Fiji- where to stay...advice appreciated!!

Hiya!
Im planning on travelling to Fiji in November with my brother. We will to chill out on some nice beaches (just like you see on the brochures) and also do some kayaking and snorkelling...not too much lying around!
Im looking for decent but reasonably priced accomodation, willing to pay a bit more if its worth it.
Dont really want to be in the uber-touristy kiwi experience crowd type area...but some middle ground where we still have some stuff to do.
Any advice really appreciated.
Thanks

"Dont really want to be in the uber-touristy kiwi experience crowd type area."

Then avoid the overpriced Yasawas altogether.

Head East

Away! Don't listen to cardamom - the yasawas are all good!

"Dont really want to be in the uber-touristy kiwi experience crowd type area."

Yes, listen to cardamom.
Try Leleuvia (kayaking) or Caqalai instead. www.levukafiji.com links to the islands under "things to do". Both islands offer very nice snorkeling - you can take an easy side trip to Levuka for some hiking. Maybe then staying at Bobo's farm on Ovalau. Lot's to do in that area, but not much advertised, so it is off the common touristy path.

I am abit of a fan of the Coral Coast in Fiji....
1. you dont have to pay for expensive transfers to get there,,,
2. There is accomodation for everyone's budget and preference
2. No where in Fiji is super Touristy as compared to other places in the world such as Asia or Europe etc especially not the coral coast
3. There are loads of other things to do such as waterfall and hot spring visits, Natadola beach as about as good as it gets and it has great shady areas for picnics etc
4. If snorkling and Kayaking are you thing then there are loads of spots to do that along the Coral coast.... I have friends who can take you snorkling on the MPA (Marine Protected Area) (MP me for phone details),, you have to have a authorised person to take you out but its worth the effort as its stunning...
5. There are loads of villages along the coast who would welcome any visitor and show you around.
6. Dont leave Fiji without letting a local cook you a lovo.... again,, PM me if you want someone to sort if for you as I have a few friends who will do it if you buy the food

Feel free to PM if you want more details etc

Have fun :-)

Hi,

If you are looking for a bit more of an authentic Fijian experience with 'some adventure', I can highly recommend:

Botaira Beach Resort (Naviti Island)
Phone: (679) 666 2266

and

Oarsman’s Bay Lodge (Nacula Island)
Phone: (679) 672 2921
Email: nacula@hotmail.com
Web: http://www.fijibudget.com/oarsmans-bay-lodge.htm

Botaira has some of the best snorkelling I have experienced in Fiji (I am up to my 9th trip in August). It also has really good hiking. A couple of days on this island is sufficent.

I would then recommend heading to Oarsmans. It has the best beach. There is a reef shelf to the left of the beach for really good snorkelling and a low lying reef to the right. The middle part of the beach is pure white with the bluest of blue water and is like a mill pond. It is not tidal - so you can swim any time of the day / night.

Oarsmans is a great place to stay for about a week. You can hike around the island yourself. There are also half day trips to the famous Blue Lagoon (where the 1970s movie was made) - the best snorkelling is the at the far point, the Sawa-i-Lau Caves (where you can walk between the rock cravices and swim in the cave), open ocean snorkelling, diving, a trip to the local fijian village (on the same island), meke dance night, lovo dinner night. They also have the local volleyball game every day - which is great fun to get involved in.

Both resorts are 3 to 4 star and accommodate many backpackers. Evening dining is communal and you get to meet people from all around the world.

You can do as much or as little as you like.

If you would like some pics of Oarsmans, send me your email. I guarantee you will fall in love with the place!