Sheraton Denarau Villas

Sheraton Denarau Villas has far fewer units than the two sister properties -- Sheraton Fiji and Westin Denarau -- to either side; guests can expect fewer crowds here. Arriving guests will first need to check in at the Sheraton Fiji next door, after which they will be led to the Villas entrance that has a 24-hour security guard. Circling the resort, guests will find a peaceful and serene setting with palms, exotic plants, banana trees, and lily ponds. Next to the narrow beach is a long walking path connecting the three resorts, allowing guests to take advantage of sister properties' amenities. Due to the apartment-style units with kitchens and laundry facilities, most guests are vacationing families.

This property is located on the man-made island of Denarau, a 20-minute drive to Nadi International Airport. Denarau has several Western-style resorts, which guests choose for safety, comfort, and the easy commute to the airport. Another convenience of choosing Denarau is having access to the golf and tennis club, as well as Port Denarau Marina, which offers a supermarket, along with more restaurants and bars. This is also where ferries from companies like South Seas Cruises depart to outer islands. Though guests can walk there in about 35 minutes, there is a Bula Bus (for a fee) that makes regular rounds around the island. There are also frequent buses to Nadi town on the Westbus (yellow bus) for a cheaper rate. There's free parking at the hotel.

Wrapped around the Lagoon Pool are 82 villas that come with two or three bedrooms. Decor is more contemporary than at the two sister properties, featuring sleek wood furnishings, tile floors, and red textiles against white walls. Rooms don't feel very Fijian and they're a bit cookie-cutter, but they're clean and comfortable enough. Views range; Garden Villas overlook gardens and lily ponds, the first-floor Lagoon Villas have direct pool access, and the Seafront Villas face the ocean.

Two-bedroom units have separate living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, washer/dryers, and master bedrooms. Living areas have a flat-screen TV and sound system, while kitchens have a full-size refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and dishwasher, as well as tableware and cutlery. Master bedrooms have a sofa, flat-screen TV, and private balcony. The master bathrooms have a separate jetted tub and walk-in shower, as well as double vanity sinks, bathrobes and slippers. The additional guest rooms include either a king-size or two double beds, and have their own bathroom with shower/tub combo. 

Three-bedroom Seafront Villas are on the upper loft level of the resort and have all the same amenities as the two-bedroom. One notable standout is that the master bedroom comes with a private roof terrace with great views (bigger than the other balconies), though these units don't have direct access to the pools or beach. Two additional guest rooms each have a sofa, flat-screen TV, and bathroom with shower/tub combo. 

The shoreline in front of Sheraton Villas is protected by a series of rocks to prevent erosion, and the water has slightly brownish tint from the darker sand. It's not the best beach, but the water is consistently calm and there are sun loungers and umbrellas lining the narrow stretch. There's also more beach space at the neighboring Sheraton. Most guests will instead swim at the two outdoor pools: The Lagoon Pool is the main pool with huge family-friendly sections and plenty of loungers, though it's away from the ocean breeze; the infinity pool has a swim-up bar and more lively scene. Guests are also allowed to use any of the pools at the Sheraton and Westin, including two adult-only pools. 

Waters sports are available for a fee, including snorkel gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Hobie Cats, and other motorized sports. Additionally, several free daily activities include aqua aerobics, lawn bowling at The Westin, crab races, storytelling, and fish feeding. Lai Lai Kids Club is free for guests age 4 to 12, and activities include volleyball, Fijian language classes, and face painting. Evening programs are available for a fee. 

There's no on-site health and wellness center, but guests can use the spa and well-equipped, 24-hour fitness center at The Westin. Said to be the largest in Fiji, Westin's spa uses products like Thalgo, as well as traditional Fijian oils and natural marine resources. It has 10 open-air therapy rooms and two suites in traditional Fijian bures.

The Sheraton also has several gift stores selling apparel, jewelry, snacks, essentials, and souvenirs. Wi-Fi is free, but guests can pay to upgrade their connection speed.

While the Westin and Sheraton each boast a dizzying array of restaurants, the single restaurant at Villas is one of the best of the group. The Wet Edge has a terrace that sits right along the water -- closer than any other restaurant of the neighbors -- and offers stunning views and sea breezes. The open kitchen (next to the swim-up bar) serves lunch and dinner with a menu of grilled items, sandwiches, and salads, as well as daily specials that focus on seafood. It's not open super late, but it has a great atmosphere and is a popular place. Sample items include Scotch steak, reef fish cooked in banana leaf, as well as burgers that can be ordered poolside. 

Guests have access to all the other dining outlets at the Sheraton and the Westin, including the deli, bakery, buffets, and a la carte restaurants. The group also operates a huge produce garden in the middle of Denarau island, which grows a wide variety of veggies, fruits, and herbs that are used at the restaurants. 

For guests looking to cook, there's a small grocery store near the entrance of the Villas.