Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa

As its name suggests, Hideaway is hidden behind a tall barrier dividing the hotel grounds from the main road. The lobby has red accents and traditional carved artwork, and leads to an unmemorable buffet area, dining room, bar, and outdoor pool -- all of which look worn from years of use. However, all of the units are stand-alone bures that offer privacy, and grounds include green grass, healthy palm trees, and a smattering of hammocks. 

Despite this extra space, many guests are usually found staking their claim by the pool while others may take long beach walks or make use of the free water sports and other daily activities that are posted each day on a wall. Every night there's a drum ceremony for kids, plus happy hour specials at the bar for adults -- though many guests are on all-inclusive packages anyway. Despite the widespread wear and tear, the Hideaway offers a comfortable retreat with plenty of facilities to keep busy. For similar rates though, the nearby Outrigger has more upscale rooms and public spaces.

The Hideaway Resort is located about a two-hour drive south from the airport in Nadi. Travelers have multiple options for transit, including renting a car, taking a shared shuttle service, or arranging transfer with the hotel. There are some restaurants and shops within a short drive of the resort, but many more can be found in the town of Sigatoka -- about 20 minutes away by bus or car. The Kula Eco Park is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, while the InterContinental's well-reviewed golf course is just under an hour's drive away. 

The resort's 116 rooms are located in private bungalows with either one or two units per building, and they all feel spacious -- especially with cathedral-style ceilings and outdoor decks. Most rooms have dated but cheerful decor that consists of tile floors, pale yellow walls with sea life murals, wooden furniture, and tan bedding with Fijian bed runners. Deluxe Beachfront Bures were renovated in 2015 and have more modern neutral-tone furnishings, sleek bathrooms, and outdoor hammocks. All rooms have decks, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, tea- and coffee-making facilities, hairdryers, safes, and Frangipani toiletries. Most bathrooms have indoor and outdoor showers, though some Ocean View Bures only have indoor showers that may be disappointing.

Frangipani Bures and Ocean View Bures each have a queen-size bed and a single bed. Beachfront Villas have a king-size bed and ocean views, plus big closets and bathrooms that make them feel extra spacious; these units are on the far end of the property and offer more privacy. Two Bedroom Bures have one queen-size bed in the first bedroom as well as two single beds in the second room. 

Hideaway has a peaceful setting along the Coral Coast, protected by a barrier to prevent erosion. The white-sand beach doesn't have loungers but guests can swim, snorkel, or use free non-motorized waters sports from the activities center. The beach is best enjoyed at high tide when the shoreline is filled with clear turquoise water; in low tide it becomes a shallow wading pool where large coral clusters reveal themselves (reef shoes are also available). Hideaway also has a dive center and daily activities posted on a large board where guests can sign up for fishing or village excursions. There is a large outdoor lap pool with a separate kiddy section and waterslide that could use a coat of paint. This area is surrounded by green artificial turf and plastic loungers, but despite it being rather unattractive, most guests tend to plant themselves here during the day.

The health and beauty spa has spacious outdoor treatment areas overlooking the ocean, a traditional Fijian sauna, and a sleek modern wing offering a range of indoor treatments. Also available is an indoor gym with a treadmill, exercise bikes, weights, and boxing gear. Near the parking lot is a grass tennis court. The free kids' club organizes activities such as treasure hunts, snorkeling, and fishing lessons, and has a shaded playground area. 

An on-site shop sells beverages, snacks, toiletries, and other necessities. Wi-Fi is free for 30 minutes each day but guests will need to get a new code from reception daily; the signal may not work outside of the lobby.  

All-inclusive packages include buffet meals and alcohol (beer, wine, and spirits from morning until late), as well as discounts at the a la carte restaurant. Guests can also choose to just add the buffet breakfast and dine in the more attractive a la carte dining area for lunch and dinner. Coco Bar offers happy hour specials and there is a fully stocked wine cellar focusing on wines from Australia and New Zealand. The poolside bar sells drinks and bites such as burgers and veggie wraps.