To Fiji or not to Fiji?
I am asked this question quite often by clients not sure on where their next holiday should be. And until this recent trip to Fiji it was a not question I liked.
After 2 weeks in this beautiful and friendly island I can honestly answer the next person who asks with a big YES, please go to Fiji it is a great holiday for everyone. And this is why…….

A quick and hassle free flight out of Melbourne with Air Pacific to Nadi saw us arrive in the early hours of the morning. A perfect time to time arrive, it means you can go straight to your accommodation, whether it be on the Coral Coast or on one of the many islands that make up Fiji.

Our first stop was the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort. They welcomed us with a refreshing ice-cold fruit juice, took our bags and showed us to our recently renovated beachfront rooms. A quick freshen up and we were off on a site inspection. The resort is huge and has something for everyone, especially families. The family rooms are a great set up and in the perfect location to keep all ages happy and more importantly busy.

Just as I had worked out the run of the land at The Fijian and stopped getting lost it was time to fly North to Taveuni Island and say hello to Fijian Tracey and the rest of the wonderful staff at Maravu Plantation Resort. The sun was out in all its glory when we arrived so it was straight to the new pool for a refreshing dip. The sun didn’t last long enough and before we knew it the rain was coming down in bucket loads, not to worry we had a lunch appointment with Taveuni Palms Resort. This resort is at the luxury end of the market, unlike Maravu that would suit the more budget conscious traveller, though only in the rooms they each have to offer, as both places have a great menu that cater to all dietary requirements.
It was only 1 night at Maravu, probably a good thing as I think they would have killed me with kindness.
Next stop Qamea, I loved and still love this place. It would definitely have to be my absolute favourite resort in the North of Fiji. The rooms here are all free standing, perfect for the next romantic getaway or flop and drop holiday. A hammock on the balcony had my name all over it and this is where I stayed for the rest of the afternoon before heading over to the restaurant for wine tasting and a sumptuous 3 course meal, could life get any better!
But alas it was just a tease and once again the next morning we headed off in the early hours of the morning to catch our little plane to Savu Savu.

It was only a short flight across, and as there were 8 in our group we filled this little plane, at times it was a bit hairy but all in all I didn’t think it was any different from flying in a big jumbo. Both have their ups and downs when high in the clouds.

Back on the ground we are taken straight to Jean Michel Cousteau Resort. Boy has this resort got it right. The perfect resort for families and couples that is environmentally friendly. This harmony is achieved with a dedicated serenity pool area where no noise is allowed, no matter how old the guests are making the noise. The other pool is open to everyone and you can make as much noise as you like. The restaurant area is split in 2, those over 13 and all those who aren’t, no exceptions.
We had a big day of travelling after Jean Michel, so to ensure a great nights sleep I took advantage of a relaxing massage and a visit to the pillow library.
As a result, I awoke fresh as a daisy ready for the flight back to Nadi and a boat cruise to Castaway Island Resort.
A warm and friendly welcome greeted us at Castaway and I instantly felt a new wave of relaxation wash over me. Castaway Island resort is definitely a favourite. You could not want for anything here. Adventure, relaxation, excellent food and drinks, activities and care for the kiddies to give the parents a holiday too. I had only been at Castaway for a couple of hours but it felt like I had been there for a week, it’s the best island in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands for your next family holiday.

Not far away from Castaway is Malolo Island resort and Liku Liku Resort. Malolo once again gave me an instant feeling of relaxation and being at home, I don’t think you could ask for more, whether you are holidaying as a family a couple or friends getting away from it all.
Liki Liku is the new 5 star resort offering over water bungalows. These bungalows are gorgeous; in fact the whole property is stunning and set up for the perfect romantic getaway. It was also our last stop before heading back to check out the New Port Denarau and best lobster Fiji has to offer.

We steamed ahead to First Landing Resort courtesy of Coral Seas Cruises. As bonus we were upgraded to Coral Seas business class service. It only cost approximately $30 extra per person and is well worth it to be able to stretch out and as drinks and snacks are included you can sit back in peace with a cool drink. The perfect ending!

First Landing Resort was our second last night, and I couldn’t have imagined a better way to wind down from a hectic 2 weeks. Here the staff could not do more for you if you asked and it is all at no extra cost. Meals aren’t included but at such a great price they don’t need to be. And this is where you will get the best lobster in Fiji. It was divine and definitely in the top 5 meals I had whilst in Fiji.

Last stop The New Radisson Fiji at Port Denarau. We visited a number of different resorts whilst at Port Denarau, all of them fabulous. The stand out would have had to be the Hilton Fiji Resort. This hotel is perfect; it has the most amazing grounds, beautiful pool area, excellent catering and the best location.

Fiji is a great holiday and I can’t wait to go back. Thank you to Air Pacific for a smooth and hassle free flight, Island Escapes for putting together a great itinerary and everyone in Fiji who made me feel as though I was part of the family.