Mamanuca Islands Holidays

If you’re looking for a romantic retreat, you’ll be spoiled for choice in the Mamanuca Islands. Likuliku Lagoon Resort is one of our favourites. On Malolo Island, this beautiful hotel looks like a traditional village. You can stay right on the beach, or opt for an overwater ‘bure’ – the only ones in the Mamanuca's – and fall asleep to the sounds of the South Pacific. When you stay at Likuliku Lagoon Resort, you’ll also have access to their private island, Mociu, where you can snorkel, hike and enjoy a picnic.

For total seclusion, take a look at Matamanoa Island Resort. It’s the only hotel on Matamanoa Island and, with less than 50 rooms, this adults-only spot feels exclusive and romantic. You can book a pamper session in the treetop spa, snorkel or kayak around the island, and feast on Fijian cuisine.

The Mamanuca Islands are teeming with incredible beaches, featuring pearl-white sands and azure seas. If you're staying on the mainland you can still get a taster for Mamanuca life by spending the day at Malamala Beach Club, the world’s first beach club located on its very own island, just 25 minutes from Port Denarau. A day pass to the island includes return ferry transfers, access to the beautiful infinity pool, non-motorised watersports, complimentary WiFi and towel service. There is a bar and restaurant on the island and you can also upgrade to a private beachside cabana with butler service!

If you're looking for the best resort to stay in, Mana Island and Malolo Island have some truly gorgeous sunbathing spots. Mana has three – North Beach, South Beach and Sunset Beach – offering watersports and fantastic snorkelling. Malolo, meanwhile, is home to powdery beaches and hiking trails, where you’ll have stunning views across the surrounding isles. Elsewhere, Bounty Island and Treasure Island are both surrounded by pristine marine reserves, so you can expect to find immaculate beaches and crystal-clear seas. The snorkelling is spectacular, too.

For something a little livelier, head to Beachcomber. This larger island has a range of watersports available, as well as a diving shop and an energetic beach bar. 

Holidays to the Mamanuca Islands tend to revolve around the sea. This archipelago is peppered with coral reefs, offering all kinds of adventures – the sheltered reefs just offshore are ideal for snorkellers, while divers will love the underwater pinnacles and coral-covered canyons. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll be able to see a variety of creatures, including butterflyfish, clownfish and rays. Popular dive site Namotu Wall is home to turtles and barracuda, ‘The Supermarket’ near Mana Island is swarming with sharks, and the ‘Big W’ is a maze of columns and swim-throughs. If some of your party are more experienced than others, Vomo Island is the perfect compromise. The shallow reefs are perfect for snorkelling and novice diving, while advanced divers can explore deeper sites further out.

If you’re not confident in the water, don’t worry. A glass-bottomed boat trip makes a great alternative to diving, as you can see all the corals and marine life without even dipping your toes. You can also try gentle watersports like paddle-boarding and kayaking if you want to explore at your own pace. Or simply go island-hopping and admire the stunning scenery.

For the best weather, book your trip to the Mamanuca Islands during the dry season, which runs from May to October. At this time of year, you can look forward to toasty temperatures and sunny skies – plus there’s a nice coastal breeze to keep you comfortable. In the dry season, daytime temperatures average 27°C and rarely drop below 19°C at night. It’s the best time of year for exploring Fiji’s beaches and coral reefs but, as you’d expect, it’s also peak season. The Mamanuca Islands are particularly busy in July, when holidaymakers come from Australia and New Zealand, so it’s best to avoid this popular month if you can.

At the other end of the spectrum, the wet season occurs between November and April. During this time, the islands experience heavy downpours and high humidity – but it rarely rains all day, as the showers often pass quite quickly. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly getaway to Fiji, you could consider going to the Mamanucas at this time of year.