Fiji’s Renowned Private Island Resort Provides Affordable Beachfront Accommodations and Unique Cultural Experiences

Who hasn’t dreamed about an epic vacation in the Pacific, staying in an overwater bungalow or exploring the gorgeous Tahiti and its “sister island” Moorea in French Polynesia? You might be thinking, sure, that sounds great, but I’d need to save up a lot of points to afford a hotel in a destination that drop-dead gorgeous. But actually, your ideal Pacific Ocean vacation may be more accessible than you think. 

Located just off the main coast of Fiji, Likuri Island (also known as Robinson Crusoe Island) boasts a private resort where you can find room rates for less than $100 per night. The basic cabins are cozy and quaint, but you still get access to the award-winning facilities, which were recognized in 2023 by the Travel & Hospitality Awards as the best affordable resort in Oceania. Not to mention, basically the whole island is beachfront, and Likuri Island Resort has everything you need to keep you well-fed and active throughout your stay. Here’s what you need to know about getting to this uniquely affordable island and other budget travel tips so you can save the most on a dream trip to Fiji.

After flying into Fiji’s Nadi Airport, you’ll have to travel about 45 minutes south to find the jetty near Natadola beach and take the half-hour ferry that brings you down a river until you reach the ocean and Likuri Island Resort. At the resort, you’ll have unlimited tea and coffee, and can order drinks and food from the bar and restaurant, which is open throughout the day. Food is not included, though, so you’ll have to purchase a full or half board meal plan, which is $56 or $39 per day for adults. The resort also has a pool, kids club, spa, and fun cultural experiences you can only have in Fiji, like kava ceremonies, a traditional local drink, and spectacular fire shows.

The 3-star resort packs incredible value for a private island experience, but in the end, it comes down to service and guest experience. A reviewer on Tripadvisor said, “It’s not a big 5-star resort and that’s what we loved about it. We stayed in a beachfront bure, which was beautiful. Very clean, comfortable bed, gorgeous outlook, and loved the outdoor shower.” The ambiance also stood out to a Google reviewer, who wrote, “Lots of opportunities to socialize with other guests, and the shows and entertainment were amazing. The food was fresh, good range and changed each day.”