Thinking about a holiday to Fiji? For this North Shore Mum, Fiji is her favourite place on earth… and she’s been there many, many times! Alison Henderson shares her favourite places to stay and how you can make the most of your holiday in Fiji.
I first went to Fiji in 2007 when my second daughter was around eight months old. I wanted a holiday and hubby suggested this would be a great place. We went with the two kids, and I was pregnant with our third. Ten days of sun, nannies and restaurants on the Coral Coast at The Naviti Resort Fiji. It was bliss. And I fell in love.
Naviti Resort Fiji
Since then we have been back every year, most years twice. I’ve never actually counted, but it is in the vicinity of 15 trips.
I am asked weekly for advice on Fiji – where to go, where to stay, where to eat. And about the biggest appeal of all to me – the nannies.
When planning you have one major decision. A holiday on the mainland, or an island holiday? Both have advantages and disadvantages. In the end it comes down to personal choice and budget – and Fiji caters for everyone. Here are my accommodation recommendations…
Denarau Island
Denaru is 20 minutes drive from the airport, and has seven accommodation options.
For me, the winner is the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa. Good food, great accommodation, and a beautiful pool area. The Kids Club is modern and the staff fantastic. Denarau resorts are a 5-10 minute bus ride from the Port at Denarau – which has more restaurants and is the departure point for Island trips. A big bonus to Denarau is the Bula Bus circulating between each resort and the Port all day up until 11pm at night.
Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa
Coral Coast
The Coral Coast is about a 1.5-hour drive from Nadi Airport. For a cheaper all-inclusive family resort, The Naviti Resort Fiji was the place we visited the first few times we went. It’s a fantastic family resort.
For the ultimate luxury, the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa is amazing. Located on the famous Natadola Beach, it houses an 18-hole championship golf course.
Decorating cupcakes in the kids’ club at the InterContinental.
The Islands
Now we are talking! White sand and crystal blue waters. There are that many options it can be very overwhelming when choosing where to go. The following are ones I recommend.
Paradise Cove, Yasawa Islands – newer resort, small, superb food, beautiful accommodation.
Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island – also a new resort, food was outstanding, staff and accommodation of a high standard. Our last trip we got a helicopter to the island and the view was breathtaking.
Sheraton Fiji
Mana Island Resort & Spa, Mana Island – the beach and kids clubs were the best I’ve seen in Fiji, and it’s a great family option. All islands mentioned above have all-inclusive packages which makes holiday budgeting easy.
The real draw for me to Fiji is the nannies. The Fijians LOVE children. I hesitate leaving my kids at home, but in Fiji I will hand them over without a backward glance. They will play with the kids, rock the baby for hours, mind them in the kids’ club, and love doing it – for the average price of fewer than $5 per hour. The Fijians are the friendliest people on earth and you’ll have the time of your life. I know we always do!
Vinaka! Alison Henderson
