A Free Night and a Free Nanny!

Malolo Island Resort is all about a bure near the beach, surrounded by the world’s friendliest people and their living and authentic culture. Perfect for families and couples alike, fill your day with myriad activities or simply unwind and do nothing at all.

During February and March* 2024, Stay five nights and get the sixth night free PLUS your own Malolo Mei Mei (nanny). But we’re not stopping with a free nanny – we’ll also give you a free port-a-cot to use during your stay, children under four-years eat free AND, if parents purchase a Meal Plan,* all kids under 13 years eat for free!*

Malolo – the way the world should be.

For reservations and information visit maloloisland.com

*Conditions apply. Approx rates only - check daily FOREX rates.

T +679 672 0978

E maloloares1@ahuraresorts.com

W maloloisland.com for six nights for a family of four 2,600* from NZD$

BESTOF AWARDS

FAMILY RESORTS /

Tons of family fun at Plantation Island Resort

Plantation Island Resort has always been a top choice for families seeking a budget-friendly island vacation. Known for its warmth, hospitality and stack of kids activities, it’s a place where guests of all ages have a ball.

The resort's new Kid’s Club, Coconut Kid’s Club, opened in 2022 and welcomes children aged 4 to 11 to enjoy free activities throughout the day. Activities range from engaging Fijian traditions such as basket weaving, to tie-dyeing the resort's signature kids t-shirts. A Kids Eat Free buffet and an elaborate indoor climbing gym, along with an outdoor playground, add to the charm. Outside of the Coconut Kid’s Club, the resort offers two additional playgrounds for children's fun and safety. Complimentary inflatable water parks floating in the lagoon and the forthcoming Jungle Float attraction provide further entertainment, allowing guests to climb, jump, swim, and slide.

While many guests are there for tropical relaxation, those seeking physical activities can make use of the half basketball court, handball court, tennis court, volleyball court, and 9-hole golf course, there’s something for everyone!

Shangri-La Yanuca Island: Embracing Farm-to-Table Dining

Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji, has long been a champion of the farm-to-table dining concept. This dedication is evident in their 'Rooted in Nature' programme, launched in 2014, which puts fresh, sustainable dining at the forefront.

The programme promotes menu items that predominantly feature ingredients sourced from local producers, in line with the 'Rooted in Nature' guidelines. These special dishes, distinguishable by a pea shoot logo, reassure guests that they're savouring ethically sourced, sustainable food.

Today, this philosophy is led by Executive Chef Arnold Alphonsus. The initiative encompasses six objectives: utilising local seasonal produce, fostering community engagement, offering fresh, seasonal food and beverages, encouraging culinary innovation, inspiring guests with healthy and nutritious meals, and aligning with sustainability goals.

Blessed to be situated in Fiji's "Salad Bowl," Shangri-La's Yanuca Island resort enjoys daily deliveries of fresh fruits and vegetables from three local suppliers. In addition, the resort sources seafood, including freshly caught lobsters, from local fishermen. Sounds delicious!

Captain Cook Cruises sails into a new era of luxury

In exciting news for Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, the company is gearing up to launch their newest ship, the MS Caledonian Sky. This modern, small luxury ship is set to replace the much-loved Reef Endeavour, a stalwart in the fleet since the late 1990s.

The introduction of the MS Caledonian Sky marks a step forward for small ship cruising in Fiji. Future passengers will enjoy superior facilities, unrivalled comfort, along with a variety of unique itineraries led by a knowledgeable expedition team.

While Captain Cook Cruises Fiji acknowledges the significant contributions of the MV Reef Endeavour over the years, its final cruise will take place on November 4th, 2023.

From November 11, 2023, the MS Caledonian Sky will commence its voyages from Nadi. The ship will offer an enhanced range of itineraries previously covered by the Reef Endeavour and improve onboard accommodation and services. The MS Caledonian Sky will also explore further afield, visiting some of the most remote and exquisite parts of Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa.

The MS Caledonian Sky is designed with 57 suites spread over four decks, all boasting ocean views. These suites offer private bathrooms, ample wardrobe space, and comfortable sitting areas, with some even boasting private balconies. We look forward to seeing this wonderful new vessel on the water!

Sigavou Studios: Experience Fiji's vibrant art scene up-close

Sigavou Studios, a vibrant arts space in Nadi, has recently expanded, providing visitors with an immersive cultural and creative experience. Once a small home-based family studio, Sigavou has evolved into a larger warehouse bursting with the colours and traditions of Fijian culture.

Recently introduced, Sigavou will offer visitors a curated two-hour session, featuring a tour of the gallery, a demonstration of traditional barkcloth painting, and a chance to participate in the creative process. Guests can try their hand at stencil work, blend vibrant acrylics to make their own island-inspired art, or design a functional piece like a tote bag or scarf.

Collaborative mural painting is another unique experience Sigavou offers. Visitors are invited to contribute to mural boards, creating colourful works of art to be donated to local community spaces. For those keen on mural painting, the studio also facilitates tailor-made Corporate Social Responsibility events that support local capacitybuilding initiatives.

Ahura Resorts: Groundbreaking Fiji Iguana Conservation

As well as being an amazing adults-only haven, Likuliku Lagoon Resort (part of Ahura Resorts) is home to the flourishing Iguana Sanctuary and Assurance Colony – a world-leading conservation program for the critically endangered Fijian Crested Iguana. The sanctuary, which saw twelve new hatchlings during the COVID hiatus and into 2022, is the world's only captive breeding facility operating under natural conditions.

In 2010, the rediscovery of a Fiji Crested Iguana at the resort sparked significant conservation efforts, considering the species' unique geographical distribution and the potential contribution to Fiji's eco-tourism. Fijian Crested Iguanas, believed extinct on Malolo Island for over 25 years, are now thought to number around 80 in the wild.

Human activities and introduced species have contributed to the decline of the Fiji Iguana, devastating its dry forest habitat - one of the planet's most endangered ecosystems. To counter this, Ahura Resorts initiated a significant regeneration program, including establishing the first dry forest nursery on Malolo Island and creating a seed-bank to preserve the unique eco-system. Over the past eight years, nearly 9000 trees have been planted within the resort's premises.

Ahura Resorts ultimate goal is to minimise environmental impact and enhance the habitats of endangered species through various programs and initiatives. In partnership with the US Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo, and Taronga Zoo, the team is set to conduct a comprehensive survey of Malolo Island's wild Iguana population in July, including a 'tag and release' program and a check-up on the Assurance Colony's health. Great stuff Ahura!

Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island: Yoga at Sunrise

At Sheraton Resort & Spa on Tokoriki Island in the Mamanuca Islands, guests can start their day with "Yoga at Sunrise" on the resort's Heli pad, which boasts panoramic views of the surrounding islands. This can be followed by wellness offerings that include “Chef’s Garden: water infusions and juices” and a unique "Garden to Glass" cocktail-making class led by the Resident Mixologist, Ralden Paul Santos.

Exclusive overnight experience at Seventh Heaven

Having operated successfully for over a year, floating pontoon experience Seventh Heaven has now added an Overnight Experience to its roster of unique offerings. This option presents luxury glamping, decadent dining, and pure relaxation for couples and groups, surrounded by the Mamanuca Islands' crystal-clear waters!

The experience includes private hire of Seventh Heaven, overnight glamping-style accommodation, all-inclusive food and beverage, cocktail making class, a sevencourse dinner, champagne breakfast, massage, private snorkelling tour, loaded iPad for movie enjoyment, and a gift pack.

Located in the heart of the beautiful Mamanuca Island group, Seventh Heaven provides an incredible sense of remoteness while being only a short boat ride from Port Denarau.

Chef Seeto cooks up a tasty new project

If you’re looking for a special Fijian dining experience, it’s hard to go past Kanu, by prominent Australian Chef Lance Seeto. With locations in both Nadi and Suva, Chef Seeto showcases his deep understanding of Fiji's history, produce, and cooking techniques with a unique style of cuisine that incorporates Polynesian, Melanesian, Indian, and Chinese influences.

"Fiji's unique cultural gastronomy and unspoiled produce have the potential to evolve into a cutting-edge, 21st-century cuisine that embraces health and flavours rarely experienced in the world," says Seeto.

Seeto's latest culinary project, Chef’s Table Fiji, draws from his philosophy of food, ancestral diets, and existentialism, coupled with a deeply personal story of redemption. Part storytelling, part cooking class, part lunch or dinner, this project offers one of the most moving, hands-on, and tasty cultural experiences in Fiji. Chef's Table Fiji features a 5-course degustation showcasing the finest local Fijian produce, blended with indigenous, Indian, and Chinese culinary elements.

Experience Chef’s Table Fiji at Kanu in Nadi or Kanu in Suva.

A grand celebration of Tongan culture

The Kingdom of Tonga boasts a vibrant culture and a proud heritage, which is showcased at the Heilala Festival - an annual event that culminates with the celebration of King George Tupou VI's birthday. Tonga, the sole remaining kingdom in the Pacific, sets off a splendid festival that spans from June 26th to July 6th, with the King's birthday falling on July 4th.

The Heilala Festival, named after Tonga's national flower, is a lively fusion of cultural displays, singing and dancing competitions, food festivals, and more. It is a time when the entire country comes alive with celebration and national pride. During the festival, the air resonates with melodious tunes as talented performers compete in singing and dancing competitions. Traditional Tongan songs fill the streets, while dancers, adorned in intricately woven mats and tapa cloth, exhibit grace and passion.

Delectable cuisine lies at the heart of the Festival. An array of food stalls emerges, offering the finest of Tongan dishes. From traditional underground oven feasts known as 'umu to fresh seafood and tropical fruits, it presents a culinary adventure that should not be missed! As night falls, the streets of Tonga exude a festive atmosphere, brimming with laughter and music, providing an ideal opportunity for visitors to experience the true spirit of Tonga.

The Heilala Festival and King's Birthday afford visitors a unique chance to immerse themselves in the customs and traditions of Tonga. Whether you are captivated by the pageantry, cuisine, music, or the warmth of the people, the Heilala Festival promises an unforgettable experience.

Miss Heilala: Crowning an ambassador

One of the highlights of the Heilala Festival is the Miss Heilala Beauty Pageant. However, it's important to note that this event goes beyond a mere beauty competition; it serves as a platform to showcase resilience, intelligence, and cultural knowledge.

Emerging victorious in the pageant is considered highly prestigious and draws local and international spectators, eager to witness the crowning of the woman who will represent Tonga as a cultural ambassador throughout the following year.

Whale watching in Tonga: An unforgettable dive with nature’s giants

The Kingdom of Tonga is a breathtaking archipelago renowned not only for its untouched beauty, lush landscapes, and vibrant coral reefs - but also for being a unique sanctuary for one of nature's most awe-inspiring creatures - the humpback whale.

From July to October each year, Tonga’s waters are home to an incredible spectacle, as these colossal sea giants perform their annual migration - transforming Tonga into a real-life nature show.

Whale watching season gives visitors and holidaymakers to opportunity to witness these extraordinary animals in their natural environment, and in Tonga, there's an added bonus. Unlike most locations around the world, Tonga offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance for visitors to dive into the warm ocean and swim alongside the humpback whales.

These gentle giants pause in the safe, nutrient-rich waters of Tonga during their migration - to feed, breed, and rear their calves – a bit like an underwater nursery. It should also be noted that this close quarters access isn’t taken for granted.

Whale watching is carefully regulated with the protection of these majestic creatures, the first priority. The Tongan government, in collaboration with dedicated local tour operators, has established strict regulations that guide how interactions with the whales should occur. These rules are designed to protect the whales and their habitat and to guarantee the safety of those lucky enough to witness them up close.