Fiji for Families

It’s all about the culture, cruises and crystal-clear water on this island paradise.

It was just enough to stir me from my paradise like state, lounging by the pool. The children of the group were lighting the resort lanterns under the watchful eye of the kids’ club director, the sun had begun slowly setting behind the azure waters, and I was confident my next words would be “Yes, please”.

Fiji sets itself up as the perfect long-weekend escape from the bustle of Sydney. Close enough for a four-day getaway, yet far enough to lose myself in another culture. Glamorous enough to feel royally pampered, yet affordable as an alternative to interstate travel. We’d found the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure just four hours from the city.

Ziplining through the nearby Garden of the Sleeping Giant provided enough adrenaline to warrant a relaxing mud-pool hot-spring session. A day of snorkelling and kayaking around a private island ensured a great excuse to indulge in all of the seafood and Indian-infused cuisine the archipelago has on offer.

Flying into Nadi, nearby Denarau Island hadn’t required any expensive transfers or long waits to allow my feet to dig into the soft sands. A multitude of sailing boats supply ample day trips from the nearby marina to far-flung islands complete with spa tents and those three magical words: all-inclusive bar.

I’d been mistaken into thinking palm-fringed beaches and the odd paddle would complete a trip to Fiji, but the Fijian culture – with broad smiles, infectious laughter and strong family traditions – was equally captivating.

As the world grows closer connected, introducing the children to other cultures has become more critical than ever. While the likes of Thailand and Bali may be cheaper alternatives, Fiji feels like a fantastic first step into a foreign land. The warm, relaxed welcome provides a less overwhelming experience. Ideal for the children’s first trip abroad, and perfect for us to switch to relaxation mode the second we stepped off the flight.

Local children danced with ours as we debated with the tour group who loved or hated kava, the national drink. Traditional weaving methods are a skill we will all return with thanks to our dedicated teacher, though I’ll admit they make it look much easier than I can. In a local village, we joined a community for a family style meal. We laughed together, cooked together and, when the time came, feasted enough to warrant my expensive inner-city gym membership back home.

Home, it seems so far away from this beachside pool. ‘Fiji time’ isn’t just a saying here, it’s a way of life. A way of life I had settled in to far too easily.

Away from the tourist resort – ‘our new home’, as the kids were affectionately calling it – the Fijian landscape stretches into lush-green farming fields and small mountains. The hour-long journey to the local village, where we were just a handful of tourists to visit, had been a rewarding experience. Supporting the locals is a real force for good in travel, and it allows a window into the true soul of a country.

Nadi provided further insight into the island’s life. A small, ornate Hindu temple, Sri Siva Subramaniya, stands proudly at the end of the high street, and we were captivated by the colourful exterior. Later, we headed to the markets for another fresh coconut, a staple drink of the weekend. Everywhere we turned, smiling faces and calls of “Bula!” greeted us. Laughter, coconut, repeat – it was proving the perfect recipe, and one I felt quite qualified to get behind.

Sunsets were always a special time of the day. Fire lanterns were lit, the ocean stayed a mysterious blue until the last rays had faded away, and then the sky would catch fire with orange and pink hues. We are spoilt in Australia with incredible beaches, something we have in common with our new friends in Fiji.

By day two, I was already planning a return trip in my head. Perhaps an island cruise to some of the destinations further afield. The postcards of the Yasawa Islands, a stretch of sandbars and star-lit skies, particularly pulled on my heartstrings when I saw them in a souvenir shop. With so many resorts offering kids’ clubs from sunrise to sunset, it surprised me that many of my friends were convinced Fiji is just for honeymoons and lavish romantic retreats. We had met countless families on this trip, many who had returned time and time again, won over by the safe and inviting vibe for families and the charm of the Fijians’ welcome.

Closing my eyes, I pictured private Savala Island, one of the more than 300 islands that make up Fiji and where we had spent the perfect day sipping on sauvignon blanc, finding Nemo while snorkelling and getting the obligatory family kayak photo for Instagram. The therapist would softly call out for us when it was time to step into the bure on the beach to be gently massaged into relaxation, before the two-second stroll back to a towel nestled in the whitest sand I had ever seen. Guitars and traditional singing roused us all back to life as a beachside buffet feast was served up and continued while seconds were scoffed down.

So, lost in the dream that was Savala Island that I almost didn’t hear the very important question that was being posed to me: “Bula! Another rum punch?”

I smiled up at the beaming waiter. Dinner was just a few moments away on the soft sands of the beach, and Fiji time seemed the perfect excuse to be a few minutes late. It was essentially a rhetorical question.

“Yes, please, I’d love one.”

BEST TIME TO VISIT : Cyclone season generally occurs in summer (between November and April), when the days can be humid. May through to October (also known as the dry season) provides ideal conditions for families, as the weather is still suitable for sunlounging and swimming.

BEST FOR KIDS AGED: While kids’ clubs and activities are suitable for most ages, children aged six and over will be granted a more significant opportunity to enjoy the unique cultural experiences on offer.

GETTING THERE: Fiji Airways offers departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Townsville. fijiairways.com