InterContinental vs Shangri-La

The primary difference between InterContinental Fiji and Shangri-La Yanuca Island lies in their atmosphere and location. InterContinental offers a sophisticated, luxury experience on Fiji’s best white-sand beach, ideal for couples and discerning families. Conversely, Shangri-La provides a bustling, activity-rich private island environment perfect for families seeking constant entertainment and a classic resort vibe.

For New Zealand travelers planning a tropical escape, the choice often narrows down to two heavyweights on the Coral Coast: the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa and the Shangri-La Yanuca Island. Both offer direct flights from Auckland into Nadi and promise the Bula spirit, yet they cater to distinctly different holiday styles. Whether you are seeking a romantic retreat, a championship golf holiday, or an action-packed family adventure during the school holidays, understanding the nuances of these two iconic resorts is crucial for your booking decision.

Natadola Beach vs. Yanuca Island: The Location Battle

When comparing InterContinental Fiji vs Shangri-La, the physical location sets the stage for the entire holiday. For many Kiwis, the quality of the beach is a non-negotiable factor.

InterContinental: The Best Beach on Viti Levu

The InterContinental is situated on Natadola Bay, widely regarded as the best beach on Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. Unlike many Coral Coast beaches which can be rocky or disappear at high tide, Natadola offers a sweeping crescent of white sand and swimmable water at all tides. The ocean here is a vibrant turquoise, and while the waves can sometimes be strong (great for bodyboarding), the resort frontage is generally pristine.

Key Advantage: If your dream holiday involves walking on soft white sand and swimming in crystal-clear blue water without needing reef shoes, the InterContinental is the undisputed winner.

Shangri-La: The Private Island Appeal

The Shangri-La is located on Yanuca Island, a private island connected to the mainland by a causeway. This unique geography gives the resort a sense of seclusion and exclusivity. The resort is surrounded by a lagoon, which is calm and safe for children. However, the beach experience is tidal. At low tide, the water recedes significantly, revealing coral flats that make swimming difficult. The sand is more golden-brown and coarser compared to Natadola.

Key Advantage: The private island structure creates a safe, contained environment where children can roam relatively freely, and the lagoon offers very calm waters for toddlers.

Luxury Feel vs. Family Bustle: The Atmosphere

The “vibe” is perhaps the most significant differentiator when deciding between these two properties.

InterContinental: Sophisticated Luxury

The InterContinental exudes a polished, 5-star international atmosphere. The architecture is grand, maximizing the views of the bay. While it is certainly family-friendly (with an excellent kids’ club), the overall tone is quieter and more refined. It feels like a luxury hotel that happens to be a resort. You will see more couples, honeymooners, and families with older children or nannies here.

For those seeking exclusivity, the Club InterContinental—a resort within a resort—offers a private hilltop pool, lounge, and butler service. This area is the pinnacle of luxury on the main island and is heavily favored by affluent travelers from New Zealand seeking privacy.

Shangri-La: The Energetic Family Village

In contrast, the Shangri-La feels like a bustling holiday village. It is vibrant, energetic, and unapologetically family-focused. From the moment you arrive, there is a sense of activity. The resort is massive, and during school holidays, it is packed with Kiwi and Aussie families. The atmosphere is casual and social. If you are looking for a place where your kids can make friends instantly and run around while you relax with a beer, this is it.

They have recently introduced the Reef Wing, an adults-only precinct, to try and capture the couples market. While it offers a respite from the noise, the resort’s DNA remains deeply rooted in family fun.

Accommodation: Rooms, Suites, and Wings

InterContinental Room Standards

The entry-level rooms at the InterContinental are generally larger and more modern than their counterparts at the Shangri-La. Every room features an outdoor Cleopatra bath on the balcony or terrace, a signature touch that adds a romantic flair. The decor is contemporary Fijian—lots of dark wood and neutral tones. The layout is spread out, meaning you might need a buggy to get to reception, but this ensures privacy.

Shangri-La Room Standards

The Shangri-La has undergone significant renovations in recent years, updating tired rooms to a fresh, coastal aesthetic. The resort is divided into wings (Ocean, Lagoon, Reef). The layout is vast, so room selection matters. Families often prefer the Lagoon wing for proximity to the pool and main dining areas. While the rooms are comfortable and clean, they feel more like traditional resort accommodation compared to the high-end finish of the InterContinental.

Golf Course Access and Resort Activities

For many travelers, the availability of activities—specifically golf—is a dealbreaker.

Golf: PGA vs. Holiday Golf

InterContinental (The Winner): This resort is home to the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course. This is a legitimate PGA-standard course that has hosted the Fiji International. It boasts spectacular ocean views from 15 of the 18 holes. It is challenging, impeccably maintained, and a bucket-list destination for serious golfers.

Shangri-La: The resort features a 9-hole executive course designed by Peter Thomson. It is fun, accessible, and great for a quick round or for beginners, but it does not compare to the grandeur or challenge of Natadola Bay.

Water Parks and Kids’ Activities

Shangri-La (The Winner): If the goal is to exhaust the children, Shangri-La wins. It features a massive inflatable water park in the lagoon (the largest in the South Pacific), mini-golf, and a highly active “Little Chiefs” Club. The resort feels designed to keep children occupied from dawn until dusk.

InterContinental: The “Planet Trekkers” kids club is excellent and educational, focusing on Fijian culture and sustainability. However, the resort lacks the high-octane water park infrastructure of the Shangri-La. The focus here is more on beach activities, snorkeling, and calm pool play.

Dining Experiences: From Buffets to Fine Dining

InterContinental Dining

The culinary experience at InterContinental is superior for foodies. Navo, the signature fine-dining restaurant, offers sophisticated cuisine overlooking the lagoon and island of Navo. The breakfast buffet at Sanasana is extensive and high quality. The prices reflect the 5-star status—dining here is expensive, and there are fewer “cheap eats” nearby compared to the Coral Coast strip, though you are somewhat isolated at both resorts.

Shangri-La Dining

Shangri-La offers variety and volume. With five restaurants and three bars, you have options. The Golden Cowrie offers Italian coastal cuisine, and the Takali Asian Kitchen provides great views. The resort frequently offers “kids eat free” packages which are a massive draw for New Zealand families budgeting for a week-long stay. The quality is solid resort fare—great for fueling up after a swim, but perhaps less memorable than a dinner at Navo.

Distance from Airport and Accessibility

For parents traveling with toddlers, the transfer time from Nadi International Airport is a critical metric.

• InterContinental Fiji: Located approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour from Nadi Airport. The road is sealed and generally smooth, winding through local villages and sugar cane fields.
• Shangri-La Yanuca Island: Located approximately 45 to 50 minutes from Nadi Airport. It is slightly closer, but the difference is negligible (10-15 minutes) for most travelers.

Both resorts are somewhat isolated. Unlike staying at Denarau where you can walk to the port, at both InterCon and Shangri-La, you are largely resort-bound unless you book a tour or hire a car.

The Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between InterContinental Fiji vs Shangri-La ultimately comes down to the composition of your travel party and your holiday expectations.

Choose InterContinental Fiji if:

• You are a couple seeking romance, quiet pools, and luxury amenities.
• You are a serious golfer who wants to play a championship course.
• The beach is a priority; you want white sand and all-tide swimming.
• Budget is flexible; you are happy to pay for premium food and accommodation.
• You prefer a modern aesthetic over a traditional resort village feel.

Choose Shangri-La Yanuca Island if:

• You are a family with active kids (ages 5-15) who need constant entertainment like water parks.
• You want a “resort village” vibe where it’s easy to socialize with other travelers.
• Value for money is a key driver (especially with kids-eat-free deals).
• You prefer calm lagoon waters for toddlers over open ocean waves.
• You want variety in dining venues without leaving the property.

Both resorts are jewels of the Coral Coast and favorites among New Zealanders for good reason. Whether you choose the polished elegance of Natadola Bay or the fun-filled island life of Yanuca, you are guaranteed a warm Bula welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions