Fiji has been described as one of the Pacific’s most compelling resort destinations by global hotel giant Marriott International as it prepares to introduce its luxury JW Marriott brand to the country in early 2027.
Marriott International President for Asia Pacific Excluding China, Rajeev Menon, made the remarks following the signing of an agreement with Dubbo Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), to open the 282-room JW Marriott Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island.
“Fiji is one of the Pacific’s most compelling resort destinations, and we are excited to work with Fiji National Provident Fund to introduce JW Marriott to the market,” Mr Menon said.
The resort, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027, will mark the luxury brand’s debut in the Pacific Islands, with reservations expected to open in December 2026.
Mr Menon said the JW Marriott brand’s emphasis on wellness and meaningful guest experiences was well suited to Fiji’s natural surroundings.
“JW Marriott’s focus on mindful experiences, meaningful connections and holistic well-being is a natural complement to the resort’s beautiful natural setting on Denarau Island.”
He said the company was looking forward to providing guests with an experience that combined international luxury hospitality with Fiji’s renowned warmth.
“We look forward to creating a destination where guests can come together, be present and experience the warmth of Fiji through the lens of this exceptional luxury brand.”
FNPF chief executive officer Viliame Vodonaivalu said the partnership represented an important milestone for the Fund’s tourism investments and reflected confidence in the industry’s future.
“As custodians of our members’ retirement savings, every investment decision we make is centered on creating long-term value for the people of Fiji,” Mr Vodonaivalu said.
“The introduction of JW Marriott is a significant milestone for one of our key tourism assets and reflects our confidence in the future of Fiji’s tourism industry.”
He said the agreement was not only about strengthening an existing tourism asset but also ensuring that FNPF members benefited from investments supporting Fiji’s broader economy.
“Through this collaboration, we are not only strengthening an important investment on behalf of our members, but also supporting an industry that creates jobs, attracts visitors and contributes to the growth of our economy.”
Mr Vodonaivalu said the introduction of the luxury brand would usher in a new chapter for the Denarau property.
“We are proud to see this iconic Fijian resort enter a new chapter with one of the world’s leading luxury hospitality brands.”
The agreement brings together Marriott International’s global hospitality expertise and FNPF’s investment in Fiji’s tourism sector, with the new resort expected to further expand the luxury accommodation options available on Denarau Island.
The planned opening in early 2027 will also establish JW Marriott’s first resort presence in the Pacific Islands.
