Holiday Destinations

holidaydestinations

Kiri Bevan's Fiji

Normally, I wouldn’t start my first article featuring an area recently hit by a cyclone; but it is now more than ever that Fiji really needs our support.

I am absolutely passionate about the Pacific and I am constantly asked “but where would YOU stay”? That does seem like a simple question; but is in fact one that even I struggle with when booking my own family holiday. I have thought long and hard about what to write for this article, and decided that these first few issues will be about areas in Fiji; pros and cons, and what makes the areas different to each other.

The Mamanuca’s – The Family-Friendly Options

For those on a smaller budget, but still looking for a fabulous resort (and ones I have stayed at several times for their relaxed, laidback feel) – Plantation and Treasure Island are my winners. I adore these two islands, and the only time I see less than glowing reviews is when they are sold as something they are not. Plantation is a big, expansive island, with several resorts on the one island; whereas Treasure is small and intimate. Both have amazing beaches. Plantation is great for older children, with the addition of an adventure water-park, golf, and a ‘teenage’ kids club. Although Treasure caters for older children, they are also fabulous with the younger ones; with their marine reserve, and getting the chance to feed the endangered turtles and the rare crested iguanas by hand is a true highlight of the kids’ club. Plantation is the slightly better value option for a family, and they also offer 2-bedroom bures; so this makes them very appealing to parents. Both are great all-round options – just don’t expect 4-5 star on a 2-3 star budget and you won’t be disappointed.

For a great, affordable holiday, Plantation and Treasure tick a lot of boxes, and you can’t beat arriving to an island by boat, being serenaded, and then handed a cocktail… tick, tick, tick!

For those on a higher budget, then Malolo and Castaway are fabulous. I would only stress that you book early to avoid disappointment. Castaway would be up there as one of my favourite family spots in Fiji. The beach is picture postcard perfect…

At the end of the day, it comes down to matching your budget to your needs… for some it’s the beach, or the pool, or isolation, NZ School Holidays – and not clashing with Oz school holidays!