Mana Fiji: The Treasure Chest of Mamanucas

The Mamanucas are where the most popular of Fijian resorts are parked. Crystal-clear ocean waters, balmy breezes, spotless white beaches, the works. And then there is Mana Island Resort, Fiji…

The Mana Island Resort & Spa in Mamanucas, Fiji (or Mana Fiji as it’s more affectionately known) is set in the middle of the picturesque archipelago. Apparently, the myth of the islands goes that in ancient times, a chest holding good fortune fell overboard from a Fijian chief’s canoe near Mana Island. The god Degei asked the great sea-snake Manamanaedinai to keep an eye over the chest – thereby guaranteeing good fortune and perpetual beauty (of the place, not the visitors). And from the looks of the Mana island and Mamanucas, we can believe the story easily. 

Where is Mana Fiji?

The resort is set 30 kilometres offshore from Nadi, Fiji. Surrounded by swathes of electric-blue seas, small islets and pearly sand beaches, the potential for adventure and relaxation is veritably unlimited. Spread over 150 acres, the island offers excellent accommodation choices, a variety of dining and entertainment, activities and experiences galore in one neat package!

How do we reach the resort?

Travellers can choose to take the scheduled South Sea Cruises catamaran service which connects the island to the mainland. From the airport, they must reach Port Denarau marina and wait for the connection – that’s the cheapest way. Then, families and groups can hire 24-hour water taxis or powerboats and zip their way to Mana Island’s jetty. And travellers who don’t want to wait can charter a seaplane or a helicopter and reach the resort in just a few minutes. The Mana Island Resort is one of the two islands which have their own airstrip!

Accommodations at Mana Fiji

The Mana Island Resort & Spa offers something perfect for almost all travellers. Looking to explore Fiji on a budget? Check out its Island Bures – these spacious bures are great for young travellers, budget explorers and couples. They are air-conditioned, with a king bed and a choice of a sofa-bed/single bed, an ensuite bathroom, open plan living space, a patio with sitting furniture and complimentary linens and toiletries. Then, moving up the queue are Ocean View Rooms, which are sited a little away from the resort’s pathways for more privacy and views of the Pacific blues. The Deluxe Ocean View Bures are even more spacious, offering a private deck to enjoy the island’s sunset views. The Oceanfront Suites are excellent for small groups and families, offering a split-level design for accommodating multiple people, besides being steps away from the beach. 

Then, there are the Beachfront Bures and the Premium Beach Bures. The former is just a stroll away from the adults-only pool, while the latter are set further apart in a private stretch of beachfront property. Both have additional amenities in the form of jacuzzi baths and private outdoor showers, along with immediate proximity to the island’s picturesque beach. 

Dining at Mana Island Resort, Fiji

The resort offers its guests a choice of over five restaurants and four bars. For fusion food and haute cuisine, head over to the South Beach Restaurant. Offering a menu with French, Italian, Japanese and Pacific Rim cuisines, every day is a culinary adventure! Then, the North Beach buffet area is where you’d walk over for scrumptious breakfast, all-day dining and European, Indian and Fijian cuisines. For themed buffet dinners, there’s nothing better than the Mamanuca Restaurant. The Volivoli Café is the place hungry guests stop by for quick bites, pastries, coffee and hot/cold beverages. Plus, there is always room service for days when you just want breakfast in bed!

And let’s not forget to point out drinking holes – we won’t let our peeps be stuck in paradise with just coffee (even if it is gourmet coffee!). The Mamanuca Lounge Bar and the South Beach Bar are both set next to their respective restaurants, while the Waisavu pool bar is located at the edge of the family pool.  And to change the locale entirely, check out the beachfront Vonu Bar; depleting a cold stubby while looking out at the gin-clear seas is proof positive of happiness is here and now. 

Activities at Mana Fiji

All eating and no play makes Johnny a fat bloke – and the resort claims that it would take guests over a week of dedication to go through their entire list of activities and experiences. For starters, there is the scintillating swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddling that would take up a few good days to explore the reefs and the coastline. Travellers can even sign up for guided snorkelling tours of the island.

Then, bushwalking is a great way to explore the acres of jungles and hills; the view is pure joy from the look-out spots. The resort’s Project E involves guests in eco-conservation projects – we recommend the young and old to sign up for the endangered turtle assignments and the reef rejuvenation programme. Kids and teens will love the separate activities set up for them!

Of course, it’s not all placid monotony here – guests can sign up for diving tours, windsurfing and the endless cultural and nightlife events the resort’s innovative staff keep lining up!

Mana Island Resort, Fiji – An Authentic Fijian Experience

At Mana Fiji, the highest compliments are paid not to the environment, but to the staff – try it out for yourself. Also, if you’re looking for more information on the resort, check out our page on Mana Fiji. We’ve also got fab Fiji Island Hot Deals which showcase the season’s best holiday deals, too!