I made a quick four-day escape to Fiji; it felt like four weeks

While staying at one of the island’s top family-friendly resorts, ‘Fiji time’ took on a whole new meaning…

The concept of 'Fiji time' is something most of us have heard about, often in the context of a laidback approach to life where things take a little longer than usual. 

Yet, when you actually find yourself in Fiji, this concept takes on a new meaning.

It's not just about the pace at which things move, it's about how time seems to expand, allowing you to fill your days with as much adventure or relaxation as you’d like.

My recent stay at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort encapsulated this perfectly, making four days feel like a four-week holiday. 

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A warm arrival

Just a three-and-a-half-hour flight from Sydney and a scenic drive from Nadi airport lies the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, nestled on the mainland’s Coral Coast. 

This resort, recently rejuvenated with a multi-million-dollar renovation, sprawls across 40 acres of lush, tropical gardens, surrounded by coconut groves and sweeping ocean views.

And despite visiting during the 'wet season,' I was pleasantly surprised to be welcomed by clear blue skies.

I was also pleasantly surprised to be welcomed by a choir of 20+ resort staff serenading me with traditional songs as I stepped out of my taxi.

This heartfelt reception really set the tone for my stay as I instantly felt swept up in the warmth of Fijian hospitality. 

Cradling a fresh coconut, I was guided to my room along meandering Frangipani-lined paths.  

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The stunning ocean-view rooms come with great perks

I stayed in the Premium Ocean View room, a newly introduced room category from the refurbishment.

Starting from AUD$320 per night, the room sleeps two adults and one infant and offers postcard-worthy ocean views from your own private balcony. 

The ‘Talai Butler Service’ was a highlight of choosing this room, and sees canapés and sparkling wine delivered to your door at 5 p.m. sharp every day. My kind of heaven! 

The room was kitted out with luxe amenities, robes, slippers, beach towels, and most importantly, a Chromecast TV (for binging Netflix after a long day of holidaying.)

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The kids club and nanny service

Now, before I get into the experiences of my stay, you probably want to know about the resort’s Kids Club and Nanny services. Understanding these will help you create the perfect itinerary for your holiday, ensuring everyone is having fun. 

The Kids Club caters to different age groups (three-seven years and eight-12 years) and offers activities like face painting and coconut bowling, that will keep the little ones entertained from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

The MeiMei nanny service, available for children from six months to 12 years, provides more personalised, one-on-one care, and is run by certified local nannies. At AUD$245 for four days, you can relax knowing your kids are in safe, capable hands.

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The Adventure Park, Bebe Spa and Paint and Sip

Now, it’s time to schedule some activities. The resort's app is a total game changer for this and ensured that I didn’t miss a thing (or else the FOMO would have set in). 

First up, I visited the new Adventure Park, something I’m sure families, especially those with tweens and teens, would have a blast at. It offers a range of adrenaline-filled activities such as archery and paintball and you’ll also have the chance to refine your swing at the golf training facility. 

After the high energy of the Adventure Park, heading over to the Bebe Spa for some R&R felt like a necessity. Perched atop a hill within the resort, I arrived as a shell of myself and came back down a newer version that was no longer covered in sweat and was much more exfoliated. 

I chose a Traditional Fijian full body massage, which used deliciously scented Pure Fiji products that I made sure to purchase on my way out to recreate the experience at home. The hour-long service was topped off with a cold towel and a hot herbal tea overlooking the ocean. 

Another ultra-relaxing experience was the Paint and Sip class. Set up right on the beach, you’re guided by a Fijian artist to capture the very sunset you’re basking in, while drinking cocktails and nibbling on snacks. It’s an experience that welcomes everyone (even me with my year-three-level painting skills) and would be great for couples, friends or families. 

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Coral planting and a trip to a local village

Since I was staying on the Coral Coast, I was grateful to get a chance to get involved in the coral re-planting initiative that the area is undergoing. 

Guided by Mariane, a local environmental officer, guests of all ages were first introduced to the delicate ecosystem of the coral reef. Then, it was time to dive in, literally. We collected fragments of broken coral and then carefully set them into resin cones, which were then placed onto underwater nets in designated restoration areas. This was not only educational but deeply rewarding, offering a chance to give back to the beautiful environment I was staying in. 

Another highlight of the trip was the visit to a local village via the Sigatoka River Safari, which gave an authentic glimpse into ‘Kaiviti’ Fijian life, complete with a Kava ceremony and traditional lunch.

And even though we arrived at the village via jet boat, this excursion was remarkably kid-friendly. For example, there was a toddler in my group who sat on her dad’s lap and even slept during some of the high-speed twists and turns! The villagers also went out of their way to accommodate their youngest guest, greeting her with an ice block which was much appreciated after the warm boat ride. 

Of course, amidst the whirlwind of activities during my stay, I made sure to carve out time to unwind by the resort's pools.

Guests can choose between swimming in the large, family-oriented lagoon swimming pool or the adults-only pool with its own swim-up bar.

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Dining was an experience in itself

I was never short of dining options at the Outrigger, with restaurants peppered everywhere around the resort.

From the Sundowner Bar & Grill, perfect for beachfront dining, to the upscale Ivi for seafood lovers, every meal was an experience in itself. Having Fijian Ceviche, known locally as Kokoda, prepared right at your table at Ivi was an absolute treat and one I’ll be filing under ‘most memorable holiday meals’.

Another charming experience was the alfresco buffet under the stars, complete with tasty curries and a rotating pig on a spit. 

And don’t worry, every restaurant has great kids' menus, so even your pickiest eaters will find something they like. 

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The people were what made the stay truly special

The soul of the Outrigger definitely lies in its people. The ubiquitous "Bula" greeting was exchanged between myself and the resort staff countless times a day and by the end, everyone was a familiar face.

Throughout my stay, personal jokes and laughter were shared, and tears were shed - happy ones, I promise!

There was not a dry eye in sight during the leaving song. 

By the end, it was these small moments that made my stay just that little bit more special and made me understand why the Outrigger has so many return guests.

I know I'll be one of them!

The writer was a guest of Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.

Originally published as I made a quick four-day escape to Fiji; it felt like four weeks