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From river rafting to scuba diving, thrill-seekers will find their hearts' desire at this island getaway.

You probably already know that Fiji is an English-speaking country in the South Pacific, with fantastic weather, friendly people and plenty of gorgeous places to soak up the tropical sun. But here are a few things you might not know. First, Fiji is one of the world's best places for soft adventures—experiences that get your heart pumping but don't require loads of special training.

You probably already know that Fiji is an English-speaking country in the South Pacific, with fantastic weather, friendly people and plenty of gorgeous places to soak up the tropical sun. But here are a few things you might not know. First, Fiji is one of the world's best places for soft adventures—experiences that get your heart pumping but don't require loads of special training.

And second, its largest island, Viti Levu, is home to some great hotels, with staffs that welcome guests to the island with endearing Fijian hospitality. Put it all together, and you've got the ideal place for a relaxing South Pacific honeymoon, along with the occasional adrenaline rush. Here, five luxury and adventure combos that will give you just that.

Taking the Plunge

Head out: The two groups of islands that are nearest Viti Levu, the Mamanuca and Yasawa chains, are magnets for day-trippers in search of just about every kind of fun under the sun. For travelers interested in scuba diving, the pull is especially strong: The South Pacific waters surrounding these islands are famous among divers for their fantastic visibility, deep underwater walls, stunningly colorful soft coral gardens and abundant marine life.

On a trip to the Mamanuca Islands with AquaBlue Dive and Snorkel, divers of every level of skill can dip into these beautiful depths. Newbies can take the "Discover Scuba" course it includes lunch on the beach and an introduction to the basics of scuba, plus a practice dive in a pretty, tranquil spot. Extreme thrill-seekers can opt for AquaBlue's "Sky Dive/Scuba Dive" package, which allows them to jump off a plane and a boat in the same day (679-672- 6111; aquabluefiji.com).

Check in: Action lovers will be close to the day-trip launch points if they stay at the 30-acre Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa, just minutes from the pier. When visitors arrive at this 273-room resort, they follow a path of flickering tiki torches to a lobby designed to replicate a Fijian temple. There, the staff awaits them with a drummer who offers a performance of traditional Fijian drumming. Called lali, this musical welcome underscores the resort's emphasis on celebrating the Fijian way of life.

Of course, since the hotel—which was completely renovated in 2006—is a Westin, local customs are complemented by Western luxury. All of the property's sleek rooms, which have either a balcony or a veranda, feature the chain's plush "heavenly beds," as well as its "heavenly showers," supremely soothing setups featuring two showerheads. Modern amenities include flat-screen televisions with satellite channels and high-speed Internet access.

Guests can lounge by the pool or play tennis or golf on the par-72 course. They can also relax on the beach, which, though not postcard white, is serene. (If you must have a talcum strand, head to the Westin's private island nearby.) There are also several restaurants and bars on the property, including the top-notch Steakhouse Grill and Bar and Meke, a prime location for enjoying a cocktail and views of the South Pacific sunset (679-675-0000; starwoodhotels.com).

Joining the Jet Set

Head Out: Sigatoka River Safari combines two cool activities into a single half-day adventure. The first fun element is a ride on a jet boat: These specially designed vessels zip through the water at high speeds, whipping narrowly around obstacles in the water and creating a roller coaster-caliber thrill.

And then there's the destination itself. At the end of the ride upriver, the boat stops at a village far from the usual tourist centers, where passengers can learn about Fiji's traditional way of life and enjoy lunch before their boat jets them back home (679-650-1721; sigatokariver.com).

Check In: Guests at The Outrigger on the Lagoon may find it difficult to break away from this 207-room, 40-acre resort, whose menu of activities could easily fill every moment.

On-land options, like horseback riding on the beach and practicing your swing on the driving range, compete for attention with fun on the water: swimming in the resort's pool, snorkeling its private coral reef, exploring the ocean on kayaks (the hotel lends boats to guests) and joining in pool-volleyball games.

There are plenty of Fijian cultural activities too, such as taking in a meke—a torch-lighting ceremony featuring dancing, chanting and singing—or participating in a kava ceremony (kava is an intoxicating beverage used in Fijian rituals).

The hotel's seven beachfront bures (palapa-roofed bungalows) have impressive vaulted ceilings ornamented by locally crafted artwork and contemporary décor. One of the best bure perks is the talai butlers assigned to them: These staff members handle all the details of guests' stays, from unpacking luggage to arranging activities. Talai butlers also bring champagne and canapés to be enjoyed on the bure's veranda each afternoon—a welcome reminder that sometimes the best vacation activity is kicking back and doing nothing at all (679-650-0044; outrigger.com).

Chasing Waterfalls

Head Out: For a relaxing day in the great outdoors, join Adventures in Paradise for the daylong "Waterfall Tour," which provides participants with insights into the nature and culture of Viti Levu. First, trekkers hike to the village of the Biausevu tribe, where they meet with the chief—or one of his representatives if he isn't home. During this stop, hikers hear stories of the island's cannibal and voodoo days. Then they follow a trail into the bush, hiking a path that leads through the lush rain forest (for this, sturdy shoes are a must; the hike crosses a few creeks).

The trip's spectacular destination is a 120-foot waterfall that tumbles from a rocky overhang into a shallow pool ringed by giant green ferns and vibrant red ginger plants. Trekkers should definitely give in to temptation and take a dip before beginning the return trip, which includes a Fijian barbecue, complete with appetizing views of beautiful Vatukarasa Bay in the distance (679-652-0833; adventuresinparadisefiji.com).

Check In: Taking a dip is easy at the new Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island. The resort is owned by a French company, and the property reflects a cosmopolitan blend of influences. Guest rooms have a chic European look and feature luxe bath amenities from French purveyor Roger & Gallet, but Fijian carvings and weaving decorate the walls (along with ultramodern flat-screen televisions) and a Fijian sense of welcome permeates the resort's 26 manicured acres.

The centerpiece of the 296-room property is its massive lagoon pool, which has over 1,100 square yards (that's almost a quarter acre) of surface water, making it one of the largest in the South Pacific. The pool's size, as well as its undulating shape, means there's a perfect place in the water for everyone—for the kids who congregate near its waterslide and the grown-ups looking for quieter swimming spots.

The resort has also imported an abundance of snowy-white sand to create a lovely half-mile-long beach for sunbathing. Don't miss a visit to the Mandara Spa, where the pampering takes place in nine bures set along the shore. While you're there, try a Fijian Bobo Massage, a gentle 50-minute treatment that's based on traditional Fijian methods (679-675-1111; accorhotels.com).

White-Water Wonderland

Head Out: Fiji's Luva River is defined by the deep chasms it has carved into the dark volcanic rock, the dozens and dozens of waterfalls that cascade from the pristine rain forest it passes through, and the white-water spans that draw rafters from around the world. Water-sports enthusiasts of every skill level can experience the Upper Luva on a day-long trek with Rivers Fiji. Guests will hike into the Namosi Highlands, then spend the day on the water, with a brief stop ashore for a picnic lunch (800-446-2411; riversfiji.com).

Check In: Given its edgy design scheme, the 78-room Pearl South Pacific is the kind of stylish boutique hotel that you'd expect to find in a trendy city: The light-filled white spaces are decorated with vivid pops of orange and red and eclectic accessories like Chinese paper lanterns, antique chests and Moroccan daybeds. What will you find here that you wouldn't see at a chic urban getaway? Miles of beach with views of Bequa Island and an on-site Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf course.

The hotel's six themed suites, with names like Red Passion, The Oriental and Sand and Surf, are posh places to kick back: When guests arrive, they're greeted with handmade chocolates and a chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot. Each suite has a private balcony furnished with daybeds for lounging and bathrooms that are practically works of art. At the end of an adventure-filled day, don't forget to put out the hotel's version of a "Do Not Disturb" sign. It reads, "Surrendering to Sleep" (679-345-0022; thepearlsouthpacific.com).