Romance Near Lautoka and Vuda Point
Lautoka is a working sugar and cruise port, and its central waterfront is a harbour, not a beach. The romantic side of the area sits just outside the city at Vuda Point, and out on the islands. If you want candlelit dinners and a private stretch of sand, think of Lautoka as a place to arrive and depart from, and spend your nights elsewhere. Prices are in Fijian dollars (FJ$).
Beach and villa: Vuda Point
Vuda Point lies between Nadi Airport and Lautoka, about 15 minutes north of the airport. First Landing Beach Resort and Villas stands on Nalamu Beach, with beachfront villas, some of which have their own pools. The beach is calm, and it runs beside Vuda Marina. Send the resort an enquiry for current prices (First Landing Resort ).
Drinks at sunset
The marina’s Boatshed Restaurant & Sunset Bar is the obvious place for an evening drink above the water. Telephone the marina on +679 666 8214 to ask about opening times and what is on the menu (Vuda Point Marina ).
Closer to town, the Tanoa Waterfront Hotel faces the harbour, with a Sunset Bar, Fins Restaurant and two pools. Watching the sun go down over a working port has its own charm, but this is a city hotel, so book it for an overnight stop rather than a beach holiday (Tanoa Hotels ).
A day on a small island
Two Mamanuca day trips offer a taste of island life with a return boat the same evening. Both depart from Port Denarau, so couples staying in Lautoka should plan an early start.
- Malamala Beach Club. The boat leaves at 09:30. A beachside cabana for one or two people costs FJ$139 on top of the entry pass. An area for guests aged 18 and over is free to enter. A full-day pass is FJ$215 from Denarau, Nadi, Vuda or Wailoaloa (Malamala Beach Club ).
- Tivua Island. The cruise runs from 10:00 to 17:00. Shade cabanas can be added for an extra charge (Captain Cook Cruises ).
Several nights away: the Yasawas
The Tavewa Seabus leaves Kings Jetty in Lautoka every morning at 07:30 and calls at resorts across the Yasawa Islands. Crossings take 1 to 5 hours depending on the island. Each resort sets its own rules about adults-only stays, so ask before you reserve. This is the closest thing to a secluded island escape that starts in Lautoka itself.
Which one fits
| You want | Pick |
|---|---|
| A quiet beach and a marina sunset, close to the airport | Vuda Point |
| One comfortable night in the city | Tanoa Waterfront |
| A beach day without changing hotels | Malamala or Tivua |
| Several nights away from any city | A Yasawa resort |
Tips for couples
- Swim where lifeguards are on duty, because rip currents form near reefs.
- Cyclone season runs from 1 November to 30 April, so allow slack in your plans for boat transfers.
- Cover shoulders and knees in villages. Topless bathing and nudity are illegal in Fiji.
- Take care at night. Serious crime is generally low, but incidents do occur.
Read more: day trips from Lautoka for ideas to fill the days between stays, and the Fiji travel guide for the wider picture. Compare places to stay on Booking.com .