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Image this: crystal-clear turquoise waters gently lapping in opposition to smooth, white sandy seashores, vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life, and plush inexperienced landscapes that appear to stretch on without end.
That is the quintessential scene of the Fiji Islands, a tropical paradise that’s synonymous of romantic holidays and {couples} holidays – not the primary place you suppose to go to with a household with children.
Whereas the Fiji Islands promise an idyllic world that appears like heaven, households visiting Fiji will discover a treasure trove of experiences that may maintain each member of the household engaged.
From thrilling water sports activities to serene moments of leisure, everybody from toddlers to grandparents will discover their slice of heaven right here.
When you’re questioning what to do in Fiji for households, or unsure how you can benefit from your trip, this information is for you!
Is Fiji Good For Households?
The Fiji Islands are not like another household trip. It combines journey, leisure, and a splash of tradition, nevertheless it’s not a vibe for each household.
It’s widespread information that Fiji is a spot the place you’ll be able to chill out. Most resorts are luxurious degree, and cater to {couples}, however you’ll find family-friendly resorts which have waterslides, swimming pools, children’ golf equipment and nanny providers, and loads of water sports activities for teenagers to get pleasure from.
However why received go Fiji in the event you’re going to remain within the resort?
Even small children will admire getting out and exploring Fiji. The seashores are recognized for his or her powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Whether or not your children are constructing sandcastles or making an attempt to catch the elusive “sandy crab” (spoiler alert: they’re not nice at hide-and-seek), everybody will get pleasure from taking part in within the silky sands.
In case your children are a bit older, they are going to love snorkeling the coral reefs, zip-lining by way of lush rainforests, or possibly even studying to cook dinner conventional Fijian dishes.
It might not have as a lot journey as your typical household vacation, however nobody goes to Fiji and comes dwelling and says “yeah, it was simply alright.”
Which Island To Keep On With Children
Our largest hurdle was deciding whether or not to ‘go island’ or keep on Fiji’s foremost island, Viti Levu.
A part of me wished a “stranded on a abandoned island” type of vacation, however the different a part of me knew that I might rapidly go a bit mad simply staring on the coral all day. Plus abandoned island vibes aren’t nice for teenagers who want fixed stimulation.
Ultimately, we determined to stay to the mainland and do some day journeys out to the Fiji islands.
Our causes for sticking to the shore had been many and different, however we put it right down to the next key factors:
- After arriving in Fiji after a aircraft journey with three children, we had been fairly certain we wouldn’t fancy hopping straight on a ship, irrespective of the vacation spot.
- The thought of spending an evening on the mainland after which heading out was interesting, however we wished to reach and be settled, not get pleasure from ourselves for an evening and switch round and pack once more within the morning.
- As a lot as a ‘do nothing’ seashore vacation appealed, the thought of being caught in a resort, even a luxurious one, for over per week didn’t sound interesting.
Our alternative to remain in Denarau Island on Viti Levu was the suitable one for us and we actually made probably the most of it. If it’s your first time in Fiji as a household, I can affirm that is a better approach to expertise the nation.
Issues To Do In Fiji As A Household
Now you recognize the place to base your self, listed here are a few of the highlights of what we received as much as.
1. Resort hopping round Fiji
There are many indicators saying “lodge company solely”, however we nonetheless had a ball catching the Bula Bus across the 7 resorts it stopped at and leaping within the lodge swimming pools.
To really feel much less responsible, we made certain we loved morning tea or lunch or afternoon tea (and even dinner one night time on the Westin) whereas we had been there.
A prime tip in the event you’re planning a bit of Bula Bus pool hopping is to take your individual towels to Fiji so that you don’t stick out with the improper lodge towel.
By the way, probably the most household pleasant swimming pools on Denarau had been the Sofitel or Blu Raddison.
The one hassle with each of them was line-of-sight: there have been a number of crevices to lose a child in at each of those swimming pools so it’s essential to be on excessive alert always.
For a ‘chill out in your armchair and see the entire pool’ expertise – undoubtedly my choice when you might have younger children in tow – is the Hilton.
2. Have a mud tub on the Sabeto Scorching Springs and Mud Pool
The Sabeto Scorching Springs and Mud Pool is a really family-bonding type of expertise.
The youngsters beloved getting coated within the thermal mud and we dad and mom beloved the recent baths to clean it off in.
It’s a really fundamental arrange, nevertheless it’s so enjoyable when you get into the recent tub that you simply rapidly neglect you’re mainly swimming in a mud gap in the midst of nowhere.
We swam within the baths for a great couple of hours and loved ourselves immensely. By the way, a go to to the Backyard of the Sleeping Big was actually price a aspect journey – it’s not removed from the mud pool.
3. Kava consuming
You’ll be able to take an organised tour to an ‘genuine Fijian village’ to find out about Fijian tradition and to take part in a kava ceremony, or you’ll be able to change into buddies with a few of the workers at your resort and be invited dwelling to their village to satisfy their chief.
We managed the latter and we had an immersive afternoon shopping for kava on the native markets to take as a present to the chief after which driving out to get to know the pleasant individuals who stay within the village of Nawaka, simply exterior of Nadi.
When you do take a tour, the you’ll doubtless be taken to the Navala village in Ba, the place you can be proven across the village by a neighborhood resident.
You’ll get to participate in a standard welcome kava ceremony and have a home-cooked Fijian lunch, and mingle with the pleasant locals. It’s a good way to point out your children how different individuals stay.
4. Go island hopping across the Fiji Islands
We took day journeys from port Denarau to some smaller and really totally different islands. Listed below are a few of the smaller islands we advocate testing.
Savala Island, Fiji
The primary was a visit out to Savala Island on the Oolala Cruises.
Savala is a abandoned island with only a shade construction and facilities for guests who snorkel, paddle board, canoe and swim within the pristine ocean for the day.
I opted for a therapeutic massage in an open-air hut and it was such a pleasant expertise with the lapping of waves nearly drowning out my youngsters calling, “Mum, MUUUUM, the place’s Mum?” each 5 minutes. Ah, children, huh?
Although the day spent on the island was blissful, the very best bit in regards to the Oolala cruise was the journey within the boat there and again. The cruise is staffed with the chirpiest fellows you’ll be able to think about who’re simply unbelievable with a track and their guitars.
I couldn’t think about a nicer approach to spend a day than zipping alongside the Fijian waters belting out “Wichita Linesman” with a glass of not-too-bad wine in my hand – it’s true these guys are barely obsessive about American nation music, however you’ll be able to’t have every little thing.
Treasure Island
Our second island journey was with South Sea Cruises to Treasure Island.
It was an entire distinction to Savala because the ship was giant and so was the island. Treasure Island resort, which hosted us for the day was fairly run down, however set in paradise nonetheless.
The snorkelling across the island is unbelievable and my son was very taken with the resident turtles and water trampoline.
Nonetheless, I used to be very glad we hadn’t opted to remain right here for a complete week as there simply wasn’t sufficient to do.
Vomo Island
Simply off the coast of Nadi is a string of 20 small and pristine islands referred to as the Mamanuca Islands, probably the most stunning islands within the South Pacific.
Most of those islands are personal islands belonging to the resorts, such because the adults-only Sheraton Resort and Spa on Tokoriki Island or the Shangri-la Yanuca Island.
However for households with children, one that’s family-friendly is Vomo Island, which has the unbelievable Vomo Island Resort.
What’s particular about this resort is it has a Children Village, which is a children’ membership for youngsters aged 3 and up, the place a workforce of pleasant workers take care of your little ones and do crafts, face portray, and extra.
In addition they have a playroom with high quality toys, media room, undercover play space, out of doors climbing frames, gown up wardrobe and craft tables.
In case your children are older, you’ll be able to even take them on children scuba diving experiences, or interact in different out of doors actions corresponding to kayaking or taking part in a spherical of tennis or golf on the 9-put golf programs. There are numerous services for all of the household to get pleasure from, making it price visiting for a day and even longer.
One other resort within the Mamancua Islands that has a children’ membership is Castaway Island Fiji, at Outrigger Fiji Seaside Resort, which additionally has a program for teenagers.
5. Discover Nadi for a metropolis expertise
I’m certain many individuals can be comfortable to laze at their stunning Fijian resort for per week or extra and I actually want I used to be one in all them (I’m fairly certain my household needs I used to be too!), however I’m not.
I like to chill out as a lot as the subsequent particular person, however I’m far too curious to remain put for lengthy.
Which is why I dragged the household across the markets and streets of Nadi, assembly the locals, taking photos and customarily making an attempt to take in what life in Fiji is de facto like.
Nadi is the place the primary airport for Fiji is positioned, so most individuals land there and rapidly skip off to the islands, nevertheless it’s price sticking round for. It’s a bustling, pleasant type of metropolis, however it might be an actual eye-opener for a lot of youngsters, and mine had been no totally different.
We had many attention-grabbing, philosophical discussions in regards to the nature of wealth and what it’s in life that makes us really wealthy individuals.
The youngsters had been very fast to notice how comfortable the Fijian children had been, although they didn’t appear to have a lot.
“They’re wealthy with piles of friendship as a substitute of cash,” my daughter identified. I’d say that’s the signal of an excellent vacation certainly.
6. Surf the Coral Coast
While you begin to go additional south in Fiji, you lose the family-friendly seashores and hit surfer nation, the place the waves are stronger and bigger.
The Coral Coast is arguably the purpose wherein family-friendly meets surfer degree, and has just a few seashores with mild waves, however is just a stone’s throw away from seashores with harder waves.
When you’re a browsing household, that is the area for you. Locations like Frigates and Cloudbreak are perfect for browsing and are accessible solely by boat. The waves are small, however they’re distinctive in that they’re created by reef breaks.
7. Chase waterfalls
When you’re uninterested in seashores, head inland for some waterfalls. Essentially the most well-known waterfall is Biausevu Waterfall, a brief trek from the seashores on the Coral Coast.
The hike passes by way of the jungle for 30–60 minutes or you’ll be able to take a horseback driving tour in the event you favor.
Orchid Falls is one other waterfall on Fiji’s foremost island, which is overflowing with water within the moist months (December to April). You too can swim within the refreshing lagoon beneath.
8. Whitewater Raft Higher Navua River
The Navua River is a outstanding river canyon on the primary island, and is likely one of the most thrilling locations to go whitewater rafting.
Head to the Higher Navua River, which passes by way of a towering canyon fringed by tropical wilderness and rainforest, and encompasses a collection of difficult rapids.
The rapids listed here are class 2 and three, excellent for many who haven’t rafted earlier than and need to expertise the fun however with out it being too leisurely.
Take a look at whitewater rafting excursions in Fiji right here!
Ideas for Visiting Fiji With Children
Earlier than you go, listed here are some phrases of recommendation about visiting Fiji with children, so you’ll be able to benefit from your loved ones vacation.
- Solar Safety is Key: Convey loads of sunscreen, hats, and sun shades. Bear in mind, the one factor that ought to be glowing in your journey is your children’ smiles, not their sunburns!
- Select Household-Pleasant Lodging: Don’t assume that resorts are family-friendly, lots of them usually are not! Search for resorts that cater to households with kid-friendly facilities.
- Plan for Water Actions: Whether or not it’s snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding, get able to make a splash! I like to recommend you get a reef guard swimsuit for the children as an excessive amount of ocean water can irritate the pores and skin.
- Embrace Island Time: Issues could transfer a bit of slower in Fiji, and that’s okay! Take a deep breath and benefit from the laid-back vibe.
- Pack Snacks for the Journey: Convey alongside some favourite snacks to maintain the children fueled and comfortable in the course of the day. Grocery shops and locations to choose up small gadgets are few and much between, although you’ll be able to at all times purchase issues within the resorts.
- Keep Hydrated: With all of the enjoyable within the solar, make sure that everybody drinks loads of water.
Last Ideas
Now you’re able to embark on a fascinating journey by way of the Fiji Islands, the place household bonds are strengthened, laughter echoes by way of the palm timber, and the spirit of journey awaits at each flip.
Whether or not you’re in search of cultural experiences, out of doors actions, or just a spot to unwind, Fiji is the final word household getaway that may go away you longing to return.
We hope this information gave you some concepts for what to do, and helped you put together to your journey.
Fiji Excursions and Points of interest
Do you might have any suggestions for journey to the Fiji Islands with children? Tell us within the feedback!