"Airy villas and bures very handy for Nadi airport"
Taking its name from a local legend, which claims that this is the spot where the first Polynesian settlers came ashore more than 3,500 years ago, First Landing should tempt newer arrivals to stay a while, too.
For the modern traveller, the obvious appeal of this small resort lies in its location: on a white sandy beach where you can be stretched out just 15 minutes after leaving the international airport on Fiji’s main island.
A total of 32 thatched timber-framed bures (cottages), all facing west towards the sunset, curve in short rows round the lush and well-maintained gardens. Each has ceilings fans and air-conditioning, a generously sized screened verandah, well-stocked fridge, a decent coffee-making machine and a telephone – but, quite deliberately, no television. The 18 beachfront spa bures also have spa baths with an ocean view, while the garden bures (10 deluxe, 4 superior) are – as the name suggests – set in a pretty landscaped area close to the beach.
Families, honeymooners and the congenitally shy may prefer the space and privacy of one of the villas, each with its own private pool and courtyard, and cooking facilities. The two-bedroom beach villa, Villa Nalamu, is glorious, or there are three airy two-bedroom villas in the gardens.
The west-facing rustic bar has a good selection of ‘Cocktails in Paradise’, the perfect accompaniment to watching the sun sink into the Pacific. From here, it’s a short hop to the restaurant, with tables on shady timber decks or fanning down towards the beach. It has a well-deserved reputation for the quality of its seafood, especially lobster, though they also do simpler food such as pizzas. The excellent cooking is enhanced by the atmosphere created by flaming torches, live local music, friendly service and the soft sound of the waves – not to mention the good choice of mainly Australian wines..
During the day, if you can drag yourself away from the saltwater swimming pool or the inviting hammocks by the beach, the resort also has a small spa and a PADI dive centre.
Star rating:
Address: Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji
View rooms Address: Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji
Rates from:
FJD 285.00
Check Availability
Eating in
A wide range of local and international dishes with a strong focus on seafood. A sumptuous buffet breakfast takes place each day and you have the opportunity of dinner by the pool under palm trees.
