The only reason to spend less than 24 hours in Fiji is the reason I did. When booking the points award from Sydney to Hong Kong — 50,000 American Airlines miles for business class — I had two options: nonstop on Qantas, or Fiji Airways with a 23-hour layover in Nadi. I had never been to Fiji. I had already spent six incredible nights in Sydney. The choice was obvious.
Was it worth crossing a country off the list for less than a full day? Absolutely.
The Sheraton
A driver was waiting at Nadi Airport with a warm Fijian greeting and took me straight to the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort. When I arrived at the front desk, they escorted me to an upgraded one-bedroom beachfront suite — sliding glass doors opening directly onto palm trees and crystal clear waters. And then I saw it: a bottle of champagne, a birthday card, and a “Happy 50th Birthday” message spelled out in flower petals on the bed.
It was incredibly thoughtful — arguably a bit over the top for one person on a one-night visit, but I appreciated every bit of it. The suite itself was spacious and comfortable, with a full living area and that unbeatable view.
Barefoot Dinner
Dinner was at the resort’s open-air beach restaurant — shoes off, feet in the sand, ocean breeze. It was exactly the kind of setting that makes you feel like you should order seafood. So I did. Was it great? It was… fine. Here’s the thing: I don’t really care for seafood. Why did I order it? Because I was on the beach in Fiji and felt compelled to. Most of the menu was seafood anyway, and I figured how good can a steak be if it has to come from ten hours away? I did not see a lot of cows on my drive from the airport to the hotel.
Until Next Time
One last breakfast — this time on the Fiji Airways flight to Hong Kong — and then paradise was officially in the rearview mirror.
Looking out the window on departure, the rolling green hills of Fiji stretched out below like a patchwork quilt. It was a reminder that this place is so much more than a beach resort — and that I barely scratched the surface.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. But next time, it won’t be for 23 hours. Fiji is halfway around the world from the East Coast, so getting there takes real effort — but the remote islands and multi-night stays are calling. This was just the appetizer.