4 Best Hotels in Mamanuca and Yasawa Groups, Fiji

"Uncomplicated, unspoilt, unbelievable" is this budget resort's slogan and although the no-frills food and accommodations are quite believable, they get everything else right. A sandy path leads between the resort's small bure—although their size is practically irrelevant given the hammocks and lounge chairs just outside their doors. Dorms, the larger of which are air-conditioned, have bunk beds, no views of the beach, and extremely basic, old bathrooms but, for this island setting, the price is right. The blinding white beach leads right up to a small pool; an activities bure where you can borrow snorkels, Hobie Cats, canoes, and book motorized water sports; and a bar room with a projection screen and pool table. The buffet-style meal plan includes BBQs, roasts, lovos, and curry nights.

A water sports–packed sheltered lagoon nudging 7 km (4 miles) of white-sand beach, loads of activities, and a kids' pool with waterslide keep young families returning to this 23-acre tropical playground. Waterskiing, sailing, banana boat rides, kayaking, snorkeling, and island-hopping keep the waterfront abuzz with bathing-suit clad guests, who can munch on something light from the snack bar or get a caffeine-charge at the sandy-floored Cocohut. With three pools (including one quieter "infinity pool" for the grown-ups), minigolf, 9-hole, tennis, and three places to eat, Mom and Dad will want to pack walkie-talkies along with the suntan lotion. The five room categories are sufficient if not particularly stylish, although the top-end Beachfront Bure are on the gorgeous beach. Deluxe Garden Terraces, while newer and equipped with small living areas, are much farther from the beach than the less-expensive Studio Garden Bure, some of which face the sand while others view it side-on. Two kids under 16 stay free with two parents.

The best in a tight string of hostels sharing the gorgeous beaches of Mana Island is Ratu Kini, the first one to the right as you come off the pier. Young budget-oriented travelers snorkel, dive, fish, play volleyball, and laze in the sand between hearty buffet-style meals in the open-air dining room overlooking the water. Every Thursday there's a lovo (traditional feast cooked in an underground oven) and traditional performance. You can sleep in basic bunk-bed dorms, twin rooms with shared facilities, double rooms, or a family bure, or you can camp. Staying here is a cheap way for social creatures to enjoy one of the Mamanucas' best beaches. Bring enough cash unless you don't mind paying a fee for credit cards.

It's easy to understand why this Fiji icon has been a family favorite for more than three decades. The 66 bures practically ring the 14.5-acre island, each with a beeline right to the marvelous beach. Nightly entertainment such as fire dancing, a "Fancy Hat competition," and karaoke foster the family friendliness while 12-hole minigolf and a freshwater pool are classic child-pleasers. From deep-sea fishing to Hobie Cat-sailing, there's also a full water sports arsenal on hand. Bure, reminiscent of international hotel rooms, are comfortable, each with a queen and single bed and a porch; duplexes are also available. Dining options include a full à la carte menu, with fare such as linguine de mare and aged sirloin beef with béarnaise sauce, in-between three theme nights. A second restaurant specializes in flambé. You can also dine in a "Sunset" bure or by the pool, and banquets are held on the beach.