of these luxury dining experiences…

Unique Dining Experiences in Denarau

When it comes to special dining, Radisson Blu takes the biscuit with its memorable dining set-ups. Loma Ni Wai means “in the water” because, yes, this restaurant is literally an “immersive” experience of Fijian culture and in-the-water dining where water comes to knee height.

Be whisked away to the private island at the Malamala Beach Club. The island has many amazing facilities for a day of fun or relaxation, including an infinity pool and free access to snorkelling gear, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. Most importantly, the beach club has an exquisite restaurant where their menu of small bites to locally sourced seafood can be delivered to your private cabanaTrips to the island are available with South Sea Cruises.

Fine Dining in Denarau

Fine dining is not typically part of the Fijian vacation culture, but you will find more upscale offerings, like Sails Restaurant and Solis of the Sofitel Fiji Resort, listed in the 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants on Denarau Island.

Dine under the stars with your loved one, family or friends at the Signature Tables of the Radisson Blu Resort. You’ll have your own butler to serve you at a private waterfront table.

Check out more of our recommendations at Port Denarau in our Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Denarau.

More About Luxury Travel in Denarau

That’s it for our guide to luxury travel in Fiji; for more information about opulent experiences and high-end accommodations, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Luxury Guide to Fiji.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin (Ruveni) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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