5 Fiji resorts for families where the kids clubs -- and even private nannies -- are included
With word that Fiji plans to open back up to international travel by Nov. 1, you might be wondering if this corner of the South Pacific might offer a good alternative to Hawaii for a family vacation.
If you're traveling with kids in tow, we have a two-word answer: free nannies.
More than almost any destination in the world (that this vacation-dreaming mother of two could come up with, anyway), Fiji is a place where free kids camps — and often times even free dedicated childcare in the form of your very own vacation nanny, too — are often included in resort rates, particularly at higher-end properties.
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I don't know why it's that way in these gorgeous islands, I but I like it, because Fiji is easily one of the most spectacular places I've seen with own eyes and I definitely hope to travel there with my young children at some point (I also definitely hope free nannies and kids clubs will be part of my trip so I can go scuba diving while they're playing).
And if you've ever been at the receiving end of a hearty "Bula!" from a Fijian, you already know that the "isles of smiles" give off one of the happiest vibes on the planet -- and who couldn't use some of that warm energy right now?
Read on for a few great family-friendly Fiji resorts that include kids clubs -- and sometimes free nannies, too -- in their rates, to add to your list of considerations for a family vacation as soon as Fiji opens back up.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji
It's not only keen scuba divers who hop a flight northeast from Nadi on Fiji's main Island to reach Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, on the southern coast of Vanua Levu island. Families love this property for all the fun if offers both adults and kids -- all on the site of a former coconut plantation that's thick with towering palms.
The property's complimentary Bula Club, for kids between the ages of six and 12, has its own dedicated pool, waterslide, zip line and trampoline and offers activities that cover everything from Fijian culture to eco-minded marine explorations.
If your child is five or under, they'll be assigned their own resort nanny for the duration of your stay -- which leaves you time to hop the resort boat to go scuba diving on the Great Astrolabe Reef, paddle in Savusavu Bay or just relax with a traditional Bobo massage at the water's edge.
VOMO Island Fiji
Baby butler just has a nice ring to it, especially to a sleep-deprived caregiver, wouldn't you say? If you're staying at the uber-luxe and all-inclusive VOMO Island Fiji -- on a private island off the northwest coast of Viti Levu (Fiji's main island) -- you'll get four hours per day of baby butler services during your stay.
The nannying service is available for children of any age, but comes in particularly handy if your kids are under three, since that age requires supervision at the property's complimentary kids club, the Kids Village.
The kids club is a fully-staffed center with outdoor climbing areas, a playroom, media rooms, craft tables and more. And it also has a dedicated chef to whip up meals for kids. They'll spend their days exploring the beach, learning basket weaving, playing dress up and more while you head out fishing, take a scuba course or just relax poolside.
Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort
You can land at the international airport in Nadi and, once you exit into the fragrant, floral-tinged Fijian air, be at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort in Denarau around 20 minutes later.
And not long after that, the kids can be checking into the property's free kids club, which runs morning, afternoon and evening sessions for kids between the ages of four and 12.
The property doesn't offer free nannies, but it does have babysitting services for kids under four for a reasonable rate. Kids four and older don't need a babysitter to attend the kids club -- drop them off to enjoy while you play a round of golf or relax in the lagoon-style pool.
As a Category 5 Marriott Bonvoy property, award stays at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort start at 30,000 points per night.
Shangri-La Yanuca Island
On the southern coast of Viti Levu, Shangri-La Yanuca Island connects to the mainland by convenient causeway but offers the feeling of a private island stay (yet it's just an hour's drive south of Nadi International Airport).
The resort's "adults only precinct," the Reef Wing, sounds nice, with an exclusive infinity pool and sunset canapes and cocktails proffered overlooking the water.
But for parents, the complimentary kids club, called the Little Chiefs Club, is even more enticing. Open to ages four to 12, it offers amenities such as an inflatable water park and playground with activities like crab races and Fijian meke (dance) lessons on tap. Also, kids 11 and under eat free at several onsite restaurants.
Turtle Island Fiji
This luxurious all-inclusive resort in the Yasawa Islands is usually for adults-only. But during the several dedicated family weeks each year when it does open to kids and their grownups, Turtle Island Fiji makes sure to go all out for the gang.
Kids ages five and under are all assigned a private nanny during the length of your stay, making sure nap times don't throw a wrench in any plans you might have to take part in scuba diving, mountain biking, windsurfing or any other of the property's included soft adventures.
The kids will likely be too busy beachcombing or making crafts to even notice you've dipped out of sight. Kids six and older are assigned a Bula Buddy to be their companion and playmate during your stay, and might find themselves tossing a fishing line or playing a game with other young guests.
It's the balance between "you" time and family time that makes all of this so exciting -- the promise, in other words, of a family vacation with some true downtime for those footing the bill in the mix.