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Where families should stay in Fiji
Family favourite Denarau Island needs little introduction for anyone who has been to Fiji.
It’s an area of resorts on the main island, Viti Levu and just 20 minutes from Nadi Airport.
“It is super easy to get to given its proximity to the airport, perfect for first-timers, and there are plenty of resorts to choose from, as well as being an ideal base for day trips to the islands,” Thompson tells George V Magazine.
“The resorts include big names like the Sheraton, Hilton, Radisson and Sofitel.”
Radisson Blu is especially popular and offers kids stay, eat and play for free packages.
The island offers the Bula Bus to shops and restaurants at the nearby port, as well as to other resorts.
Also popular with families is the Coral Coast.
While you’ll have a longer taxi or bus trip from the airport – it takes about 90 minutes from Nadi – it has big resorts which offer all inclusive packages.
Castaway Island Fiji located in the Mamanucas has a new outdoor waterpark.
Meanwhile, Plantation Island, has bungalows for families of all sizes, as well as the Coconut Kids Club and 24-hour nanny service.
What about families with teenage kids?
Fiji Marriott at Momi Bay is around an hour from Nadi and has a range of accommodation from rooms to villas as well as multiple pools.
Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa at Denarau Island boasts a teenage zone club and is close to the port for day trips to other islands.
Or head to one of the smaller islands by boat.
“Namotu Island or Tavarua Island are both great for teens who like a bit of adventure on holidays, with surfing, diving and fishing,” Thompson says.
Best places for couples in Fiji
Fiji has some adults only resorts where couples can have a quiet and romantic stay.
Thompson recommends the overwater bungalows at the lavish Likuliku Lagoon Resort.
It’s on Malolo Island in the Mamanuca Islands, and you can get there by boat or plane.
Also check-out Lomani Island Resort also in the Mamanuca Islands and the newly revamped Royal Davui Island Resort Fiji.
Other adults-only options on his list include Tokoriki Island Resort, Turtle Island, Yasawa Island Resort and Kokomo for celebrity-style indulgence.
More remote adventurous spots to stay in Fiji
There’s one sport Thompson recommends if you want to go somewhere more off the beaten track.
“The Yasawa Islands – for the scenery, remoteness, and adventure,” he says.
“It is still a relatively untouched area providing a range of small boutique properties for all budgets.
Accommodation to look at includes Barefoot Manta Island Resort, Oarsman’s Bay Lodge, Waya Island Resort and Yasawa Island Resort & Spa.
Plus islands of Taveuni and Savusavu are accessible via a short domestic flight.
“These islands provide a different style of landscape with lush hills, national parks and waterfalls, as well as some incredible diving spots,” Thompson said.
Best bargains in Fiji
Resorts along the Coral Coast are where to stay to make your money go further as a family.
Or head to the Yasawa Islands which are more remote and so cheaper.
Taveuni, which is Fiji’s third largest island, also has affordable accommodation options.
Best time to go to Fiji
Fiji has two seasons: summer (the wet season) and winter (the dry season). The latter which is generally June to September is the peak tourist season in Fiji with temperatures hovering between 20–30ºC. Expect an uptick in accommodation prices, with plenty of travellers from Australia and New Zealand, who come during the school holidays.
May and October are considered Fiji’s shoulder months, offering that sweet spot of fewer fellow tourists and pleasant weather. In May, the start of the dry season, temperatures climb towards the high 20°Cs. By the end of October, Fiji’s temperatures consistently warm up to the low 30°Cs with relatively low humidity.