There’s just something about Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort that inspires intense loyalty from repeat visitors. Deservedly popular with Australian families for its legendary Kids Club and Meimei nanny services, many families we met on our recent trip to the Outrigger mentioned that they had visited once or twice before, with one family even clocking up five return visits to the 5-star resort!
There's 16 hectares to explore at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. (Image: Outrigger Hotels & Resorts)Located an hour’s drive south of Nadi International Airport on the main island of Viti Levu in Fiji, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort is situated amid the lush interior of the Coral Coast and perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
Making a splash in the main pool at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. (Image: Cassandra Laffey)It’s a pool resort first and foremost, which is undoubtedly where you (and the kids) will spend most of your holiday. Our blended group of littlies (ranging from 2.5 years to six years) made fast friends in the main lagoon-style pool, meandering along the shallow stream and spotting their Kids Club mates eating lunch by the pool.
Visually, the Outrigger resembles a traditional Fijian village with thatched bures transferring those laidback local vibes to the impeccably kept grounds.
The inviting blue of the main pool – a popular hangout for resort guests, big and small. (Image: Outrigger Hotels & Resorts)There’s much to engage the littlies just walking from the main building to the pool or the three family-friendly onsite eateries – from spying fish in the bubbling streams amid the tropical foliage to the local artisans crafting their wares in the walkways. It’s amazing to watch a piece of wood transform into a painted and carved ornamental bowl over a few days or witness deft hands weaving dried natural fibres into grass skirts and garlands in just an hour. Don’t be surprised if you walk away with a carved hook necklace or tapa cloth bag from your daily encounters!
Having a go a SUP boarding with dad. (Image: Cassandra Laffey)Back in the water, the Outrigger fronts one of the world’s largest fringing reefs with a private beach that’s studded with coral fragments, however the water is calm enough to enjoy a variety of complimentary watersports at high tide. My Disney-loving daughter was reeled in by the Moana double kayaks and stand-up paddleboarding and enamoured with the tiny hermit crabs scampering across the shore that she learned how to feed coconut to in Kids Club.
Collecting handfuls of coral on Fiji's Coral Coast. (Image: Cassandra Laffey)We also introduced our water baby to snorkelling in the clear waters, finning out to the clam nursery not far from shore and spotting myriad colourful fish darting among the coral, while her dad went for a dive nearby with the onsite Dive Away dive pros.
But really, the lure of Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort for families is the huge range of onsite (and complimentary) amenities.
There's plenty of outdoor and indoor activities available for kids aged three to 12 years. (Image: Outrigger Hotel & Resorts)The Kids Club offers daily activities for Little Riggers (age three to seven years) and Beach Riggers (age eight to 12 years), while the Meimei nanny service takes care of kids from six months and up for babysitting or longer sessions. It’s an opportunity for littlies to play with their peers (with supervision) while mum and dad sneak some downtime at the adults-only spaces that include the Vahavu swim-up pool bar, hilltop Kalokalo Bar for cocktails and tapas (and the adjoining Bebe Spa Sanctuary – don’t miss out on a blissful massage!) and the intimate dining atmosphere at Ivi Restaurant.
Braids are big for the kidlet set at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort (Image: Outrigger Hotels & Resorts)Another great hook for families is the kids eat free offer (for those 12 and under). Check with your travel consultant when booking as this deal is ideal for families (especially families with more than one child in tow) and the kids menu has a surprisingly extensive list of options that will tempt even the fussiest eater (plus each meal comes with a drink and dessert).
Feature image: Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort
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Visit your local Flight Centre store or call 131 600 for more advice and the latest deals on travelling to Fiji.
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