Family Fun in Fiji

Introduction

If you have little kids under five like I do and the thought of putting those little fidget pants in a taxi to do another hour and a half to the hotel, makes you shudder, then Denarau Island is the place for you. At the very least, it's a good initial stop for one or two nights before traveling on. With an infant in tow, we were happy to stay put here for a full 10 days and got to discover what all the different resorts had to offer.

Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island

The Radisson Blu Resort is where family fun and relaxation come together in harmony. We opted to stay here based on all the reviews, rating it as the best family hotel, and I can’t disagree. This resort is a playground for all ages, with its expansive pools, water slides and activities that will keep everyone entertained — Daddy certainly enjoyed the waterslide as much as the kids. The activities around the pool and in the kids club were extensive. The nanny service for our littlest was excellent and really good value for money.

• Grounds: The lush gardens and lagoon-style pools make you feel like you’re in a tropical wonderland, which is nice because the beaches here are not as nice as the Coral Coast, so they really have done a good job on the layout and general tropical island feel.

• Rooms: We had a one-bedroom suite, which was perfect for what our family needed. The extra bed in the living area was just right for our 4-year-old and plenty of room for the travel cot too. There are also two-bedroom apartments, but with our sized family, one bed was quite enough. We also had a kitchenette that could easily have been utilized for self-catering and there was a supermarket close by in the marina. The fridge came in handy, as did the washing machine, but the dining at the beach overlooking the water won out for me.

• Dining: I was pleasantly surprised at the varied dining choices. There were a selection of restaurants, from casual bites to fine dining in stunning locations overlooking the water. My top pick is Byblos, the Lebanese restaurant, set in a lovely location with really yummy food for lunch or dinner. The Thai was nice and the Italian was having a makeover when we were there, but all of them with al-fresco set-ups are weather dependent. The Blu Bar & Grill had all the family favorites and had entertainment a few times a week too.

• Staff: What really sets this place apart, though, is the staff's genuine warmth and hospitality. Every Wednesday was the General Manager’s cocktail hour, where all guests were invited to mingle with the GM and staff, and learn about the local area and the hotel's plans for upgrades. There were a few bits of maintenance happening during our stay, but they did an excellent job of keeping this to a minimum and always compensated if service was a bit slow because of it.

• Kids club: The staff in the kids club were fabulous. They offer games and activities so the kids were always active and not on screens and it was open 9 am to 9 pm, so we got to pick and choose when they went in without much prior notice, which was a dream. We got to have mornings at the adults-only pool, then afternoons with the kids and then spent evenings sampling the dining offerings, while the kids had fun at the club. There were extra costs involved but certainly worth the money for very happy kids and parents.

• Other amenities: There is a very comprehensive watersports offering within the resort, massages on the beach and a full spa in a quiet section in the middle of the resort, which I sampled a few times which was divine. I especially liked their Fiji coconut products and even purchased some to bring home.

• Surrounding resorts: We walked to the other resorts in Denarau, but you can get on the Bulla bus, which goes around all the resorts and to the Marina, where all the day trips leave from. We managed a half-day trip to South Sea Island, which was enough for us, but there are many easy options from here. We left our littlest one with the nanny at the hotel on that occasion, so we kept it to a half day and the boat journey alone was lovely.

While it's not the most modern in design, or the most stand-out service, it was always super friendly and the hotel and the rooms were really nice and most importantly practical for a family. So I reckon it's a good all-rounder for me. I was a big fan of the swim-up bar — though not so big on the blue cocktails. Lazing in the lagoon pool, while the kids splashed in the shallow end, was most enjoyable.

All in all, this property is certainly a family favorite and a great base to explore from. To sum it up, you'll leave feeling like you've made new friends, with a suitcase full of happy memories.

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

If I were to go back and do the trip all over again, I think my top pick would be the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa. It's where French elegance meets Fijian hospitality. It has all the practical needs for a family but with a bit more sophistication. Obviously, this is reflected in the price tag, so it depends where your priorities are. This resort’s chic design, from its stylish rooms — including family suites with bunks — to its stunning pool area, exudes style. But it’s not just about looks. The Sofitel is all about providing a holistic experience, as there is fun for all the family to be had here.

The kids club area is in a lovely location by the beach, enclosed on the sand with an excellent roster of activities. There is also a waterslide in the pool and swing on the beach. On the other end of the resort is Waitui beach club, the adults-only pool, for the parents to enjoy some peace and quiet, in a very well-put-together beach club style set up, including cabanas, a swim-up bar and sophisticated all-round zen vibe.

• Dining: With an array of gourmet dining options and an extensive wine list and even an adults-only dining section in the restaurant, you can’t go wrong for dining here. We had lunch in Solis Restaurant on a few occasions, which had great food and service, overlooking the beach. I would like to try Madame So in the future and definitely want to go back to Waitu Bar & Grill within the beach club.

• Summary: The lobby is spacious and airy, the rooms look fabulous and the spa is one for the list in the future. In summary, it's the perfect spot for those who appreciate the finer things in life but also want to feel at home with the family. I’m thinking next time, we will do two or three nights here before heading off to an Island.

Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort & Sheraton Denarau Villas

The Sheraton Denarau is directly next door to where we stayed at The Radisson Blu and just before the Sofitel, and you can easily walk between them. It is not as lagoon-like as its next-door neighbor or quite as fancy as the Softel, but it has its own redeeming features. The Resort is a haven for those who love a mix of action and relaxation. Golf enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise with a world-class 18-hole course that’s as challenging as it is scenic. For the beach bums, there are ample spots for sun-bathing and lazing by the pools. The resort’s rooms are spacious and stylish, providing a perfect retreat after a day of fun in the sun.

There are also villas attached to the hotel resort, which offer flexibility for families or groups. It's like having your own private paradise, but with all the perks of a top-notch resort.

• Location: The location is unbeatable — close to all the action but still serene enough to feel like a true escape. There are water sports and a kids club and even a little shopping market, so there’s something for everyone.

• Dining: Dining options range from casual beachside bites to gourmet feasts. We dined at Tatavu Grill for lunch, a South American Fijian fusion restaurant and loved the location; we enjoyed full service and delicious dining with our feet in the sand right on the beach. We came back for dinner, which I found limited in choice but the general atmosphere was lovely, as was the bar. If you’re not already staying here, my tip would be to come for a sunset drink and stay for the Fijian entertainment in the evening.

• Summary: It would definitely be a contender for a family stay, as it ticks all the boxes and you can’t really go wrong here.

The Wyndham

This one is a gem for those wanting to blend comfort and fun with cost-effective pricing. With spacious, apartment-style accommodation that is practical and homey, this resort is perfect for families and groups. The expansive pools, complete with a swim-up bar, are a hit. There were plenty of activities and a very popular aqua aerobics class happening, when I walked through the resort. The layout is quite charming and the restaurant on the beach, while it looked basic in its offerings, was very pleasantly located on the waterfront.

Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa

While we didn’t walk as far as the Hilton, we did go past it on the boat and I have to say it looked quite nice. Its luxurious beachfront villas have direct access to the beach and have ocean views. This property is designed to provide a more private and exclusive experience, with spacious layouts and high-end amenities. Various family-friendly rooms are available and there is a selection of high-end dining options along with a spa, making it another great Denarau option.

Things to do & see

• Bula Bus: Get a 5-day pass and ride it around Denerau, then hop on and hop off at each resort

• Big Bula Waterpark: Big Bula waterpark is fun for all the thrill seekers.

• South Sea Island: This half-day cruise is a taste of paradise for those with less time.

• Malama Beach club: Take a 25-minute boat trip to a picture-postcard island.

• Golf: An impressive 18-hole golf course at The Sheraton.

• Spa: A variety of serene spa options at all the Denerau resorts.

• Marina: Explore the shops, restaurants and watch the boats.

• River adventure: The Sigatoka river safari offers a cultural experience and jet-boat thrills.

If you want absolute ease and short travel time, then Denarau is your place. The beach is certainly not as nice as other parts of Fiji, but what it lacks in this area, it makes up for in resorts. I liked that they were all connected and it was possible to go in for lunch or dinner at any of them. For families with little kids, this is a winning combination in my opinion, and if you want to break your journey before traveling on, then it's also a fantastic first stop. Either way, the Fijian hospitality in these resorts was second to none and the whole family came home saying Bula.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Fiji. In need of further inspiration? Check out Katie Fenelon's guide, A Sydney-Sider's Adventure Around the Bays of the Eastern Suburbs.