Barefoot Luxury Resorts in Fiji

Fiji’s first overwater villa resort, on  Malolo Island in the Mamanuca Islands, exudes romance from the moment you step onto the pier and are greeted by guitar-strumming musicians. Likuliku Lagoon Resort, which in the Fijian language, means ‘calm waters’, is a tranquil adults-only sanctuary on a sweeping beach bookended by forest-clad headlands. 

Overwater bures are Likuliku’s hero, perched above a living aquarium peeking through glass floor panels. The beachfront and garden bures are equally gorgeous where daybeds shaded by thatched roofs, stonewalled outdoor bathrooms and rich timber tones carved with Fijian motifs exude style. At Tatadra Spa, which translates into ‘house of dreams’, spa rituals blend indigenous techniques with Pure Fiji organic products for delectable body and soul nourishment. 

Claim a front row seat for spectacular sunsets at Masima Bar before dining on the terrace beneath the palms at oh-so-romantic Fijiana Restaurant.

Gather eight of your besties or your family group (kids of all ages welcomed) and take over the entire island for the ultimate castaway adventure at luxurious Dolphin Island Resort. Located a short 20-minute boat ride from Rakiraki on the main island of Viti Levu or raise the luxe style with a heli or float plane transfer to Dolphin Island. 

Fall asleep to the gentle whoosh of trade-winds beneath the thatched roof of the Hilltop Sleep-out Bure or awake to the sounds of a gently lapping ocean from shoreside Guest Bure Suites. While away languid days filled with snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, swimming in the sea or lazing on a poolside sun-lounge. In between activities, take in dreamy ocean views while dining on seasonally fresh cuisine or indulge in nourishing whole-body treatments like a traditional Fijian massage or a coconut body wrap. 

With resident marine biologists guided by oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau’s legacy, it’s no surprise that water activities are a big part of the attraction at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort on the south coast of Vanua Levu. Learn to dive on Somosomo Strait, Fiji’s famous world-class diving region, snorkel the giant clam garden with a guide, discover mangrove wetlands from a kayak or take a boat excursion exploring Savusavu Bay.  

The Bula Kids Club, along with private nannies provide an abundance of pint-sized fun, enabling adults to relax child-free in indulgent holiday mode. Chill poolside at the adults-only Serenity Pool or relax into a traditional massage in a private beachside bure, lulled by the gentle sound of wavelets washing ashore.  

Families and couples dine on the shore of Savusavu Bay, or for something extra special, book a private candlelit dinner on the Pier. 

On a tiny island rising from the Beqa Lagoon, Royal Davui Island Resort is an adults-only, barefoot-in-the sand luxurious retreat made for romantic, indulgent getaways. Taking its name from the davui (conch shell) the resort features 16 plush and private villas, tucked into lush tropical forest. Perched atop rocky cliffs a few steps from the beach, each villa boasts plunge pools surrounded by sun decks designed to capture commanding views over the lagoon and nearby Beqa island. 

Linger over leisurely lunches on the deck beneath the ancient banyan tree, escape to the lookout for a romantic dinner or play castaway on your own sand cay for an unforgettable beach picnic. And after a day out on the water, check into the Day Spa where Pure Fiji-infused signature treatments include a warm seashell massage, Ayurvedic herbal detox or an island wrap to detoxify and hydrate. 

Light-filled and breezy with vaulted ceilings intricately woven from palm fronds lashed with traditional magimagi fibres, grandly appointed villas feature island-found treasures alongside contemporary Fijian artworks and tribal motifs. Think oversized daybeds plumped up with colourful cushions, garden showers, muslin-draped beds and ocean views framed by lush tropical foliage. 

Conservation is at the heart of Turtle Island Fiji, where nature’s abundant gifts are treasured, preserved and protected. Aiming to live in harmony with the Yasawa Islands’ pristine environment, power is harvested from renewable energy sources, food is grown and shared from the five acres of garden while solar-powered electric carts take you on explorations of the island. 

Romantic dining highlights include intimate candlelit dinners on a floating pontoon anchored in the Blue Lagoon, atop a rocky point jutting over the sea, or beneath star-filled skies at your own villa. 

Located in the far north of the idyllic Yasawa Islands, Yasawa Island Resort and Spa takes inspiration from one of the 15 Fijian words for Heaven. Blessed with ten white-sand, coconut palm-draped beaches for the exclusive use of guests, seclusion and intimate luxury are assured. With 18 generously proportioned bures dotted along the beachfront, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, oversized beds and modern artworks create a relaxing space to admire the sea views.  

Embrace Fijian culture and customs with a visit to Bukama village where the school welcomes visitors and melodic hymns from the choir underpin Sunday church services. Enjoy traditional lovo feasts and meke (song and dance) performances poolside overlooking the South Pacific Ocean. 

Take a picnic lunch to a private beach, learn to scuba dive on fringing reef or swim in the famed Blue Lagoon Caves and volcanic swimming holds, made famous by the movie of the same name. Slip into island time at Baravi Spa where signature treatments include ocean-side massages beneath shady palm trees.  

And at the end of the day, settle in for sunset cocktails on the deck at Manasa’s Bar before dining on seafood fresh-caught from the surrounding sea.