Ever-popular Fiji attracts families like ants to honey.
And what sweet honey it is – beautiful beaches, rich culture, family-friendly activities and a delightful people who welcome visitors with open arms.
But any large family knows a resort or villa getaway can be tricky and expensive. It is insanely difficult to find somewhere with more than four beds that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Rather than chucking in the towel, be sure to pack extra – because your big family is headed for a budget-friendly, family-friendly beach holiday like no other. We found some awesome spots that cater to big families or groups.
Plantation Island for larger families
Plantation Island has you sorted. Found on Malolo LaiLai Island in the famously picturesque Mamanuca Islands, this 23-acre resort is a matter of minutes from Nadi and Denarau by boat or plane. It takes 10 minutes to fly from Nadi airport.
The resort is well-versed in catering to multi-generational groups and wedding parties, with all the accommodation options to match. All rooms comfortably sleep two adults and three children. Poolside rooms, studio garden bures and garden terraces all have the capacity to interconnect, making for a spacious and luxurious family stay. The winner by far is the 2-bedroom Garden Bure, which can sleep up to six adults and two children.
“Plantation Island Resort is a great choice for larger families travelling together,” says a resort spokesperson. “It is affordable and brimming with activities to keep guests of all ages entertained. It’s a beautiful location and the perfect place for families to create wonderful memories.”
The Plantation Island extras also cement this resort as a phenomenal find for families. Daily activities are on offer through the Coconut Kids Club for children up to 15 years. The program includes coconut boat making, crab hunting, beach games, nature walks and a Fijian meke performance. For tiny tots, there is a creche and nanny service.
The hotel has three swimming pools, a waterslide, an inflated waterpark off the beach and two new playgrounds -one with fencing suitable for small children. Older kids can enjoy complimentary onsite activities such as kayaking, hobie cats, Stand Up Paddleboarding and snorkelling. Plantation Island also has a putt putt golf course and sports courts. Day trips and guided activities, offered for an extra cost, include banana boat rides, jet-skiing, tubing and island-hopping tours.
With all that fresh air, you’ll work up an appetite. Plantation Island has multiple dining options. Ol’ Copra Shed is great for buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch and buffet dinners. Up to two kids under 12 can eat breakfast for free. For fine dining, grown-ups might prefer Black Coral Restaurant. For some community spirit, tag along to the beachside BBQ held twice weekly. Snacks are available from Coco Hut and a snack bar.
A stay at Plantation Island is great value for a family. Keep an eye out for deals, as well as year-round ‘Stay 7 nights, pay 5’ and ‘Stay 5 nights, pay 4’ offers. Return guests are gifted a complimentary room upgrade subject to availability, complimentary WiFi and a bottle of wine for the adults.
Three more awesome Fiji stays for large families
Want to explore elsewhere? We checked what other families were saying about their stays in Fiji and found more options for groups of different shapes and sizes.
InterContinental Natadola Bay
The InterContinental has a special arrangement allowing families to interconnect Beachfront, Lagoon View, Garden View and Pool View rooms in certain configurations. You can, for example, book the Beachfront View suite with a king bed and connect it with the two double beds in a Garden View room. The Planet Trekkers Kids Club is divided into 4 to 7 year olds and 8 to 12 year olds, operating three daily sessions each including a special children’s meal. You can arrange outdoor activities for Teen Trekkers through the resort’s recreation staff.
Musket Cove Resort
We love the mysterious, pirate-like sound of this resort. With many an adventure to be had, including free activities like snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, village tours, cooking classes and cultural displays, it sounds like Musket Cove truly delivers on its promise of swashbuckling charm. All rooms include a full buffet breakfast. You can choose from Garden, Lagoon and Beachfront bures with one king bed and two singles, starting at 665FJD per night. Alternatively, savour a stay in an Island Villa. With plenty of beds, two en-suites, a kitchen and private lanai over the water, this sure is a luxurious family escape.
Sheraton Denarau Villas
The Sheraton Fiji offers great family options in Denarau, including two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas with private terraces and kitchens that are completely kitted out. There are also meal plans and family packages worth researching. While you’re there, make the most of the six available pools, Big Bula inflatable water park, golf, tennis, water sports and day trips to nearby Mamanuca Islands. The LaiLai Kids Club program shakes up its daily activities with exciting offerings such as fish-feeding, face painting and Fijian language lessons. The resort’s location makes it ideal for exploring some of Fiji’s best sights, namely the Kula Eco Park and Garden of the Sleeping Giant.
Read More
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Sophie is a die-hard pasta lover, beach-goer and theatre fanatic hit hard with the travel bug. When exploring new places, Sophie loves straying from the beaten path and chatting with locals about the best places to grab a bite to eat.