Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa – Hotel Review

Shouldering a private beachfront on Denarau Island, recently refurbished Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa delivers true barefoot luxury to its guests, with swaying palm trees and beachside cocktails to boot. Read on for the full review.

With a slew of excellent on-site dining options, separate clubs that cleverly direct families and couples to their own versions of paradise and everything a holidaymaker can think of, from a spa to a hair and nail salon, this is a stop-and-drop resort, with seemingly every desire within strolling distance.

Where is Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa?

Perched on a private beachfront on Denarau Island, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa has an exceptionally remote feel, despite the fact it’s only about a 20-minute drive from Nadi airport.

What’s near Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa?

If you feel like venturing further afield, the glorious Garden of the Sleeping Giant, a nature reserve featuring thousands of native orchids and lush tropical flora, is just 30 minutes’ drive away. For flying fox fun, head to the Sleeping Giant Zipline, an extra 20 minutes up the road from the garden

Room types

Punctuated by subtle bamboo parquetry, cane lamps and sweet mother-of-pearl panelling, recently updated rooms and suites channel a sleek take on traditional Fijian design.If you can, splash for Waitui rooms, which include free access to the Beach Club of the same name, where you can pluck as many refreshments as you like from the constantly roving staff (between 11am and 3pm) or indulge in cocktails from 5pm-6pm. Breakfast, wi-fi and resort activities are included in every room rate.

Restaurants and bars

There’s an abundance of dining options at Sofitel. Couples head to the beach-shack-esque Waitui Bar & Grill (an adults-only eatery) that straddles the sea and serves excellent local seafood. Families flock to Bazaar Kitchen & Bar, where breakfast buffets and dinners of different cuisines are served. There’s also the Mediterranean-influenced Solis Restaurant, which has tables on a terrace overlooking the ocean; the lively Suka Bar, a beach-lounge spot dishing up Fijian-style tapas and in-house infused rum cocktails; and La Parisienne, a relaxed café spruiking expertly made sandwiches and French pastries.

Pool, gym and spa

Swimming spots are plentiful at Sofitel, especially as the resort straddles the ocean. In addition to the central resort pool, there's a wet play area at Nui Beach Club for kids. Want to avoid any cannonball backsplash? The pool that sprawls along the beachside at Waitui Beach Club is adults only. 

The on-site beauty and wellness facilities are impressively extensive, from the soothing spa with treatment 'bures' instead of rooms, as well as a salon for hair and makeup services, including wedding prep for special occasions.  

Travel for work

If you simply have to work while in Fiji, it’s possible. Small circular in-room dining tables are your best bet for remote working but, as free wi-fi is available anywhere at the resort, there’s nothing stopping you from taking your laptop to the seaside Suka and taking a few meetings there (video off, naturally). For things on a bigger scale, the on-site Grand Ballroom caters for up to 550 seated guests.

What you need to know

Couples take note: although known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Sofitel offers plenty of privacy thanks to the adults-only side of the resort, with rooms bookable in that area.  

SEE ALSO: 17 of the Best Family-Friendly Resorts in Fiji