fiji
A country full of smiling, singing locals and beautiful beaches. Fiji is the perfect family destination, but if you escape to the smaller islands, there is definitely more than just family resorts!
Fiji is just a hop skip and a jump from Australia. It’s a family friendly destination, although there are certainly high end resorts where you can avoid kids if that’s what you’re after. I’ve been to Fiji once, staying on the main island of Denauru but I have to say I wasn’t sold until I made it out snorkelling on one of the smaller islands.
It’s easy to see why this place is a favourite with families. It’s not a long flight (around 3 hours from Australia), there are kids clubs galore and you can literally stay at a big resort and not leave for days. I stayed at the Westin. Don’t get me wrong – it’s beautiful, with wooden features and a Polynesian feel.
My issue with Fiji was that it was just nice. Not special, not memorable. Just nice. However, I feel like this is more my fault for not exploring more than Fiji’s. I’m not the kind of traveller who wants to just sit at a resort all day and night. I don’t mind the chillout, but I like options. Island time pretty much takes hold upon arrival and everything is laconic and relaxed. Which is nice, until you have to wait 50 mins for your dinner every night.
And on Denauru, it seems like all the resorts are designed so you just never have to leave. I mean, you could literally be at any beachside destination – that’s how I feel about resorts. I’m also very happy to be proven wrong – so if you’ve had different experiences, get in touch and I’ll head back over to Fiji to investigate.
The highlight for me was a day I went out to the smaller islands on a snorkelling trip. That was where I got a feel for what I had hoped was the real Fiji – white sand, coral thriving in the sea and fish swimming around my feet.
The Best Things To Do On A Fiji Holiday
Fiji is the perfect relaxing holiday destination for couples, families and solo travellers alike. Learn about the best things to do and see in this little collection of Pacific Islands.