Paradises Destinations | Pacific, Fiji Islands, Nadi

Nadi takes pride of place as one of the first stops on most visitors’ Fijian adventures. Home to more than 30,000 people, its cultural diversity is what makes it a must-visit, but since it’s the gateway to Fiji, be prepared for the hectic hustle and bustle. Nadi is where you can take the beautiful day trips you’ve heard others talk about, to the other picturesque island such as the Mamanucas and Yasawas and embrace white sand beaches and clear blue waters. Ideal for a stopover stay before moving onto the outer islands, Nadi caters for solo backpackers and families, providing accomodation from five-star resorts to beachside hideaways. This is really a hub for visitors to plan the next stage of their Fiji travels, with convenient travel agents, shops and restaurants dotted along the marina and coastline. With most of Nadi formed of sugarcane fields, it’s seen as more as an arrival point than anything else, but there are still some fantastic things to do, from the Namaka shopping parade where you’ll be able to purchase souvenirs, clothing, books and jewellery, the ethnic and international restaurants of Martintar and the iconic attraction of Sri Siva Subrahmanya Swami Temple. Located a few miles off Queens Road, you’ll find the highly exclusive and luxurious, Denarau Island as well as the hotspot, Wailoaloa Beach.

Acting as your base, Nadi provides ultra convenience for exploring the rest of the archipelago. Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel is located on the famous Wailoaloa Beach, just 15 minutes from the Nadi International Airport. As well as its vastly magnificent ocean views and stunning sunsets, Smugglers Cove caters to all budgets, but is typically frequented by backpackers due to its dorm-like facilities. For an extra dose of luxury, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay treats guests with a wellness spa, three outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court and a spa tub. Located on Momi Bay, wake up to mesmerising ocean or lagoon views from every room as well as options to stay in the enchanting over-water bures. Get a taste of authentic Fiji in Nadi.

Exploring Nadi

Twenty kilometres north of Nadi Airport is the city of Lautoka, which is a major commercial and administrative centre. It is an important seaport and home of Fiji’s Sugar Corporation, the largest sugar mill and the South Pacific’s largest distilleries.

From Nadi you can visit the Momi guns, bunkers and gun emplacements installed to repel a World War II invasion by the Japanese which never eventuated, or take a trip to Mt Victoria, Fiji’s highest peak with three native reserves and breathe the clean, still air which is found only above sea level. There are day cruises to both island and jungle locations and cruise boats will pick you up from Port Denarau Marina and take you down the Nadi River and on to the Mamanucas Islands.

If scuba diving is one of your hobbies, why not join one of the schooners departing from the Denarau Marina at 9.30 am daily. You can choose between one or two-day dive programs. Non-divers are catered for with snorkelling equipment.

Nadi has one of two international standard 18–hole golf courses in Fiji. It lies within easy reach of the town’s hotel belt.