I don’t know if it’s because school’s back, but it seems like suddenly everyone’s thinking about the Pacific Islands again.

Drowning in a sea of back-to-school stationery and with the trauma of daily lunchbox preparation once again in effect, it’s only natural that Mums around the world should be dreaming of escape.  The question is, Where?

To save you the stress I’ve put together a rundown of my personal favs for best Fiji family resorts.

FIJI FAMILY RESORTS

Best Resort on a Budget – Bounty Island (2 star)

Located out in the beautiful Mamanuca Islands, Bounty Island is the Top 10 Holiday Park of Fiji.  Actually, it’s probably cheaper.  While you won’t be in tents, and the beach is lined with palm trees rather than Pohutukawas, Bounty offers the kind of back to basics getaway that will have you reminiscing about your childhood summers at the bach.  Family sized cabins and dorms are nestled on the beach within a stone’s throw of the warm Fijian waters, kids roam free, and best of all, dinner is cooked for you – and included in the price.

Getting there:

South Sea Cruises run a catamaran launch around the islands, departing from Denarau Marina.  Transfer time can be anywhere between 2 hours and 45 minutes depending on which service you’re booked on.  It’s a smooth comfortable ride with refreshments available for purchase, free WIFI and toilets on board.

Best Island Resort(s)

This is a hotly contended title and people will always have their favourite, but the two resorts that always stand out in the popularity stakes are Plantation Island Resort & Treasure Island Resort.

Plantation Island Resort (3 star)

Plantation Island Resort is located on Malololailai Island. It’s a good size resort, with everything from studio bures (cottages) to 1 and 2 bedroom options – which make it perfect for larger families or anyone wanting a bit more space.  There are a handful of other resorts on the island so if you get tired of Plantation’s dining options you can always wander down the road and try out one of the others, and because it’s a larger island there are places to explore outside of the resort.  Plus they have an inflatable water park. Win.

Getting there:

Plantation run their own catamaran service direct from Port Denarau so you won’t be stopping at every island along the way – and they quite often offer free kids transfers as well.

Treasure Island Resort (4 star)

Treasure Island sits right next door to Bounty and similarly, takes up the whole island (which you can circumnavigate in a lazy 20 minutes on foot).  Accommodation here takes the form of studio-style bures in cozy twosomes set among the palms and hammocks. Every bure has a view to the ocean, some closer than others, and they’re nicely situated so you never feel crowded.  The food here is fantastic and they have a decent meal package on offer for the adults.  Keep an eye out for “kids eat free” deals during sale periods.  There are pools to suit everyone, with a lagoon-style infinity pool and another, semi-separate kids pool sitting between the dining area and the beach so you’re never far from where you need to be.  The turtle conservation program run from here is a particular favourite with little and big kids alike.

Getting there:

South Sea Cruises run a catamaran launch around the islands, departing from Denarau Marina.  Transfer time can be anywhere between 2 hours and 45 minutes depending on which service you’re booked on.  It’s a smooth comfortable ride with refreshments available for purchase, free WIFI and toilets on board.

Treasure also runs it’s own speedboat shuttle service which is more or less on a par cost wise, but guarantees to take you from baggage carousel to bure in under an hour via Vuda Point.  It’s a smaller ride than the catamaran and can be bumpier but well worth it for the time you save.

Best Nadi Resort – Sheraton Fiji (5 star)

While some will swear black and blue that the Hilton should take this title, I stay loyally firm on the Sheraton.  While the peach exterior of the accommodation may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the interior décor is fresh and modern.  But it’s the outside areas where this resort really comes into it’s own.  Lush tropical gardens surround an extensive complex of 6 pools designed to give everyone their own space.  The Lailai kids club is also a point of pride for the resort and included free in your room rate.  There are dining options aplenty and you can use the facilities at neighbouring resorts the Westin and Sheraton Villas and charge them back to your room.  If you want a self-catering option, Sheraton Villas have 2 and 3 bedroom villas with full kitchen facilities, and there’s a small supermarket just down the road.

Getting there: Denarau “Island” is situated just South of Nadi and accessible via a short causeway.  Coach, minibus or private car transfer from the airport will take around 20 minutes.  The Bula Bus runs a loop around the resorts, golf course & marina complex for around FJD$2 per ride.

Port Denarau

Best Fiji Experience – Captain Cook Cruises

With a new (deserted) beach or two to explore every day, who could complain?  Captain Cook’s Reef Endeavour offers 3-11 night itineraries which will take you into the heart of Fiji and all she has to offer.  A small expedition-style ship, the Endeavour maxes out at 130 passengers – all of whom you’ll know at least by sight, if not by name, by the time you disembark.  While the cabins are fairly basic, they are a comfortable size and all have their own ensuite with plentiful hot water.  Interconnecting cabins offer a good option for families, and there’s even a kids club for 5-9 year olds.  There’s a pool and sauna on board, as well as all the water sports equipment you could possibly need if you want to do more than just chill on one of the many beautiful beaches you’ll visit throughout the cruise.  The kids will love the village & school visits and the snorkelling is above and beyond anything you’ll get closer to the mainland.

Reef Endeavour – anchored off Waya Island

Cultural Performance on Reef Endeavour

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