Why Nadi Bay should be your next Fiji destination
| THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay |
Find your sanctuary at the new Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, the South Pacific’s hottest new upscale destination.
Stretching along the sands of Wailoaloa Beach, Nadi Bay has long been one of Viti Levu’s best-kept secrets – a gem that captures Fiji’s relaxed island charm and rich culture. Just 15 minutes from the airport, this tranquil stretch is now a sanctuary for today’s travellers, offering endless possibilities to unwind, gather and be inspired.
Whether you’re seeking the perfect place to relax or eager to explore Fiji’s stunning shores, Nadi Bay is emerging as one of Asia-Pacific’s most alluring destinations. With a blend of artistic ambiance and modern conveniences, it provides a seamless transition between work and leisure, promising an experience as rich in culture as it is in comfort.
Where to Stay
Against this idyllic backdrop, Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa offers an all-encompassing resort haven. With seven pools, 10 dining and entertainment options, ballrooms and an upcoming convention centre to host up to 900 guests, this destination promises convenience without compromising on the finer things.
Wake up to the sound of the ocean lapping the shore at the Crowne Plaza, where 324 comfortable and spacious rooms are set among meticulously landscaped tropical grounds. With a laidback, luxurious design, the premium accommodations include standard, double and king suites, perfect for couples or families. Each room includes practical comforts, like walk-in showers, a nightly turn-down service and a furnished outdoor living area that allows guests to embrace Fiji’s tropical temperatures.
In the south wing, the hotel’s two-bedroom suites are perfect for families looking to unwind, while the ultimate indulgence is the King Junior Suites, which have direct pool access for those who like to cool off from the comfort and privacy of their room.
Where to eat
La Bottega has emerged as Nadi Bay’s most popular dining destination, known for its incredible food and memorable staff (be sure to book ahead). Serving modern Italian cuisine and with a traditional wood fire oven in the restaurant, the menu includes crowd-pleasers like antipasto, handmade gnocchi and pasta, as well as Fiji’s amazing fresh seafood and delicious desserts, including rosemary panna cotta and tiramisu made with Callebaut chocolate.
Harvest offers an introduction to Fijian flavours in a modern, airy space. Popular options include octopus kokoda (a traditional dish of octopus cured in smoked coconut milk) and a variety of Indo-Fijian curries that bring together spices with fresh local ingredients. Harvest also offers lighter options, such as salads and grilled seafood, and is open for breakfast and dinner.
Down by the pool, Azura offers healthy snacks for little kids as well as a comprehensive cocktail list for big kids, accompanied by summer classics including burgers, fish and chips and skewers of chicken, lamb and pork cooked over a burnt coconut shell grill.
If you’re after a quick snack, The Lobby Lounge offers casual bites, while those in need of a proper caffeine hit can pick up a barista-made cappuccino and pastry at Bean Bar Cafe, the resort’s French patisserie (conveniently open from 7am to meet the needs of early risers and those coming from morning sessions at the fitness centre).
What to do
Wailoaloa has always been one of Nadi’s best kept secrets, and Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa has cemented its status as Fiji’s hottest new destination with lots of activities for guests.
The resort has three main pools to cool off in, including options for families and kids, and Breeze swim-up pool bar (the perfect escape when the children have made a break for the Tutuvalu Kids’ Club).
Stop by the fitness centre or indulge in a treatment at Mareqeti Spa. Experience ultimate relaxation with the signature Fijian Bobo massage, inspired by traditional healing practices, or choose from a range of rejuvenating treatments designed to restore balance and serenity.
Make the most of Wailoaloa Beach with activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing and even e-foiling by in-house operators, KaiWai Watersports Fiji. At the Tour Manager’s desk, an immersive range of air, land and ocean experiences await, including heritage expeditions to the scenic Nausori Highlands, ziplining, skydiving, quad biking, snorkelling, waterfall treks and cultural village visits.
After dark
Come nightfall, Wailoaloa Beach is one of Nadi’s hottest dining and nightlife destinations, popular with locals and tourists. The beachside bars have made it the perfect place to watch the sun go down over the ocean.
One of the most popular spots for a sundowner is the Urban Sugar Beach Club, a European-style beach club – the first of its kind in Fiji. Listen to DJs dropping fresh beats, sip on ice-cold cocktails that take the edge off the heat, feast on Jimbaran and Indonesian-inspired cuisine, enjoy fresh seafood and take in the ocean breeze from your private cabana.
For something more sophisticated, try the Latitude Bar and Lounge, which has a tapas-inspired menu with small bites and a buzzing happy hour that kicks off at 9pm. For an even more refined experience, take a seat in the exclusive 17.78 Whiskey Bar, located inside Latitude, which offers a selection of rare whiskeys, as well as several locally distilled boutique drops.
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