where to stay

I've just noticed really cheap airfares & accomodation deals from Australia. Very keen to go for 3-5 nights. Most hotels are on the coral coast or denarau island - that is the 5 star ones. Want to stay in a really nice hotel preferably & then go island hopping, snorkelling, day tours etc from there. Can anyone recommend that is a good idea? Or is it definitely better to go to more picturesque islands ie the Yasawa's & stay in cheaper accom?
Snorkelling in the best coral reefs (that are safe) is a big priority for me (as is decent accomodation).

Appreciate help from any fiji pros!

Suggest that you start by doing a search on here and the reading FAQs and THEN come back with queries. Saves us all repeating the same answers to the same question.

Not a Fiji pro, but when we went we had a special deal that meant we only paid for the flights and stayed in accomodation on both Denarau and coral coast. We did one day trip to an island... and I would HIGHLY recommend staying out on the islands. The snorkelling was amazing and felt much more like an island paradise.

Thanks jlongred. I've decided that staying on the islands is a much better option - definitely want a beachfront bure. Looked at octopus & botaira but also noticed this one www.matamanoa.com just before the yasawas. It's been recommended by many friends, it's just more expensive than the first 2.
Can anyone compare the 3?

The main problem is how long you will spend in Fiji. You mentioned 3-5 nights. At the lower end, I'm not sure it's worth heading to one of the islands off Nadi/Lautoka, you could just do a couple of day trips.
However, if you will be there 5 nights or more, then you can check out the Mamanucas, they are closer than the Yasawas.

from Brisbane you return airfare with Virgin is normally $500 (with taxes) we picked one up recently for $383!!