Fiji is experiencing a five-star accommodation boom with a number of premium international hotel and resort operators including Hilton, Radisson and One&Only in the midst of construction across the Fijian islands. One of the most eagerly anticipated projects is the $200-million luxury Vatu Tale precinct, expected to open in late 2026.

Denarau Island

Fiji is experiencing significant growth in its luxury accommodation sector, with several major international hotel operators, including Hilton, Radisson, and One&Only, investing in new developments across the islands. One of the largest projects, the $200-million Vatu Tale precinct on Denarau Island, is currently under construction and expected to open in late 2026. The development aims to offer world-class amenities, such as the largest pool in the Pacific and unique entertainment options, positioning Fiji as a premier global destination.

According to Investment Fiji, there are approximately 45 hotel projects underway, many emphasizing sustainability and cultural preservation. The expansion of Fiji Airways’ international routes is also supporting the influx of luxury travellers, with direct flights now available from several North American cities. These developments are expected to enhance Fiji’s reputation as a leading destination for high-end tourism.

High-end hotel boom bringing luxury travellers to Fiji

Just a stone's throw away from the picturesque palm trees and happy holiday makers sipping pina coladas by the pool, an impressive new five-star hotel development is rising from the ground on Fiji's main island. We knew we wanted to do something very special. Nestled behind the popular Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau, more than 200 workers are busy laying the foundations of Vatu Tele, a new $200 million-plus luxury resort. Talk us through this development. Your smallest room will be north of 65 square metres. We will officially have the biggest pool in the Pacific. And to top it up, we'll have the highest slides that any hotel has ever seen in the region. Vincent Mackay from Accor Hotels is spearheading the project, set to open in December next year. Essentially the concept is to bring Singapore and Dubai to Fiji. We'll have world-class cinemas in the hotel, food and beverage concepts which are currently not available in Fiji. So Fiji will become a world-class destination? We have no choice but to. The aim is to build 5,000 rooms. Kamal Chetty is CEO of Investment Fiji. He says a number of big-name international hotel brands including Hilton, Radisson and the ultra-high-end operator One and Only have recently announced new developments in Fiji, complementing ongoing builds and newly-finished villas at popular Fijian island resorts like Vomo and Six Senses. We're working on about 45 projects around the country. Most of the projects, their focus is sustainability. It's not sustainability only environment, but sustainability of our culture. With 333 spectacular islands and some incredible resorts just like this one, it's no wonder that more and more people from around the world are coming to discover the joys of a trip to Fiji. And to facilitate those travellers, more flights are being added every day. We've got a wonderful airline, Fiji Airways, they're growing in capacity. A real focus for us is North America, for example. Now you can fly here from LA direct, Vancouver direct, San Francisco, Dallas direct. And then once you're here, you're on Fiji time. Oh my goodness. The hospitality is amazing. People seem to bend over backwards to welcome you to their home. Back at the Vatutale construction site, it's all hands on deck. With crews working overtime to get the new resort and two other Accor Hotel projects they're working on nearby ready for visitors. Vincent, when this resort is up and running, what are you most excited about? I'm already thinking about the next phase of development. Rest assured that we've got other projects also in the pipeline and even more exciting in the future.

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