Shangri-La's Fijian Resort & Spa

After a stay back in 2023, the family couldn’t wait to go back to the Shangri-La Fiji and we really wanted an excuse to LOVE it. Unfortunately, this time we were left disappointed. Firstly, the good stuff: - The room was lovely; we were a family of four and had 2 interconnecting rooms. Plenty of space, nice air conditioning and beds very comfortable. - Food overall was great, visit the Takali breakfast location – lovely views and friendly staff. Smaller buffet than the main restaurant but does the job without so many people. - The kids loved the water park and the pools, the pool staff in particular were great with the kids. - Horse riding was fun to do, although the one hour we booked was “Fiji-Timed” meaning that we started 15 mins late and finished early. So more like 40 mins for the price of the 1 hour we paid. The guides were pretty good at yarns of being overworked and underpaid (actually, the story is non payment for weeks) being independent contractors and allegedly poor treatment by the Shangri-La employees given their contractor status. Fishing for tips probably – and it worked as we did tip extra! - Spa treatments were very nice and relaxing. Nice location. - The concierge team were super friendly and welcoming. And.. the not so great: - Whilst yes, we are on “Fiji Time” there is a fine line between Fiji time and just plain indifference and poor service. The Beach Bar & Grill, although had pretty good food was lousy at best for service. We were looking around for the team to take the order; in the end we ended up marching up to the front desk when we wanted to order something. Drinks didn’t turn up, but at least not charged to the bill. - Before arriving, I attempted to book massages and facials at the spa. Despite 2 emails to the email address on the website and then contacting the main reservations email and asking them to forward on my email to the spa, none were ever replied to. I ended up phoning the spa to book. I guess they just don’t need the business at the spa? - Being Shangri-la members and having “points” to use, we redeemed Shangra-La points for spa and food/beverage vouchers. Which turned into a real pain in the butt to actually use. I’m not sure if this is a Shangri-La head office issue or a local issue, but it took on all occasions about 45 mins, various phone calls with managers to get pin numbers and codes and at least 5 staff huddled over a screen to figure it out every time. Surely there is a system or process broken here, as it is not customer centric to wait for so long at the end of dinner to get it sorted, nor it is it convenient for the staff either. - Beverage packages mysteriously turning up on the bill, twice – despite not wanting them. - Probably the most bizarre of all…. When I booked, I paid for a ‘special’ on the laundry wash and fold service. $25 FJD for 20 items * 2 bags. All pre-paid at check in. When we go to check out, imagine the surprise at excess laundry bills being added on! So I make enquiries – turns out that despite you purchasing the laundry package, this then gets magically converted to the normal in room pricing per unit which is on the laundry bag found in the room. So your 20 items is now priced up at the ’20 item’ normal rate which you can receive if you don’t pre-purchase. The front desk staff just can’t get their heads around this. Talk about bait and switch! I tried to explain if I wanted the pay as you go rate, then I would have just done that, but that wasn’t what I had already paid for. Plus the laundry on the second night was meant to be returned at 6pm, at 8:30pm I’m at the managers desk trying to find out where it is after calls to service centre saying it is “on its way”, hours ago. Apparently there was a ‘dryer issue’, which is fine these things happen but a little honest communication goes a long way. Anyway, the extra charges were eventually waived out of ‘goodwill’ but my advice is to check your bill thoroughly and regularly as you go and don’t leave it to the last minute when checking out as these things take a very long time to sort out. Overall, Fiji is wonderful but I’ll be staying else where next time. Sadly our experience this time just wasn't up to the standard you’d expect or pay premium price for and I’m really sorry to have to say, that because we really wanted to love it.

We visited as a family of 4. We got the Yanuca Lagoon Suite. Great set up for kids space and adult space. The pool, water inflatable and ocean were hits with the kids. I recommend taking your own googles, snorkels and underwater cameras. We had the all inclusive package. Once the kids are about 10yrs old the kids meals are not quite big enough to fill them up. Breakfast at the buffet is great it has everything. The lunch buffet isn’t the best for adults. The Fijians are definitely on Fiji time, expect to wait for service at restaurants and for drinks, they arrive slowly. Warning the all inclusive package is $160 FJ per adult per day. If you go over they will charge your room. We ate at the adults only Italian restaurant and it was great. Kids club, great activities for the kids. 10-12 yeas some activities will be a bit childish. For a few hours it’s ok. Resort and rooms were clean and modern. I will be back. Loved my time with my kids.

We’ve been coming to this facility for over 15 years, and this was our 9th trip. The location is excellent, and there’s always plenty to do to keep both kids and adults engaged. The sit-down restaurant continues to impress with great food quality and variety. The main buffet, however, could use some improvement as the quality didn’t quite match the rest of the experience. I also want to extend a sincere thank you to Ashwini Anshumala Mohini for helping us arrange a late checkout, facilitating VIP service, and making sure we were able to park close to our room. That extra level of care made a real difference and was truly appreciated. I also had the opportunity to meet the General Manager, Francis Lee. He was very approachable and kind, and it’s clear he’s done great work at the resort over the years.

The staff and facilities were exceptional. From arrival with Napoleon's beautiful friendly welcome to poolside with Garry and Marley and our amazing room stewardess Sookja and all the staff in the restaurants. Activities were so great and so much fun and allowed inclusion of anyone and everyone. All of the activities staff were so fabulous and we had many laughs playing pool basketball, soccer, touch rugby, beach volleyball and even doing water aerobics. We will most certainly be back. Vinaka

When we arrived to the Shangri La Yanuca Island we were greeted with a big Bula and drum from Napolean in the Lobby. The hotel is amazing, 3 pools, 6 restaurants and the staff are all lovely and food is amazing. Lots of activities to do for the kids and family. Highly recommend the Shangro La to anyone who wants a fantastic time