By Prerna Priyanka
Located only 8km from Nadi International Airport, Wailoaloa is a bustling beach community positioned in the heart of Nadi Bay. As you enter this vibrant pocket, the first thing you notice is the long stretch of sand surrounded by buildings and palm trees. The community’s easy-going vibe makes it a favourite spot
for locals and travellers, especially on weekends when the area buzzes with activity. With the opening of a big new hotel and investment from funky new operators, the area is undergoing rapid transformation but remains one of the best places in Nadi for a sunset drink or beachside game of touch rugby.
Things to do
Bicycle Fiji: For cycling enthusiasts, Bicycle Fiji is the go-to place. This business offers a range of tour packages, including half-day and full-day trips to local dining spots, mud pools, waterfalls and Fijian villages. Whether you opt for an explorer bike, beach e-bike, or mountain e-bike, you will still get to
experience the local communities on two wheels.
Wailoaloa Beach: While the beach is not the conventionaltropical island beach, it is still well worth a visit. The word ‘Wailoaloa’ translates to ‘black water’ in English, and the surrounding mangrove estuaries darken the sand, causing the water to occasionally become cloudy. Nevertheless, the beach
is still ideal for sports, swimming, sunbathing, picnicking or just lounging beneath the palm trees. Wailoaloa beach’s flat, compacted area makes it ideal for touch rugby and strolling. Don’t forget to take photos of the beautiful sunsets it is renowned for.
Sporting activities: Wailoaloa boasts an array of sporting activities, including beach volleyball, horseback riding, golf, football, rugby, jet skiing, fishing and even sailing. The Nadi Outrigger Club is based here and engages in traditional outrigger canoeing, and watching paddlers launch and propel their craft through the water is entertaining. Occasionally, paddling clubs from across the country come here to compete.
Where to eat
Sitar Indian & Thai Restaurant: In the mood for some Indian and Thai cuisine? Sitar Indian & Thai Restaurant is the perfect place. They also provide a variety of vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options.
Vasaqa Fiji: Vasaqa Fiji’s smokehouse restaurant and bar specialises in smoked meats, seafood and vegetables, cooked to perfection. While their interior exudes modern warmth, with its dark wood and brown tones, a mural retains the chill street vibe Vasaqa is known for. The establishment features a spacious terrace and a bar menu with craft beers, cocktails, wines, and spirits. Vasaqa caters to both locals and tourists from nearby resorts, hosting special events such as birthday parties, weddings, and reunions.
Island Style Peanut Butter Fiji: This family-owned business serves up fresh and wholesome breakfast options, including tropical fruit smoothie bowls, topped with in-house peanut butter granola. It’s a must-visit breakfast spot for health-conscious travellers looking to kickstart their day with a nourishing and tasty meal. Their jars of peanut butter, including the chocolate coconut version, also make great gifts.
The Beach Club Wailoaloa: Experience delightful beachfront dining with delectable options, including succulent steak, burgers and fresh seafood. The Beach Club Wailoaloa is also known for its vibrant entertainment scene that showcases some of Fiji’s finest local and international talents such as DJ Vibez, Yanu Boyz and InsideOut Fiji. A perfect place to savour great music, delicious cocktails, and an electrifying ambience as well
Where to stay
The Palms Beach Apartments offer a peaceful, luxurious retreat for families or couples. This newly developed, private, and exclusive gated community features 24-hour surveillance and a single entry through a manned security post. The estate also offers access to the beachfront for cabanas, swimming pools, outdoor lounges, and BBQ areas.
Grand West Villas: This property features large gardens, a lagoon-style pool, a tennis court and pool with slide, and homely accommodation. Guests can choose from rooms, apartments, and villas, each with views of the expansive gardens or pool. The amenities, including cooking facilities, a balcony, and a dining and lounge room, make it perfect for longer stays.
Sailor’s Beach Fiji is a beachfront paradise, offering guests direct beach access, with mesmerising ocean views and breathtaking sunsets. Committed to sustainability, Sailor’s Beach‘s eco-friendly practices include annual beach clean-ups and recycling initiatives. The restaurant and bar are popular for those seeking a seaside dining experience, offering a diverse selection of creative and seafood dishes, featuring locally sourced fresh ingredients. Live musical performances are every Friday and Saturday nights, with local bands and solo acts.
Hotel BulaBard: Opened in 2021, Hotel BulaBard is known for its affordable boutique luxury, and offers spacious rooms and high-quality food. The hotel also actively supports local initiatives like beach clean-ups.
For a longer and homely stay, check out BulaBard Apartments which provide family-friendly accommodation with five units, including three-bedroom apartments that sleep up to 15. Each apartment features a full kitchen, private pool, and gated security for privacy.
Ramada Suites: The recently-constructed Ramada Suites combine contemporary comfort with a beachfront resort feel influenced by island culture. The onsite spa offers tranquillity and relaxation, while the beachfront sunset terrace is perfect for unwinding.
Smugglers Cove Beach Resort: Smugglers Cove offers affordable beachfront accommodation with direct access to Wailoaloa beach. Guests can enjoy a variety of popular events and activities, including evening entertainment like kava tasting, live bands at the Ghost Ship Bar & Grill, and Polynesian dancing and fire shows. Themed beach parties are a hit during Easter, Halloween, and New Year’s Eve. Smugglers Cove is managed by local staff under the expertise of Cove Management Limited, which also operates nearby Ramada Suites by Wyndham Wailoaloa and the soon-to-open Wyndham Garden.
For those staying at Ramada Suites, the ground floor hosts the Jack’s of Fiji shop, providing a convenient and stylish shopping experience. Jack’s provides a range of items from clothing and accessories to handicrafts and souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for a memorable gift or a unique piece of Fijian culture to take home, this shop has something for everyone.
Beach Escape Resort: Just a five-minute walk from Wailoaloa beach, Beach Escape Resort offers wallet-friendly accommodation complete with a bar and restaurant. The rooms are well-equipped with essentials such as fridges, electric kettles, and writing desks, ensuring your stay is as comfortable as it is affordable. The garden vistas and friendly service add to the charm of this cosy resort. Their delicious lovo (a must-try) and live fire dance performances are every Friday night.
Crowne Plaza: This newly developed resort features modern rooms and suites. Guests can relax by the infinity pool, enjoy beachfront activities, or indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the spa. The hotel is undergoing renovations throughout 2024 to enhance its facilities and guest experience. These updates will include upgraded guest rooms, improved dining areas, and enhanced recreational facilities.
Other accommodation options include Ocean Breeze Apartments, Wailoaloa Beach Resort, The Ideal Bed & Breakfast, Matawasa Resort, Aquarius On The Beach, Bamboo Travellers and Bluewater Lodge.
Other services
Western Union: If you’re looking for money exchange or transfer services, the Western Union office is conveniently situated in the area. Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and Saturday to Sunday from 8am to 4pm.
Upcoming developments
Rydges Wailoaloa: Set to open in late 2026, Rydges Wailoaloa will be a significant addition to the area. Developed by Hari Punja & Sons Limited and operated by Rydges, the resort will feature 258 rooms and suites, a wide range of recreation facilities, and Fiji’s largest swimming pool, boosting the local economy while providing travellers with more diverse options.
Getting to Wailoaloa: Wailoaloa is conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from Nadi International Airport, a 10-minute drive from downtown Nadi and 20 minutes from Port Denarau. Taxis and shuttle services are readily available, ensuring a hassle-free journey to this vibrant beach community.
