Earlier this year I took a short trip to Fiji. It wasn’t my first visit and after a wonderful stay at Malolo Island Resort, it won’t be the last. Malolo Island confirmed once again for me that Fiji time spent in the right location is the perfect way to holiday with kids.
It can be tricky for families who have been told that ‘they must visit Fiji’ to actually pick the right resort. Based on the fantastic experience that I had on Malolo Island, I thought I’d put together a how-to-guide to help with choosing the perfect family stay in Fiji. You can read it here with Families Magazine.
Of course, every families needs are different but I can tell you that if you are looking for a place to unwind that is more than just a pool and a kids club, but an actual place for creating family memories then you should consider a boutique and luxury stay at somewhere like Malolo.
Here’s a snapshot of my experience:
You know you’re in for a good time when your options are to arrive at the resort by seaplane, helicopter or ferry. I was lucky to arrive alongside a young family of four who was returning to Malolo for their 3rd consecutive year. They were to be joined by a group of friends and their children and the family who had come from Brisbane had found the flight and short transfer as easy as I had. Always a good sign!
I felt like royalty arriving to a traditional and warm Fiji welcome! Cue song, dance and big smiles that quickly delivered all the feels.
Check-in to the hotel was made in this beautiful spot, made even more convenient with a refreshing drink.
It was here that I started to meet some of the staff that live on the island and are responsible for the operation of this very slick resort. It was easy to feel instantly welcome.
Tip: With abundant cozy spots like this on offer, Malolo Island Resort offers you the perfect place to unwind. Be aware that it’s strictly smart casual and flip-flops so please leave the heels at home! You are also forced to relax with access to wi-fi Internet in communal spaces only. This might seem hard to take, but trust me, you won’t want to be on your phone all the time when you’re staying at a place like this. It begs to be enjoyed.
This was the view from my resort room, which also comes complete with its own hammock. There’s one for each of the 46 Hamptons inspired beachfront bures. So lovely!
I made the most of pacific living by sleeping sounding in my beautifully appointed bure. It was able to accommodate four (2 adults, 2 children) with larger family rooms also available.
It needs to be said that Malolo life is very easy. You have the option to do as much or as little as you choose. You can wake up and go for an early snorkel or hike or go straight to breakfast in the building pictured above.
Dining options include the adults-only restaurant (which is exceptional by the way and run by ex-Gallery of Modern Art Brisbane Executive Chef Ryan Ward), a family-friendly restaurant and there is also the option for casual eats at the resort bar. Naturally, I enjoyed the food in each of these locations! Tip: Food and beverage packages are also available as options for your stay.
Note: If you do go hiking the view from the top of the island is spectacular and you may be overwhelmed with a sense of joy. My mobile phone concurred, tracking that I’d done 45,000 steps and climbed 60 flights of stairs. #mammamia
A post-hike massage in the middle of the rainforest made it all better. Talk about getting back to nature! I loved every minute of this and each time I smell mango it reminds me of the essential oils used in my treatment, it’s a wonderful travel memory.
Cooling off in the resort pool is also a brilliant idea. Note: There is a pool for adults, and one that’s there for the kids. Tip: Put the kids in kids club (yep, there is one and it’s very decent), order a pool-side cocktail and put back on some of the calories you thought you’d lost forever on the hike! 😉
Ahoy, there mateys – behold the kids club! A truly bespoke resort with a fully-functioning kids club is the holy grail of family travel. Malolo Island’s kids club is spacious and fully integrated into the daily life of the resort. Basically, you know the kids are ok, because you can see them… you just can’t always hear them. #bliss!
You know that you are winning at hotel life when the resort’s staff will collect your children at the end of dinner so that you can continue on with your meal and conversation. I noticed them playing with children to build sandcastles sometimes around sunrise on the beach (no doubt so that parents could sleep-in) and even taking children on day trips that included snorkelling, visiting a neighbouring island and joining the class at the local school.
Meet Tima. She’s in charge of the kids club and has proudly been caring for the hotels tiniest guests for 18 + years – some of which started with her as babies and have now returned as teens.
Tima’s kids club programming provides a heavy focus on culture, outdoor play and education (no screen time here) with children able to get up-close with the endangered Fiji Crested Iguana. A bit of background… these iguanas were previously thought extinct and are exclusive only to Malolo Island. Their conservation program is quite the success with another round of babies born this year wholly attributed to their world-class breeding program.
Now exclusive island life is pretty amazing, but there may be days that you wish to leave your hammock and thoughts of a fourth cocktail and go exploring.
During my stay, I visited Castaway Island (yes, once home to Wilson and Tom Hanks), went on a sunset cruise that included an evening of serenading and song (oh my), and spent the morning on my own private island complete with seafood picnic lunch. Mmm, so much lobster and some lovely shade provided the perfect place for a little siesta.
Tip: There is, of course, the option to day trip to other parts of Fiji, simply by connecting with the Ferry that passes by the resort or requesting a transfer. Once back on the mainland, you should also look-up Rosie’s Transfers.
VERDICT
If you’re looking for a special stay that’s more than just a destination, book Malolo Island Resort. Everything families need to unwind and enjoy good quality time is located on this private island. Waking up to absolute beachfront accommodation in a location where you can feel completely safe and relaxed from the moment you unpack the suitcase is worth its weight in gold.
DETAILS
For more information on Malolo Island Resort’s range of accommodation packages and transfer options, please visit: http://maloloisland.com/
CREDIT
I was a media guest of Malolo Island Resort for the purposes of this review and Families Magazine (print and digital). All opinions are my own and correct at the time of publication. If at any time, you have a question, please feel free to reach out on our social channels or drop a comment below. I’m always happy to help families to experience the joy of travel!
