We're looking at heading overseas to Fiji or similar just after Christmas. We have two young kids, 5 & 6 years old, and wondering if anyone can recommend a great value resort that has even greater facilities and\or kids clubs for the rug rats. We have a few options in mind, the Fiji Raddison Blu or Outrigger, and even locally, the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort. Anyone else have anywhere they can recommend?
Best South Pacific Resort for Kids
pat_mac on 23/08/2018 - 13:16
Comments
Just came back from Raddison Blu in Fiji and we had our two kids (5 & 9) + niece (14) with us. Our kids loved Raddison Blu mostly because of the pool (and the staff) who played with about 20 or so kids (and some adults) in a game of pool rugby. Was brilliant to see kids from 5-17yrs all having fun. There are about 3 different pools for each age group there too and kids club activities (that's the case in all the resorts though) - we didn't use them so can't comment.
Denarau, where Raddison Blu + Sofitel, Westin, Hilton, Sheraton & a few other resorts are, are literally next to each other and you can resort/pool-hop between each resort so it's fun for the kids that way. Last time we stayed at Sofitel & ventured to another resort where we ended up with our daughter participating in the Easter Egg hunt & getting prizes. There are lots to do in any resort generally… and as GG57 noted, Fijians are the most friendliest people there are and adore kids - it's like 30-50yrs ago here I guess with no need for stranger danger.
Manus Island. Bet you the kids will be much better behaved after the trip….
More seriously - Fiji is great. Just beware of grifters and scammers, but otherwise if you just stay in a resort, it's all taken care of for you.
Just got back from two weeks in the Cook Islands and stayed in the Pacific Resorts - Raratonga and Pacific Resorts - Aitutiku. The Raratonga one was more kids friendly but to be honest, there were too many things like local Sea Cucumbers and coral in the beach ares surrounding it for me to be comfortable to bring small kids there. No real kids club that I could see at either location (in fact the Pacific Resorts - Aititiku seems to be more adult orientated).
If you have older kids who can snorkel then I'd say try Aitutiku and get a resort neat the harbour/bay area there as that area is awesome. It is 1.5m deep, has crystal clear waters and you can swim safely amongst the 1m long fish and see the 1.5m wide giant clams.
Fiji Raddison Blu has great swimming for kids and the beach is good. Its also situated not far from the airport and you can also go to other 5 star hotels, catch the Bula bus on Denarau Island (where Raddision is)
Outrigger - a bit isolated but the pool is not bad for kids. There is more happening in Denarau island. Personally - Raddison Blu.
I assume you mean the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort (and not the Outrigger Castaway Island).
If so, I would probably go with that. It is located on the Coral Coast, but that means it will be a little more laid back and relaxed as opposed to the relative business of the Denarau Island location for the Raddison Blu.
Almost all resorts in Fiji offer kid's clubs, and the people that run them are well-versed in doing so. They generally love kids and you will not be missed.
Have a look at the dining options; if there is an inclusive package that usually works ok, but you will be dining with other families usually.
Plenty of activities on offer, get involved and embrace the experience. Just remember to relax.