The Pearl Resort

The Pearl first opened in the late '70s and was simply landscaped until wealthy Papua New Guinea owners took over and decided to expand the property. The 2015 renovations brought an ultra-modern wing that holds the majority of rooms, along with a lobby and restaurant. The pricey redevelopment -- which included the posh restaurant Seduce -- featuring lucite chairs and velvet booths -- have become a status symbol for the entire town and bring in many Fijian political events, fundraisers, and galas.
The gorgeous grounds are sprinkled with hammocks, Buddhist statues, and lots of palms. The newer lobby has an airy and minimalist aesthetic thanks to high ceilings, white walls, and pops of color in bright orange floor lamps and blue vases. Meanwhile, the original wing next door should not be forgotten, as it holds more restaurants, bars, and common areas with chic couches and daybeds. The hotel attracts scuba divers, as well as wedding groups, business travelers, and day-trippers, creating a buzzing resort vibe, though areas such as the sandy beach and long natural pier offer quiet retreats. The Pearl is typically a stopover for a few nights before or after heading to more rugged and remote Beqa Island, and boats conveniently depart right from the Pearl's dock.

Travelers can choose to rent a car after arriving at Nadi International Airport and drive two and a half hours south to The Pearl Resort, where there's free parking. Alternatively, there is a shared airport 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. On-demand taxis are also available at the airport.
Though this area of Viti Levu is a bit rainier compared to the sunshine coast near Rakiraki, this also means more tropical foliage and greenery. The Coral Coast is said to be the birthplace of Fiji tourism, and the 50-mile stretch of white-sand beaches along the Ocean Road between Nadi and Suva offers a chance to see the real Fiji, passing many villages along the way. Guests can easily access Kula Eco Park, golf courses (one that is part of the resort), snorkeling and dive spots, as well as local markets and shops in Pacific Harbour and Suva (an hour's drive away). The town's Arts Village & Cultural Center -- with local cafes, handcrafted souvenirs, and a grocery store -- is a 15-minute walk away.

There are two separate three-story buildings that make up the hotel; the original wing was built in the '70s and last refurbished in 2006, while the newer section was completed in 2015 and contains 132 of the 210 rooms. The older rooms are pleasant enough but plant-motif linens on the bed are in need of an update, and wear and tear is visible in places. These units have balconies or patios with garden or water views, plus bathrooms with walk-in showers. Also available are six romantic signature suites with themes such as Oriental and French Provincial. They are located on the second floor and have separate living areas, walk-in showers, jetted tubs, and bathrobes. Each has two balconies facing the water (one for each room), but they'e unfurnished.
The newer Premium Ocean View Rooms have cheerful and upscale tropical decor consisting of light wood floors, white or dark wooden furniture, and beds with teal bed runners and olive-green throw pillows. Rooms have furnished balconies or patios facing the ocean or river (or both), as well as open-style bathrooms with enclosed toilets and glass walk-in showers. Rooms across the board have air-conditioning, mini-fridges, instant coffee and tea, flat-screen televisions with satellite channels, 24-hour room service, and Pure Fiji bath products. Parents can request in-room childcare, cribs or infant beds. Wi-Fi is available for a fee.

The Pearl is located on a private and peaceful beige-sand beach, though it lacks sun loungers and umbrellas. The adjacent lawn does have a few loungers and tables with chairs. The outdoor pool is next to the beach where guests can sunbathe on blue cushioned chairs, or on nearby hammocks. A lovely spot next to the river is a natural jetty that's particularly pleasant during sunset. Kayaks are free for guests and can be used in either the river or the ocean, plus there are free snorkel gear and beach volleyball. There's also a PADI dive center, and divers flock to this location from all over the world to take advantage of Beqa Lagoon for what's considered the best uncaged shark diving in the world.
Also available is a modern full-service spa with singles or couples treatment rooms. Next door is a fitness center with windows overlooking a scenic pond. A quick drive from the hotel is an 18-hole championship golf course, which is said to be one of the best courses in Fiji.
Events are common around the hotel -- especially destination wedding groups from Australia and New Zealand. Business meetings can take place in the conference areas, and there's a business center with desktop computers and a printer. Wi-Fi will cost a daily fee after the first half hour of use.

There are four restaurants at The Pearl, including the hip Seduce along the waterfront. The Riviera Restaurant and Bar serves the free buffet breakfast, as well as themed buffet dinners. The Deli serves quick items during the day, such as salads, sandwiches, and coffee. The Pacific Bar and Grill has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the golf course. Guests also have access to the pool's swim-up bar and snack hut serving wood-fired pizza. 24-hour room service is also available. Note that on-site dining is much pricier than other local spots.