Oceania (Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific) - FIJI Accom Advice

I've finally managed to convince Mrs Asiaflyer that we can take some well due R&R. Exact timing is a little flexible but will be between now and mid August. We will also have Asiaflyer Jnr's (11mth and 2yr) plus a non related helper for the kids. As a result I would expect either a 2 bed villa, 2 interconnecting rooms or 2 bure's will be required.

I was initially hoping to go to one of the islands accessible by boat from Nadi, e.g. Castaway, Vomo etc, however they all show per their websites to be booked out - I've watched them for a few weeks hoping something would open up with no luck (I haven't bothered to contact any direct to see if they do in fact still have rooms). As a result I'm now looking at the resorts on the mainland. I've ruled out resorts that require a flight to another island due to the hassle with 2 kids plus baggage restrictions.

My understanding is that many of the resorts are fairly artifical, imported sand etc and could be anywhere in the world. Therefore I thought I'd ask for any advice from the experts here re what would be some good options. We're probably looking for a relaxing environment, plenty of poolside chairs etc, a view over beach wopuld be nice, decent food which hopefully isn't too expensive. Mrs Asiaflyer demands aircon, very clean and probably 4-5 star. She also has a concern re the kids unknowingly leaving the room and drowning ... so being up a floor in a resort style building she would probably see as a positive. Asiaflyer Jnr's will just love to play in sand and water, so a shallow pool/beach, no or small waves, and nice sand will be essential. From a quick read of various threads I'm thinking of the Intercontinental, but every hotel seems to have strongly positive and negative comments on tripadvisor. I must admit the rates at the Intercontinental (and some others) look fairly expensive for the time period, especially as they are room only and I need to get 2 rooms. The other obvious one seems to be the Sheraton Resort/Villa's and Westin which I believe share facilties, but staying on denarau seems to consistently get the worst reviews, hence I have ignored it to date.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I stayed at Westin Denerau for my last visit to Fiji with your concerns and was pleasantly surprised. It is the only resort in Fiji that was built as a 5-star (Regent) but showing it's age in places; so it is a step up from the Sheratons next door or the IC, etc. Most of the newer resorts are markedly higher density. The ocean-front rooms at the Westin are very nice with a balcony facing the sea for the upstairs rooms (the garden view less so, being more congested). It is an artifical environment, but you know you are in Fiji at all times, with touches like the staff playing rugby with kids on the beach ... they take great care of kids (though yours are a bit too young to benefit from that). There is a free boat at the Westin that takes you across to a "deserted island" which has a nice beach; the Denerau beach is all imported sand, and regularly erodes with each storm, so there is a beach but it isn't Bondi! Westin has a fantastic breakfast buffet, with touches like a juicer to make fresh juice (fantastic pineapple is provided, along with carrot, ginger, apple, etc.), a cappucino machine, and made to order pancakes and eggs. Better than any other Westin in the world that I've been to. Flying Fish (restaurant in Sydney) has a branch in the Sheraton, which is very good quality and even good value (imported food is quite expensive in Fiji).

For a relaxing, not adventure or outings, type of vacation I think Denerau is ideal. Sheraton villas have 2BR units (while Westin and the other Sheraton are hotels, as are most of the Denerau properties). I went there skeptical (but had to be near the airport and internet for work reasons -- so a real Fiji vacation was out) and came out pretty impressed.

We have stayed many times in Fiji - always at Denaru. Initially it was the Sheraton, then the Sheraton Villas, then the Hilton.

I much prefer either the Sheraton or the Villas. The villas have the added benefit of a washer/dryer and a kitchen - both handy with kids. The Westin is the oldest hotel there, and it looks it in places, plus it is very dark. If you are staying at any of the Starwood properties you can charge back for any restaurant. You can get a fijian nanny for the kids, our relatives got the same nanny every visit for 6 years - she became like one of the family and they are excellent with children.

Also have lunch at the golf club, it is a pleasant change.

I've finally managed to convince Mrs Asiaflyer that we can take some well due R&R. Exact timing is a little flexible but will be between now and mid August. We will also have Asiaflyer Jnr's (11mth and 2yr) plus a non related helper for the kids. As a result I would expect either a 2 bed villa, 2 interconnecting rooms or 2 bure's will be required.

I was initially hoping to go to one of the islands accessible by boat from Nadi, e.g. Castaway, Vomo etc, however they all show per their websites to be booked out - I've watched them for a few weeks hoping something would open up with no luck (I haven't bothered to contact any direct to see if they do in fact still have rooms). As a result I'm now looking at the resorts on the mainland. I've ruled out resorts that require a flight to another island due to the hassle with 2 kids plus baggage restrictions.

My understanding is that many of the resorts are fairly artifical, imported sand etc and could be anywhere in the world. Therefore I thought I'd ask for any advice from the experts here re what would be some good options. We're probably looking for a relaxing environment, plenty of poolside chairs etc, a view over beach wopuld be nice, decent food which hopefully isn't too expensive. Mrs Asiaflyer demands aircon, very clean and probably 4-5 star. She also has a concern re the kids unknowingly leaving the room and drowning ... so being up a floor in a resort style building she would probably see as a positive. Asiaflyer Jnr's will just love to play in sand and water, so a shallow pool/beach, no or small waves, and nice sand will be essential. From a quick read of various threads I'm thinking of the Intercontinental, but every hotel seems to have strongly positive and negative comments on tripadvisor. I must admit the rates at the Intercontinental (and some others) look fairly expensive for the time period, especially as they are room only and I need to get 2 rooms. The other obvious one seems to be the Sheraton Resort/Villa's and Westin which I believe share facilties, but staying on denarau seems to consistently get the worst reviews, hence I have ignored it to date.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Well, the best resort on Fiji (in the world?) with Kids is the Cousteau resort on Savusavu. 5 star luxury, service and food, however no TVs or Aircon (not really necessary at this location). You will have an amazing time and the kids will be well taken care off, no need to bring a carer from home. But of course money wise it is my orders of magnitude more expensive than any of the Denaru resorts.

The actual cost is about double Denerau, so those are base 2 magnitudes :)

Here is a glowing newspaper review which does call it best in the world for families: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/accommodation-reviews/the-worlds-best-family-resort-20100708-101b7.html