3 Best Hotels in Vanua Levu, Fiji

Somewhere between the Cousteau Resort and the hostels (literally and figuratively) is Daku. Its studio-style ocean-view bure are underwhelming and, along with the rest of the property, across the street from the ocean. However, two self-contained ocean-view villas have air-conditioning and private plunge pools. A decent pool with lounge chairs runs alongside the restaurant, which offers curries and Fijian fare. The resort hosts seven-day workshops ranging from novel writing to singing, and yoga to snorkeling. Fishing, snorkeling, biking, kayaking, and village tours are on offer, and rates include round-trip airport transfer.

Most expats and Fijian businesspeople won't stay anywhere else in Labasa. This old-school hotel has two levels of rooms surrounding a pretty pool and professional, friendly service. Garden views have tile floors, simple bathrooms with walk-in showers, and decent closet space. Deluxe rooms are carpeted and have updated but very small bathrooms, newer furnishings, and views to the pool. Rooms of both types each have a double and single bed. The in-house restaurant, the Colonial Arms, is Labasa's most upscale. The menu includes entrées such as seafood ragout and chicken breast stuffed with apricot and camembert cheese with a Frangelico sauce. The resort is at the end of a parking lot, a block past the train tracks at the eastern end of town, and also offers car rental.

Sunset offers mid-range amenities at budget prices. Three of the rooms have en suites, TVs, and air-conditioning—a steal for a couple that doesn't mind a double bed. There are "family rooms," which lack amenities but have a double and single bed, and double rooms and single rooms, all of which share bathrooms and showers.