Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

Outrigger has a modest entrance, but the sprawling 40-acre property -- meant to resemble a Fijian village -- is considerably more appealing once inside. Firstly, there are the striking cathedral-style entryway and stone mosaic floor shaped like a flower, along with a trio of musicians playing for new arrivals. Then from the lobby, travelers have a birds-eye view of the sloping grounds with lush gardens, lily ponds, rocky streams, and meandering brick paths accessing the ample facilities. Rooms with balconies (some ocean-facing) and bungalows with authentic thatched roofs dot the landscape. One of the most breathtaking vantage points is from the luxury spa high up in the hills, complete with a cocktail lounge and glass-enclosed event space used for weddings. 

The Outrigger brand is recognized for their in-house training program, so it's unsurprising that staff come by rooms every afternoon to offer a beer or glass of champagne and canape, later followed by turndown service with a sweet treat. These classy touches combined with a low-key vibe (pools, for instance, stay open late) attracts a mix of boisterous groups, romancing couples, and families.

From Nadi airport, guests can choose to rent a car and drive two hours south, take a shared shuttle service that connects to resorts on this part of the coast, or ask the hotel to arrange a private driver in advance. On-demand taxis are also available at the airport. Outrigger has a few stores selling snacks, essentials, and souvenirs, and there are more shops and restaurants along the strip close to the resort. In the town of Sigatoka, guests can access golf courses, snorkeling and dive spots, as well as local markets and shops -- located about a 10-minute drive away. Kula Eco Park is a 9-minute walk or 3-minute drive away. There's free parking at the hotel.

The resort has 254 elegant rooms outfitted in understated modern decor with a neutral-tone color scheme that includes beige tile floors, dark wood-accented ceilings, wood furnishings, and Fijian wall hangings. Rooms and suites are located in three- or four-story buildings, while individual bungalows (bures) are scattered around the grounds and along the beachfront. All units are equipped with furnished balconies or patios, flat-screen TVs with cable, coffee- and tea-making facilities, bathrobes, slippers, safes, hairdryers, and minibars, in addition to bathrooms with shower/tub combos and Tapa Spa bath products. Furnishings in general are starting to show some wear and tear.  

The basic category is Superior Resort View and from here moves up to Deluxe and Ocean Breeze. One-Bedroom Suites have separate living rooms with wet bars and pullout sofas. Plantation Bungalows are separated by pretty brick walkways and gardens and have authentic touches such as traditional wood ceilings (thatched roofs on the outside), though some only have showers. Stand-alone Beachfront Bungalows are arguably the most romantic for couples, featuring gorgeous detailed ceilings and outside areas -- many with hammocks. 

Outrigger's beach has fine beige-white sand, but it can be rocky in places due to the coral. Since the beachfront can be quite narrow during high tide, a handful of shaded palapas are placed on the adjacent lawn. The changing tides affect swimming conditions, but typically the water is calm and knee-deep in places, making it ideal for using kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel gear (all free to borrow). There is a PADI dive center on-site and they offer free private transfers to dive sites.

The main swimming pool has several depth levels for guests of all ages, plus plenty of loungers and umbrellas. There are also daily activities held here. A smaller adult-only pool with sleek cushioned loungers and a swim-up bar is also available. Next to here is a spacious fitness center with natural light and modern equipment, and two tennis courts are nearby. The luxury spa is located up in the hills and has eight treatment rooms with private open-air balconies featuring beautiful ocean views. All balconies have unique showers and four provide hydrotherapy tubs. Signature treatments use indigenous ingredients with spa products from Pevonia Botanica. 

A schedule of free activities is posted daily on chalkboards with options such as sarong painting, basketball, volleyball, aqua aerobics, and school and shopping trips. Some evening activities cost a fee. The kids' club is free for those ages 3 to 12 and includes daytime and nighttime options, while a teens' club is available for a charge. Parents can also pay for the resort's "meimei" service for one-on-one babysitting. 

Below the lobby are a few shops for clothing, souvenirs, and general supplies. There's a fee for Wi-Fi. 

The resort's all-day restaurant, Vale Ni Kana, is located near the family pool and offers an extensive buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch, and weekly themed dinners with live entertainment; every Tuesday guests can also participate in a traditional barbecue and fire walking. Next to the beach is the Sundowner Bar & Grill with seafood entrees, steaks, and wood-fired pizza for lunch and dinner; it has an outdoor deck that's low-lit and romantic at night. Baravi Restaurant is the open-air Asian eatery featuring dishes from India, Thailand, Singapore, and China for lunch and dinner. Guests can order lunch poolside from here or from a separate pool menu with more casual sandwiches. The open-air sports bar has flat-screen TVs and is a lively spot for before and after dinner drinks. Located in the lobby is a a cafe selling take-away sandwiches, pastries, and coffee, plus guests can access Wi-Fi here and grab a daily newspaper. 

Ivi Restaurant is a fine-dining option for adults (ages 13 and above) -- situated next to a 100-year-old Ivi tree --  serving Pacific Continental cuisine with a dress code. Adults also can order lunch at the adult-only pool inside a covered lounge with daybeds and lounge music. Kalokalo Stars Bar is perched above the resort next to the spa serving tapas, oysters, and cocktails until early evening. Adults can head to the chic lounge next to Vale Ni Kana for cocktails and late-night entertainment. The resort offers 24/7 room service.