Malolo Island is a must-visit for culinary travellers with Likuliku Lagoon Resort worthy of its spot in the limelight. Saluwaki Restaurant is a standout experience on the island with its Asian tapas menu with Fijian flavours conceived of by executive chef Gregory Llewellyn (ex-Hartsyard). Saluwaki signatures include ember-roasted walu, handmade squid ink noodles and local herbs arrayed on artisanal Japanese crockery. Saluwaki is the Fijian word for a mix of Indigenous herbs and spices, many of which are sourced from the resort’s kitchen garden. The open kitchen makes sense in tropical climes and offers a glimpse into the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen. Saluwaki seats just 28 diners, making it a special part of your stay at the resort. Fijiana Restaurant is the restaurant of choice for couples staying at Likuliku Lagoon Resort because its outdoor terrace has been designed with distinct dining areas that allow for intimate tables for two.

Malolo Island Resort has also been revitalised with culinary offerings that range from fresh kokoda at the Beach Bar, to local walu with roasted capsicum at Treetops and lovo-roasted beetroot. Both Malolo Island Resort and Likuliku Lagoon Resort are both 100 per cent Fijian owned.

Just around the cove from Likuliku Lagoon Resort is Six Senses Fiji. Executive chef Winston Fong delivers a wellness-forward food philosophy across the resort’s three restaurants and two bars. He also teams up with the resident mixologist to hero organic produce and island-grown ingredients. Head to Tovolea for a la carte dining with ocean views; RaRa for casual dining with marina views, and Teitei Pizzeria to dine under a diamante-studded night sky. The Gourmet Deli is your go-to for artisan cheeses, fresh-baked pasta, cookies, wine and provisions for a picnic.

Don’t @ me. I know Denarau Island is a manmade island and has been created on reclaimed mangrove swamps. But Denarau is separated from the mainland by a creek and has a bridge so we’re embracing its island status. Foodies who want to shift down a few gears and set their watch to Fiji time will also appreciate that Denarau Island is one of the best Fijian islands for foodies who want immersive dining, local flavours and hands-on experiences without having to take an extra flight or boat ride. Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort has turned Denarau into a destination for lovers of great food and wine. The resort’s two-hectare organic farm supplies the kitchens at Island 619 and the beachfront Tatavu Grill & Bar, where seafood is flamed-grilled over a fire fed with coconut husks. The highlight at the resort is the twice-weekly Farm to Fork nights, which includes guided farm tours, coconut tree demonstrations, a lovo feast and fire dancing. The resort is home to the adults-only speakeasy Cellar & Barrell, a Fiji funhouse for its whisky and live music.

Foodies can also find their resort rhythm at Waitui Bar and Grill at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa where almost every dish on the menu is a celebration of local seafood. The adults-only beach club bar and grill offer one of the best foodie experiences on the island. Order the octopus carpaccio and truffle mayonnaise followed by South Pacific paka paka snapper. The restaurant is an exemplar of the chef’s prowess with seafood.

Kokomo Private Island is emerging as a star destination for foodies. Fiji’s most exclusive island for foodies is set on the edge of the Great Astrolabe Reef and is paradise found for adventurous epicureans. With more than 60 per cent of ingredients sourced from its own farm and hydroponic gardens, the food philosophy is all about sustainability and seasonality. Choose from three standout restaurants including: Beach Shack (ocean views and Mediterranean-inspired plates by head chef Adrien Narayan), Walker d’Plank (a no-menu, chef-driven puntastic experience named after the resort’s owner and led by chef Caroline Oakley) and the newly reopened Kokocabana Pool Club (think squishy rolls stuffed with lobster, woodfired pizzas and a casual vibe). This high-end resort also has private dining experiences for up to eight guests on offer with menus designed with matching wines in mind. The resort on the 57-hectare isle deserves kudos for its onsite beehives and hen house and organic farm supplying everything from edible flowers to herbs and exotic fruits and veggies. Sign up for a tutored Wine Tasting Experience tailored to your palate.

Royal Davui Island is considered one of the best Fijian islands for foodies who want an intimate dining experience sans kidlets. The boutique adults-only escape Royal Davui Island Resort was crowned Top Culinary Resort in Fiji in the 2023 Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards for its menu showcasing hyperlocal ingredients. The daily a-la carte menus change daily, with 80 per cent of the produce sourced from local fisherman. Expect Fijian flavours reimagined with contemporary techniques served under a 400-year-old banyan tree or in a private beach hut beneath the stars. The resort celebrates 20 years in 2025. And what better place for a knees-up than at the Banyan Bar & Restaurant which is giving refined Robinson Crusoe. Expect pan-Asian fare such as popcorn prawn with togarashi, soy mayo, kimchi and mustard cress. Or grilled mahi-mahi with spring pea risotto, chorizo and a lemon beurre blanc. Chocolate mousse stones with roasted coconut truffle are a triumph. Looking for the ultimate place in Fiji to pop the question? Ask the staff to set up a Castaway Sand Cay Picnic for you on the low tide. It’s the type of bespoke chic-nic Tom Hanks’ character in Cast Away could only dream of. Dinner on your own private dining deck can also be arranged with a menu tailored to suit. The resort is also well suited to those whose partners don’t surf as it combines proximity to world-class surf breaks with a laid-back cocktail scene worth stoking on.