The primary difference between these resorts lies in the aquatic experience and accommodation style. Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay centers around a tranquil, man-made lagoon featuring Viti Levu’s only overwater bungalows, making it ideal for couples seeking calm waters. Conversely, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is situated on Natadola Bay, arguably Fiji’s finest natural white-sand beach, offering a grander scale, championship golf, and authentic ocean swimming.
For New Zealand travelers planning their next tropical escape, the choice between the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay and the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is the heavyweight title fight of the Coral Coast. Both properties offer five-star luxury, are accessible within an hour of Nadi International Airport, and cater brilliantly to both families and couples. However, they offer fundamentally different holiday experiences.
Whether you are dreaming of the Maldives-style overwater experience without the long-haul flight, or craving the soft white sands of one of the world’s best beaches, this comprehensive comparison breaks down every detail to help you decide.
Location & Water: Man-Made Lagoon vs. Natural Wonder
The most significant dividing line between these two properties is the water itself. For many Kiwis, the quality of the swimming experience is the dealbreaker.
Fiji Marriott Momi Bay: The Lagoon Innovation
Located roughly 45 minutes south of Nadi, Momi Bay is an engineering marvel. The resort is built around a massive, man-made saltwater lagoon. The water here is pumped in from the ocean, ensuring it is always calm, safe, and swimmable regardless of the tide. This is a massive advantage for families with toddlers or travelers who are nervous about ocean currents.
However, it is essential to manage expectations: the lagoon floor is sandy but artificial. While the water is turquoise and beautiful, it lacks the coral, waves, and marine life of a natural reef. The resort does have an ocean-facing side, but the beach there is rocky and generally not suitable for swimming.
InterContinental Fiji: The Natadola Advantage
Situated about 55 minutes from Nadi, the InterContinental rests on the shores of Natadola Bay. This is widely considered the best beach on the main island of Viti Levu. Here, you get the authentic South Pacific experience: powdery white sand, rolling waves suitable for boogie boarding (and surfing at the reef break), and excellent snorkeling right off the shore.
If your heart is set on long walks on a natural beach and hearing the roar of the ocean as you sleep, the InterContinental wins this category decisively. The trade-off is that the ocean can be rougher, and unlike the Marriott’s lagoon, it is subject to tides.
Accommodation: Overwater Bures vs. Club InterContinental
Both resorts offer standard hotel rooms and standalone suites, but their “hero” products cater to different luxury fantasies.
Marriott: The Overwater Experience
The Fiji Marriott Momi Bay holds a unique trump card: it is the only resort on the main island of Viti Levu to offer Overwater Bures. For New Zealanders, this means you can get a taste of the Bora Bora or Maldives experience with just a 3-hour flight to Nadi.
These adults-only bures feature direct ladder access into the lagoon and standalone bathtubs with water views. They are modern, sleek, and designed for romance. If you are celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary and want that iconic overwater photo, Marriott is the choice.
InterContinental: The Club Village
The InterContinental takes a more traditional, grand approach. The accommodation is split between the main resort and the exclusive “Club InterContinental” perched on the hill. The Club InterContinental is essentially a resort within a resort, featuring its own private infinity pool, lounge, and butler service.
The rooms at the InterCon are generally larger than the standard rooms at the Marriott. The design is “Pacific Chic”—lots of dark wood, massive Cleopatra baths on the balconies, and lush garden or ocean views. It feels more established and “grand hotel” compared to the modern, minimalist vibe of the Marriott.
Dining Variety & Culinary Experiences
When you are secluded in a resort, dining variety is critical. Both resorts offer multiple venues, but the atmosphere differs significantly.
Marriott Momi Bay Dining
The Marriott offers three main dining outlets:
- Goji Kitchen & Bar: The main buffet restaurant offering Asian fusion and international staples.
- Fish Bar: The resort’s crown jewel. Perched on a rocky point overlooking the ocean (not the lagoon), this is arguably one of the best sunset dining spots in Fiji. The seafood is fresh, and the vibe is upscale coastal.
- Lagoon House & Bar: Casual Mediterranean and Italian fare located near the pool.
The dining here is excellent, though the menu variety can feel slightly limited after a week-long stay compared to the larger InterCon.
InterContinental Dining
The InterContinental operates on a larger scale with more distinct venues:
- Sanasana: The main buffet restaurant, known for distinct theme nights that are executed with high quality.
- Navo: This is fine dining at its best. Overlooking the lagoon and the island of Navo, this adults-only (for dinner) venue serves sophisticated cuisine that rivals top Auckland restaurants.
- Toba Bar & Grill: Casual poolside dining with a massive menu, perfect for lunch.
Winner for Foodies: The InterContinental generally edges out the Marriott for depth of culinary variety and the sheer quality of the breakfast buffet, which is legendary among frequent Fiji travelers.
Sunset Views & Atmosphere
Fiji is famous for its sunsets, and both resorts are located on the western side of Viti Levu, guaranteeing spectacular evening displays.
At the Marriott: The “Fish Bar” is the designated sunset spot. Because the resort faces west over the open ocean (beyond the lagoon), you get an uninterrupted horizon view. The ritual of drum beating and lighting the torches as the sun dips below the water is magical. The atmosphere is “Ibiza chill”—relaxed, modern music, and cocktails.
At the InterContinental: The sunset view from the Kama Lounge is framed by palm trees and the curve of Natadola Bay. It feels more organic and tropical. The nightly entertainment here often includes traditional Fijian Meke dancing and fire shows on the grass, providing a more cultural backdrop to your sundowners.
Pools, Golf & Activities
How you spend your day is the ultimate deciding factor.
For the Golfer
There is no contest here. InterContinental Fiji is home to the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, a Vijay Singh-designed course that hosts the Fiji International. It is a stunning, challenging course with ocean views from 15 of the 18 holes. The Marriott does not have a golf course on-site (though you can travel to one), so for golf enthusiasts, the InterCon is the only choice.
For the Swimmer
The Marriott features two main swimming pools plus the lagoon. The Main Pool is family-focused with a swim-up bar, while the Sunset Infinity Pool (adults only) is superb for relaxation. However, the lagoon is the main event for swimming.
The InterContinental boasts a massive family activity pool, an adults-only infinity pool overlooking the beach, and the private Club pool. Plus, you have the ocean. If you prefer pool hopping and ocean swimming, InterCon offers more variety.
The Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Both resorts are impeccable, but they serve different dream holidays.
Choose Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay IF:
- You want Overwater Bures: It is the only place to get this experience without leaving the main island.
- You prefer calm water: The lagoon is safe, flat, and predictable, perfect for relaxing on a floatie.
- You like modern design: The resort feels newer, sleeker, and more contemporary.
- You are a couple: The adults-only pool and overwater bures offer great seclusion.
Choose InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort IF:
- You are a beach lover: Natadola Bay is unmatched for sand quality and ocean swimming.
- You are a golfer: The course is world-class.
- You want “Grand Luxury”: The Club InterContinental experience is arguably the highest level of service on the mainland.
- You are a family with active kids: The beach provides more activity (surfing, snorkeling) than the calm lagoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which resort is closer to Nadi Airport?
Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is slightly closer, taking approximately 45 minutes by car. The InterContinental Fiji takes about 55 minutes to 1 hour. The difference is negligible for most travelers.
Can you swim in the ocean at Marriott Momi Bay?
Generally, no. The ocean-facing side of Marriott Momi Bay is rocky and has strong currents. All swimming is done in the man-made lagoon or the swimming pools.
Is the InterContinental Fiji all-inclusive?
No, the InterContinental is not fully all-inclusive. However, they offer meal plans and packages that can include breakfast, dinner, and beverages. Club InterContinental guests receive complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and sunset cocktails.
Which resort has a better kids club?
Both resorts have excellent kids clubs (Planet Trekkers at InterCon and the Turtle Club at Marriott). However, the InterContinental is often favored by families with older children due to the beach activities and larger grounds.
Are the Overwater Bures at Marriott Momi Bay adults-only?
Yes, the Overwater Bures at the Marriott are strictly for adults (18+). Families wishing to stay at the Marriott must book the Lagoon or Ocean front Bures on land.
Does Marriott Momi Bay have good snorkeling?
The lagoon does not have coral or significant marine life. For snorkeling, you must take a boat excursion from the Marriott. Conversely, the InterContinental has decent snorkeling directly off the beach at Natadola Bay.