With its blend of luxurious, boutique hideaways and large, affordable resorts, Fiji offers something for all families.
Our love affair with Fiji is stronger than ever, with Australian visitor arrivals growing from 248,589 in 2009 to 349,217 last year.
Short child-friendly flights, guaranteed sunshine and the world’s warmest locals are a great combo for family getaways, whether you want tropical adventures or to fly and flop.
With a mix of luxurious, boutique hideaways geared for kids with cashed-up parents, to the main island crowded with big affordable resorts, the South Sea island chain offers holidays to suit all hip pockets.
So how to choose where to spend your holiday dollar?
Here, Australian parents and kids give the thumbs up to 10 resorts that get top marks for making the whole family happy.
JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU, SAVU SAVU
It’s hard to top a resort where big kids get a buddy and babies each get a free nanny. Twice voted the world’s leading green hotel, this unplugged, up-market eco-paradise consistently gets accolades for its innovative ideas. No room phones or TVs force the gaze towards nature’s gifts and activities focus on the marine park and coral reef on the doorstep. A resident marine biologist leads free daily snorkelling trips. Outdoor massages, yoga, an adult pool and dining area spell parent heaven.
Family fun
Toddler pool, bigger family pool, waterslides, market trips, reef and rainforest walks, star gazing, guided snorkelling.
Parent’s report
Kelly: This is the ultimate family resort with dawn to dusk nannies and local playmates for kids up to 13. They have a brilliant program for teens – they make rafts, spear fish and night snorkel.
Kid’s verdict
Ella, 6: I love the Bula Club and all the friends I made there. I love my nanny Joana, playing in the pool, collecting crabs and learning about the sea from Johnny (the marine biologist).
Deal
Stay six nights, pay five – $2925 an adult in garden bure with two adults and two kids sharing on selected dates. Includes all meals, transfers, four excursions, Wi-Fi and more.
www.fiji.travel/accommodation/jean-michel-cousteau-resort-fiji
INTERCONTINENTAL FIJI, NATADOLA BAY
For total relaxation, you can’t beat a flare-lit outdoor bath with the crash of the ocean soundtrack – ask for rooms with this sigh-inducing indulgence. Famous for being set on a beach once voted the best beach on Viti Levu, this luxury resort has a kid-magnet club with singing, storytelling and games in the vast 14ha tropical garden.
Date night bonus: Navo Restaurant has one of the most romantic, private cabanas for a moonlit dinner for two.
Family fun
Surf lessons, speedboat doughnut rides, baking classes, walking tour to local village, horseriding, pool scuba lessons.
Parent’s report
Angie: With my 18-year-old daughter superglued to the lounge at the adult pool, and young son itching to catch frogs and find treasure, the gym, spa and shops were calling me. Buffet breakfasts and dinners were a hit and evening kids’-adventures meant the grown-ups were free to enjoy dinner.
Kid’s verdict
Daniel, 10: The crab races were fun and there were lots of kids to play games with in the pool. At night in the club, we went out with torches to find frogs and do treasure hunts. We were allowed to keep what we found and I still have my shell. We also got dressed up in Fijian clothes and learnt Fijian songs.
Deal
Minimum 5-night stay includes breakfast for two adults (children below 12 eat free), $FJ600 ($A378) resort credit, kids club entry, airport transfers.
www.fiji.travel/accommodation/intercontinental-fiji-golf-resort-spa
SHANGRI-LA FIJIAN RESORT, YANUCA ISLAND
Fiji time is in full swing here at one of Fijis oldest – and some say biggest – resorts set in lush tropical gardens with a pristine, star fish-filled lagoon. The place has a huge fan base among Aussie families looking for value. Rooms are comfortable motel-style and public areas could do with an update. However, a huge program of outdoor fun for under 12s keeps them coming back.
Family fun
Marine education centre, movies, pool boat races, fish feeding, pottery, scavenger hunts and singalongs.
Parent’s report
Jo, mum of three: If you are looking for a break where you can simply relax and read a book, then this is your place to grab a sun chair and a cocktail by the pool. You have to click into “Fiji time”, which is great for the soul. The day trips to the islands are stunning.
Kid’s verdict
Max, 10: We go almost every year and I can’t wait to do knee boarding, parasailing, water skiing, fishing, canoeing and riding on the banana boat. On Monday you play soccer, on Tuesday you play rugby and other days I played golf and putt-putt.
Deal
Family Getaway package from $277 a night includes buffet breakfast, transfers, half-hour massage for two adults, bike hire, family putt-putt with 25 per cent off the second room.
THE NAVITI RESORT, CORAL COAST
Hugely popular due to its all-inclusive meal and drinks package, the Naviti was named No.1 affordable family-friendly resort in Fiji in a recent survey. All-day ice cream, alcoholic drinks and meals included keep check-out bill-shock to a minimum. Renovations due in April will see two new restaurants and a spa update.
Family fun
Calm lagoon for young swimmers, windsurfing, sunset cruises, tennis, pool scuba lessons, island-hopping trips, golf course, outdoor fun and kids’ club program.
Parent’s report
Kayscha, mum of two: Our girls were desperate to go to the kids’ club every day. Our three- year-old went there with a gorgeous babysitter and she was included in all activities. Our older daughter loved the hat-making contest, which was judged in the bar by applause, and the disco.
Deal
All-inclusive deal in garden-view room from $257 a room. Book online and save.
PARADISE COVE RESORT, YASAWA ISLANDS
The newest resort in this remote island chain, a 2½-hour boat trip (or 20 minutes by seaplane) from Viti Levu, may bring on a case of “are we there yet?” so best to take snacks and games. The wonderfully named Crooked Coconut Kids Club caters for five-year-olds and up who can swim. Also offers cooking lessons, tractor rides and storytelling. Yoga classes and massages keep parents happy.
Family fun
Guided bush walks, jewellery making, sunset cruises, snorkelling trips.
Parent’s report
Sue, mum of Lily, 9 months: We got a two-bedroom bure with an amazing open-air tropical shower – it was huge and Lily had a whole “wing” to herself. The babysitters stepped in just as she started grizzling at mealtimes and whisked her away to play so we could finish our meal – a rare treat!
Deal
Receive resort credits to spend during your stay until March 31. Book three days and receive $FJ100 in room credit, $FJ200 for five days and $FJ300 credit for a seven-day stay.
Banana boat ride for the family at Plantation Island.
PLANTATION ISLAND, MAMANUCA GROUP
The 224ha island resort offers a rugby oval, a running track, netball courts, beach cricket, putt-putt, lawn bowls and that’s just on land. Around the three-star mark, it’s basic but with comfortable bures and standard rooms have an interconnecting option for families.
Family fun
Semi-submersible rides, dolphin safari, knee-boarding, wake boarding, shell village trip, cooking lessons, putt-putt, fire lighting shows and dancing.
Parent’s report
Margie, in a multi-generational family group: I highly recommend this for big families – there were 45 of us with 25 kids aged between three and 22. It was brilliant being able to get all the water equipment free and the snorkelling was fabulous. The kids’ club was pretty poor though as the toys were old and tired. That aside, with so much to do outdoors, it was value for money.
Deal
Five nights, transfers, kids eat free from $440 a person. Applicable to selected dates.
OUTRIGGER RESORT, CORAL COAST
A sprawling, village-style resort where singing and dancing are likely to break out at any time. The Vahavu swimming pool and adjacent bistro are adults-only – think lap pool, 35m lagoon pool, sundeck, swim-up bar and tapas. Me-time bliss. Meanwhile, three age-specific programs mean kids get treasure hunts, fish feeding, kayaking, hikes, excursions to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes and more.
Family fun
The nearby Kula Eco Park , which features local birds, reptiles and sea creatures, has self-guided and guided tours. Don’t miss the nearby Sigatoka off-road cave safari.
Parent’s report
Matthew, father of three: For families, I couldn’t fault it. The kids’ club had crab hunting, fish spotting, watermelon smashing and basket weaving.
Kid’s verdict
James, 9: We really loved the pool and that everyone was always having fun. We also got to go in a glass-bottom canoe to see the fish and coral.
Deal
Pay five, stay seven nights from $1609 a family (based on two adults and two children 11 years and under). Includes accommodation, kids’ stay and eat free, four days free Meimei nanny service and transfers. Book by March 31, 2015 and for travel selected dates.
creativeholidays.com or Ph 1300 747 400.
Castaway Island.
CASTAWAY ISLAND RESORT, MAMANUCA ISLANDS
Small enough to kayak around at low tide, but big enough to find new playmates around the pool, the four-star resort is covered in rainforest and ringed by white sand and coral reefs. Beachfront and garden bures cater for up to five, with one three-bedroom option sleeping 10. Water-sport equipment is thrown in. Young swimmers love snorkelling directly offshore at standing depth. The 1808 restaurant just picked up gongs at the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards.
Family fun
Day trips aboard the 400hp speedboat include island hopping and a visit to the deserted Modriki Island, where Tom Hanks was marooned in the movie Cast Away. Night nature walks, kayaking, and endless pool and beach games.
Parent’s report
Nicole, mum of two: Parents can have date night every night because after the kids have their buffet dinner, they go off to play outdoor games at the kids’ club while you have dinner at the restaurant on the sand.
Kid’s verdict
Samuel, 10: Going to the kids’ club at night while parents dine is really fun – you play games on the tennis court and go crab-hunting in the sand.
Deal
Unlimited dining offer, including the 1808 restaurant, is available for selected dates in 2015. Book by March 31. Rooms from $3516 for five nights for a family of four.
NANUKU AUBERGE RESORT FIJI, PACIFIC HARBOUR
Boutique, up-market haven, near the adventure activity capital of Pacific Harbour, making this a great choice for older kids and teens.
Family fun
Top dining, personal trainers in the gymnasium, a boutique kids’ club and evening shows. Sprawling, duplex family villas with plunge pools and personal golf buggies get top marks.
Deal
Five nights for the price of four based on two children under 13, $5750. Includes all meals, accommodation, nanny service, butlers, free Wi-Fi, golf buggy and non-motorised water sports equipment.
SHERATON FIJI RESORT DENARAU ISLAND
The 297-room Sheraton is part of Fiji’s only five-star integrated resort complex. Guests can use the facilities of the adjacent Westin (including the spa) and the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club.
Family fun
Touch rugby, aqua-aerobics, soccer, canoeing, volleyball, sandcastle classes, sarong painting, coconut-leaf weaving, Fijian language lessons and more. The Big Bula Waterpark is across the road.
Parent’s report:
Belinda, mum of three: We loved Flying Fish restaurant and the row of family-sized beachfront day beds near the bar are hard to leave once you have a book in hand. There is so much to do here and at the marina, including a golf course.
Deal
Kids stay and play free and meals are just $5 with a paying adult. Rooms from $281, including breakfast for two adults, two kids and late checkout.
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