The Warwick Fiji

The resort gains points for attractiveness on arrival with its sloping manicured entrance boasting a variety of healthy palms and greenery. The spacious lobby has some signs of age, but still impresses with weathered stone pillars, long overflowing plants leading to the lower level, and dark leather furnishings. Chic tropical decor adorns the main cocktail terrace -- a prime vantage point where one can take in a stunning view of the grounds filled with bright fuchsia bougainvillea next to the sand and turquoise sea. One side of the resort holds the water activities and the family-friendly pool, while the other features a spa with couples' treatment rooms and an adult-only pool -- this section is naturally more peaceful, and has pairs of sun loungers under palapas.

Each day a newsletter is delivered to rooms that outlines activities and evening entertainment such as crab racing, live music, and fire dancing shows. This is particularly popular with families, while couples frequent the Hibiscus Lounge for post-dinner drinks and dancing. Each night at Bula Brasserie (the main restaurant), staff will sing a farewell song to guests departing the next day with a round of hugs and handshakes; on Sundays, a local church choir performs for guests. While these touches are common in Fiji, they are not always common with international brands, making Warwick’s hospitality stand out from other upscale Coral Coast resorts -- for instance, the InterContinental -- that can sometimes feel impersonal.

The Warwick Fiji is located on the main island of Viti Levu, about a two-hour drive south from the international airport in Nadi. Guests can rent a car or hail a taxi from the airport, or arrange private or group transfer with the hotel in advance. This area of Fiji is a bit rainier compared to the sunshine coast near Rakiraki, so it's possible to have daily excursions canceled due to weather. Still, the resort sits on a gorgeous stretch of beach and there are some shops and restaurants within a short driving distance. Several more dining and shopping options, as well as Kula Eco Park and golf courses, can be found around the town of Sigatoka -- about 30 minutes away by bus or car.

Warwick's 250 rooms are spread out in three-story buildings amongst two wings -- one with an adult-only section for couples looking for a more peaceful setting. The rooms are attractive and cheerful but not quite elegant, featuring either tile or hardwood floors, traditional dark wood furnishings -- some with wicker accents -- white linens, bright orange accents, and tropical paintings. All rooms have furnished outdoor spaces, though patios on the lower level are larger than the balconies on the upper floors. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, tea and French press coffee. Some bathrooms have glass walk-in showers while others have shower/tub combos, but all provide free toiletries and hairdryers.

Standard rooms have either two double beds or one queen-size bed and a single bed; their views vary between that of a spacious lawn leading to the tennis courts (Garden-View) or the Pacific Ocean (Ocean-View). For more upscale digs, Deluxe Rooms come with king-size beds, while Deluxe Suites have separate lounge areas and bathrooms with double vanity sinks. Both room types also add two styles of bathrobes -- one heavier and one lighter. Top-tier guests gain access to the Executive Warwick Lounge, which provides free afternoon tea and pre-dinner cocktails.

The resort boasts a prime beach setting with beige sand against a calm turquoise lagoon that's suitable for swimming. Unlike other neighboring resorts, reef shoes are not necessary except at low tide when the water can be too shallow for water sports and swimming. Spread out along the beach are green-cushioned loungers and palapas. Anchored in the lagoon are two swimming platforms; guests can help themselves to bright orange kayaks, snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, and other water sports for no charge but with time limitations. A packed schedule of free daily activities for both adults and kids occurs, plus some for a fee such as fire walking and village visits.

The large family-friendly outdoor pool has music playing, aqua classes, a volleyball net, and swim-up bar. It has a shallow section for kids, as well as a hot tub. On the other end of the property is a smaller and quieter adult-only pool. Both have views of the adjacent ocean, though they're partially blocked by palms. The Warwick Spa, which faces the lagoon, offers several treatments such as couples' massages, salt and milk baths, and scrubs, using Pure Fiji and Organic Pevonia Botanica products.

Though it has loud carpeting, the spacious fitness center has floor-to-ceiling windows and modern equipment. The attached activities center includes flood-lit tennis courts, pool tables, air hockey, table tennis, squash courts, bikes (for rent), and the kids' club. The kids' club is free for ages 3 to 12 years old and stays open late to allow parents to have a night to themselves. Babysitting services are also available for a fee.

The resort offers free Wi-Fi for one device at a time or there is an upgraded plan for a fee. Meeting and event spaces are available, as well as wedding services.

The resort's all-day restaurant, Bula Brasserie serves a generous breakfast buffet and a mix of Fijian, Mediterranean, Tex-Mex, Asian, Indian, and barbecue cuisine for lunch and dinner. Guests who want to save money on dining can purchase meal plans in advance -- a popular option for those with kids, especially. For premium seafood and steaks, Wicked Walu -- widely considered one of the better restaurants in Fiji -- is located at the end of a jetty on its own tiny island with a walking path that wraps around the edge for beautiful 360-degree views. The restaurant is open for dinner only, and guests can reserve a table on the patio where marine life swim around the perimeter.

Near the pool and overlooking the ocean is the casual outdoor eatery Lagoon Bar and Grille, which only serves an a la carte lunch menu of salads, sandwiches, burgers, and bento boxes. Open for lunch and dinner is Pappagallo, which serves traditional Italian food in a sleek and contemporary space. Behind Bula Brasserie is the enclosed Japanese restaurant offering sushi, sashimi, and ramen dishes for dinner; a Teppanyaki table can be reserved to watch chefs in action.

Warwick has several bars offering international beer and wine, signature cocktails, and fresh juices. In front of the lobby is the Sunset Bar with sophisticated lounge decor and gorgeous views of the resort -- this is where many guests have pre-dinner cocktails. For post-dinner cocktails, the upscale (and enclosed) Hibiscus Lounge has a live acoustic band every night of the week from morning until late. During the day, most imbibe at the family pool's bar with swim-up service or the small bar at the adult-only pool. Upgraded guests have access to the Executive Lounge for free evening cocktails.