Ritz-Carlton to make Fiji debut on the Coral Coast

Fiji’s luxury landscape is set for a new development, with Ritz-Carlton confirming plans for its first Fijian resort. Set on the Coral Coast at Namuka Bay, the property is due in 2030 and reflects the nation’s rising global status in high-end travel

Celebrated for barefoot escapes and private island hideaways, Fiji has long been a favourite holiday destination for Australians, with the nation’s pristine islands just a 3.5-hour flight from the East Coast. Heavyweight luxury hospitality brands including COMO and Six Senses already have a presence in Fiji, while the upscale boutique resort offering includes Turtle Island, Likuliku, Kokomo, Royal Davui, Tokoriki and the exclusive, private-jet-access-only Vatavura. At the turn of the decade another brand will join the pack, with Ritz-Carlton announcing plans for its first Fijian resort on the main land’s Coral Coast in 2030.

A flagship on the Coral Coast

Set to debut at Namuka Bay, just over an hour’s drive from Nadi International Airport, the location, while not a private island, offers a blend of accessibility and seclusion, with a backdrop of rainforest-clad mountains and 28 hectares of beachfront. Ritz-Carlton’s arrival on the Coral Coast will no doubt further elevate the popular area, already a well-established destination home to resorts such as InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa (Natadola Bay), Warwick Fiji, and Shangri-La Yanuca Island.

The new-build property is planned to include 249 keys: 166 rooms and suites, most angled towards ocean views, alongside 83 villas – many with private plunge pools and decks designed for indoor–outdoor living. A 480-square-metre Presidential Villa with a private pool, balcony and yoga lounge, is positioned as the pinnacle of the offering.

Like most Fijian resorts, the property’s design will draw on Fijian culture and heritage, creating a resort identity that is rooted in place while aligned with Ritz-Carlton’s global standards. Seven restaurants and bars are expected, alongside expansive wellness and leisure facilities.

Wellness and reconnection

Wellbeing sits at the centre of Ritz-Carlton Fiji’s vision. Plans include a dedicated spa with eight treatment rooms, dip pools and a salon, alongside yoga spaces, tennis courts and two large swimming pools. The Coral Coast’s natural setting will allow wellness programmes to incorporate both global techniques and traditional Fijian rituals. Families are also part of the equation, with Ritz Kids programming and a bespoke children’s recreation centre on the drawing board. 

Marriott’s deepening Pacific presence

For Marriott, the resort extends a portfolio that already makes it Fiji’s largest operator, spanning Sheraton, Westin and Marriott properties across Denarau, Tokoriki and Momi Bay. Bringing Ritz-Carlton into the fold represents a strategic move to capture the top tier of travellers seeking more elevated experiences in the Fijian islands.

“Fiji is experiencing significant growth in visitor numbers, market profile and infrastructure,” says Richard Crawford, Marriott International’s Vice President of Hotel Development for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific. “Now is the ideal time to introduce our luxury portfolio to the island.”

Looking ahead, the project underscores the South Pacific’s growing pull for international luxury brands. With demand for high-end, culturally immersive, wellness-rich escapes only increasing, Fiji’s positioning as both accessible and aspirational makes it a natural next step.

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