Aquarius On The Beach

The beige two-story property can be spotted from the road by its blue and white billboard. Guests enter through an open gate and pass a tour desk and gift shop to reach the small reception area. Despite showing some age, the hotel feels clean, and staff provide a friendly welcome, offering to arrange departure transportation and carry luggage to the room. The lobby area has brick flooring and floral-pattern chairs, a foosball table, and an ice cream freezer; the restaurant and bar is attached. It feels more modern by the outdoor pool, which is next to hammocks strung between palms, a volleyball net, and a wide beach. The surrounding properties are mostly hostels attracting younger crowds that can get rowdy at night. 

Aquarius seems to attract an older crowd, who are either here to get their bearings upon arriving to Nadi or have a flight the next day. Not many choose to use the restaurant or bar on the property, so those looking for a peaceful atmosphere will find one here. Rates are reasonable and the fact that the hotel serves a sit-down breakfast (eggs made to order alongside toast and coffee) is a nice touch, considering limited breakfast options in the area. 

Aquarius On The Beach is located in Nadi on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, the largest of 330 islands in Fiji. Since the biggest airport in the country is based here, Nadi is the transit point for nearly all destinations in Fiji. The Wailaoloa Beach area is a good pick for budget types looking for easy access to the airport, while also wanting a bit of a beach backpacker vibe. This hotel is a 15-minute drive from the airport; it provides free pickup but not drop-off.

There's free street parking for those with a car. There's a large convenience store a few blocks away, and a handful of restaurants and bars in the nearby vicinity. The front desk can call for taxi transportation to the airport or shuttle service to the ferries. It takes about 20 minutes to get to Port Denarau. 

Aquarius has 22 rooms across two floors with stair access. Decor is basic, albeit clean, and includes tile floors, white linens, and tropical accents that include frangipani wall hangings. All rooms come with mini-fridges, instant coffee and tea, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs with limited channels. Bathrooms tend to show age, particularly those with colorful flower shower curtains that look like they're for kids. Still, they have hairdryers, bar soap, conditioning shampoo, and walk-in showers. 

Ocean View Rooms are the top-tier category, featuring spacious balconies overlooking the bay -- though note that neighboring guests can see through the partitions. Standard and Deluxe Rooms lack the views, but they're lower in price and have furnished balconies that may face the entrance and road. There are also Budget Double Rooms without a balcony, and two dormitory rooms with bunk beds and shared bathroom facilities. 

The hotel's main feature is its setting on Wailoaloa Beach. Despite the beach having darker sand and murkier water than others in Fiji, the water is calm and safe for swimming. Aquarius also has a small outdoor pool and terrace with tables and chairs, a few plastic loungers, and hammocks facing the water. There's also a volleyball net on the beach and guests can borrow kayaks. Occasionally there are beach vendors selling horseback riding sessions or excursions to nearby island. 

The restaurant and bar serves a free breakfast with three hot options, as well as a la carte items for lunch and dinner; dishes combine Fijian cuisine and Western fare. Some nights there is entertainment, such as live music or fire shows, but it primarily stays quiet; the resort’s neighboring hotels, Travelers and Smugglers, can be reached by beach for nightly entertainment and reliable free Wi-Fi. There's free Wi-Fi here, but it's very spotty.

There's a small convenience store on-site for snacks, toiletries, and electrical items such as outlet converters.