31 minute read
Mamanuca Islands
–––––––– Yasawa Islands ––––––––
Yasawa Island Resort
–––––––– Yasawa Islands ––––––––
Paradise Cove Resort
The ancient peaks and untouched beaches of Fiji’s Yasawa archipelago offer a true taste of Robinson Crusoe living. Remote, rugged and strung out like green beads amongst pristine reefs, these islands are fringed by long stretches of powdery white sand beaches and azure seas. Yasawa Island, the largest and most northerly island in the group, is located in the sunniest and driest part of Fiji, and is home to just one resort – a castaway retreat with only 18 spacious thatched bures dotted along its simply stunning beach. Accessed via a scenic 30-minute private light aircraft flight from Nadi, the resort is an unspoilt paradise where contemporary touches meet traditional Fijian style and where ‘getting away from it all’ has never been more apt!
Hopeless romantics will love Yasawa’s honeymoon suite, ‘Lomalagi’, serenely secluded at the far end of the beach with its own horizon pool. The island boasts 11 deserted, white sand beaches – including ‘Paradise’ and ‘Lovers’! Equipped with a gourmet picnic, cooling drinks and a sunshade, hop on a boat and be whisked to your private utopia for an unforgettable day!
All meals and soft drinks are included, with a natural focus on freshly caught fish and seafood – the local villagers are great fishermen, and their catch of the day is a highlight at mealtimes. Spend time in the nearby village, share some kava with the village elders, listen to the school children burst into song to welcome you and feel uplifted by the choir’s incredible voices at church on Sunday. It is these moments that will stay with you long after you leave.
All motorised and non-motorised activities plus trips and tours (except fishing and diving) are included, and when a muscle-melting massage beckons, stroll along the beach to the Baravi Spa where the signature massage, the Baravi Rhythm, is performed by two therapists, working to the tempo of the waves. There are 15 words for ‘heaven’ in Fijian, little wonder that Yasawa is the first!
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A scenic boat ride from the resort, and a complimentary inclusion during your stay, the famous Sawa-i-Lau Caves are well worth a visit (see page 17). The legend of the caves tells the story of a young chief who hid his betrothed in the cave after her family threatened to marry her off to a rival chief. Every day he would swim into this hidden grotto with food until eventually they both escaped to the safety of another island to be together forever. Hugging a beautiful sandy beach on Naukacuvu Island in the southern Yasawa Islands, a scenic seaplane flight from Nadi, Paradise Cove is an ideal hideaway for couples and families. Beachfront Villas are just steps from the sea, with wonderful outdoor tropical bathrooms and a shower for two. The adults-only Paradise Suites are the perfect choice for honeymooners and romantics, with a private plunge pool, fabulous hanging daybed and large deck area on the beach. Tucked away in the heart of the resort, The Cove is an adults-only oasis with just 10 Cove Villas dotted around two pools, daybeds and a ‘boat bar’. For families, the Two Bedroom Villas are ideal, and feature the resort’s trademark outdoor bathroom. There is also a fun kids club. The final string to Paradise Cove’s bow can be found just a 3-minute boat ride away… four very exclusive Beach Houses, complete with your own boatman to whisk you back to the resort. Black Rock restaurant sits alongside the pool area, with a strong focus on local, sustainable and in-season ingredients to create deliciously fresh dishes. The kitchen garden grows a selection of local produce including pineapple, mango and passionfruit as well as herbs and vegetables. Fish and seafood come directly from the ocean, a favourite being the delicious walu served with pawpaw relish.
With the ocean as your playground, you can be as active or as chilled as you like at Paradise Cove! The snorkelling here is wonderful and it’s an absolute paradise for divers, with 35 dive sites in easy reach. Back on land, activities range from hiking trails leading up into the hills behind the resort, poolside yoga, crab-racing and a relaxing massage in Nauka Spa. As the sun starts to set, walk up to the hilltop lookout and enjoy magnificent sunset views across the deep blue sea.
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Elegant, majestic and graceful, manta rays are fascinating giants who glide through warm waters around the world. Their wing span can reach up to 7 metres, and they can live up to 50 years. Despite their size, they are harmless to humans as they do not have a sting in their tail, and they are filterfeeders so their diet is primarily plankton and the occasional fish and small crustacean. The abundance of plankton in the waters just north of Paradise Cove Resort makes this prime manta ray territory from May to October each year, and your chance to swim with them is just a 10-minute boat ride from the resort! This is sure to be a highlight of your stay in the beautiful Yasawa Islands!
–– Mamanuca & Yasawa Islands ––
Blue Lagoon Cruise
Asmall cruise ship purpose-built to reach hidden bays and picturesque coves in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands inaccessible to larger vessels, the Fiji Princess promises a voyage that is unique and memorable. Measuring just 55 metres and with only 34 cabins, the vessel is small enough to tie to a coconut tree, so you can swim to the beach! So slip into island time and enjoy life in the slow lane on this glorious island hopping escape. Blue Lagoon Cruise operates one cruise for 7 nights, but you can opt to be on-board for 3 nights, 4 nights or the full 7 nights.
Day 1 ● Monuriki Island From Denarau Marina, head west to the beautiful island of Monuriki, famed for its starring role in the movie ‘Cast Away’ with Tom Hanks. As the sun sets, enjoy cocktails followed by lively entertainment at the hands of the fun and talented Fijian crew.
Day 2 ● Soso Bay, Naviti Island Onwards to the southern Yasawa Islands where you have the chance to swim with small and gentle reef sharks before visiting the traditional village of Soso.
Day 3 ● Naukacuvu & Narara Islands Sunday in Fiji is still very much a day of rest, with many Fijians spending the morning at church. You’ll have the chance to attend a village service for an uplifting and atmospheric sense of place.
Day 4 ● Yalobi Bay Spend the day soaking up this remote and pristine tropical paradise and savour being the only people here!
Day 5 ● Nanuya Lailai & Blue Lagoon Sail past incredibly scenic islands towards the Blue Lagoon, made famous in the movie of the same name. Spend the day at Blue Lagoon Cruise’s very own beach on Nanuya Lailai, where the crew tie the boat to a palm tree!
Day 6 ● Yasawa Island If you’re feeling active, join the guided walk across the island to the other side for incredible views and explore the fascinating caves at Sawa-i-Lau before a traditional evening feast in a local village.
Day 7 ● Drawaqa Island With astonishing marine life and coral, getting into the water around Drawaqa Island for a spot of snorkelling is a must, and from May to October you’ll have the chance to spot manta rays!
–– Mamanuca & Yasawa Islands ––
Island Hopping
Fiji’s emerald isles lend themselves to island hopping… it’s easy to get around, and travelling between regions and resorts is all part of the fun! Be it by speedboat, seaplane or helicopter, getting from A to B only adds to your holiday’s highlights. Closest to Nadi, Fiji’s international gateway, the Mamanuca Islands are the easiest islands to access and you can be stepping onto the shores of your chosen island paradise less than a couple of hours after landing! The Yasawas are a little further away, in both distance and development, so combining both island groups gives you a real flavour of Fiji’s varied and outstanding natural beauty, as well as an insight into each region’s history and culture.
Days 1-5 ● Mamanuca Islands Arrive into Nadi, usually early morning if you are travelling from Los Angeles or San Francisco, and either jump onto a connecting seaplane or helicopter, or travel the short distance by private car to Denarau Marina for an exhilarating speedboat ride to your island escape! Whilst you may not be able to check-in to your bure (villa) until early afternoon, you are welcome to start using the facilities and settling into your tropical hideaway straight away! The Mamanuca Islands are superb for snorkelling, surfing, diving, visiting local villages, exploring Monuriki, sampling the wood-fired pizzas and DJ tunes on floating platform, Cloud 9, or simply lazing by the pool and sipping cocktails beneath a palm tree. Spend 5 nights at the island resort of your choice (see pages 12-15).
Days 6-10 ● Yasawa Islands The Yasawa Islands are the perfect contrast to the livelier atmosphere in the Mamanuca Islands. As the vibrant greens and blues of this distant archipelago come into view, you are overwhelmed by the feeling that you have found your Robinson Crusoe utopia! Access is by light aircraft or seaplane from Nadi, so for a swift connection between your Mamanuca Island resort and the Yasawas, it’s just a short hop back to the mainland followed by a scenic flight north. With an ancient culture still very much intact, the Yasawa Islands transport you to another time and place, and you may well find it hard to leave this Eden behind! Alongside the vast swathes of soft white sand, the turquoise waters filled with tropical fish and colourful coral, and the lush green islands, highlights in this region include exploring the Sawa-i-Lau Caves and swimming with giant, graceful manta rays (see page 17). Spend 5 nights at your preferred island retreat (see page 18-19) and practice the art of switching off from every day life!
For a grand finale, if time and budget permit, spend a few nights of absolute luxury on a remote outer island. We love the adults-only Royal Davui Island Resort, and Fiji’s stylish masterpiece, Kokomo Private Island (see pages 34-35).
Taveuni and Northern Fiji
Amesmeric mix of virgin rainforest, spectacularly vibrant coral reefs and genuine local warmth, the islands in northern Fiji feel like an undiscovered world. The country’s second and third largest islands, Vanua Levu and Taveuni respectively, are just over an hour’s flight from Nadi, yet the short journey transports you to another time, to a place relatively untouched by tourism, where traditions are vehemently upheld. This region is a haven for adventurers, divers and those wanting to get off the beaten track. Vanua Levu’s main town, Savusavu, sits alongside the exotically named Hibiscus Highway, with a handful of retreats nearby, including the renowned Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort and the seven-villa boutique hideaway, Savasi Island.
Taveuni is billed as the ‘Garden Island’ – and with good reason. Refreshing waterfalls seep from its rugged interior, pearl-white beaches are shaded by coconut palms and lush vegetation is abundant. This is the Fiji you see on postcards, and it doesn’t disappoint. A large portion of Taveuni is protected by the Bouma National Heritage Park, where thick rainforest is threaded with hiking trails which offer prime spotting opportunities for over a hundred bird species found here, including kula lorikeets, silktails and, unique to this region, orange doves. One of the highlights in this wilderness are the Bouma Waterfalls (also known as the Tavoro Falls) on Taveuni’s eastern edge, a trio of cooling cascades whose plunge pools are perfect for floating in. For thrill-seekers, head to the island’s western wing for a burst of adrenaline at Waitavala Water Slide.
Despite Taveuni’s lush landscapes being truly extraordinary, some of its best scenery is found below the waves. Lying just off its coast, Somosomo Strait is home to some of the planet’s great dive sites, deservedly earning its epithet, the ‘soft coral capital of the world’. Strong tidal currents bring rich nutrients, perfect for coral growth and a healthy eco-system.
Vanua LeV u Taveuni Palms Matangi Private Island Resort
Raiwasa
TaV euni Laucala Island
Forests of multi-hued coral pop with vibrant colour, each stirring with inquisitive tropical fish, manta rays, barracuda and reef sharks.
Back on land, sleepy rainforest villages and hamlets pock Taveuni’s emerald setting, each sound-tracked by cries of ‘bula!’ from locals eager to welcome you into their communities, while the satellite island of Matangi offers an authentic Fijian escape to get away from it all. It’s a sanctuary built by the Douglas family, whose ancestors arrived from Australia and farmed the land as a coconut plantation, and who pride themselves on delivering a real home-from-home experience. For something truly unique, there are few land masses in the world intersected by the International Date Line – the 180th Meridian – and Taveuni is one of them. To keep Fiji in one time zone, the date line has been moved but you can visit this famous landmark, on an elevated viewpoint near Waiyevo on the island’s west coast, and hop from one day to the next! However, Taveuni and the northern group of islands arguably have one leg firmly planted in yesterday, an astonishing wilderness with untold beauty and charm just waiting to be discovered.
On Taveuni, one road circles the island. Only a few miles are paved, the rest is besT navigaTed on foot or horseback.
Discover Taveuni
Diving
Divers from around the world are enthralled by the world-renowned dive sites situated between Taveuni and Vanua Levu in the Somosomo Strait. Rainbow Reef is consistently ranked in the world’s top dive sites, and the Great White Wall is particularly spectacular. The warm tropical water is teeming with colourful corals, giant clams and over 1500 species of fish. This is truly a diver’s paradise!
Bouma – or Tavoro – Waterfalls
Bouma National Heritage Park protects over two thirds of Taveuni’s coastal forest and Fijian jungle, and is home to the iconic Tavoro (Bouma) Falls. A series of three waterfalls, the first is a short walk from the park’s visitor centre. If time and fitness permit, we highly recommend breaking a sweat and heading straight up to the top waterfall, a 45-minute hike away. With astonishing viewpoints along the path, it’s worth the extra effort! Have a swim, then work your way back down and visit the other two falls and take a dip in their tantalising freshwater pools.
Lavena Coastal Walk
Meandering along beaches, through forests and villages, past streams and waterfalls, the Lavena Coastal walk is a scenic pathway that is often used by locals taking their taro and coconuts to market. With no roads nearby, this is an off the beaten track adventure, one with breathtaking scenery and an abundance of native birds.
Waitavala Natural Waterslide
A short walk through the forest from Waiyevo, this natural waterslide is great fun, but not for the fainthearted! Watch the local kids as they slide through the cascading water over the smooth rocks and splash into the natural pool at the bottom, then have a go yourself!
–––––––– Taveuni and Northern Fiji ––––––––
Matangi Private Island Resort Memoirs of Matangi
Taking centre stage on its very own 240-acre private island paradise in Fiji’s lesser explored northern islands, Matangi Private Island Resort is an enchanting adults-only slice of authentic Fiji. Your journey begins with a scenic 90-minute flight from Nadi to Taveuni’s delightfully diminutive Matei airport, followed by a short drive to the wharf, past waving local children, to catch the boat to Matangi, 20 minutes away. The island has just 12 bures, all beautifully Fijian in style, including 3 unique Treehouses perched high up in the treetops, commanding magnificent views through the lush foliage over the beach, ocean and neighbouring islands from the private sundeck.
Matangi’s cuisine is influenced by the surrounding ocean and the local fishermen’s catch of the day, as well as Fijian flavours including taro, breadfruit and coconut. The open-sided Vale-NiKana restaurant enjoys cooling breezes and glorious ocean views. During breakfast, you’ll select your lunch and dinner from a daily menu offering locally sourced produce and the finest, freshest ingredients from the land and the sea. Each week, guests are invited to savour the delights of a traditional Fijian feast – a ‘lovo’ – accompanied by singing and dancing.
For the energetic, magnificent hiking trails await, one of the best being a steep climb through the rainforest to the summit of Matangi’s highest peak, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Horseshoe Bay and the ocean below. On the way, meander through old coconut plantations, now home to cows, goats, pigs and horses. Aching muscles can be soothed in the fabulous waterfront Ocean Spa where treatments are inspired by traditional Fijian healing methods. Matangi boasts virgin tropical rainforest, white sand beaches and fringing coral reefs with a diverse array of marine life – this is a haven for divers, as well as for those seeking a remote Fijian experience.
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A short boat ride from the resort, Matangi’s idyllic Horseshoe Bay is the ultimate private picnic spot! Featured in Patricia Schultz’s ‘1000 Places To See Before You Die’, Horseshoe Bay’s beauty has to be seen to be believed – this is the real Fiji in all its wild and authentic glory! Only accessible by boat, this breathtaking, palm-fringed bay is all that’s left of an ancient volcano, the submerged crater now brimming with sparkling turquoise water and a pristine reef. This can be yours for the day, complete with your very own beachside bure, a picnic hamper and sublime ocean views. Following the ‘Great Fiji Rush’ of the 1870s, the horseshoe-shaped island of Matangi was purchased by an Australian explorer who arrived on its golden shores in a schooner from Sydney. Three generations later, the fate of this precious paradise fell to Flora and Noel Douglas, who set about transforming the island from its former life as a coconut plantation, to the rustic island hideaway we know and love today.
Integral to everything you see, do, hear and taste whilst staying at Matangi, the Douglas family are the heartbeat of the island and the essence of its spirit. Pioneers in both tourism and conservation in one of the world’s most remote landscapes, they are also the lifeline for many surrounding villages and islands. As shared by the resort manager, Delylah, “The Douglas family are loved. They are kind, genuine and humble people who have devoted their lives to our land and maintaining the culture, community, flora and fauna which surrounds us.”
Flora, Noel and their daughter, Christene, share their love for Fiji with all who visit, delivering an unparalleled once-in-a-lifetime experience. Join the family’s afternoon dog walk with their three Jack Russell terriers across the breathtaking landscape before spending an evening in the Vale-Ni-Kana dining room, lost in Flora and Noel’s tales of Fiji’s bygone eras and Christene’s fond memories of growing up as a child amidst these emerald isles.
In recent years, the Douglas family and Matangi team have become heavily involved in the Loloma Foundation, a mobile medical service providing care and treatment for those living in remote areas of the South Pacific. Matangi Island Resort is the key host for visiting practitioners and, thanks to their support, the Loloma Foundation is able to meet and treat over 800 people each year.
The memoirs of Matangi are as lush and vibrant as the island itself. A holiday here is for those who want to be a part of the story. It’s about embracing the real Fiji and becoming one of the family.
Tucked away on a secluded white sand beach on Taveuni’s northern tip, with just two gloriously stylish and spacious villas, Taveuni Palms is the ideal retreat for those seeking ultimate privacy partnered with five-star food and service. Perfect for couples, families or friends travelling together, each villa is located on an acre of lush grounds with its own private pool and gorgeous stretch of beach. You even have a team of seven staff catering to your every need – including a personal chef, housekeeper, kitchen and bar staff!
The Beach Villa has two bedrooms whilst the elevated Horizon Spa Villa boasts three bedrooms and a spa bath with a view! Both villas have indoor-outdoor ensuite bathrooms, a spacious living area and kitchen and a large deck with daybeds and a hanging basket chair to enjoy the panoramic ocean views and star-filled night sky. Gourmet meals full of vibrant Pacific flavours are tailored to your likes and dislikes and served at a time that suits you, in a variety of spectacular dining locations… on the beach, on the deck, by the pool or in your villa. Discover the highlights of Fiji’s ‘Garden Island’, known for its soft coral and famous dive sites. A private resort boat with a personal guide is on hand for island hopping, fishing, snorkelling and island picnics, and guests wishing to dive – or learn to dive – can explore the phenomenal underwater world with an experienced local guide. If relaxation beckons, indulge in a heavenly massage in the privacy of your villa. With impressive views across the Somosomo Strait from its glorious elevated position on northern Taveuni’s pristine coastline, the wow factor at Raiwasa begins the moment you arrive. Literally meaning ‘looking out to sea’, you will never tire of the magnificent 180° panorama… from dancing dolphins and passing boats to dramatic sunsets and shooting stars. This exquisite two-bedroom villa is the perfect Fijian hideaway for a couple or family who prefer a private retreat rather than a resort, with a team of 12 ensuring an unsurpassed level of service and pampering.
Set in 3 acres of manicured tropical gardens filled with lemon, orange, papaya and palm trees, Raiwasa’s white-washed exterior stands supreme against the lush green landscape. An expansive deck with sumptuous seating and bi-fold doors leads into the spacious open-plan living area, with views from every corner of this elegant space. Delicious, Fijian-influenced dishes are served when and where you desire, with eight magnificent dining locations to choose between. Just steps away from the villa, the infinity pool hugs the edge of the landscaped lawn with far-reaching views, relaxing loungers and a covered daybed. A path meanders down to your private beach, an ideal spot for snorkelling, kayaking or soaking up the views from the beachside daybed bure. Have fun on the water with the paddleboards, grab a bike and explore the island or work up an appetite hiking to the Bouma Falls.
–––––––– Taveuni and Northern Fiji ––––––––
Laucala Island
Few places on earth offer the level of exclusivity, privacy and service found at Laucala Island in Fiji’s remote northern region. Accessed from Nadi on-board the island’s own private aircraft, the scenic 50-minute flight is just the beginning of this luxury paradise experience. White sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and jungle-clad hills set the scene on this idyllic 3,500-acre private island where sustainability and style go hand-in-hand. With just 25 stunning and incredibly spacious Fijian-style villas and a maximum of 80 guests hosted by a team of almost 400, the staff to guest ratio is one of the best in the world. Impeccable service comes with genuine warmth to create a true sense of place.
The breathtaking villas are unique and luxurious, with natural materials used throughout, each featuring a private pool, expansive decking areas and tropical gardens. Villas are dotted along the pristine beach, amongst the palms in the old coconut plantation, or elevated on Nawi Mountain, complete with a golf buggy to give guests the freedom to explore the resort at their leisure.
Dine in any of the five fabulous restaurants, in the privacy of your villa, on the beach or along the jetty. The island boasts its own farm and is 80% self-sufficient, growing everything from vanilla, broccoli and tea to chickens, cows and pigs. At the heart of the resort, the vast and beautifully landscaped, glass-sided lagoon pool is a wonderful place to relax. But if you feel energetic, there’s snorkelling, surfing, sailing, diving, jet-skiing, fishing, horse-riding, tennis and David McLay Kidd’s stunning 18-hole golf course to keep you active. There’s also a traditional village on the island for an authentic insight into Fijian life, and the spa is a welcome sanctuary offering an array of heavenly treatments and therapies.
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Laucala has an impressive collection of boats of varying sizes for diving, fishing, outer reef trips and island exploration, including a traditional Fijian camakau (outrigger canoe). Back on land, the magnificent golf course has a slope rating of 147, the second most difficult course in the world, and it’s as scenic as it is challenging with undulating fairways leading through the lush landscape to the water’s edge. Away from the greens, active guests will love the hiking trails meandering up to the island’s highest point at 268 metres, and the more adventurous can discover secluded beaches and remote corners of the island on horseback, with a picnic or sunset cocktails along the way.
–– Taveuni & Mamanuca Islands ––
Treehouses & Overwater Bungalows
With 333 islands to explore, knowing which ones to include on a holiday to Fiji can be a little overwhelming. In a nutshell, we advocate combining two, if not three, parts of the country to really appreciate these beautiful and intriguing islands. International flights arriving into Nadi from California and South East Asia tend to land in the morning, so you can easily connect with an onward domestic flight... it might feel like a long time since you left the runway at Heathrow, but we promise it’s worth it when you breathe in the tropical air, marvel at your breathtaking surroundings and feel yourself slip into island time. Below, you’ll find one of our favourite itineraries, tried and tested. This combination of islands, experiences and beautiful hideaways reveals Fiji’s captivating magic.
Days 1-5 ● Matangi Private Island, Northern Fiji Arrive into Nadi and connect with your 90-minute domestic flight to Fiji’s remote northern island of Taveuni. A scenic 4WD transfer from Taveuni airport to the boat landing followed by the brief speedboat journey across the turquoise water to Matangi Private Island (see page 24) marks the beginning of your Fijian adventure! Your island accommodation for the next 5 nights will be a unique Treehouse, set high in the treetops with breathtaking views of the stunning surrounding scenery – the perfect introduction to this remote region of Fiji. Matangi’s relaxed Fijian lifestyle and personal service quickly melts away the stress of modern life, and you’ll find your days are spent snorkelling, diving, kayaking, visiting a local Fijian village, hiking, or simply lazing on the coconut palm-fringed beach.
Days 6-10 ● Likuliku Lagoon Resort,
Mamanuca Islands
From the far-flung lush north to Fiji’s stunning Mamanuca Islands, you’ll fly back to Nadi and connect with your transfer to Likuliku Lagoon, one of Fiji’s finest jewels (see page 12). You can reach Likuliku by boat, seaplane or helicopter. Your home for the next 5 nights will be an idyllic Overwater Bure suspended over the crystal-clear lagoon. Enjoy lazy days swimming straight from your private deck, relaxing on the beach, snorkelling and kayaking in the lagoon and indulging in soothing treatments at Tatadra Spa. End each day with a cocktail at Masima Bar as the sun sets over the shimmering lagoon.
The glorious islands of Fiji are, admittedly, quite a long way from the UK... so why not break the journey and enjoy two holidays in one! One of the most direct routes to Fiji is via Los Angeles, so spend a few days in vibrant Santa Monica, buzzing Beverly Hills or spirited West Hollywood and you’ll not only experience an exciting city break, you’ll also arrive at your Pacific paradise feeling refreshed!
––– Yasawas & Pacific Harbour –––
Family Adventure
Fiji’s striking landscapes are a natural playground for all ages… turquoise water gently laps the shorelines around these paradise islands, with snorkelling straight from the beach and watersports galore, whilst lush forests provide a fun and fascinating lesson in tropical flora and fauna. Travelling to Fiji with children, whether they are youngsters or teenagers, is made especially magical and memorable thanks to the easygoing friendliness and natural focus on family and community that sits at the very core of Fijian society. With nannies for little ones and buddies for older kids, parents can relax in the knowledge that their children are having a wonderful holiday too! This itinerary begins in the picturesque Yasawas where snorkelling, nature walks, coconut husking and yoga on the beach set the scene each day, then ends in Fiji’s adventure capital, Pacific Harbour, with plenty of adrenalin-fuelled action as well as family downtime on the beach.
Days 1-5 ● Paradise Cove Resort, Yasawa Islands From Nadi’s international terminal, it’s a short walk next door to the domestic terminal where you’ll board your seaplane and head north over the Mamanuca Islands to the far-flung Yasawas. As you land on the aquamarine sea in front of Paradise Cove Resort (see page 19), the smiling team will greet you with a welcome song on the beach before handing you a refreshing drink by the pool… welcome to paradise! The two-bedroom beachfront villas are family-friendly havens with a fabulous outdoor bathroom and large second bedroom for the kids. Smaller guests will love the Crooked Coconut Kids Club, as well as snorkelling adventures and treasure hunts, whilst older children can join parents on an enthralling swim with giant manta rays, between May and October, just 10 minutes by boat from the resort.
Days 6-10 ● Nanuku Auberge Resort, Pacific Harbour Travel back to Nadi’s domestic terminal by seaplane and connect with a scenic 20-minute flight to Nanuku’s private airstrip in Pacific Harbour. If you’d prefer to enjoy the scenery along the Coral Coast, a private car transfer takes around 2 hours from Nadi. Nestled along a palm-lined beach overlooking Beqa Lagoon, Nanuku Auberge (see page 32) is the ideal choice for active families looking for adventure in paradise. Attention to detail and personal service from the enormously friendly team ensure this is an outstanding family holiday… the stunning villas, immaculate tropical gardens and plethora of activities for all ages in the resort as well as in nearby Pacific Harbour only add to the magic. Children under 6 years have a dedicated nanny during their stay and those under 12 years can hang out with their very own buddy! Family snorkelling on the house reef, Hobie Cat sailing, waterfall walks and zip-lining through the rainforest are just some of the adventures!
