Just offshore (connected by small bridge, 25 minutes by road from the international airport) is Denarau Island and the lifestyle resort complex such as Sheraton Fiji, Sheraton Villa, Westin, Sofitel, Hilton, Golf Terrace, Raddison and Wyndham. These offer the most upmarket resorts in the Nadi Area. Of the Sheraton Resorts, the upgraded Sheraton Fiji recently opened on 1st Nov 2008 and is the most up market of the Sheraton group. Next door are the Sheraton Villas which offer 2- and 3-bedroom suites ideal for families. Adjacent to the Villas is the traditionally styled Westin Denarau. . Next comes the Sofitel, Hilton which offers owner occupied apartments and the newest being the Radisson. You will also find private residential homes, boutique shops, restaurants and golf and tennis centre although the golf course is very flat. Overlooking the golf course is the Golf Terraces which offer 1 to 3 bed apartments ideal for golf lovers and families. The beach on Denarau stretches for a couple of miles and makes for great beach walking - however, the sand is brownish from the nearby mangrove swamps and the sea is usually too murky for snorkelling. Most of the day cruises to the offshore islands as well as island resort transfers leave from Denarau Marina. Also based here is Shotover Jet, a thrill speed boat ride through the nearby mangrove channels with 360 degree spins.

About twenty minutes north of the airport is Vuda Point with its stunning views over the bay and of the surrounding mountains. Vuda has a picturesque sandy beach although the lagoon is too shallow for swimming or snorkelling. There are two Resorts here which make pleasant bases - First Landing Resort is next to the Marina and has the convenience of both day cruises and dive excursions to the offshore islands on its doorstep, and Anchorage Beach Resort lies between Viseisei Village and the Oil Terminals - it has exquisite mountain views but the sugar train track cuts right in front of the villas beside the beach and can be a nuisance at night during the harvesting season of June to December. There are several attractions in this region including the spectacular Garden of the Sleeping Giants with its wonderful Orchid Gardens, the slightly grubby natural hot springs of Sabeto River Valley and further north, inland from Lautoka, Koroyanitu National Park with its hiking trails and overnight accommodation.

As soon as you leave Nadi Town, the rural countryside of sugar cane farms takes over. There are pleasant views along the roadside of the Nadi Highlands and just 10-minutes south of town is Sonaisali Island Resort, a two minute boat ride from the mangrove forests along the coast. This is another popular resort with easy access to both the offshore islands and the sightseeing around Nadi and the Coral Coast.Nadi's greatest attractions are the surrounding mountains which can be explored on day tours.