Five places to enjoy cocktails in Fiji

Picture this: everywhere you turn you see warm, turquoise waters inviting you to jump in for a swim. You’re on a floating platform bar and pizzeria in Roro Reef, Fiji. This might sound like heaven, and its title comes close: this is Cloud 9. Located off Malolo Island, Cloud 9 is Fiji's only two-level floating platform and it provides a bar stocked with ice-cold international spirits and beers alongside Fijian favourites like Fiji Rum Co and Fiji Bitter. This means endless fresh Margaritas or bright Blue Lagoons to match the idyllic locale. There's a chef on deck slinging fresh woodfired pizzas and DJs spinning vinyl all day. If you're looking to do more than schmooze up to the bar, there's also the reef at your disposal. Go parasailing, jet skiing, snorkelling, paddle boarding, or leap off for a good old-fashioned swim. 

The brand new Seventh Heaven is another stylish floating bar based in crystal-clear waters off Malolo Island, and its sunlit deck is equipped with infinity beds and sun lounges. Go snorkelling and explore the local marine life, or relax on the platform with a cocktail in hand and hit up the ice-cream and smoothie bar for a refreshing, frozen dessert. Enjoy woodfired pizzas made on site and local and international music as the soundtrack to your memorable experience.

Malamala Beach Club is the world's first beach club located on its own island, Malamala Island. It's your very own island haven complete with white sand beaches, lush palm tree surrounds, beachside cabanas for you to rest and relax in and an infinity edge pool. Arrive by a 25-minute vessel transfer from Port Denarau, and walk the entire island within 20 minutes. For those that struggle to sit still there’s paddle boarding, snorkelling and kayaking on offer. There’s also an Asian-inspired menu and a specially curated list of cocktails including the Momi Cannon that comes with eight-year-old white rum, fresh red papaya, lime and ground cinnamon, or the Beach Club Tea – it contains Courvoisier VSOP cognac, local lemongrass tea and pops of fresh citrus and is the perfect way to quench your thirst.

Sometimes a tropical vacay calls for a night of opulence. That means getting out of your linen pants and into a little black dress, or shorts – you do you. And if you’re looking for a nightclub experience complete with bright lights and thumping music courtesy of international DJs, Republik at the Sofitel Hotel in Denarau Island is the spot for you. Think elegant cocktails complete with swish garnishes (here's looking at you, delicately twisted orange peel), and a dancefloor that starts to ramp up at midnight. The nightclub is open five nights a week from 5pm until late.

Wailoaloa Beach has a vast expanse of sand leading up to Nadi Bay, and the sun likes to show off with a mean sunset over the water in this area. Relax by one of its many beach bars while you listen to the sounds of waves crashing and the occasional bird cawing. This is the place to head to for cheap eats and drinks and laidback, coastal vibes. The rooftop bar at Ramada, Club 57, is one such place that you will want to capture the sunset at with a drink in hand. Once its golden rays have disappeared, carry your sandals with you as you wander down the beach for a fresh, fruity cocktail at Bamboo Club or Smugglers Cove and hang out with locals as they play live music.