Naviti Resort

Naviti Resort sits on a whopping 38 acres, filled with manicured grounds and tall palms. The resort opened in 1988 and original aspects of the design include the gorgeous open-air reception area covered from head to toe in polished dark wood. Newcomers receive a welcome drink and then access their rooms via long covered outdoor walkways. Since all the rooms are in either two-story buildings or separate villas spread out along the waterfront, guests can expect to walk a lot during their stay.

Along the peaceful waterfront are grassy areas with cushioned lounge chairs, while the outdoor pool and its swim-up bar provide a more lively atmosphere. Many guests choose the all-inclusive package and meals are served at the buffet restaurant -- bustling especially at night with live entertainment. Alternatively, at the rear of the resort are two more a la carte restaurants -- far out of earshot from the main eatery. In general, the resort has an animated vibe that's best suited to families over romance-seeking couples.  

Naviti -- like nearby sister property Warwick -- is accessible by car from the main airport in Nadi. It's located two hours south of the airport and guests can either rent a car, take a shuttle or taxi, or arrange a transfer with the hotel in advance. Naviti sits along the water on Fiji's Coral Coast -- a 50-mile stretch of white-sand beaches between Nadi and Suva with many villages along the way. Guests can access Kula Eco Park, more challenging golf courses, snorkeling and dive spots, as well as local markets and shops in the town of Sigatoka -- about 30 minutes away by bus or car. Other restaurant and shops can be found in Pacific Harbour, located an hour's drive east of the hotel. The hotel provides day trips to these locales for a fee. 

Most of the 220 rooms are located in simple two-story buildings with private balconies or patios either facing the ocean or gardens. They're pleasant if a bit underwhelming, featuring neutral decor that includes tile floors, Fijian-style wood furnishings, and white walls with framed artwork. All are equipped with air-conditioning, tea- and coffee-making facilities, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms are bigger than average, featuring ample counter space, free toiletries, and walk-in showers and separate tubs. Connecting rooms can be requested. 

The Garden-View and Ocean-View Rooms have one queen-size bed and either one single bed or two double beds; there are also family-style rooms that have an additional room with a pullout sofa. Some rooms have three single beds. 

Couples looking to upgrade can stay in the adult-only Suites that come with one king-size bed, two bathrooms, and a separate lounge area; these have partial ocean views, as well as bathrobes, slippers, minibars, and a fruit basket and sparkling wine upon arrival. Studio and One-Bedroom Villas have these extra amenities and beautiful front porches as well, plus are located in stand-alone units far from the resort hub for more seclusion.

Though the property sits along the water, the beige-sand beach is pretty narrow due to rising sea levels and only has loungers on the adjacent grass lawn. Still, guests can walk along it to the farthest areas of the resort -- on one side is a long jetty that leads to a private island just offshore. The activities center has free kayaks, snorkel gear, and stand-up paddleboards for guests, plus introductory scuba dive lessons are also free. Most guests tend to stick to the large outdoor pool, which has a hot tub and swim-up bar. The deck is lined with blue-cushioned loungers and white umbrellas. 

A daily activities schedule is delivered to each room in the morning, and typical offerings include tennis, archery, soccer, pool volleyball, and nighttime fire walks. Other land activities include bike riding and a free nine-hole, par-three golf course (some equipment rentals require a fee). There are an indoor fitness center with big windows facing the water and a spa that uses Pure Fiji products for skin and body treatments, in addition to offering nail treatments, henna tattoos, and hair braiding. The kids' club is free for ages 5 to 12 (split into two groups), though hours are restricted and the club closes during meal times.  

Wi-Fi is free for one hour each day in the reception area, but it's limited to one device per room. There is an upgraded package for those who want to pay, but even then it can be unreliable. 

The resort's main restaurant is called Nukunuku Restaurant & Bar and is located close to the waterfront with both indoor and outdoor seating. This space serves buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and those who choose an all-inclusive package will dine here most of the time. Each night the restaurant changes food and decor themes -- for instance, seafood, barbecue, Fijian, or Asian. Parents can choose the Kids Eat Free addition to their package, where they'll have their own buffet options.

Near the entrance of the resort are two indoor a la carte restaurants with a more formal atmosphere: The fine-dining Talei Restaurant and Bar serves a three-course dinner, and next door's Bamboo Terrace Restaurant has Cantonese and Mandarin cuisine. All-inclusive guests may dine at either restaurant for a discount. Also available is the all-day Grill Restaurant, with menu options such as wood-fired pizza. The resort also offers a limited room service menu. 

The all-inclusive beverage package encompasses local draft beers, house red and white wines, sparkling wine, and local brand liquors; it does not include bottled beer, bottled water, minibar access, or room service. During the day, travelers can head for the pool bar with a swim-up section in the water and a large bar area on the other side. It serves daily tropical-themed specials including frozen concoctions, and this area gets a sociable crowd, especially during happy hour before it closes in the early evening. There's also an open-air lounge next to the buffet for pre- and post-dinner drinks, as well as a small bar in the buffet restaurant. Since Naviti is a resort that attracts mostly families who have little kids, the scene doesn't last long after the live entertainment has stopped.