12 Best Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands, Fiji

Planning a tropical island escape in Fiji? We’re here to help! 

The Mamanuca Islands are home to some of Fiji’s most beautiful resorts, and they’re easy to reach from Nadi and Port Denarau, so they’re a popular choice for first-time visitors. But with so many islands and resorts to choose from, finding the right one can feel a little overwhelming! And since you’ll spend most of your trip at your chosen resort, where you stay can make or break the experience.

To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up the 12 best resorts in the Mamanuca Islands so that you can find the right one for your trip. Let’s get into it!

Where to Stay in the Mamanuca Islands Map

Overview of the Best Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands

The Mamanuca Islands are a chain of small tropical islands just off the west coast of Viti Levu. They’re the most popular islands in Fiji to go and stay in, thanks to their incredible natural beauty and the fact that it’s pretty easy to get here from the main island.

When you come to the Mamanuca Islands, the resort and island that you choose ends up being a huge part of your trip. You’ve got the southern islands, which are generally closer to Viti Levu and offer lots of fun activities, while the northern and inner islands feel more secluded. We’ve broken this blog up into two sections accordingly to help you choose a resort in the right spot. 

Ferries to the Mamanuca Islands depart from Port Denarau, and they can take anywhere between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on where you’re staying. There are usually several departures each day, but we always like to book the earliest one available so that we can make the most of our arrival day!

If you’re looking for a speedier mode of transport, a helicopter transfer from Nadi Airport can get you to the islands in just 10 to 15 minutes. Unsurprisingly, this is more expensive than taking the ferry but if you’re short on time, it may prove well worth the splurge, and flying over the islands is a scenic experience in and of itself.

• Southern Mamanuca Islands – Best for active travelers & first-time visitors – This popular area offers the widest choice of resorts, and it’s amazing for water sports! The adults-only Lomani Island Resort & Spa is our top pick thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and huge private beach. 

• Northern & Inner Mamanuca Islands – Best for luxury & secluded stays – These islands are quieter and more remote, making them ideal if you’re after a romantic escape or a true castaway experience. Sheraton Resort & Spa is a fantastic 5-star resort that offers modern suites and facilities in a stunning setting, with world-class snorkeling and amazing staff.

The Best Mamanuca Island Resorts

Southern Mamanuca Islands

Pros

• Closest islands to Viti Levu, with shorter ferry transfers
• Great mix of family-friendly and adults-only resorts
• Excellent snorkeling, water sports, and activities

Cons

• More popular, so resorts can book up well in advance
• Feels less secluded than the northern islands

The Southern Mamanuca Islands are the heart of Fiji’s island tourism, so they’re ideal for first-time visitors! This part of the island chain includes Malolo Island, Malolo Lailai, Qalito (Castaway) Island, and Mana Island, all of which are easy to reach from Viti Levu. Because they’re the closest islands to the mainland, ferry transfers are generally shorter, which means less time in transit and more time relaxing on the beach! 

Better still, there’s a resort here for just about every type of traveler. You’ll find everything from romantic adults-only hideaways and ultra-luxury stays to lively family resorts packed with activities. And if you’re traveling with little ones, the fast ferries can get you here in just 45 minutes from Port Denarau, which is very handy.

Many of the Mamanucas’ best dive and snorkeling sites are nearby, including colorful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. The famous Cloudbreak surf break also sits just offshore from Malolo Island, attracting experienced surfers from around the world. There also tend to be a ton of watersports on offer, so if you’re keen to do some paddleboarding or windsurfing, we think you’ll love the Southern Mamanuca Islands.

All in all, we love these islands because they offer the classic Fiji experience. You’ve got the white sand beaches and amazing resorts, as well as tons of activities on offer, and it’s all within easy reach of the mainland!

Malolo Island

Six Senses Fiji – $$$$

If you’re looking to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime stay, Six Senses Fiji is one of the most luxurious resorts in the Mamanuca Islands. If we had to sum up this place in a single word, it would be “wow”!

This five-star resort is set on the secluded western side of Malolo Island, and it’s surrounded by pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. The spacious villas all come with private pools, and there are also larger residences that are perfect for families or groups traveling together. Combine that with the impressive spa, beautiful beachfront infinity pool, and restaurants showcasing fresh local ingredients, and you’ve really got something special! 

We also love the fact that sustainability is a big focus here. There’s everything from an organic garden to coral restoration projects – in fact, you can even go snorkeling alongside the coral gardeners if you want to learn more.

Prices start at around $1,500 USD per night.

Tropicana Island Resort – $$$

Tropica Island Resort is perfect for couples who want a romantic adults-only escape without quite reaching Six Senses prices. It’s an intimate boutique resort in a sheltered bay on Malolo Island, and we love how it combines traditional Fijian touches with contemporary design and a beautiful private beach.

For the full experience here, we would choose one of the beachfront pool bures, which sit just steps from the water and come with their own private plunge pools. There’s also a horizon pool, two restaurants, three bars, and a day spa. We especially love the Sunset Beach Bar, which sits right at the water’s edge!

There’s lots to keep you busy, too. Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment are complimentary, and daily activities range from cooking demonstrations and village visits to beach picnics and cultural ceremonies.

Prices start at around $750 USD per night.

Qalito Island (Castaway Island) 

Castaway Island Resort – $$$

If you’ve always dreamed of staying on a postcard-perfect Fijian island, Castaway Island is hard to beat. This iconic resort has been welcoming guests for decades and is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and warm Fijian hospitality.

Accommodation is in traditional thatched bures, which are dotted amongst tropical gardens or just steps from the beach. The resort also has four restaurants and bars, two swimming pools, and an excellent spa, so there’s plenty to enjoy between beach time.

We especially love the range of activities on offer. You can snorkel straight from the shore, head out diving or kayaking, try your hand at surfing, or even take part in cultural experiences and guided nature walks. It’s also a fantastic choice for families, thanks to its excellent kids’ club and spacious family bures.

Prices start at around $530 USD per night.

Malolo Lailai (Plantation Island) 

Lomani Island Resort & Spa – $$$

Lomani Island Resort & Spa is our top pick in the Mamanuca Islands! While it’s not exactly cheap (spoiler alert: nowhere in these islands is!), we think it offers fantastic value. It’s an adults-only boutique resort that balances luxury with authentic Fijian hospitality, and staying here also makes it easy to get out and explore. And “lomani” actually means “love” in Fijian, so this place is perfect for honeymooners.

As well as stunning scenery and beautiful bures, the resort offers guests complimentary bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment. Whether you want to cycle around the island or discover the colorful reefs just offshore, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Or you can simply chill out by the enormous pool and treat yourself at the spa! 

Prices start at around $600 USD per night.

Plantation Island Resort – $$

Plantation Island Resort is one of our top picks for families visiting the Mamanuca Islands. Spread across 23 acres of beachfront on Malolo Lailai, it has a fun, laid-back atmosphere and a huge range of activities to keep children and adults entertained.

There are multiple swimming pools, including a children’s pool with a waterslide, as well as an inflatable water park for kids and teens – how cool is that? The complimentary Coconut Kids Club runs activities like cooking classes, treasure hunts, crafts, and Fijian costume-making, while there’s also a separate program to keep teenagers entertained.

But it’s not all about the kids! There’s kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and plenty of sports on offer for the grown-ups. This is a much livelier choice than neighboring Lomani, so it’s ideal for families and groups who want plenty to do rather than a quiet romantic retreat.

Prices start at around $300 USD per night.

Musket Cove Island Resort – $$$

If you’re after a laid-back island escape, Musket Cove Island Resort is a fantastic choice. This long-established resort is known for its friendly atmosphere and the marina that attracts visiting yachts from across the South Pacific.

Accommodation ranges from traditional bures to spacious villas, many of which are tucked amongst swaying palm trees or just steps from the beach. There’s also a beachfront restaurant, a large swimming pool, and a relaxing spa, while complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment make it easy to get out on the water.

One of our favorite things about staying here is the relaxed, community feel. Whether you’re enjoying sunset drinks on the beach, joining one of the resort’s cultural activities, or simply watching the boats go by, it’s the perfect place to slow down and embrace island life.

Prices start at around $550 USD per night.

Mana Island 

Tadrai Island Resort – $$$$

Tadrai Island Resort is the ultimate choice for couples seeking privacy and romance. Hidden away in a secluded cove on Mana Island, this adults-only, all-inclusive resort has just five beachfront villas, so the experience feels incredibly peaceful and exclusive.

Each huge villa has a private plunge pool, a spacious deck with daybeds, and direct access to the beach. Your meals, drinks, and minibar are included, so once you arrive, there’s very little left to think about! We also love how personalized the experience is, because with such a small number of guests, the team is able to tailor meals and activities around you!

Prices start at around $1,300 USD per night.

Mana Island Resort & Spa – $$$

We love Mana Island Resort & Spa because it has something for everyone! It’s equally popular with couples, families, and groups thanks to its gorgeous beaches and wide range of facilities. 

The accommodation ranges from comfortable island rooms to spacious beachfront bures, so there’s an option to suit most budgets and travel styles. The resort also boasts several restaurants and bars, two swimming pools, and a relaxing spa. We especially love that you’re never far from the water here, with stunning beaches on both sides of the island and plenty of spots to swim and snorkel.

There are plenty of cultural activities on offer to try out, including kava ceremonies. And if you want to just kick back and relax on the beach or by the pool, that’s fine, too!

Prices start at around $450 USD per night, which includes breakfast and dinner.

Northern & Inner Mamanuca Islands

Pros

• Peaceful, secluded islands with a more exclusive feel
• Home to some of Fiji’s most luxurious and romantic resorts
• Fantastic snorkeling and diving

Cons

• Longer ferry transfers from the mainland
• Fewer resorts and activities on offer than the southern islands

If you’re dreaming of a truly serene tropical escape, the Northern and Inner Mamanuca Islands are hard to beat. This area includes Tokoriki Island and Matamanoa Island, along with Beachcomber Island, which sits within the inner island chain. While there are plenty of other islands in the Mamanucas, these are some of the most sought-after for travelers looking to unwind in paradise.

Compared to the southern islands, the resorts here tend to feel more exclusive. There are fewer people around, so the beaches are blissfully quiet and the pace tends to be very slow. If you’re looking to completely switch off, this is the area for you! 

A lot of the resorts here are adults-only and very focused on luxury, so you can expect beachfront villas and private plunge pools. Coming to this part of Fiji is all about relaxing and doing relatively little! With that said, the surrounding reefs offer some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Mamanuca Islands, so we recommend getting out on the water at least once between sunbathing and spa sessions. 

While families and groups are likely to prefer the Southern Mamanucas, we definitely think that the Northern and Inner islands are perfect for romantic getaways and luxury island retreats.

Tokoriki Island

Tokoriki Island Resort Adults-Only – $$$$

Tokoriki Island Resort Adults-Only is one of the most romantic places to stay in Fiji – and that’s saying something! This award-winning resort sits on a secluded stretch of Tokoriki Island, offering next-level luxury among remote, untouched Fijian scenery. We can’t think of a more perfect setting for a honeymoon or special occasion!

Accommodation ranges from spacious beachfront bures to luxurious villas with private pools, all of which are designed with traditional Fijian touches and plenty of privacy. We especially love that many experiences here are designed with couples in mind, from private beach picnics and sunset cruises to relaxing spa treatments for two.

And when you’re ready to explore, you can snorkel straight from the beach and see some incredible marine life, or take a guided reef safari with the resort’s in-house marine biologist. And when you’re ready to eat, you can enjoy South Pacific Asian fusion or teppanyaki – yum! 

Prices start at around $1,400 USD per night.

Sheraton Resort & Spa – $

If you love the facilities of a larger resort, Sheraton Resort & Spa is a fantastic choice. Set on beautiful Tokoriki Island, this beachfront resort combines the stunning scenery of the Mamanuca Islands with the comfort and amenities you’d expect from an internationally renowned hotel brand.

The spacious rooms, suites, and villas are modern and stylish, with many offering beautiful ocean views. You’ll also find multiple restaurants and bars, a large swimming pool, a luxurious spa, and plenty of space to unwind. We especially love that families are welcome, but the resort has an adults-only wing for those wanting a quiet, romantic getaway. Plus, the coral reefs that surround the resort are among the best in the Mamanuca Islands!

Prices start at around $200 USD per night, which is very competitive for this part of Fiji.

Matamanoa Island 

Matamanoa Island Resort – $$

Matamanoa Island Resort is perfect for couples who want an adults-only escape that feels peaceful and secluded without the ultra-luxury price tag. This resort is set on its own small island, so it delivers that classic castaway experience. Accommodation ranges from comfortable resort rooms to beachfront bures and villas, making this one of the more accessible options in the northern Mamanucas. 

Despite that, this is still an intimate resort, and we especially love the fact that there’s a treetop spa. Who wouldn’t want a massage way up in a treehouse?

The design of this resort is absolutely beautiful, and the staff goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome. And if you love diving, there’s actually a PADI center on-site and over 30 diving spots nearby, so this is one of the best choices in Fiji for scuba divers.

Prices start at around $350 USD per night.

Beachcomber Island

Beachcomber Island Resort – $$

Beachcomber Island Resort is a great choice for travelers who want traditional Fijian accommodation and plenty going on. This small but social resort is set on a tiny island surrounded by white sand and clear water, and it’s perfect for younger travelers and groups of friends who prefer cocktail classes and dance contests over quiet days by the pool.

There’s a wide range of accommodation, from affordable rooms to beachfront options, and the resort offers complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, as well as snorkeling equipment. But perhaps our favorite thing about this place is that it offers day trips to nearby beach clubs, including the iconic Malamala Beach Club! Going to beach clubs is one of our favorite things to do in Fiji, so this is a huge selling point as far as we’re concerned.

Prices start at around $300 USD per night.

Related Read: If you’re looking for more accommodation options, see our full guide on where to stay in Fiji here!

Top Activities to do in Fiji

While it’s tempting to sit back and spend all of your time relaxing at the beach, there’s actually a ton of other fun things to do in Fiji as well! Taking part can be an amazing way to get to know more about the culture and have a blast while you’re doing so.

Here are a few of our personal favorite activities in Fiji that never fail to put a smile on our faces:

• Take an authentic Fijian day cruise – This authentic Fijian day cruise is easily one of the most fun and well-rounded experiences you can have in Fiji! You’ll head out to remote islands where you can snorkel in crystal-clear water, relax on quiet beaches, and take part in traditional Fijian activities along the way. It’s such a great mix of culture and adventure!

• Try Kava – Now, Kava isn’t exactly a drink you try for the taste, but as a way of getting to learn more about Fijian culture, you can’t beat going to a Kava ceremony! It’s made from a ground-up plant root and is generally a substitute for alcohol (which is super expensive in Fiji). Some hotels and resorts occasionally put on a Kava ceremony, but if that’s not the case, you can also pay to go on a village tour and try Kava there.

• Go snorkeling – A trip to Fiji wouldn’t be complete without also exploring its incredible underwater world. In fact, Fiji is world-renowned for scuba diving and snorkeling! From the brightly colored coral to the beautiful fish and sharks (yup, sharks!), there’s so much to see and explore down in the big blue. This day cruise to Nadi Tivua Island includes tons of chances to snorkel, with round-trip transfers from hotels in Nadi, Denarau, or the Coral Coast.

• Visit the mud pools – If you’re like me, when you hear of an all-natural day spa, you think of three words – “Sign me up!” The Sabeto Mud Pools and Hot Springs are located just on the outskirts of Nadi and are the best place to give yourself a mud bath that you totally didn’t know you needed. Entry is about $20 FJD (about $9 USD) per person, or you can book yourself onto a multi-stop sightseeing tour that stops off here.

• Experience Fiji after dark – Whether you’re enjoying a traditional Fijian Kava ceremony, watching a fire show, or simply stargazing from the shore, the nights here are nothing short of enchanting! This magical 4-hour Fiji night tour includes fire dances, a Meke performance, as well as a visit to a local village to take part in a Kava ceremony. It’s surely a night you’ll remember for years to come.

Related Read: Need help planning your trip? See our ideal 7-day Fiji itinerary for many of these top activities all planned out for you!

Thanks for reading!

A trip to Fiji is already a bucket list experience, but staying at one of these luxury resorts on the Mamanuca Islands truly takes it to the next level. We were surprised to find that not all resorts have to blow your whole travel budget! But you can also find that ultra-luxury stay if that’s what you’re after – there’s something for everyone.

Check out the rest of our Fiji blogs for even more planning tips! We love Fiji and even got married here, so we have plenty of resources to help out. Here are a few related blogs to get you started. Cheers!

15 BEST Places to Visit in Fiji

4 BEST Multi-Day Island Hopping Tours in Fiji

Seventh Heaven vs Cloud 9 – My Honest Review of Fiji’s Floating Bars!