Thinking about booking a family holiday in Fiji? If you’re looking for the ultimate beachside getaway (where everyone in the family has a break, including mum!), a stay at a Fiji resort is an incredible option.
Why Fiji is the best holiday for families
Fiji is undoubtedly one of the best destinations in the South Pacific for a family holiday, with the Fijians friendly hospitality and love of children really shining through. Its popularity amongst Australian families means that resorts are often fully booked during school holidays, particularly the June and September school holidays.
With an enormous affection for children, Fijians make fabulous hosts which brings holiday-makers back to the same resort year after year. Guests are invited to dive, snorkel, bush walk or even to make a visit to the local village. And young families with babies will find the Fijian ladies eager to hold and entertain your children at every opportunity. Most resorts have kids clubs and plenty of family orientated activities.
Where to stay in Fiji
With plenty of idyllic beaches around the islands, it can be difficult to choose which ones are best for children. A safe swimming beach is a prime consideration, and for older kids, lots of water activities. Generally the best beach resorts for children are in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, with the Mamanuca’s more suitable for water sports, the Yasawa for relaxing on secluded beaches and exploring a little.
Coral Coast
The Coral Coast is generally more affordable and a good choice for those who like sightseeing. There are many resorts located along the Coral Coast, and they’re about a 2-hour drive from Nadi airport.
Mamanuca Islands
If you’re looking to wind down on a beautiful beach, set on a beautiful lagoon with good snorkelling and water sports, then the Mamanuca Islands is the destination for you. The popular Mamanuca Islands have beautiful beaches and the lagoons are perfect for kids and there is plenty of water activities to keep you as busy if you choose too. To visit the Mamanuca Islands you may need to stay overnight in Nadi to connect with your international flights.
Denarau Island
If you want to spend the day lounging by beautiful pools and don’t want a big drive after you arrive at the airport, Denaru Island is the choice for you. The beaches aren’t as lovely, but you can easily take a day trip to the nearby islands by ferry.
Fiji Holidays with kids
Looking for a family holiday in Fiji? Children are warmly welcomed in Fiji, and most resorts allow kids under a certain age to stay for free if sharing a room with their parents – some even often free meals as incentives. The exception are the upmarket boutique resorts who specialise in the honeymoon market and many have a strict no children policy to ensure a romantic atmosphere for their guests, sometimes allowing kids at dedicated holiday periods only calling them ‘family weeks’.
Travelling in cars in Fiji
If travelling by car or taxi, seat belts, infant/toddler car seats, are difficult to find, although the major car hire companies do provide the latest safety standard car seats.
Should you pack a pram?
Prams in general are not that practical to travel with and at many of the resorts, pathways are sandy – even around towns, pavements are uneven and not at all pram friendly.
Is it easy to get access to baby supplies?
In the main towns, baby milk, nappies and children’s medications are readily available and being imported from Australia are of the highest quality.
Travelling with three or more kids
One problem often faced by families with three children or more is fitting them all in to a room – or finding a hotel with two adjacent rooms. A couple of the larger hotels will offer a discounted price for a second room, whilst others have two or three bedroom villas
Top 5 Beach Resorts for a Family Holiday in Fiji
Castaway Island, Mamanuca’s
Castaway Island, Fiji
Castaway Island is a pristine private island in Fiji with a 4 star resort. The island’s 174 acres are covered in rich tropical rainforest and surrounded by white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and azure South Pacific waters. This picture perfect Fijian resort setting is enhanced by the genuine warmth and hospitality of our family of staff who welcome guests back year after year to experience the magic that is Castaway.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Vanua Levu
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is an award-winning luxurious island in the Fiji. Discover the truly amazing resort experience — focusing on rest and relaxation, authentic cuisine and culture, and exploring the incredible secrets of nature and the local environment. The resort offers a great variety of unique interactive activities, lifestyle-enriching experiences and attractions make this Fiji’s Best Family Resort in addition to a Romantic Luxury vacation for couples.
Radisson Blu, Denarau Island
Radisson Blu, Denarau Island
Radisson Blu Resort is situated among 10 acres of tropical gardens, picturesque waterfalls and a private beach. Besides sun, sand, and spectacular ocean vistas, the resort offers easy access to shopping and businesses at Port Denarau, less than 10 minutes away, and Nadi, just 15 minutes away. Near the hotel, you can take a boat to snorkel at Malolo Barrier Reef or head to attractions like Big Bula Waterpark and Sri Siva Subramaniya.
The resort grounds offer plenty of island fun and relaxation. While the children enjoy activities at our Kids’ Club, parents can try out our new gym, practice your swing at our Denarau Island Golf & Racquet Club, or treat yourself to a soothing massage at the hotel spa. Together, you can make a splash in our four climate-controlled lagoon pools, featuring the resort’s whitewater tunnel slide, or visit the private beach with white sands and beautiful views. Six unique on-site restaurants offer you delicious meals throughout the day.
Sheraton Villas, Denarau Island
Sheraton Villas
Sheraton Denarau Villas is part of a 5-star resort, set amongst tropical landscaped gardens with an infinity pool. Guests have access to shared facilities at The Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa and Sheraton Fiji Resort, including 14 dining options, 6 pools, spa, fitness centre, golf course and kids club, among others. Guests can enjoy both motorised water sports equipment and free motorised equipment.
Shangri-La Resort & Spa, Coral Coast
Shangri-la, Coral Coast, Fiji
Welcome to Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa – Fiji’s private island resort which promises guests a different day, every day. Overlooking Viti Levu’s idyllic Coral Coast on one side and its own private beach and lagoon on the other, the resort offers an authentic and private Fiji island experience. Yet with road access across the water to the mainland, your warm Fijian greeting is an easy hour’s drive from the main airport.
