Resort Review Outrigger Fiji

Outrigger Resort Fiji Review Summary

This family review provides an overview of the Outrigger Resort as well as a summary of all recent reviews from people who have stayed at the Outrigger Resort Fiji. Sources include Booking.com, Trip Advisor, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com and Google reviews.

• Kids Holidays - July 2025

Want a quick overview?
See our interactive review of the Outrigger Resort

View here

1. Summary

The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, nestled on the picturesque Coral Coast of Viti Levu, consistently positions itself as a leading choice for family vacations, having been recognized as a "#1 Best Family Resort year after year". The resort's architectural design, reminiscent of a traditional Fijian village, aims to seamlessly blend authentic cultural elements with a relaxing environment specifically tailored for families.

Recent guest feedback, spanning from June 2023 to June 2025, frequently underscores the exceptional warmth and genuine friendliness of the resort's staff, which many describe as a highlight of their stay. The comprehensive and well-regarded kids' club programs, coupled with excellent pool facilities including a newly installed twisty slide, are consistently praised as significant advantages for families. The resort's dedication to offering immersive cultural experiences and the availability of dedicated nanny services further enhance its appeal to family travelers.

While largely positive, recurring observations from guests point to the relatively high cost of on-site dining and certain activities as a common area of consideration for families planning their budget. Additionally, the expansive, spread-out layout of the resort can necessitate considerable walking between facilities. The resort's location on the Coral Coast, while providing a serene setting, may be less convenient for families who intend to undertake extensive day trips to other popular regions, such as Denarau Island.

Despite these considerations, the prevailing sentiment from recent guests is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a strong inclination to return, attributing their satisfaction to the unparalleled hospitality and the resort's robust family-centric offerings.

2. Resort Overview & Setting

Location and Accessibility

The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort is a sprawling 40-acre property situated along the scenic Coral Coast of Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island. Its location is approximately a one-hour drive from Nadi International Airport (NAN). The resort facilitates transfers, and guests also have the option to book through reputable tour operators like Rosie Holidays. This strategic positioning on the Coral Coast provides access to a blend of white sand and coral beaches. These beaches are naturally protected by a fringing reef, which contributes to calmer and safer swimming conditions, making them particularly suitable for families with young children.

The choice of the Coral Coast for the resort's location presents a distinct trade-off for families. While it fosters a more authentic Fijian experience and offers inherently safer beach conditions due to the reef protection, its distance from Nadi and major tour departure points means longer travel times and potentially higher costs for families desiring frequent external excursions or island hopping. This suggests that the resort is ideally suited as a primary, self-contained destination where the majority of the family's activities will occur on-site, rather than serving as a central hub for extensive off-resort exploration. The design philosophy appears to prioritize an immersive, village-like atmosphere over maximum accessibility to external tours.

Resort Concept and Ambiance

The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort is meticulously designed to evoke the essence of a traditional Fijian village, permeating every aspect of the guest experience with warm Fijian hospitality. This dedication to integrating authentic cultural elements is a fundamental aspect of the resort's identity. Upon arrival, guests are often greeted with a heartfelt "Bula!" welcome song, an immediate immersion into the vibrant island culture that sets the tone for their stay. This commitment to cultural authenticity aims to provide a stimulating and enriching destination for all visitors.

Overall Ratings and Reputation

The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort consistently maintains a strong reputation within the hospitality industry, frequently being cited as the "#1 Best Family Resort year after year". This recognition is supported by generally high ratings across various major booking platforms, reflecting a largely positive guest experience.

On Booking.com, the resort holds an average rating of 8.4 out of 10, with numerous recent reviews falling within the "Very Good" to "Wonderful" range (8.0-9.0). Expedia classifies it as a 4.5-star property. Agoda reviews show an "Excellent" rating of 8.4 based on nearly 2,000 reviews, with family-specific feedback often ranging from 7.6 to a perfect 10. On Trip.com (which aggregates Google Reviews), the resort averages 8.1 out of 10, categorized as "Very Good" from over 100 reviews. Hotels.com also awards it an "Excellent" rating of 8.8. Furthermore, specialized family travel blogs consistently recommend the Outrigger, emphasizing its strong family-friendly attributes.

The consistent high ratings observed across such a diverse array of platforms, including both large booking sites and niche family travel blogs, indicate that the resort successfully delivers on its promise of being a premier family destination. This broad consensus among guests and reviewers suggests a reliable and predictable experience for families. The resort's self-proclamation as the "number 1 family resort" appears to be genuinely reinforced by positive guest experiences, creating a reinforcing cycle of strong reputation and trust in its family offerings.

3. Family-Focused Accommodations

The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort provides a diverse array of accommodation options, thoughtfully designed to cater to the varying needs of families. These include 207 deluxe rooms and suites, alongside 47 traditional thatched bures, or bungalows.

Room and Bure Options

The resort offers a selection of guest rooms and suites that have undergone recent renovations, featuring contemporary furnishings complemented by tasteful Fijian accents. These accommodations are available with various scenic outlooks, including Premium Ocean View, Ocean View, and Resort View categories. For those seeking a more authentic Fijian experience, traditional bures are available, including Beachfront and Plantation Bures. These bures are frequently highlighted for their enhanced privacy and the genuine cultural immersion they offer.

Capacity and Layout

Standard rooms and bures are typically configured to comfortably accommodate four individuals, often featuring a King Bed and a Double Sofa Bed, or two Double Beds. For larger families or groups, more expansive options are available, such as one-bedroom suites that can sleep up to five guests, and two-bedroom bures capable of accommodating up to eight. The availability of connecting rooms further enhances flexibility for bigger family groups, allowing for both proximity and privacy.

Modern Amenities

In-room amenities generally include practical features such as a hot water kettle for tea and coffee, a refrigerator, slippers, bathrobes, and an HDTV. The resort also notes the provision of hypo-allergenic bedding and pillow menus, catering to guest comfort and specific needs.

Exclusive Talai Butler Service

A distinctive offering at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort is the unique and exclusive Talai Butler Service, extended to guests staying in Ocean View rooms, suites, or bures. This five-star butler service provides a touch of South Pacific luxury, including a complimentary welcome drink upon arrival, assistance with unpacking, and the delightful tradition of delivering complimentary canapes and champagne each evening at sunset.

A point of consideration for guests is the varying feedback regarding the resort's renovation status. While the official website and some travel blogs highlight "newly renovated rooms and bures", other recent guest reviews, within the past two years, mention that the "hotel is very old" or that the "resort itself needs some attention looking a bit tired". This apparent contradiction suggests that renovations may be ongoing, phased, or not uniformly applied across all areas of the extensive resort. For families, this implies that it would be prudent to inquire about the specific renovation status of their chosen room category when booking. Managing expectations regarding the appearance of certain areas, particularly if they have not yet been updated, can prevent disappointment, especially for a property that positions itself as a "5-star" resort. The perceived age of unrenovated sections could potentially detract from the overall luxury experience for some guests.

4. Dedicated Family Facilities & Activities

The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort distinguishes itself through its extensive and well-regarded family-focused facilities and activities, consistently cited as a primary draw for visitors.

Kids' Clubs & Childcare Services

The resort's robust childcare offerings are frequently highlighted as a significant advantage for families. The dedicated Coral Kids Club provides supervised activities from 9 am to 9 pm, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the day. Children are thoughtfully divided into age-appropriate groups: "Little Riggers" for those aged 3-7 years, and "Beach Riggers" for 8-12-year-olds. The majority of these activities are complimentary, allowing children the flexibility to participate in specific events or to remain engaged for the entire day. Recent guest reviews consistently describe the Kids Club as "well designed" and "exceptional for keeping kids busy".

Complementing the Kids Club, the resort offers Nanny Services, known as "Meimeis," providing dedicated care that extends beyond the Kids Club hours or for infants. This "full-fledged service" includes activities such as walks around the resort grounds, beach playdates, and participation in Kids Club activities. While this service typically incurs an additional cost, reviewers commend the "experienced and caring Meimeis".

For older children, Teen Activities are also available. These complimentary organized activities include weaving lessons, spear throwing, pool volleyball, and beach bonfires. Teens are also encouraged to engage in environmental initiatives, such as coral planting, fostering a connection with the local ecosystem.

Pools & Water-Based Fun

The resort boasts impressive aquatic facilities designed for both family enjoyment and adult relaxation. The Family Pool, centrally located, is a large and popular area, recently enhanced with a "fun twisty slide" that is a hit with children. This pool area provides ample seating and convenient access to snacks and drinks. Guest reviews consistently highlight the family pool as "great for kids" and "excellent".

For parents seeking a quieter retreat, a separate Adults-Only Pool is available, complete with a swim-up bar. This area is described as a "great place to chill while your kids are busy" and allows adults to "really relax".

As a beachfront resort on the Coral Coast, Outrigger provides various Beach & Water Sports. Complimentary activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and the provision of snorkeling gear. The presence of a protective reef offshore ensures calmer and safer conditions for swimming and water play directly in front of the resort, which is particularly advantageous for families with young children. However, one review noted that "snorkelling off the beach was very limited, not much to see and only for short periods each day".

Adventure & Recreational Pursuits

Beyond the water, the resort offers diverse options for active engagement. An On-site Adventure Park features a driving range, archery, and paintball. These activities typically incur an extra cost, though combo deals may be available. Adjacent to the resort is the Kula Eco Adventure Park, described as Fiji's biggest family fun park. This external attraction offers ziplining, opportunities for animal interactions (such as holding iguanas or feeding turtles), a water slide, and a splash park, making it a convenient and popular excursion for families. For guests aiming to maintain their fitness routine, the resort provides daily Fitness & Wellness activities, including power walks, yoga, and pool aerobics.

The resort's approach to activities for families demonstrates a careful balance between complimentary offerings and those that incur additional costs. While core family amenities like the Kids Club and the main pool are largely free, more specialized or high-resource activities, such as those at the Adventure Park or the Nanny service, come with a fee. This structure suggests the resort understands the financial considerations for families and strategically manages perceived value. The "Kids Eat Free" option, discussed in the dining section, serves as a significant inclusion that directly addresses the common concern of high food costs, indicating a deliberate effort to enhance the overall value proposition for families, even if other activities are extra. This highlights a nuanced strategy to alleviate a major family expense while still monetizing niche experiences.

Cultural Immersion Experiences

The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort is deeply committed to providing authentic Fijian cultural experiences, integrating them into the daily activity schedule. Guests can participate in the "Fijian Experience," which includes a traditional kava ceremony, hands-on learning about cracking and shredding coconuts, and the preparation of Kokoda, the local version of ceviche. The resort regularly hosts traditional cultural performances, such as Firewalking demonstrations, a practice dating back over 500 years, and Meke performances, which involve traditional song and dance to convey Fijian legends and history. A weekly themed buffet often features Fijian cuisine alongside these performances. Additionally, opportunities for environmental engagement, such as coral planting, and traditional craft activities like weaving and woodcarving demonstrations, are available, allowing guests to connect with local traditions and conservation efforts.

5. Dining Options for Families

The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort offers a diverse array of dining venues, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences, from casual family-friendly options to more formal adult-only settings. The resort boasts "8 on-site restaurants and a cafe, and 2 bars".

Variety of Restaurants

Vale Ni Kana serves as the main buffet restaurant, offering both breakfast and dinner. It is known for its "vast and varied spread" with different themed nights, including Fijian lovo feasts, seafood, Asian, Mediterranean, and Mexican cuisines. However, guest feedback on breakfast can be mixed, with some noting "limited options" or "long queues" during peak times.

Sundowner Bar & Grill is a popular beachfront restaurant, providing a casual atmosphere for lunch, an elegant setting for dinner, and an ideal spot for sunset cocktails. Its menu features wood-fired pizza, pasta, char-grilled seafood, and steaks. This restaurant consistently receives praise for its food quality and the stunning sunset views it offers.

Baravi Restaurant, situated near the pool under an open-air bure, is open to all guests for lunch, offering Asian-inspired dishes such as noodles, dim sum, and seafood. For dinner, access is restricted to adults and children aged 10 and older.

Vahavu Bistro is an adults-only venue, serving breakfast and lunch, conveniently located adjacent to the adults-only pool.

For a more refined dining experience, Ivi Restaurant is the resort's formal, adults-only establishment. It specializes in contemporary international dishes with distinct Pacific influences. This restaurant is highly recommended for its "stunning decor, great location, impeccable service and world class cuisine," with specific mention of dishes like Kokoda (Fijian ceviche) prepared tableside.

Meal Plans & "Kids Eat Free" Program

The resort offers various meal plans for guests who prefer an all-inclusive experience. A significant benefit for families is the frequent availability of a "Kids Eat Free" option for children aged 12 and younger. This program directly addresses a major financial consideration for families.

Cuisine & Dietary Needs

The dining options at Outrigger cover a broad spectrum of international and local Fijian dishes. Menus are often designed to indicate common food allergies, and the staff are noted for their knowledge and willingness to accommodate specific dietary requirements.

Guest Feedback on Dining

Pricing is a very common and recurring point of discussion in recent guest reviews, with many noting that food and beverages, particularly alcoholic drinks, are "very expensive" or "overpriced". This pricing structure has led some guests to opt for meal packages or to seek dining alternatives outside the resort to manage costs.

Regarding Quality & Variety, while specific venues like Sundowner and Ivi consistently receive high praise for their culinary offerings, the main buffet (Vale Ni Kana) can elicit mixed feedback concerning its variety or the length of queues. One review specifically expressed disappointment with the seafood buffet, describing it as featuring mostly frozen and tasteless items.

Service Speed at the restaurants is another area where guest feedback indicates occasional slowness.

The consistent feedback regarding high dining costs represents a significant point of concern for families. The resort's implementation of the "Kids Eat Free" program and the availability of meal plans demonstrate an awareness of this issue and a strategic attempt to alleviate financial pressure, particularly for the family segment. However, the persistence of these complaints suggests that while these measures are appreciated, they may not fully offset the perceived high cost for all guests, leading some to explore external dining options. This situation highlights a delicate balance the resort navigates between its premium pricing strategy and the delivery of perceived value, especially for budget-conscious family travelers.

6. Guest Experience & Service Insights (Based on Reviews < 2 Years Old)

The overall guest experience at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort is largely shaped by its exceptional service culture, a theme consistently highlighted in recent reviews.

Exceptional Staff & Hospitality

This aspect is arguably the most frequently and overwhelmingly praised element of the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. Numerous recent reviews describe the staff as "out of this world helpful and friendly", "so happy and friendly they are like family", and commend their ability to remember guest names, creating a genuinely welcoming and personalized atmosphere. This warm Fijian hospitality is not merely a service standard but a core element of the resort's appeal, deeply embedding guests in the local culture from the moment of their "Bula!" welcome song.

Check-in Process & Service Efficiency

While the overall friendliness of the staff receives universal acclaim, some reviews within the past two years indicate that the check-in process can sometimes be "slow" or "average". There were also isolated comments about staff occasionally answering calls while serving guests or a general perception of service being "slow at times".

The overwhelming positive feedback on the staff's warmth and friendliness, often referred to as the "Bula!" spirit, frequently serves to mitigate or overshadow minor operational inefficiencies, such as occasional delays during check-in or slower service at peak times. This indicates that the genuine, personal connection and positive emotional atmosphere fostered by the staff significantly enhance the overall guest experience, acting as a buffer against occasional service delays. This dynamic underscores the profound impact of human connection in hospitality, where exceptional interpersonal skills and a welcoming demeanor can effectively compensate for minor systemic shortcomings, leading to high overall guest satisfaction despite isolated operational critiques.

Overall Guest Satisfaction

The resort generally achieves high overall satisfaction scores, with many guests expressing a strong desire to return for future stays. Numerous reviews describe their experience as "wonderful," "fantastic," or "totally awesome," reflecting a highly positive and memorable visit.

7. Key Considerations & Common Criticisms for Families

While the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort consistently receives high praise, particularly for its family-friendly attributes, a comprehensive review necessitates addressing recurring points of consideration and criticism noted by recent guests.

Cost of Additional Activities & Dining

As highlighted in the dining section, the elevated price of on-site food and beverages, especially alcoholic drinks, and certain resort activities (such as those at the Adventure Park) is a consistent theme in guest feedback. This often leads families to actively explore and utilize dining options available outside the resort in an effort to manage their overall vacation budget.

Resort Layout & Accessibility

The Outrigger is an expansive property, spanning 40 acres, and is described by guests as a "very spread out resort". This spacious layout, while contributing to its village-like ambiance and open feel, means that "lots of walking [is] required to get from place to place". This can be an important consideration for families traveling with very young children, those using strollers, or individuals with mobility challenges.

Location for External Tours

While the Coral Coast offers a beautiful and authentic Fijian setting, its geographical position can be a logistical challenge for families keen on extensive day trips. Some guests have noted that the location is "too far to do any tours with young kids" or "slightly out of the way for tours" when compared to Denarau Island, which serves as a more central hub for many external excursions. Families prioritizing a wide range of off-resort activities may find the additional travel time and associated costs prohibitive.

Maintenance & Facilities Condition

Feedback regarding the resort's physical condition is somewhat mixed. While "newly renovated rooms" are a prominent feature in the resort's official descriptions and some positive reviews, other guest accounts from within the past two years suggest that the "resort itself needs some attention looking a bit tired". This indicates that the updates may not encompass all areas of the property, or that the renovations are recent enough that older impressions persist in certain sections.

Specific areas of concern mentioned include the games area, which was noted as "poorly maintained" with "most equipment broken and almost unusable". Guests also reported a "shortage of sun loungers on the beach" and a perceived need for "more shade around the pools".

8. Conclusion & Recommendations for Family Travelers

The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort consistently emerges as a highly recommended destination for families seeking a memorable vacation experience. Its primary strengths lie in the exceptional hospitality of its staff, who are frequently lauded for their genuine warmth and friendliness, creating a welcoming and personalized atmosphere. The resort's comprehensive and well-regarded Kids' Club, coupled with excellent pool facilities including a new twisty slide, provides extensive entertainment and supervised activities for children of all ages. The unique blend of modern comfort with authentic Fijian cultural experiences further enriches the family vacation, offering opportunities for engagement and learning. The availability of dedicated nanny services and the "Kids Eat Free" program are additional benefits that significantly enhance its appeal for families.

Based on the analysis of recent guest experiences, the following practical recommendations are offered for families considering a stay at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort:

• Budgeting for Dining and Activities: Be prepared for the relatively high cost of on-site dining and certain activities. To manage expenses, families should consider opting for meal plans or taking advantage of the "Kids Eat Free" option. Exploring dining opportunities outside the resort, such as local eateries, can also provide value and a different culinary experience.
• Accommodation Selection: Given the mixed feedback on the renovation status of certain areas, it is advisable for families to inquire about recently renovated rooms when making a reservation to ensure a modern and updated experience. For larger families, considering the traditional bures offers a spacious and authentic feel, while connecting rooms provide flexibility and convenience.
• Itinerary Planning: If extensive day trips or island hopping are a high priority, families should factor in the additional travel time and cost associated with the Coral Coast location. The resort is best enjoyed as a primary, self-contained destination, allowing families to fully immerse themselves in its abundant on-site activities and cultural offerings without the added logistical complexities of frequent external excursions.
• Maximizing On-site Activities: Families should fully utilize the complimentary beach activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling gear, which are readily available. The diverse and engaging Kids' Club program is a major asset and should be leveraged to provide both entertainment for children and relaxation time for parents. It is important to note that some adventure park activities may incur additional costs.
• Managing Service Expectations: While the staff are overwhelmingly friendly and welcoming, guests should be prepared for potential occasional slowness in service, particularly during peak times at restaurants or check-in. The genuine warmth of the staff often compensates for these minor delays, contributing to an overall positive experience.
• Awareness of Additional Amenities: Families should be aware of the 3% credit card surcharge mentioned by one guest. If activities like billiards or other games are important, it may be prudent to inquire about the condition of the games area, as one review noted issues with equipment maintenance.

---

Note: This is an independently created report based on publicly available review data and is not an official publication of the resort. All information is for planning purposes. You should check with the resort to confirm any details in this report before booking your holiday.

For more information on accommodation in Fiji please visit our Fiji accommodation page.

More Fiji Reviews: