All-Inclusive vs Pay As You Go

Determining if Fiji all-inclusive is worth it depends largely on your consumption habits and location. For families and travelers planning to consume more than six alcoholic beverages daily or dine exclusively at the resort, all-inclusive packages generally offer 20-30% savings and budget certainty. However, for light eaters or active explorers dining off-site, pay-as-you-go is significantly cheaper.

For New Zealanders looking to escape the winter chill or enjoy a school holiday break, Fiji remains the premier tropical destination. A mere three to four-hour flight from Auckland transports you to the Bula spirit. However, once the flights are booked, the most common financial dilemma arises: Should you pre-pay for a meal plan and drink package, or risk the bill at checkout with a pay-as-you-go approach?

Fiji is known for its hospitality, but resort dining prices can often shock first-time visitors, rivaling high-end Auckland Viaduct restaurants. This guide breaks down the real costs, the “Fiji math,” and the hidden factors to help you decide if an all-inclusive upgrade is the right financial move for your holiday.

Understanding Fiji’s “All-Inclusive” Landscape

Before analyzing the numbers, it is crucial to understand that Fiji operates differently from the Caribbean or Mexico. In Cancun, “All-Inclusive” is the default. In Fiji, true all-inclusive resorts (where room, food, drinks, and activities are one price) are rare and typically high-end (e.g., Namale or Likuliku).

Most popular resorts in Denarau, the Coral Coast, and the Mamanucas operate on a “Board Basis.” You book the room, and then you have the option to add:

• Half Board: Breakfast and Dinner.
• Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• All-Inclusive Add-on: Full Board plus a beverage package (local beer, wine, and spirits).

When asking “is Fiji all inclusive worth it,” you are usually asking if these add-on packages provide better value than signing the bill to your room after every meal.

The Math: Analyzing Meal Plan Costs vs. A La Carte

To make an informed commercial decision, we must look at the menu prices. Resort food in Fiji carries a premium due to importation costs and the remote nature of island logistics.

Typical A La Carte Costs (Pay As You Go)

If you choose to pay as you go at a standard 4-5 star resort (like the Sheraton, Hilton, or InterContinental), here is what you can expect to pay per adult, per day (prices in FJD, roughly 1 FJD = 0.70 – 0.75 NZD):

• Breakfast: Usually included in room rate. If not: $45–$65 FJD.
• Lunch (Burger/Salad + Soft Drink): $40–$60 FJD.
• Dinner (Main Course + Starter): $80–$120 FJD.
• Themed Buffet Dinner: $95–$140 FJD.

Total Estimated Daily Food Cost (No Alcohol): Approx. $165–$250 FJD ($120–$180 NZD) per person.

Typical Meal Plan Costs

Full board meal plans often cost between $180–$220 NZD per person, per day.

The Verdict on Food: If you are a “foodie” who enjoys a three-course dinner and a hearty lunch, the meal plan usually breaks even or offers a slight discount. However, if you are happy with a late breakfast, a snack for lunch, and a single main course for dinner, pay-as-you-go is almost always cheaper. You also retain the freedom to skip a resort meal and eat at a local marina or town restaurant, which is significantly cheaper.

Liquor Logic: Are Drink Packages Worth It?

For many Kiwis, the beverage package is the deciding factor. Alcohol in Fiji is heavily taxed, and resort markups are steep. This is where the “worth it” calculation swings wildly depending on your habits.

The Cost of a Drink

At a typical resort bar, expect to pay:

• Fiji Gold/Bitter Beer: $12–$16 FJD.
• Glass of House Wine: $18–$25 FJD.
• Standard Cocktail: $28–$40 FJD.
• Soft Drinks/Mocktails: $10–$15 FJD.

The Break-Even Point

Beverage packages typically cost an additional $150–$200 NZD per person, per day on top of the meal plan. To break even on a $175 NZD ($240 FJD) drink package, you would need to consume roughly:

• 16 Local Beers OR
• 10 Glasses of Wine OR
• 7 Cocktails

Important Consideration: Most beverage packages only include local spirits and beers. If you prefer premium brands (e.g., Grey Goose vodka or craft NZ beers), these are often excluded or require a “Premium” package upgrade. If you are happy drinking Fiji Gold and bounty rum cocktails by the pool all day, the package offers excellent peace of mind—you never have to worry about the mounting tab.

Hidden Costs in the Fine Print

When evaluating if a Fiji all-inclusive package is worth it, you must scrutinize the exclusions. Many travelers assume “all-inclusive” means they can leave their wallet in the safe, but this is rarely the case.

1. Room Service Surcharges

Most meal plans cover dining in designated buffet or main restaurants. Room service is almost exclusively excluded from meal plans. If you want breakfast in bed, you will pay full price plus a tray charge.

2. The “Lobster” Supplement

While the buffet is included, premium menu items often incur a surcharge. Ordering the seafood platter, lobster, or imported wagyu beef usually triggers a “supplement fee” ranging from $20 to $80 FJD, even if you are on a full-board package.

3. Kids Eat Free… Sometimes

Many family-friendly resorts (like the Naviti or Plantation Island) offer “Kids Eat Free” promos. However, this is usually restricted to specific hours (e.g., 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) and specific “kids menus” (nuggets, chips, spaghetti). If your child wants to eat from the adult buffet or dine later with you, you may be charged.

Best Value All-Inclusive Resorts for Kiwis

Based on current market offerings, certain resorts offer better “all-inclusive” value than others. Here is a breakdown by category.

For Families: The Naviti Resort

The Naviti on the Coral Coast is arguably the most popular all-inclusive for New Zealand families. Their package is comprehensive, covering all meals, drinks (including beer, wine, and spirits), and even unlimited golf green fees. Because the resort is isolated, you are unlikely to eat elsewhere, making the package a logical choice.

For Couples: Likuliku Lagoon Resort

This is a true luxury all-inclusive. The price point is high, but the value is exceptional because the food is a la carte fine dining, not mass-produced buffets. While alcohol is usually extra (unless part of a special deal), the food quality justifies the board rate.

For Luxury Seekers: Namale Resort & Spa

Located in Savusavu, Namale is one of the few resorts that includes everything: 5-star dining, premium liquor, motorized water sports, and even scuba diving. If you are a diver, the inclusion of dives makes this package incredibly high value.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Book What?

To summarize the commercial value, identify your traveler profile below.

The “Resort Relaxer” (Value: High)

If your goal is to secure a lounger by the pool and not move for seven days, the All-Inclusive package is worth it. The psychological benefit of not signing a bill every time you order a mojito allows for total relaxation. You will likely break even on costs, but gain significantly in mental ease.

The “Denarau Diner” (Value: Low)

If you are staying at Port Denarau (Sheraton, Sofitel, Radisson), do not book full board. You are a 5-minute walk or Bula Bus ride from the Port Denarau Marina, which hosts excellent restaurants like Cardo’s, Bonefish, and Hard Rock Cafe. Dining at the Marina is generally 20-30% cheaper than the resorts, and offers variety. Stick to Bed & Breakfast.

The “Active Explorer” (Value: Low)

If you plan on doing day trips (Cloud 9, Malamala Beach Club, Village Tours), you will be away from the resort during lunch hours. Paying for a full board package means you are paying for lunches you won’t eat. Stick to Half Board (Breakfast and Dinner) or Pay As You Go.

Frequently Asked Questions