The Mamanuca (pronounced mama-nutha) Group is a cluster of small islands located just offshore from the west coast of Viti Levu. Volcanic in origin, the Mamanucas are home to many of Fiji's more traditional resorts, such as Mana, Beachcomber, Castaway, and Plantation Island. The islands are characterized by exceptionally good weather and, their proximity to the international airport (which is ten minutes away by plane or approximately an hour by boat) 
makes them very popular with tourists. In addition to the numerous mid-range (and some upscale) properties there are also very basic backpacker accommodations on Mana and several of the other islands. All of the resort islands have fine beaches--some of the best in Fiji. Diving in the area is also excellent. Those interested in learning how to dive might consider taking a course at any of the resorts. Diving is excellent around here and good for beginners--there aren't the kinds of strong currents you find in Taveuni and the outer islands.
The Mamanucas offer convenience, almos
t guaranteed sunshine, and great beaches. They offer a decent product and are essentially private, resort islands--Fiji's answer to mass tourism. What they don't offer is a lot of Fijian culture. If your goal is to get a taste of local culture then don't plan on spending all of your time here. The islands are a good option for day trippers, who can easily catch a boat at Denarau or take Sun Air's shuttle. One other point: There is often a stark difference in quailty between many of the hotels. Service differs widely as does quality of cuisine.
If you're interested in making a reservation at any of the properties featured below, hit the text links or the photos and visit Fijiguide's travel partner, Exotic Escapes.
Rob's Recommended Accommodations:
Castaway Island Resort is actually on an 174 acre island just to the north of Malolo, one of the largest islands in the Mamanuca Group. It's a family resort with plenty of kids running around--honeymooners will probably not be happy here. The 4-star resort has recently been refurbished and is considered one of the better resorts in the Mamanucas. They offer sixty six spacious, thatched Fijian style bures with king size bed with ceilings lined with genuine masi (tapa) cloth. Most include two additional single beds in their configuration, with those bures comfortably sleeping up to four persons. The main buildings have stone terraces and an indoor-outdoor restaurant, sit on a rocky point overlooking the sea. Prices are in the US$280-US$680 range. Amenities include 2 restaurants; 3 bars; outdoor pool; tennis court; sauna, and free water sports such as snorkelling, water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing and reef fishing. Diving is big at Castaway--they have PADI International Five Star Gold Palm status.
Matamanoa Island is the most distant of Mamanuca resorts from Nadi. This is an adults-oriented property (no kids under 12 ) and is thus better suited to honeymooners or non-honeymooning couples. It's situated on a tiny island consisting of two steep hills. The resort complex sits in a semi-circle, occupying one end of the island on a stunning white sand beach. There is excellent snorkeling just offshore. A horizon-edge pool overlooks the beach and there is Restaurant; bar; and a tennis court as well. There are twenty spacious two room beachfront bures, with two queen size beds, living room with two sofa beds. In addition there are thirteen (much) smaller "Garden View" rooms with a queen size bed. The local dive concession is run by Aqua-Trek, one of the better dive operations in Fiji. Proximity to diving is a plus here, it's the nearest of the Mamanuca resorts to the outer reef. Prices range from US$175 (double) to US$277. (www.matamanoa.com)
Tokoriki, one of Mamanuca's better resorts, is situated a hilly island with a mile-long beach and wonderful snorkeling. The property consists of 34 guest bures and villas. It has all the usual amenities, bar, restaurant, lounge area, swimming pool, and of course, boutique. The resort rests at the foot of a steep hill. The majority of the bungalows run along the beach, adjacent to the main facilities. There are 29 deluxe single room beach bures (which were refurbished in 2004) and 5 sunset pool villas (constructed in 2004) with separate living and bedroom areas. Free activities include sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling equipment, kayaking, tennis, hiking, and table tennis. It's civilized and quiet here--there are no (noisy) motorized watersports on Tokoriki. Diving is available. Prices range from F$825 for the deluxe beach bure to F$1100 for the villas. Meal plan is F$99.00 per day for adults and food is reportedly very good. I've heard comments about seaweed washing ashore on the beach but evidently that complaint is overblown. One last note to take into consideration: Fijiguide readers have consistently given this property very high marks. Here's a recent comment: "The place is absolute paradise. We stayed in one of the sunset pool villas and practically lived in the plunge pool. The food was fabulous and the staff simply fantastic. We swam in the ocean most days and couldn't get over how clear and warm the water was. We would go back in a shot."
Beachcomber Island is a true Fiji institution aimed primarily at the young and the unattached. However there are now wedding packages. There are three types of accommodations -- a private bure on the beach with - single, twin or double accommodation; twin lodge rooms with private facilities; or a 98 -bed unisex dormitory called the " Grand Bure"--the largest dorm in Fiji. With 22 Bures, 16 Twin Lodge Rooms and the aformentioned dorm, there are a lot of people packed into a tiny island which certainly lends itelf to the possibility of making new friends. The island is a tiny speck of land (you can walk around it in 10 minutes) a 45-minute boat ride off the Nadi coast. Here you'll find an informal atmosphere and plenty of decent food served buffet-style. Activities include water skiing, jet skiing-parasailing, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, snorkeling, game fishing, reef fishing, scuba diving and of course lots of partying. Rates (including all meals) are F$79 in the dorm, F$195/265 for a single/double in lodge-style accommodation, and F$295/345 in a bure. All prices include meals. Snorkeling equipment is provided free of charge but all other 
water sports will cost you. Great entertainment and first-class live music are a tradition at Beachcomber. The house band has consistently won top honors in music competitions. Beachcomber has a courtesy bus service from the hotels to Lautoka Wharf daily to catch the boat to the island at 10 am and 2.15 pm (F$45 one way).
Photo Credit--Thanks to Paddy Ryan Photographic for Treasure Island shot (2nd from top)
A few things to do:
Dive, sunbathe, swim, windsurf or read a good novel.
