Which Fiji resort is best for families? Our writer says she’s found the ultimate flop and drop paradise at Malolo Island Resort. Here are her tips for helping you to choose a child-friendly stay in Fiji.
Done right, Fiji time is a great time for families. The pace is famously relaxed and the vibe luxuriously laid-back. With around 330 tropical islands to explore and many boasting world-class resorts, the task of choosing the right location to holiday with kids can be overwhelming. Family-friendly properties like Malolo Island Resort make this look effortless but how do you know that you’ve picked a winner before you get there?
Here are a few things to look for before you book.
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The Dress Code Is Strictly Flip Flops And Smart Casual
Parents have so much to think about when preparing for a holiday. Any trip where you can relax in your casual gear keeps the process simple. Pack only the basics and fast-track your way to that holiday feeling. Better yet, when you get there, there’s no pressure to dress up for meal times or just hanging around the resort because everyone’s dressed the same and knows the drill.
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The Resort Is Personalised And Private
There are plenty of resorts that offer a cookie cutter service which can be great but if you want something a bit more special seek out a property that provides some exclusivity. A trip to Malolo is a short sea-plane, ferry or helicopter flight from Nadi International Airport and when you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with beachfront bliss, ocean views and famous Fijian hospitality.
The resort comprises of 46 beautiful white weatherboard bures (Hamptons inspired), with some sleeping up to seven people. While Malolo is geared perfectly for families – it never feels over-run with kids because the resort is thoughtful spaced-out. Further, it offers adult-only retreats including day spa and pool.
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There’s A Guilt-Free Kids Club
Not all kids clubs are made equal, but if you can find one that taps into the local culture, then you’re onto a winner. Tia’s Tree House at Malolo Island Resort offers an educational and cultural experience for kids – you won’t find any games consoles here. The TV is only switched on late in the evenings and plays programs about marine and wildlife conservation. Sorry Disney! The staff go out of their way to make sure that every day is full of new learnings and fun – and you’ll get a scrapbook at the end of your stay to prove it.
Malolo kids can go on guided snorkelling adventures to sight incredible sea life, participate in a wildlife show by getting up close with the endangered Fijian Crested Iguana (only found on this island) and even spend a morning visiting the local school.
Children aged four to twelve can go to Malolo’s Kids Club with additional staff available to look after younger children for an hourly rate. This club is pretty special – staff will even pick your children up from dinner so that you can enjoy that second course and a little-uninterrupted conversation.
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Options To Visit Other Islands And Experience A Wider Culture
Relaxing by the beach is great, but sometimes you want to see and do more. For an additional fee, the local staff can take your family on island tours. Kids will love experiences like running wild on Castaway Island – the set of the famed movie or being the only inhabitants at a delicious picnic lunch. Families may also enjoy catching the ferry back to Denarau Port so that they can explore other parts of Fiji. Tip: Look up Rosie Holidays before you get there – they make travel and transfers in Fiji very easy.
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The Price Is On Point
Most important to any holiday is making sure that you can afford it. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a fantastic destination only to realise that the Kids Club is too expensive or that there isn’t enough in the budget for holiday treats. If you like to know where you stand before you leave, book a resort that offers meal packages, includes the kids club and gives you free use of beach and resort equipment.
Do your research to ensure that what you pay for will be of good quality. Brisbane families familiar with the high standards at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) may be impressed to know that the Executive Chef Ryan Ward from this awarded restaurant now calls Malolo Island home. Chef Ryan is at the helm of the resorts three restaurants, one of which is adults only – can you say date night and exceptional food experiences.
Getting to Malolo Island Resort:
Fijian paradise is a 3.5-hour flight from Brisbane followed by a short sea-plane, helicopter or ferry ride to Malolo Island Resort. Getting there is part of the adventure. Once you arrive, don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the magic of Malolo and choose to keep coming back year after year.
Credit: Our writer, Paula Geinitz of Jetsetting Kids, was a media guest at Malolo Island Resort. Opinions are her own, not solicited and correct at the time of publication. For more information visit: MaloloIsland.com
This article featured in Issue 30 of our printed magazine, published October 2018.