A Fashion Editor's Report from Fiji: Recommendations for Accommodation, Swimming, and Spa Experiences—Plus Packing Essentials.

      As a fan of Survivor, I had imagined my first trip to Fiji would include Jeff Probst, a CBS film crew, and at least one unnecessary B-roll shot of me staring dramatically into the distance. However, my experience in this South Pacific nation traded bamboo huts for air-conditioned hotel rooms and rice meals for five-star dining. It was a challenging experience, but one I was ready to embrace. (Rest assured, I still captured my thoughtful, Parvati-worthy moments.) After spending six nights exploring Fiji, I gained a profound admiration for the country's natural splendor, stylish resorts, and friendly hospitality. While it’s certainly more than just a filming location for Survivor, Love Island, and Cast Away, Fiji's connections to television and film did bring me a special sense of joy.

      Overview

      Located about 1,100 miles south of the equator, Fiji comprises over 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, bursting with coral reefs, renowned surf spots, rainforests, white sandy beaches, and abundant marine life. That's just scratching the surface. High-end resorts, some featuring overwater bungalows known as bures, attract visitors with excellent dining, luxurious spas, laid-back bars, and vibrant beach clubs. The welcoming nature of the Fijian people means you can enjoy all of this while basking in the warmth of the bula spirit. You’ll often be greeted with “bula,” which means not only hello but also reflects Fiji's joyful, generous, and inviting culture.

      Weather: Fiji enjoys a warm tropical climate throughout the year. The period from November to April is hotter and more humid, while May to October generally offers cooler, drier conditions.

      Getting there: Nadi International Airport (NAN), the busiest in Fiji and the hub for Fiji Airways, connects directly to Nadi from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Honolulu (HNL). No matter which American city you depart from, be ready to cross the International Date Line. I took a late-night flight from Los Angeles on Tuesday, had a restful journey with Fiji Airways, and landed in Nadi on Thursday morning.

      Tip: Nonstop flights from the U.S. usually arrive in Nadi between 5 and 6 a.m., so consider booking your hotel room for the previous night to facilitate immediate check-in.

      Time difference: Fiji does not observe daylight saving time, leading to varying time differences with the U.S. Fiji is 19 hours ahead of Los Angeles during Daylight Saving Time (mid-March to early November) and 20 hours ahead during Standard Time (early November to mid-March). While this might seem a bit strange initially, I found it surprisingly easier to connect with my family in California than when traveling to Europe.

      Where to Stay

      Being the daughter of an enthusiastic surfer, my favorite fact about Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is that it is the nearest mainland resort to Cloudbreak, one of the world’s most renowned surf breaks (and Kelly Slater’s favorite wave). Consequently, the resort has been the official host for numerous World Surf League events, including the 2024 Corona Fiji Pro and the 2025 Lexus WSL Finals Fiji. Thus, don’t be shocked if you spot professional surfers around the resort during south swells.

      Another interesting detail: This resort features the sole overwater bures on Viti Levu, Fiji’s mainland. Each thatched-roof villa (seen above, in the lower row) has a private deck with direct access to the calm lagoon. Floating in this comfortably warm turquoise lagoon was undoubtedly my favorite activity at Momi Bay. Only when my fingers began to prune did I finally decide to swim back to shore.

      Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay offers several fantastic dining options. The Fish Bar, located on the ocean-facing side of the resort, serves freshly caught seafood and offers stunning sunsets perfect for Instagram. I also adored the relaxed atmosphere of Voi Voi Bar (seen in the top right), where we enjoyed beers and took a Fijian cooking class. (Check out the What To Do section below to discover more activities I enjoyed.)

      Here’s an aerial view of the standalone Fijian bures at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, both over the water and along the beach. Additionally, the hotel offers standard rooms in two-story buildings on the eastside of the lagoon.

      The second stop on my luxurious Fijian adventure was the Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island. Accessible solely by boat or helicopter, this island is about 21 miles from Nadi. Our private boat transfer deposited us directly on the sandy beach (shown above, bottom left), and I was instantly eager to dive into the ocean. Excellent snorkeling awaits just off the resort, where you can observe green sea turtles, clownfish, angelfish, and a vibrant array of coral. The coral is so plentiful