On Christmas Eve last year we decided that it had been a great year, that we’d ac
hieved a lot but that we were in serious need of some relaxation and time as a family. That night, my husband booked a week away in Fiji (my Christmas Day surprise) and on Boxing Day we were on the flight over! What he didn’t tell me was that he’d been researching an amazing destination just like this for us for quite some time. He had his eye on the Shangri-la Fiji not only for its quality accommodation, but mostly for the fun factor for the kids. He did well and the resort lived up to every bit of our expectations.
After a quick trip from Nadi International Airport (40 minutes by car and an opportunity for a nap) we reached our destination. On arrival, the boys were wowed by a giant gingerbread house – part of the resorts Christmas theming. There was also a children’s play area in reception. Tick another good sign for a family friendly vacation!
We were then shown to our room, which wasn’t too far off 4 star, was opposite the ocean front and close to the Infinity Pool. This is where we hung out and had most of our fun. This was just one of three pools for the resort (one’s an adults only pool) and was our favourite because it wasn’t too crowded.
When it came to meal times, children ate free at their buffet restaurants, and they were excited to be able to make their own choices from the children’s height bain-maries. This was filled with your usual kids food options and was just another way that they were made to feel right at home. Fijians are also wonderful with children, we were quite often serenaded at dinner by roving performers singing interactive and well known children’s songs. Another bonus and another cocktail for me.
Overall, the resort gave us a great balance of things for the children and us to do. Our boys enjoyed the games room, movie nights, tennis, mini golf…and kids club which is free for children over 4..under 4s can go but you pay for a nanny to look after them. This was very reasonably priced – about a quarter of what we pay at home and we had the same lady care for the boys for a few short stints throughout the week. We’re never comfortable being away from the boys for too long but when we did we relaxed by the pool (working our way through the cocktail list and had a quick massage at the Day Spa. Mums take note: they have what I know to be the world’s only overnight spa here…so ditch the kids and the husband for a night if you can!
