Where to Stay in Fiji: The Westin Denarau

Say "hello" to the Westin Denarau Island: the perfect Fiji resort for solo travelers

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When searching for places to stay in Fiji for my first solo trip abroad, the Westin Denarau Island Resort easily placed top on my list.

Why the Westin Denarau Island?

I chose the Westin for 3 reasons:

First, I personally like the nicer things in life (let's just be honest here). Luxury. (raises hand) Yes, please!

Secondly, the Westin + Marriott brand is synonymous with consistent and exceptional world-wide quality.

Third, the Westin Denarau Island is the perfect Fiji resort for solo travelers. In my opinion + speaking from experience.

Now listen, if I was going to partake in my first solo trip abroad as a female traveler, I was going to do it right. No half stepping here. We are going 5-Star!

All. The. Way.

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So let's go!

Arrival

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The Westin Denarau Island Resort is located on Denarau Island, a small private island, just a short taxi ride from the Nadi Airport.

Pro-Tip: Expect for taxi's to run about 47 Fiji dollars. Most taxi's prefer (or only accept) cash, so it's a good idea to convert your currency prior to leaving the airport.

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The drive through the island to the Westin is impressive with golf course views, lush vegetation and beautiful houses concealed by gates. Arriving at the Westin Denarau island is nothing short of spectacular. Which was everything and more I would imagine from a 5-star resort. As I exited the car, I was greeted by the sounds of welcoming drums and smiling faces and greetings of "Bula"(translation: "Hello" or "Welcome" in Fijian). Ok, so where do I begin?! Walking up to the reception area to check-in is grand. The walkway (aka the catwalk and listen, I wouldn't be mad if you walked it such) is surrounded by water on each side. I was personally escorted to the reception area, and I'm pretty sure it was at that moment, I let out a scream of happiness when I realized this was where I'd actually be staying for the next week. OMG! The main lobby is an indoor/outdoor concept with straightaway views to the Westin's infinity pools and ocean. Because my flight arrived several several hours prior to afternoon check-in, I was more than fully prepared to wait a few hours to officially check in. To my surprise, the staff went above and beyond in expediting the check-in process for me. And in the meantime, I was treated to a complimentary oceanside breakfast (details below) while the finishing touches were placed upon my room.

Pool

The resort is equipped with 2 pool areas, 1 large infinity pool with multiple sections adorned with stylish cabanas. And 1 adults-only option located in the Heavenly Spa area for an extra level of kid-free relaxation.

Rooms

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There are quite a few options when it comes to choices of rooms at the Westin Denarau Island Resort. Room layouts range from garden to ocean views, balconies and suites. Although the hotel is kid friendly, just know that adult-only options are available for rooms and the pool. My room was a lovely first floor garden view with a large sliding glass door and a walkout lanai. Opening the glass door and laying in bed was so perfect for breezy days. And lemme tell you, I took full advantage of this architectural design.

Dining

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Dining oceanside each morning at the Ocean Terrace for breakfast wasn't exactly a terrible way to start my day. And the complimentary champagne and warm smiling staff didn't hurt either. As crazy as this may sound, the breakfast here was one of the highlights of my days. Admittedly, I'm not a huge breakfast fan buuuuuuut I'm confident this breakfast buffet will excite even the pickiest of eaters (myself included). There is truly something here for everyone. Choose from made-to-order omelets, assorted pastries, fresh local fruits, assorted breakfast cereals (hot and cold), bacon, sausage and more.Love fresh juice? Perfect! Then don't miss the juicing station where you actually get to hand pick your fruit to be juiced.

Pro-Tip: Breakfast was included in my stay; however, if you have the option to pre-purchase the breakfast buffet for a discount when booking, I would highly recommend doing so. You'll thank me later.

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The resort hosts 4 additional restaurants as well: Zing(Chinese and Indian fusion; personal favorite from the menu: Chicken Tikka and Garlic Naan bread), Kitchen Grill, Westin Bakery(Coffee house) and Coco Palms.

Service

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One word: Exceptional. The staff at the Westin Denarau Island was so incredibly warm, caring, friendly and aimed to please. Even more impressive was their attention to detail and remembrance of my name and small conversational facts about me. Everyone at the Westin Denarau is extremely knowledgable. From the moment I arrived on property to the moment I left and beyond, the staff was amazing.

Pro-Tip: Stay hydrated. In the humid climate of Fiji, thirst was never an issue because complimentary Fiji bottled water always readily available. What's crazy is that Fiji water is a luxury here in the states but in Fiji, it's per usual.

Activities

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Prior to arriving, I had purposely made no plans past booking my stay at the resort. Honestly, my day-to-day life is planned out enough and because of this, I wanted my first solo abroad trip to be as organic as possible when it came to the "what to do's". When I was ready, the Rosie Tour desk was extremely helpful in selecting an excursion. With their help, I settled on an amazing day cruise to a private island (which I would more than HIGHLY recommend).

Spa

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The Heavenly Spa at the Westin is a complete outdoor concept and is the largest in the South Pacific. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to enjoy the spa; however, the staff was very happy to give me a personalized tour. I will say this, the lily pad pond in the spa is truly a hidden gem and it's not to be missed. I was truly mesmerized by its beauty and tranquility. It's one of those things you have to go and see for yourself. You'll thank me later.

Transportation + Getting Around

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One of the benefits of staying at a resort is the fact that you don't have to leave the resort unless you really want to. The Sheraton Fiji Resort, also located on Denarau Island, is a sister property under the Marriott brand. As a guest of the Westin, I had access to the Sheraton and it's facilities. There's even a complimentary shuttle to take you back and forth between properties.

Extras - Know Before You Go

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Stay Connected: The wifi is excellent throughout the resort. Don't worry about missing a thing.

Don't Miss: The sunset over the The Westin's beach. I've seen many sunsets before but none this beautiful with shades of purple, blues and pinks painting the sky over the ocean.

Don't Forget: Make sure to give your Marriott rewards number at check in and after each meal for a discount. Collect those Marriott Bonvoy points!

Final Thoughts: Would I Stay Here Again?

Without hesitation, absolutely!

What I really wanted to say was, "Hell Yes!" But I'm trying to keep it professional.

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I will say this, staying at the Westin Denarau Island in Fiji was a bit of a splurge, but it's so well worth it.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Looking for discounts on hotel rooms? I use Booking.com for the availability and rates.
Ready to stay at an Airbnb? Get started with Airbnb with $40 off your first stay.
Don't forget Travel insurance (it’s not too late even if you are already traveling). I use and love
World Nomads. Using FREE wifi while traveling? Make sure to protect your personal data (passwords, email, credit cards and etc) with a VPN (Virtual Private Network). I use Nord VPN.

Thank You

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading. I'm a frequent traveler and staying at a resort abroad was a great experience. Highly recommended for someone wanting to take their first solo trip overseas.

Feel free to leave comments below with any questions or share your own experience (I'd love to hear). Or just to say "hi", I don't bite (as long as I'm properly fed).

And if you found value in what I shared, share it with a friend, save it, or pin it. I greatly appreciate the love and as always, sharing is caring.

-XOXO (as always)

Melissa D.

Photography & Editing: Yours Truly, Melissa Drake

Disclosure: Keep in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Please know I link these companies because of their quality. I do not recommend any product or service I do not use.