Top 5: Islands to Visit in Fiji

Us Aussies are lucky that the tropical islands of Fiji are just a short flight away. You can get there from any major capital city flying Jetstar, Virgin Australia or Fiji Airways. The Coral Coast of mainland Viti Levu, boasts golden sands, huge resorts and plenty of coral for snorkeling but the true blue waters with white sandy beaches are found on the smaller islands off the coast. These islands are surprisingly easy to get to either a ferry trip or short domestic flight will take you to some of the best snorkel or dive spots in the world. Families or couples will experience true Fijian culture and hospitality as soon as you set foot on your beachfront paradise. Here's a list of our top 5:

1. Plantation Island Resort, Mamanuca Group

This resort has been around for years and they do it right. Catering to mostly young families, this resort is set in the lush tropical landscape of Malolo Lai Lai island in the Mamanuca Group. The Garden and Beachfront Bure's are all ground level and set apart just like your own little village, giving you a little privacy from your neighbours. There's a laundry, hair salon, mini-mart and awesome kids club for anyone aged 4-12. The Ol Copra Shed restaurant is set right on the beachfront giving guests ocean views for all meals of the day. Nightly entertainment is offered with live bands and fire twirlers! You can sip on a cocktail while you watch the kids (and big kids aka adults) enjoy some fun in the sun on the inflatable waterpark pictured above.

2. Musket Cove, Mamanuca Group

My personal favourite, this old colonial style resort caters really well to adults and older children with 2 and 3 bedroom villas. It is set in a beautiful bay with there own little islet used for BBQ dinner nights! The trader cafe is the perfect spot for a snack by the lagoon but you can't go paste the food at Dick's restaurant by the pool. With a swim-up bar and views of the ocean, how can you go wrong? They even have their own supermarket so if you're on a budget, staying in and cooking lunch or dinner is super accessible. Make sure you try their coconut and lime shortbread, it's delicious and complimentary jars are filled in your room ready to snack on after your journey.

3. Tropica Island Resort, Mamanuca Group

If you like a small, boutique, adults only slice of paradise then this is the place for you! Start your day with a choice of al a carte breakfast selections by the pool overlooking the beach front, or hed up the hill for some sunrise yoga, or go a dip in your private plunge pool to wake up! Kayaks and snorkel gear are free to hire so you won't miss out on seeing the beautiful coral and fish surrounding this island right on the resort beachfront. This is the type of island where you leave your shoes in the bure and rock around barefoot because everything is within 20 metres of your front door (including their spa). Along with private plunge pools, the bures have the most luscious outdoor showers. I would definitely recommend it for a couples getaway or honeymoon.

4. Castaway Island, Mamanuca Group

Owned by the Outrigger franchise, this resort is located on Castaway Island and shares the lands with a local tribe. The resort is based at the Northern point of the island and has two main beaches, an awesome kids club plus kids pool and a 'quiet' pool with swim up pool bar so you can drink 'til the early morning. The Waterfront Restaurant is open for brekky, lunch and dinner but the 1809 barefoot restaurant is adults only if you prefer something more intimate. The bures are recently renovated providing the most luxurious finishes and can all fit up to 5 people in each! If you ask the staff nicely, they might even take you over to find Wilson on the real Castaway Island...

5. Lomani Resort, Mamanuca Group

A very peaceful place to stay. Perfect for honeymooners as the bures are set within the resorts lush tropical grounds and the unspoilt beachfront of Malolo Island. Just down the road you will find sister properties Plantation Island Resort and Musket Cove. This place is five star luxury with Fijian culture mixed with modern day twists in the food and decor. The Chef here is amazing and all staff are extremely friendly. Lomani is the perfect place for a romantic getaway.