Travellers Beach Resort

Part of a strip of budget-friendly hotels along Wailoaloa Beach, Travellers Beach Resort sits at the end closest to the airport. It is said to be the oldest property on Nadi Bay, and the hotel has great views of the sea and the Sleeping Giant range (though mountain views are slightly hindered by a property next door.) A chalkboard sign points newbies towards the outdoor reception area, next to the activities desk and ping-pong table. Around the corner is a covered walkway lined with hammocks that leads to the scuba center, the restaurant counter, and finally the deck, pool, and beach. 

There's typically a buzz of activity from the steady stream of young travelers, most who are in transit to other destinations. Almost everyone heads to the bar during sunset, when stand-up paddleboarders, sailboats, and seaplanes dot the landscape. At dusk, there are twinkling lights and either acoustic music, fire dancing, or traditional kava ceremonies for those who want to participate. For those who want less of an active scene, it may be worth checking out Travellers' sister property down the beach, Tropic of Capricorn, which has a slightly more grown-up feel.

Nadi (pronounced Nandi) is on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, the largest of 330 islands in Fiji. Since the biggest international airport is based here, Nadi is the transit point for nearly all destinations in Fiji. Wailoaloa Beach is a good pick for budget travelers looking for easy access to the airport. Since many of the hotels on this half-mile strip offer both private rooms and dorms, the area attracts primarily backpackers.

There's free street parking for guests with cars, but it's easy to get around without one. Hotels next door sell basic essentials (Smugglers also has coin-operated laundry machines), or there's a larger convenience store for snacks, water, and beer a few blocks away. The front desk will arrange airport pickups for free; drop-offs, however, will require a 10-minute taxi ride.

Private Rooms (Garden View, Ocean View, Superior, or Beachfront) are spread between two buildings; the building in the rear is quieter, but doesn't have much of a view, while the other has easier beach access, but is more susceptible to noise. 

Private Rooms have tile floors, wood furnishings, and small bathrooms with walk-in showers and basic toiletries. Decor is simple, featuring white linens and Fijian textiles in brown and black, and some with colorful handmade curtains. Guests can choose between rooms with ceiling fans or air-conditioning. The Superior Rooms are more spacious, and include mini-fridges and larger bathroom counters. All rooms require key card access. 

Inexpensive dorm rooms have clean single beds, private lockers, shared bathrooms, and either AC or ceiling fans. 

The hotel is set along a stretch of beach with calm water. Though the water isn't very blue near the shore due to the darker sand, but it's perfectly safe for swimming and water sports. For another swimming option, there's a small pool with plastic loungers that's often busy. The adjacent bar offers happy hour specials every night and there are numerous tables. Food from Cafe Bamboo can be ordered at a counter and brought to the table for all three meals; dishes mostly include Western-style food, plus a few Asian and Fijian options. A handful of other restaurants are within walking distance. At night, there is some form of activity, such as live music or kava ceremonies; sporting events and movies can also be watched in the indoor lounge area.

An activities desk is available for scheduling day trips, or checking the free daily activities, such as volleyball matches, arts and crafts, language lessons, and Fijian cooking class. A PADI dive shop is based here, which is one of only two centers on this beach. An ATM machine, outdoor massage table, ping-pong, and billiards are also available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.