Five days in Fiji

Any suggestions for a young couple travelling to Fiji in January? We will fly into Nadi, and probably stay at least the first night there - I am reading mixed reports of Nadi itself, though, and thinking perhaps a few days on one of the islands might be more pleasant. Not really interested in the big 'party' backpackers island, but I'd be interested in people's recommendations.

What is your budget? That makes a huge difference in where people would recommend.

As Nicole mentioned, your budget would be a big consideration.
The Mamanuca Islands are closest to the main island and Nadi. They are quite dry and the beaches are nice. Matamanoa is a nice place there.
The Yasawa Islands are where the sweeping white sandy beaches with azure blue waters are.
The North of Fiji is a divers dream! Quite tropical! Taveuni is untouched by the tourism hand and has lots of waterfalls and hiking...the true Fiji,....gorgeous!

Let us know what you want to spend per night and maybe I can give you some suggestions?

sunny regards,
shully

Thanks for your quick replies! This will be at the tail-end of a long trip for me, so I'd like the budget to be as low as possible while still being able to relax in comfort. I'm not a diver, so anywhere with beaches, snorkelling and maybe some opportunities to explore inland a little would be ideal - looking at a private room for two rather than dorms, but we don't need the full luxury 'resort' experience!

Having read further into the forums, I'm quite attracted to the Octopus Resort for a few days - will look into Yasawas and Matamanoa also. Thanks!

We went to Octopus a couple of years ago and liked it a lot. Looking at the prices, it seems to have gone up a fair bit since we were there, but if it's in your budget, you should enjoy it.

We met people there who'd also been to Oarsmans, and liked it there as well.

I went to both Octopus and Oarsmans and I'd personally recommend Oarsmans over Octopus because of the stunning setting. By far the best beach I saw in 3.5 weeks in Fiji.

I have also just returned from oarsmans and loved it, would highly reccomend for great snorkelling and gorgeous beach. Nadi is ok to spend one night there, and you will prob have to as there is only one morning boat to the islands.