Viani Bay Resort at Dive Academy Fiji

The small size of the resort means there aren’t many spots, but that ended up being part of its charm. The staff were cheerful, mostly locals trained there, and their playful camaraderie made us smile. We’ll miss them. The food mixed Fijian dishes with western favorites and a Fijian twist. We had a Lovo feast of fish, pork, chicken, Roro, and taro, all roasted just right. The diving is a huge draw. Rainbow Reef is a 10-15 minute boat ride away, with top sites you can visit day or night. They’re one of the only operators, maybe the only one, offering a night dive at Great White Wall. I dived it twice and those were my number one and number two dives ever. The swim-through to reach it was great, then we drifted past white soft corals, fans, nudibranchs, lion fish, and moray eels. Cabbage Patch, Mini Cabbage Patch, Rainbows End, and The Zoo are also world-class sites close enough to return for morning tea. Viani Bay Resort and Dive Academy Fiji also make Fiji Sea Salt from Rainbow Reef seawater, and we had a great tour with so many salt flavors. They have a coral and giant clam farm too, where we planted corals ourselves. Johnny, Marina, and their team were fantastic hosts and excellent instructors. My family took the PADI OW and AOW courses, and I wouldn’t want to do them anywhere else in Fiji. They know their stuff, are friendly and easygoing, and clearly take pride in what they’ve built in this beautiful, remote bay. Marina was easy to communicate with while we worked out the options, and she adjusted our plans when my kids decided to get their PADI AOW certification. We’d heard great things about Viani Bay Resort and Dive Academy Fiji, and they lived up to it. Thank you for an unforgettable holiday. It’ll be hard to beat.

The dive and resort staff are what make Viani Bay so special. Each has their own lovely personality and such a kind spirit, and their respect for the land and animals comes through in everything they do. I feel incredibly lucky to have found this place. With the beautiful scenery, lush vegetation, abundant wildlife, and incredible diving, it feels untouched and authentic. Here I got to experience Fijian food, language, culture, and daily life in a way I couldn’t at other resorts. Viani Bay really reflects the heart of Fijian culture and community.

The price is reasonable, and the food is authentic Fijian cooking with lots of vegetables and taro. For anyone who loves soft corals, this is a great place to stay. Great diving too, with the Great White Wall only minutes away.

We love how peaceful it is here. The quiet is everywhere, and it feels as if time stands still. The local Fijian hospitality comes with immaculate attention to detail, making this our favorite vacation spot. Marina and her staff go out of their way to make the stay lovely, from the private outdoor shower to the romantic room views and all the comfortable, clean touches. The food deserves a standing ovation. Chef Theresa and her team, along with the people who tend the lovo, the earthen oven, are culinary magicians. Matthiu, Sipa, Nen, Sarah, Junior, and the others show what excellent service means. The in-house Dive Academy Fiji has an incredible dive team. They’re eco-conscious and deeply involved in community and charity work. A perfect vacation, highly recommended!