Yes, that’s right – even if the kids are moaning, it all feels a bit more… manageable… when you can lie back on a hammock and know that the gently lapping waves (and a cocktail or three) are mere metres away.
The beautiful thing about Fiji is it has so many options when it comes to resorts – and islands. If you don’t know where to begin to find your dream destination, read on.
We discover the best spots for every holidaymaker, whether you’re planning on complete relaxation, unleashing your inner adventurer, treating yourself to some luxury pampering or getting amongst nature with the family.
You’ll have a fuss-free holiday from beginning to end
Going on holiday is 100% about getting away from all the stresses of everyday life. With Fiji, you don’t have to wait to set foot over the threshold of the resort to get that sweet moment of relief (although nothing beats that feeling when you do). A mere three-hour flight from Auckland airport makes Fiji one of the breeziest vacation destinations to get to this side of the equator – even with the kids in tow.
And if being stress-free is the name of the game, then The Palms Denarau is your one-stop shop. Located conveniently across from the bustling Port Denarau Marina, where restaurants, entertainment and shopping options are abundant, the resort itself has all the amenities you and your family could ask for, including a handy baby-sitting service for when you need a few hours of ‘me time’.
Denarau can be explored easily, either by Bula Bike or on the Bula Bus shuttles, which you can hop on and hop off to your heart’s content. If you are keen to venture further afield, a day trip to a neighbouring island (the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are a hop, skip and jump away) where you and the family can enjoy snorkelling, water activities or just plain old (but never underrated) relaxation.
Live a life of luxury, where everything is taken care of from the moment you set foot in Fiji
Enter a realm where time doesn’t exist and the toughest choice you’ll make in your day is whether you should book that massage in the morning or in the afternoon (hey, you’re on holiday, why not do both?) For that next level of luxury, head to Kokomo Private Island Resort, situated on the edge of the Kadavu Island Group, south of Viti Levu, where you will have no shortage of exclusive and indulgent experiences at your fingertips.
Arriving by private Twin Otter seaplane or helicopter direct from Nadi or Suva, guests will be transported to a paradise comprised of lush rainforest and pure white sandy beaches.
Your private suite, architecturally-designed using locally-sourced sustainable building materials, has its own infinity pool and garden, promising utter comfort and seclusion. Activities-wise, the resort’s service offering means you can do as much or little as you like; if being in the water is your thing, you’ll enjoy swimming, snorkelling, deep sea fishing or diving amongst the Great Astrolabe Reef, the fourth largest reef on the planet.
If getting pampered is more your bag, drop the kids at the complimentary Kids’ Club while you while away a few hours at the resort’s Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary or at a yoga, Pilates or meditation class. Either way, no day would be complete without reuniting the family to enjoy a delicious dinner at the Beach Shack, located – surprise – beach-side, with the best sunset views the island has to offer.
Experience a new culture and immerse yourself in local life
The idyllic Coral Coast on the island of Viti Levu is a bustling hub and the perfect place to soak up local life.
Base yourself at the conveniently located Naviti Resort and prepare for full and rewarding days exploring the local villages. Start at Sigatoka markets—and just try not to return daily—to pick up a fresh, still-in-the-shell coconut water, local produce and handicrafts.
Return to the resort for a delicious lunch at one of its three restaurants, all in a lovely alfresco setting, before venturing further afield for a half or full-day tour of the surrounding islands to get a glimpse into the traditional day-to-day Fiji.
The whole family will love venturing off road on an exciting cave safari in Sigatoka or perhaps enjoy a day at Kula Wild Adventure Park, where you can do everything from water sliding to canopy flying to hand-feeding sea turtles.
Another way to immerse yourself in Fijian life (and get the whole family involved in something truly rewarding) is to do some ‘voluntourism’. You’ll help out a local school by potentially painting a wall or digging a ditch, but you could also find yourself building an entire new classroom or library! Every ounce of time and manpower contributes to a stronger, brighter future for the local community.
If adventure is your middle name, then you’ve come to the right place
Channel your inner intrepid spirit and head to the Yasawa Islands, located just north of the Mamanucas. Forbidden from having even a human footprint touch its shores until the 1950s, your first impression will be of its incredible natural beauty and unspoiled vibe.
As one of the most remote islands in Fiji, you’ll delight in your stay at the Blue Lagoon Resort while exploring the surrounding areas by land or sea – go scuba diving near vividly coloured coral reefs, partake in a traditional kava ceremony or simply enjoy taking a dip in the island’s crystal-clear waters.
Venture further to the Sawa-i-lau caves, otherwise known as the Blue Lagoon caves, made famous by the 1980 film The Blue Lagoon. You could even pretend you’re lead actors Brooke Shields or Christopher Atkins as you swim within the lagoon’s hidden chambers, linked to the sea by underwater passages. If you prefer something slightly less… submarine… a cultural tour of the island will prove educational and awe-inspiring.
Either way, the day’s activities will surely result in quite an appetite – luckily, the Blue Lagoon Resort’s chefs will provide the most mouth-watering menus, created from local ingredients. And if you take out one of the resort’s incredible packages that include meals, you won’t even have to think too hard about it either.
For more Fiji inspiration visit Tourism Fiji.
