Professional surfer Kelly Slater and legendary naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough are among the celebrities who’ve followed their passions to Fiji. Undoubtedly among the most spectacularly beautiful tropical destinations in the world, the South Pacific nation is one of those spots that manage to appeal to surfers, scuba divers, families and honeymooners all at the same time — and with a range of accommodations to suit them, too. They range from ultra-luxurious private island escapes to simple bures (thatched huts) just steps from the sand.

Manta rays © PADI

Most visitors to this archipelago of more than 300 islands and islets known for its friendly people (you’ll hear — and should most definitely reciprocate — a welcoming “Bula!” everywhere you go) stick around the main island of Viti Levu. That’s where you’ll find Fiji’s international airport and the busy nearby resort area of Denarau. But to really feel your shoulders drop, it’s worth targeting Fiji’s third-largest island, Taveuni, less than a 90-minute flight to the northeast from Nadi, for a truly relaxing vacation.

Draped in rainforest and known as the Garden Island, Taveuni is the only Fijian island home to the country’s endemic national flower, tagimoucia — a red and white beauty considered one of the rarest flowers on Earth, which blooms for less than three months a year. In addition to botanists, the island has long been on the radar of scuba divers, too, thanks to its Rainbow Reef, known for the panoply of pink, orange and purple soft corals earning Fiji the moniker “Soft Coral Capital of the World.”

Whales abound in these waters from July to September, when you can perch on your hotel’s oceanfront deck and watch the blows and fluke-slapping of humpbacks on their annual migration through the Somosomo Strait.

Tavolo Falls © COMO Laucala Island

Taveuni’s verdant flanks are coursed through with waterfalls, too, from the three cascades in Bouma National Heritage Park, protecting more than 80 percent of Taveuni’s 50 square miles of rainforest, to the intrepid Waitavala natural rock waterslide. You can attempt to slide down by the seat of your pants, just don’t copy the locals, who make descending while standing look far easier than it is.

Even if you just come to snorkel Taveuni’s shallow coral reefs while soaking up some vitamin D, the island’s warm spirit and away-from-it-all ambience are worth the extra effort to arrive.

© COMO Laucala Island

LODGING
COMO LAUCALA ISLAND
This ultra-luxurious private island resort off Taveuni has just 25 guest residences set atop hills, overlooking lagoons or secreted
away in the jungle. All have private pools and butlers, and some access their own private beach. The all-inclusive rates include babysitting, scuba diving, horseback riding, golf and more.
Laucala Island, Fiji
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PARADISE TAVEUNI RESORT
Divers love this full-service resort offering luxurious oceanfront bungalows with outdoor showers and patios for lounging. There’s an on-site dive shop, and trips to dive or snorkel the Somosomo Strait leave from the private dock. Clownfish, rays and even turtles entertain you at the house reef.
South Taveuni Road, Navaca, Taveuni, Fiji
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© Sau Bay Resort & Spa

SAU BAY RESORT & SPA
Fiji’s first PADI Eco-Center sits in a quiet and private bay on neighboring Vanua Levu. Honeymooners splurge on a stay at the secluded luxury tented treehouse, one of just six guest accommodations. Opt for boat trips to snorkel with mantas or an oceanfront Fijian massage at the lovely spa.
Na Sau Bay, Vanua Levu, Fiji
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DINING
COCONUT GROVE BEACHFRONT RESTAURANT
With a beautiful golden-sand beach stretching below, this delightful restaurant specializes in locally caught fish from surrounding reefs as well as Fijian curries. A candlelit table on the deck with only sinewy palm trees between you and the ocean offers peak tropical dining.

Coconut Grove Beachfront Resort, 9 Matei Road, Matei, Taveuni

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THE SALTY FOX BAR & GRILL
Mid-island on Taveuni’s west coast, this casual spot is an open-air favorite where the tables all overlook the Somosomo Strait. Come for a solid vegetarian selection as well as pizzas, burgers, fish sandwiches and Fijian dishes such as kokoda (a coconut-inflected spin on ceviche).
Taveuni Dive Resort, West Coastal Road, Taveuni, Fiji
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TRAMONTO BY THE SEA
This sunset spot atop a cliff on Taveuni’s northern tip offers outdoor seating and is a favorite for a romantic, Italian-inspired dinner. Order in advance to try island specialties such as coconut crab and lobster.
8445+34H, Matei, Taveuni, Fiji

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© COMO Laucala Island

INFO TO GO
Located on the biggest island, Viti Levu, Fiji’s main international airport, Nadi International Airport, is serviced by several international airlines offering direct service from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong, among other places, as well as from the neighboring South Pacific nations of Tonga and Samoa. The country’s national airline, Fiji Airways, offers daily non-stop flights from Nadi to Taveuni’s Matei Airport via domestic connections with Fiji Link.