It had been a while since we had travelled abroad – what with the whole COVID thing and then a new addition to our family. So, as the plane bumped slowly along the runway towards the Nadi International Airport terminal, I felt my body instinctively relax. In unison, my mind and muscles sensed it was time to unwind – to slow down and breathe.
And let me tell you, as the first wave of Fijian heat hit my body and those first rays of sunshine warmed my skin, I knew it was okay to just stop; to let go of the everyday stressors.
If you have visited this particular Pacific Island, you will be familiar with the phrase ‘Fiji time’. Said with a relaxed, easy drawl, it simply means: “Don’t worry about time. You’ll get there. It’ll eventually get done”.
This was to become my mantra for the next nine days.
When you live in one of the most beautiful locations in the world (the Sunshine Coast), finding an equally beautiful destination to holiday can be a challenge.
The Fijian islands tick all the boxes – sun, sand, surf – and are located relatively close to home in terms of overseas destinations.
For a family, there really is no better place, given the child-friendly atmosphere, accommodation, culinary options and array of activities.
Travelling as a group, with four kids and four adults, we found the ideal blend of needs at Denarau Island’s complete beachfront Radisson Blu Resort – situated among four hectares of tropical gardens and consisting of 270 hotel rooms and suites, catering to guests of all ages.
Denarau Island is the gateway to Fiji, an ideal first stop for visitors, thanks to its collection of luxury four- and five-star resorts, a vibrant marina (home to some great restaurants that are definitely worth a visit) and an array of family-friendly activities. Located a short 20-minute drive from the airport, the gated community is accessed via a road bridge.
Truthfully, Denarau had not previously been high on our travel wishlist. Our past Fijian trips have always been spent on the beautiful Coral Coast. But for a young family, Denarau is ideal not only because of its proximity to medical facilities, shops and restaurants, but also because it is a place where you feel the island’s welcoming embrace from the moment you arrive.
The culture, the people and their love for the beautiful land simply envelops you. As we ascended the steps of the Radisson’s foyer, the welcoming smiles, rhythmic music and bellows of ‘bula’ made us feel worlds away from home and completely at ease. There is nothing quite like being welcomed by the sound of a beating drum and the scent of the floral lei placed around your neck to signal the start of a good holiday.
Our accommodation was perfect for our family of four – a one-bedroom apartment, complete with a spacious balcony, large modern bathroom, full kitchen and the added bonus of room service. As soon as our bags arrived to our room, the kids were rifling through looking for swimmers, goggles and sunscreen. The resort has four climate-controlled lagoon pools, a much-loved whitewater tunnel slide and private beach. The kids’ club and easy access to water sports are also popular.
As anyone with children knows, food options are a big factor when choosing a holiday location. The Radisson delivers, with five on-site restaurants. Tip: be sure to try Byblos, the waterfront Lebanese restaurant. With fragrant spices and fresh ingredients, the dishes will bring a delightful twist to your Fijian escape. Be sure to explore outside of your hotel, too – Denarau is packed with resort restaurants, as well as great finds at the marina.
One of the true highlights of our visit, though, was the staff at our resort. Friendly and laidback, they knew when to assist and when to give us the space to relax. No request was too much, and they always welcomed a chat. Taking the time to learn about their culture, hear about their families and share a laugh enriched our stay in ways we didn’t expect. It reminded us that Fiji isn’t just a destination; it’s a warm, welcoming community.
Fiji, we found, has a way of rejuvenating the soul, leaving visitors refreshed and truly at peace.
Practical travel essentials
The world is back to functioning as normal, but when travelling abroad, it’s wise to take a few precautions. Here are our handy tips for a smooth trip:
- Arrive early: Give yourself extra time at the airport, especially for international flights, as check-ins and security lines may be slower than usual.
- Mask up: Keep a mask handy, especially for crowded areas in airports or on public transport. Some airlines may still require masks on flights, so it’s wise to check ahead.
- Confirm the COVID rules: Review COVID regulations at your destination well before your departure. Some countries may still have specific entry requirements or vaccination rules.
- Keep it clean: Bring a travel-sized bottle of sanitiser (up to 100ml for carry-on) and a couple of spares in your checked luggage.
- Travel insurance: Ensure your travel insurance includes COVID-related coverage, covering cancellations, medical needs and emergency accommodations, so you’re protected against unexpected changes.
- What about flexibility: Whenever possible, book accommodation, flights and tours that offer free cancellations or flexible policies to stay adaptable during your journey.
- Research health facilities: Know where to find local clinics or health centres in your destination in case you need assistance during your stay.
- Stay hydrated and pack snacks: While on flights, especially with potential delays, have a refillable water bottle and snacks. It’ll keep the kids happy, for sure.
- Your essentials: Pack a mini health kit with essentials like a thermometer, paracetamol, masks, antiseptic cream and bandaids. Talk to your GP before leaving to organise additional medications.