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Top 11 eco-friendly resorts in Fiji for 2020

These eco-friendly resorts make responsible travel to Fiji possible.

Cristal Dyer
Cristal Dyer

Updated

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Outside of the colourful reefs, soft sandy beaches and tropical forests, Fiji is currently facing many environmental challenges. These have led to, among other things, the destruction of its coral reefs, erosion of coastal areas and the intrusion of saltwater into farmland.

Tourism is very important for the country but it can be difficult to provide a fun holiday experience without impacting the natural environment and the local people.

Fortunately, there are a growing number of eco resorts in Fiji that are actively trying to meet the needs of the responsible traveller. Whether you're after a relaxing escape or an adventurous vacation, we've found the best resorts that'll reduce your impact on your holiday in Fiji.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

1. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Sustainable barefoot luxury: this resort proves you don't need to sacrifice the comforts of a 5-star hotel to be eco-friendly.

  • Sustainably designed luxury bures. These are built from naturally harvested materials with high roofs to allow for maximum air circulation, eliminating the need for air-conditioning.
  • Guest education program. The program is run by the resident marine biologist to help educate guests on environmental practices.
  • Sustainably sourced meals. Food either comes from the resort's organic garden or the local area.
  • On-site water reclamation plant. The resort has a low-energy system using treated wastewater to reduce both the nitrogenous and carbonaceous demand on the resort.
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Palmlea Farms Eco Resort

2. Palmlea Farms Eco Resort

Really get away from it all at this hidden retreat overlooking the Great Sea Reef.

  • Solar-powered. To ensure minimal negative impacts on the local environment, Palmlea runs on energy from the sun.
  • Collected mountain water. To reduce the strain on the island, water is collected from the nearby mountain.
  • Locally sourced food. The resort supports nearby fishermen and growers for food wherever possible.
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Nukubati Private Island

3. Nukubati Private Island

Live out all your private island dreams with this secluded carbon-negative eco resort.

  • Solar-powered. They've been producing the island's electricity with solar and wind turbines since 1990.
  • Water recycling. Using tropical permaculture techniques, Nukubati grows its own organic fruits and vegetables and all organic waste is composted for the gardens.
  • No air conditioning, pools or jacuzzis. Buildings are designed to take advantage of sea breezes and guests are encouraged to cool off in the sea to reduce the carbon footprint.
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Royal Davui Island Resort

4. Royal Davui Island Resort

Indulge in responsible luxury at this intimate adults-only resort with an eco-friendly philosophy.

  • Minimal impact construction. Villas are placed in locations that avoid cutting down old-growth trees and that have a minimal impact on the coral reef.
  • No single-use plastic. Items such as water bottles, plastic straws and miniature-sized amenities are not used to protect the surrounding environment.
  • Full tertiary sewage treatment plant. Waste-water is treated and converted into usable garden water.
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Maqai Beach Eco Resort

5. Maqai Beach Eco Resort

Relax in luxury without the guilt in five acres of tropical rainforest with uncrowded surf breaks and a slew of small-island eco values.

  • Coral reef protection. To ensure the reef is not trampled or disturbed, fishing near the resort and kayaking at low tide is prohibited. Boat and foot traffic are focused solely along two routes.
  • On-site wastewater treatment system. By limiting the number of people at the resort and installing an active water and waste-water management process, there is no chronic negative impact on the nearby environment.
  • Solar-powered. Diesel generator usage is less than 5% to reduce the resort's carbon footprint through power generation.
  • Waste minimisation. Cans, plastic and paper are recycled and the principles of re-use and repair are applied throughout the resort.
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Matava – Fiji Untouched

6. Matava - Fiji Untouched

Take a digital detox at this remote and unspoiled tropical Fijian Island with a strong focus on responsible tourism.

  • Waste management. Rubbish is sorted so that food waste is fed to the pigs. The rest is composted, and plastic, glass and aluminium are recycled. Guests are encouraged to take home items like batteries and aerosol cans which cannot be locally recycled or reused.
  • Solar-powered. All lighting and hot water in the bures and power for the main office derives from solar energy to reduce its environmental impact.
  • Sustainable meals. To minimise the need to import vegetables, the resort has a large organic garden along with a partnership with local beekeepers and village farmers.
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Six Senses Fiji

7. Six Senses Fiji

This resort is a far-flung tropical hideaway that packs a punch with its roster of features and strong sustainability focus.

  • Iguana conservation. The resort is home to 17 critically endangered Fijian crested iguanas and is actively protecting them within the resort's forested area.
  • Reverse osmosis plant. Six Senses produces its own high-quality drinking water to be used around the resort.
  • Solar electricity. The resort is powered by one of the largest microgrids in the southern hemisphere (hosted on-site) with any excess power used for the desalination plant.
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Namosi Eco Retreat

8. Namosi Eco Retreat

Return to nature and unplug in this tropical mountain eco-retreat that's Fijian owned and operated.

  • Reconstructed traditional village. These are handcrafted by the local people with Fijiian building methods and local materials.
  • Locally sourced meals. Chemical-free vegetables are provided by local farmers and fresh fish and prawns come from the river.
  • Completely unplugged experience. Except for the solar-powered emergency phone, there is no electronic equipment, mobile phones or Internet on-site.
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Likuliku Lagoon Resort

9. Likuliku Lagoon Resort

This is a wilderness island retreat with overwater bures and a strong commitment to conservation and sustainability.

  • Elimination of single-use plastics. The resort uses ceramic in-room amenity dispensers, paper straws, in-room water dispensers and aluminium water flasks.
  • Ongoing marine conservation projects. Many initiatives are underway including a giant clam restoration program, coral gardening, turtle tagging, crown of thorn eradication program and mangrove restoration program.
  • Green education. Resort staff, guests and members of the local community are provided with active training around conservation and caring for the environment.
  • Fishing or shell and coral collecting not allowed. To improve fish stocks and allow recovery and restoration of house reefs and marine life, the nearby waters and reefs have been declared a Marine Protected Area.
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Vomo Island Resort

10. Vomo Island Resort

Feel like the only soul on earth at this feature-packed resort with future-focused environmental initiatives.

  • Sustainable eating. Vomo grows its own herbs, vegetables and fruit and has propagated over 50,000 plants to create native gardens.
  • Single-use plastic-free plan. The resort has replaced plastic straws with paper and introduced its own bottling plant to provide guests with purified drinking water in reusable glass bottles.
  • Supports local communities. Locally sourced scented soaps and lotions are provided in ceramic dispensers, which also does away with unnecessary plastic.
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Mantaray Island Resort

11. Mantaray Island Resort

This island resort is all about protecting the stunning coral reefs and natural environment that surround it.

  • Marine reserve. For the marine environment to truly flourish, the resort initially negotiated with the local clan for a voluntary reserve status and is now a formal marine reserve.
  • Environmental impact survey. Marine biologists conduct a survey twice a year to determine if the resort and its guests have had any impact on the reef ecosystem.
  • Greywater treatment. All wastewater from the kitchen, laundry and showers is treated using a chemical-free technology and then reused on the gardens around the island.
  • Compost toilets. All toilets at Mantaray are odourless and self-composting, eliminating the need for septic tanks and the possibility of them leeching waste through the ground.
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Why we chose these accommodation options:

When choosing resorts for this list, we prioritised properties that make sustainable tourism a key part if their overall hotel offering with initiatives that feature:

  • Low-impact design and construction
  • Continuing to minimise environmental impact
  • Building cultural and environmental awareness
  • Promoting a greater understanding of Fiji's environmental, political and social climates
  • Providing positive experiences for both visitors and hosts

We also considered resorts that are either locally owned, employ a majority of workers from the local community or use locally produced goods.

Additionally, we factored in the quality of accommodation available at each resort. We sought out customer reviews on travel websites and personal travel blogs, considered first-person experiences and each resort's overall reputation.

What to know before you go to Fiji

  • If it's not clear, ask your resort about proper rubbish disposal and recycling options.
  • Unless advised by your resort, the tap water might not be safe to drink. Bring along a reusable water bottle to avoid using plastic water bottles.
  • Turn off the lights and air-conditioner in your room when you leave or if it's cool enough outside.
  • Look for locally crafted souvenirs instead of foreign-made goods.
  • To block out that warm holiday sun while swimming, opt for some reef-friendly sunscreen or, even better, pack a rash guard.
  • Likewise, pick up some eco-friendly insect repellent to avoid those mosquitos.

Things to avoid when booking eco accommodation in Fiji

  • Avoid staying at large resorts where it is much more difficult to ensure a low-impact stay.
  • Steer clear if a resort doesn't make the details of its green initiatives easily accessible.
  • Consider whether you need multiple pools and hot tubs which can be a huge environmental burden.
  • A well-built structure eliminates the need for air-conditioning and unnecessary lighting so unless you need it, avoid hotels that include air-conditioning.
  • The best eco resorts are proud to showcase their environmental initiatives so avoid any that don't at least have an education program.

Book your eco-friendly accommodation right here:

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