InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

InterContinental was the first major resort along the Coral Coast, occupying an expansive plot of land that includes an 18-hole golf course. The contemporary lobby is surrounded with greenery and fuchsia plants that help brighten up a dark gray facade made of wood and stone -- a common design scheme throughout the property. At reception -- which overlooks the ocean -- attendants offer guests a cool towel and bottle of water and then take new arrivals to their room via golf carts, showing them key areas along the way.

Most of the daytime activity centers around the family pool, though couples tend to retreat to the adult-only infinity pool. In the evenings, Kama Lounge has a large outdoor terrace with sunset views, attracting a happy hour crowd who come for live Fijian music and drink specials. Also at night is a torch lighting ceremony involving the kids. The resort doesn't have as much local culture as other Fiji properties, but for travelers willing to trade Fijian authenticity for modern luxury, the InterContinental is a top pick.

The InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is about an hour's drive from Nadi airport. Guests can choose to rent a car or secure a taxi from the airport, take a shared shuttle service that connects to all the resorts on this part of the coast, or ask the hotel to arrange pick-up with a group or a private driver in advance. Free valet service is provided once at the property. 

The resort is located in Natadola Bay on the Coral Coast -- a 50-mile stretch of white-sand beaches along the Ocean Road between Nadi and Suva with many villages along the way. Travelers can access Kula Eco Park, snorkeling and dive spots, as well as local markets, restaurants, and shops in the town of Sigatoka about a 30-minutes drive away.

The resort has 266 contemporary rooms outfitted in wooden furnishings, tile floors, white sumptuous bed linens, woven chairs, and large wall hangings. Most unique are the sliding glass doors that lead to furnished balconies or patios that have daybeds and outdoor bathtubs; these also have heavy curtains to make them completely private. All rooms come equipped with bathrobes, slippers, two closets, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, Bose sound systems, and Bluetooth technology. Minibars, free bottles of Fiji water, safes, and hairdryers are also standard amenities. Spacious bathrooms have double vanity sinks, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and Pure Fiji bath products. 

Garden View rooms are the bottom category, while Pool View rooms overlook the main pool but can get noisy during the day. Beachfront Rooms have direct ocean views and Suites have additional indoor living space. The 50 club suites sit on a hilltop and feature separate living and dining areas, and outdoor space, plus many have private plunge pools. Club guests also have 24-hour butlers and access to the lounge for breakfast, afternoon tea, and sunset cocktails and canapes. Wi-Fi is free for club guests, but others can expect to pay a fee. 

The resort has a scenic beachfront with a long stretch of white sand and turquoise sea, though it can have sharp coral bits -- guests should be careful when walking barefoot and kids might want to wear reef shoes. Snorkel spots can be discovered close to shore, and equipment -- along with stand-up paddleboards and kayaks -- can be rented for a fee from the water sports center (unlike most resorts in Fiji that loan them for free). The resort features three swimming pools with plenty of cushioned lounge chairs and drink service. The adult-only infinity pool (16 and up) overlooks the beach, while the family pool has several sections -- some suitable for toddlers -- and offers regular activities and games. Another infinity pool is available for club level guests; children and teens must be accompanied by an adult.  

The resort operates a full-service spa combining Asian, Eastern, and Western treatments. In the same area is a 24-hour fitness center with free weights and cardio equipment. Free outdoor yoga is also offered several mornings each week.

Those interested in scuba diving can schedule trips with Reef Safari. They have a separate training pool for beginners, and there are 15 dive sites within a five-minute boat ride from the resort. Other recreational activities available at the hotel include cricket, walking trails, a putting green, volleyball, bocce ball, croquet, and an excellent 18-hole championship golf course with views of the ocean from most holes. 

Near the entrance of the resort is Sansana, InterContinental's all-day international restaurant. It offers a buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch, and buffet dinner with changing themes -- most spreads include a raw bar with seafood, as well as European, Fijian, and Asian options. Conveniently located between the family pool and adult-only pool is Toba Bar & Grill with an open kitchen and wood-fired grill for pizzas, steaks, sandwiches, and seafood (lunch and dinner). Guests can order cocktails straight from this bar, or from servers who make their rounds by the pools. For a splurge, Navo is the formal fine-dining restaurant with a glass show kitchen and extensive wine list. More options include Vatu Lo Bar & Restaurant for breakfast and lunch overlooking the golf course, as well as the actual golf course clubhouse for beverages and light snacks. 

Kama Lounge is underneath the reception area with indoor and outdoor areas facing the ocean; it has the best sunset views, as well as live music, light dishes, and happy hour specials. This is also where the torch lighting ceremony occurs.