Uprising Beach Resort

Opened in 2006 by locals, the Uprising Beach Resort has lush grounds with tropical foliage, due to higher levels of precipitation in this part of Viti Levu. Traditional Fijian structures dot the resort, including the thatched-roof reception with floor-to-ceiling wood and wicker couches. Rugby jerseys along the wall are a nod to the many rugby teams that stay at the property and make use of the full-size rugby field. The long beachfront provides sensational views of Beqa Island in the distance, while pathways leads to peaceful areas with hammocks strung between palms. 

Steady crowds of locals and tourists come to the restaurant and bar starting in the afternoon, especially during happy hour when live music or entertainment begins (and when Wi-Fi is free). On some evenings -- particularly when there's fire dancing -- Uprising can take on a hostel-like vibe that makes it popular with backpackers, though contemporary touches and a massage bure appeal to couples.

Uprising is located on the southern coast of Viti Levu. It takes about two and a half hours to arrive from the airport, and options include the local bus service, a shared airport shuttle service, or arranging a private driver in advance. On-demand taxis are also available outside the arrivals terminal. This is a popular tourist destination in Fiji, and resorts are scattered across the Coral Coast -- a 50-mile stretch of white-sand beaches along the Ocean Road. A 15-minute walk from the resort will take guests to an area of shops and restaurants called the Arts Village, or guests can walk along the beach to The Pearl Resort for upscale dining and bar options. Adventurous guests have easy access to Beqa Island for one of the best diving and snorkeling reefs in Fiji, and there are land activities such as shopping, hiking, and golfing within an hour's drive.  

Uprising is one of the smaller resorts on the Coral Coast, featuring 23 stand-alone units either facing the ocean or slightly tucked back in the garden (though still an easy walk to the shore) with an eco-friendly design. The units are constructed with Fijian wood and thatched roofs, and decorated with contemporary wooden and plastic wicker furnishings. The design consists of mainly neutral tones, though the orange bed runners, fresh flowers, and floral artwork add a dose of color. Of the 23 units, there are 11 Bures and 12 Commodore Villas -- the former containing queen-size or two single beds, and the latter having king-size beds. All come with living areas, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges with bottled Fiji water, kettles, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Outdoor showers, Frangipani-brand toiletries, hairdryers, and furnished patios are also standard. Villas additionally have separate living areas, bigger bathrooms, and tubs. 

For those on a budget -- especially student groups who frequent the area -- the Tree House dormitory is set farther back from the shore with 20 bunk-style beds and ceiling fans. There is a large shared balcony, lockers, male and female showers, and changing rooms. A mini-dorm with eight beds is also available for smaller groups. 

Pretty lawn areas make up the wide space between the resort and the shoreline, but the actual beach in front of the resort is narrow and sits below a slight barrier that acts as a natural protector for rising sea levels. This peaceful bay along the Coral Coast faces Beqa Lagoon for jaw-dropping views, and is often sparsely populated. The water is usually calm and safe for swimming, plus kayaks are free for guests to use. The outdoor pool also has ocean views, and is surrounded by cushioned daybeds and a few loungers -- though these can get snagged fast. There are also a volleyball net and a massage hut for basic spa services. 

Next to the pool is an activities desk, which offers excursions such as whitewater rafting, zip-lining, bike tours, and village/shopping visits. One of the major draws to the area is the World Famous Shark Dive (uncaged scuba diving with tiger sharks) in Beqa Lagoon, as well as snorkeling in the soft coral reef (Fiji is said to be the soft coral capital of the world), and surfing in nearby Frigates Passage. At night, live music and entertainment draw guests and travelers from outside of the resort. Wi-Fi is free during happy hour, or otherwise for a fee. 

The resort's restaurant and bar has two open-air dining rooms facing the ocean, and the attached bar serves a full range of cocktails and beer alongside a flat-screen TV for sporting events. A hot and cold breakfast buffet is included in room rates. For lunch and dinner, there's an a la carte menu (smoothies, salads, burgers, and pizza), plus regular themed events such as curry night. There's also an impressive garden on the property, where many of the restaurant's vegetables and fruits are grown.