Fiji Hideaway Resort and Spa

The breakfast was great and worth the money, and the pool was nice, with an area for kids and a little depth for people who like to swim. The friendly staff made each day feel lively. There’s a kids club, a booking corner for adventures, mini golf and other activities, plus fire dancing and traditional performances. It’s also a nice place for photo shoots. There’s a pool table for FJD$2 a play, which I think should be free for guests. A couple of things weren’t working: the kayaks were damaged, and the slide had no water running down it, so we couldn’t enjoy those. Our room type had sliding doors in the restroom, which felt a bit awkward but was manageable for families. I raised it at dinner, and the next day I got a nice response and an apology. They explained that this was the design for all the rooms, and gave us a one-hour late checkout, subject to availability. Recommend booking.

The worst part was checkout. We asked for a porter at 10am and were told one was on the way. After waiting 45 minutes and calling three times, nobody came. Staff saw my husband and me carrying heavy bags but didn’t offer help. The day before, the bartender at the pool bar seemed to ignore our drink orders, which was frustrating and uncomfortable. When we checked in after a full day of travel, there was no warm welcome or Bula smiles. Our toddler was irritable, and instead of being offered empathy or help, we were bluntly asked, “What’s wrong with the baby?” It felt insensitive. We booked two ocean view rooms for two nights at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa through Agoda, and the experience was disappointing from the start. Where was the warmth and hospitality Fiji is known for? Based on this stay, we wouldn’t recommend it to friends or family.

The ten days I spent at Hideaway taking the Brighter Minds class were a really wonderful, refreshing experience. The atmosphere was calm and supportive, and the staff were helpful throughout. The room cleaners took good care of the rooms too. The food was absolutely delicious, especially the healthy and tasty meals from Chefs Vikram Singh and and Mobin. I truly enjoyed the stay.

I liked the friendly locals, the resort’s vibe, and its location by a proper beach and coral reef. The pool was great, and parts of the resort looked very attractive. We had a baby with us, and the locals made a big fuss of her. I thought the price was excellent compared with some other places, and after staying at a few resorts, I’d happily come back here. It wasn’t perfect: some decor is quite dated, and the food was fine rather than great. If you want a super-luxury experience, this may not be the place for you.