Wyndham Resort Denarau Island

Wyndham Resort is an apartment-style property that attracts primarily families -- some that are repeaters, and many that are timeshare owners. The hotel has several three-story sections of rooms that have been built in three phases; this means some of the rooms have an older, more traditional design, while others are contemporary and fresh. The lobby has modern wicker furnishings with cheerful floral and striped throw pillows, plus lots of wooden accents around reception. The grounds are attractive, consisting of pathways surrounded by tropical foliage. Though the beachfront is quite narrow, it's lined by loungers and has a romantic restaurant. 

There are two pleasant pool areas at the property -- an adult-only pool with a swim-up bar and a large family pool that can get rowdy with kids, particularly due to the adjacent kids' club. Dinnertime is divided between guests who head to the restaurants, while others cook in their units and often eat dinner on the furnished patios. The Wyndham isn't as lively as surrounding resorts on Denarau Island, but it offers plenty to do on-site for a solid value.

Wyndham is located 20 minutes from Nadi International Airport on Fiji's main island of Viti Levu. It sits on the manmade island of Denarau, which is popular for providing an easy airport commute and interconnected access to a series of recognizable Western-style resort names -- the Radisson Blu neighbors the Wyndham. Another convenience of choosing Denarau is having access to the nearby Denarau Golf Club, as well as Port Denarau Marina (five-minute drive), which offers a supermarket, along with more restaurants, bars, and cafes. This is also the spot where ferries depart to outer islands. On-site parking is available for those with cars or local buses make regular loops around the island.

Wyndham has 201 apartment-style units (timeshares) managed by the resort in one-, two-, and three-bedroom sizes. Given that rooms were built in different phases, the design and decor does vary a bit between units, though all are certainly attractive. The older units have pleasant classic wood furniture, white tiling, and Fijian accents, though they're showing a bit of wear and tear. Newer units, on the other hand, have more contemporary wooden floors, modern wood and wicker furnishings, and bright throw pillows and bed runners. Roomy bathrooms have shower/tub combos in older units, and either shower/tub combos or separate tubs and walk-in showers in newer units.  

Regardless of room, all come with well-equipped kitchens featuring full-size refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, stovetops, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and all the necessary cookware. Units also consist of separate bedrooms, and living/dining rooms with pull-down Murphy beds, flat-screen TVs, and washer/dryers. Balconies or patios with tables and chairs tend to be more spacious here than other neighboring resorts. However, few units actually have ocean views since the family pool takes up most of the waterfront, and those overlooking the pool can be noisy. 

For a splurge, the largest and most expensive units are located right along the shore separated from the sand by a grassy lawn. These two units offer more privacy, luxurious decor, and private pools. 

Denarau is a manmade island, so the beach's white sand has been imported. As is the case with other resorts on the island, there's a rocky barrier to protect from erosion, which guests can walk over to get to the water. The beach is narrow but the water here is calm -- excellent for swimming and water sports, plus the resort provides free kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Sun loungers and big cushions under palapas are also available for those that don't want to go in the water. This western vantage point allows for gorgeous sunset views, which occur during the fun torch lighting ceremony (an evening ritual with live music). Also along the beach is a bar and restaurant with several tables and outdoor booths plus stunning views. 

Just behind the waterfront is the large, family-friendly pool with wicker loungers, umbrellas, and several shallow areas suitable for kids. In the main section is a swim-up bar and open-style kitchen surrounded by dining tables. This area can get lively with poolside activities, so adults seeking peace and quiet are better off at the adult-only pool, which is much smaller but also has a swim-up bar.

The main, all-day restaurant, Mamacita, is Mexican-themed and has indoor and outdoor areas, cocktails, and mariachi music. There's also a market in the lobby for stocking fridges with frozen foods, a small section of produce, and alcohol.

The free kids' club is close to the family pool and hosts daily educational activities, an outdoor playground, and sandpit. Also available is a small fitness center, bikes for rent, and a spa for massages. Wi-Fi is available for a fee, and there are desktop Apple computers in the lobby.