36 Best Hotels in Viti Levu, Fiji

"Smugglers" captures the twenty- to fortysomething set with American hotel-style amenities, a large dorm, and a host of facilities. Rooms are clean and sensible, though don't expect a view worth mentioning unless it's from an "Oceanfront Suite." A family suite on the top floor sleeps five and has a full kitchen. A girls-only dorm, a small private dorm, and an extremely tight 34-bed dorm rounds out the sleeping options. The restaurant draws guests from neighboring hotels with its eclectic selection of mostly American and Asian standards; there's a cheaper bar menu. Kayaks and volleyball are available on the hammock-dotted beach, which borders Aquarius Fiji's. Nightowls should be warned that the bar closes at 11.

From its cavernous lobby to its massive lagoon-style pool, the Sofitel does things big. Standard rooms, while not to the same scale, are well-appointed with a king or two queen beds and particularly stylish bathrooms. Studio suites have Jacuzzis on their balconies and walk-in closets while ultra-exclusive executive and presidential suites also have living areas, refrigerators, and microwaves; presidentials also have a dining area. The Zen-like Elemis spa includes seven bure with dual treatment tables, a steam room, and spa bath, and specializes in hot stone and four-hand massages. Among the dining options, the buffet-style Lagoon restaurant's seafood nights are renowned throughout the island and the V Restaurant is a serious gastronomic affair.

This striking nine-story hotel with a compact marble lobby caters to the business traveler, from its brisk service to snappy same-day laundry and 24-hour room services. While on the small side and lacking in decor, rooms are neat and comfortable with queen-size beds. Deluxe rooms include free Fiji water and are on the eighth floor; you can command much the same fantastic view over Suva if you can snag a standard room on the seventh. The restaurant's eclectic menu changes monthly to appeal to long-stay corporate guests.

Lautoka's best hotel, part of a New Zealand–based chain, has a wing with modern dark-wood furnishings and LCD wall-mounted TVs. While the bathrooms could be larger, they feature stylish bowl sinks on marble countertops and glass-atrium showers. Most rooms in the new wing face the well-lighted pool area; those on the second floor also have good views of the harbor across the street. All guest rooms open out onto their own balcony or self-contained patio. Popular with expats and businesspeople, it's common to hear three or four languages while you're enjoying a cocktail at the aptly named Sunset Bar or digging into the international fare at Fins Restaurant, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A boutique hotel fashioned after a New Zealand good ol' boys club, Wellesley has style, luxury, and its crest imprinted on items from bathrobes to the lavish bedspreads. The European-style villas are spacious and comfortable with king-size beds; Premiums are a bit larger, with TVs and a two-seat table in the living area. When you aren't lounging by the pool, on the beach, or choosing a meal from the eclectic, reasonably priced menu, you might horseback-ride or go on a Pacific Harbour–based tour.

Mood-lighting, dark wood-furnished rooms, and the island's best spa give this resort a sexy if somewhat incongruous feel. The vaguely Asian-inspired lobby leads straight through to a large, comfortable lounge before opening up to a highly styled, bilevel pool area. Rooms are equally fashionable with views from their bowl sink area through to the Westin's incredibly comfortable beds; deluxe rooms have dual sinks and Bose stereos. Tropical Gardenview rooms are in a wing away from the main building, which some guests prefer. Also set apart is the gorgeous spa with its individual treatment thatched-roof bure beside a hot tub spilling into a beautiful lap pool, and a small but well-equipped gym.