Kids clubs. Parents love them and kids love them – or do they?
If you’re looking for a family holiday, you can’t go past Fiji for a close-to-home, flop-and-drop beach getaway full of island culture and plenty of fun times in and out of the water. This 333-island archipelago is also popular with Aussies for its all-inclusive resorts that often have ‘kids-eat-free’ offers and other family-friendly bonuses such as complimentary watersports equipment hire, daily nanny service and kids clubs.
Splashdown at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort's main pool. (Image: Cassandra Laffey)In fact, kid clubs in Fijian resorts are such a great option for families, many choose Fiji as a holiday destination solely for the reputation of the amazing kids clubs on offer. Parents get some downtime and children can hang out with new friends and be involved in fun activities – win-win, right?
Collecting coral and looking for hermit crabs on a kids club activity at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. (Image: Cassandra Laffey)So we put Fiji’s top kids clubs to a pint-size travel expert (my daughter, Tallulah) for her review. Which kids clubs made the grade according to our eight-year-old expert? Read on…
Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort
Sorry kids, this pool is just for the grownups. Check the kids into the kids club and lounge at the Vahavu Pool. (Image: Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort)Located on the Coral Coast on the largest island of Viti Levu, this 5-star resort is made for families of all sizes with bure bungalows and hotel rooms, a huge tropical pool, tennis courts, free watersports (snorkel out to the clam nursery from the beach, kayak or try SUP boarding) and heaps of dining options, including kids menus at each restaurant.
There’s two complimentary kids clubs: Little Riggers for those aged three to seven years and Beach Riggers for kids aged eight to 12 years plus a teens program for kids aged 13-plus (for a fee). Kids club activities include feeding coconut to the hermit crabs, water polo at the pool and Fijian cultural experiences, while teens can learn spear making or go on an excursion to nearby attractions such as Sigatoka Sand Dunes and the Enchanted Pool hike. There's also the MeiMei nanny service for babies aged six months right through to 12 years if parents need a hand or some downtime at the adults-only Vahavu Pool with a swim-up bar.
Tallulah says: "I made some good friends and we played together at the kids club and later at the pool."
RELATED: Find out more about staying at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort
Plantation Island Resort
How amazing is that beach? (Image: Plantation Island Resort)From bures to rooms with a view or easy access to the pool, there’s plenty of accommodation options for families of all sizes at Plantation Island Resort Fiji, situated on Malolo Island in the Mamanucas island group. There’s three freshwater swimming pools, including one with a slide, two playgrounds (one for kids aged zero to five and one for children aged six to 12 years), games room and outdoor activities for the whole family such as tennis, volleyball, netball, mini putt-putt and even a rugby field.
For kids only, there’s the free Coconut Kids Club for those aged five to 12 years and a children’s creche for the littlies plus a 24-hour nanny service for a fee on site. Kids club activities include craft, beach soccer, movies, coconut boat making, face painting and nature walks.
Tallulah says: "I like all of these activities except beach soccer although I really like this beach!"
Treasure Island Resort
Land ahoy! A view of Treasure Island from the canoe. (Image: Treasure Island Resort)With a name that hints at adventure, Treasure Island Resort is ideally located amid the white sands and crystal-clear waters on a coral cay island in the Mamanucas, west of the capital, Nadi. The all-bure resort has beachfront and oceanview options, plus interconnecting bures that are perfect for families of all sizes. Check out the watersports options, tennis court, mini golf and onsite turtle rehab centre.
The kids club is open to kids from zero to 11 years (tots aged zero to three years will need to be accompanied by a parent or babysitter). The Little Treasures Kids Club for those aged four to 11 years has heaps of activities that focus on the island’s wildlife such as feeding fish, turtles and iguanas, looking for crabs and counting starfish and sea cucumbers. There’s also cultural immersion such as lovo prep, basket weaving and learning the local lingo.
Tallulah says: "I love animals so I like all these things and especially counting the blue starfish."
RELATED: Want more inspiration and information? Check out the Fiji Travel Guide!
The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa
Kids at the kids club – how's the serenity by the pool? (Image: The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa)Found a handy 15km from Nadi International Airport (i.e. a super-quick trip after collecting your luggage), this 5-star resort is situated on Denarau Island and just 200m from the Big Bula Water Park. This spot is ideal for waterbabies with three pools, including a kids’ one, and a beach and plenty of watersports options such as kayaking, water-skiing and snorkelling. For landlubber littlies, there’s a children’s playground and a kids cooking class (ages five to 12) held on Sundays for an extra fee. Did we mention there’s a water park nearby?
While the Westin doesn’t have a kids club (babysitting is available), families can use the LaiLai Kids Club at the nearby Sheraton Fiji Resort for kids aged four to 12 years as well as all the facilities at the other sister resorts.
Tallulah says: "That all sounds awesome. I love swimming in the clear blue water."
Warwick Fiji
Those amazing sunset views from the Sunset Deck at the Warwick Fiji. (Image: Warwick Fiji)Also located on the Coral Coast on Viti Levu near palm-fringed villages and natural sights, the 5-star Warwick Fiji resort has a variety of rooms and suites on offer. There’s a sandy beach, two swimming pools and a dive centre on site as well as tennis and bike hire.
The supervised and free Warwick Kids Club caters for kids aged three to 12 years with activities geared to different ages and stages. Littlies will love sandcastle building, looking for crabs and seashells, fish feeding and treasure hunting. The older kids can get into kayaking, snorkelling and SUP boarding. There’s also cultural activities to get amongst.
Tallulah says: "Those are really interesting things I would like to try. I really like sandcastle building as it's a good chance to try new things when I make castles."
RELATED: Family-friendly things to do on Fiji's Coral Coast
Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
With a beachfront location on Wailoaloa Bay, equidistant between Nadi International Airport and Denarau Island on the main island of Viti Levu, the Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa has a selection of room and suites on offer, including interconnecting rooms. There’s four swimming pools (including one just for kids) and kayaking, however other watersports such as water-skiing, rafting and jet-skiing are available for an extra cost. Other activities include bike riding and tennis courts.
The onsite kids clubs cater from zero to over 12s for a fee (there’s also a playground) as well as a dedicated Teens Only Club for those aged 12 to 17 years. Look out for specials for complimentary access to the kids clubs.
Tallulah says: "I like playing tennis and love going kayaking with my Dad. I also sat down on the board while Daddy did SUP boarding."
