A week in Fiji with our one-year-old at Plantation Island Resort was just what we needed: sunset cocktails, a sparkling blue lagoon and babysitter-approved date nights.
Our little boy Wesley had just turned one when we finally booked our first family holiday. After a year of night feeds and nappy blowouts, Chrissie and I were more than ready for a break.
We weren’t really looking for luxury — just somewhere easy, affordable, and genuinely family-friendly. And Fiji delivered. Just a few hours from Australia, with postcard-perfect beaches, welcoming locals, and an easygoing vibe, it was the perfect spot for two worn-out parents to catch their breath.
Why Fiji is perfect for your first post-baby holiday
Fiji is a great fit for Aussie families with travelling with tots. It’s a quick hop (under five hours from Sydney) with no jet lag, and a laid-back pace that makes travelling with kids feel a whole lot more manageable.
What sets it apart? There’s a genuine, unhurried charm to the place. No high-rise hotels or hectic crowds — just calm beaches, friendly locals, and a welcoming atmosphere. And best of all? It won’t wipe out your savings account.
We were hunting for a one-stop, everything-in-reach kind of destination — sun, sea, cold beer, and somewhere our toddler could roam without us losing our minds. Plantation Island Resort ticked every single box… and then some.
A week in paradise at beachfront Plantation Island Resort
Tucked into Fiji’s dreamy Mamanuca Islands, Plantation Island Resort is a practical, family-friendly option for parents needing a proper break.
We stayed in a Beachfront Bure, which came with a separate bedroom for Wesley and was just a few steps to the ocean. Perfect for those morning toddler wriggles when only sand and sea will do.
The best part here? You never have to leave. This place is its own little world — food, drinks, swimming pools, snorkelling, massages, pizza, playgrounds, cocktails and kayaks. It’s like an all-inclusive oasis where the only tough decision is “pool or ocean?”
The Fijian staff’s genuine smiles and greetings made us feel at home. Every “Bula!” felt like a hug. They remembered our names, offered help before we knew we needed it, and made us feel like family. Being able to book babysitters gave us precious moments to reconnect as a couple, while the pool and playgrounds kept Wesley happy and engaged.
Coconut Kids Club: Parent paradise, kiddo kingdom
The Coconut Kids Club is a total game-changer for anyone travelling with little ones. Older kids can enjoy a full day of fun and games here — think outdoor playgrounds, indoor activity areas, movie time, tie-dye T-shirts, and dancing under the palm trees.
Wesley’s still a bit young for the full-day group programs, but we were able to book a babysitter through the resort at a very reasonable hourly rate — and let me tell you, it was worth every cent. The carers were warm and gentle and had him giggling in no time.
One particularly helpful feature: if you book a babysitter in the evening, the team can also feed your child dinner at the club. That gave us the rare chance to enjoy a relaxed meal together, without juggling high chairs or hurrying through dessert.
What to do at Plantation Island Resort — with kids
Plantation Island Resort is packed with activities that will keep kids entertained from sunrise to sunset. Whether your little ones love splashing in the water, making new friends, or discovering island adventures, there’s something here for every age and stage.
Chilling at the main pool
The resort’s main swimming pool quickly became our favourite place to splash, soak and sip. There’s a shallow area designed for young kids, and Wesley spent hours splashing around and having the time of his life.
Meanwhile, Chrissie and I took turns lounging under umbrellas, sneaking in a few pages of a book or chatting with other parents doing the same thing. The pool area is well-kept, spacious, and caters to all kinds of swimmers — whether you’re there to cool off, keep the kids busy, or just take it easy.
Hot Tip: Older bubs can have a blast in the freshwater kids’ pool, where two fun slides await. It’s the perfect spot for jumping, splashing, and burning off energy all afternoon.
Bula Bikes: Exploring the island on two wheels
One of the best ways to cruise around the island is with Bula Bikes! It was a nice change from pushing a pram. We strapped Wesley into a little seat on the back and off we pedalled — wobbling slightly at first, then riding comfortably along quiet paths, taking in the breeze and relaxed island pace.
Wesley loved the ride — especially waving to everyone who greeted us with a friendly “Bula!” — and it gave us a chance to see more of the island at our own pace. Plus, it was a good way to get a bit of exercise and avoid any toddler frustration from being stuck in one spot too long.
Hot Tip: Don’t forget the hats and sunscreen — Fiji’s sun is fierce. For families craving easy adventure, this one’s a no-brainer.
Fish house building: An eco-friendly family activity
The fish house building activity was a relaxed way to spend an afternoon with Wesley. Designed especially for young children, this hands-on workshop invited kids to assemble and decorate small fish houses — colourful little shelters meant to encourage fish to thrive in local waters.
The club staff were incredibly patient and engaging, guiding Wesley’s tiny hands as he tried to add some shells.
Hot Tip: For older kids who can snorkel, a return visit offers a special experience — the chance to swim just offshore and search for their original fish house!
Enjoying the indoor and outdoor playgrounds
The outdoor playgrounds are shaded by trees, with soft sand underneath and all the usual equipment — swings, slides, climbing frames, and plenty of open space to run and play freely. Wesley gave it a very enthusiastic two-thumbs-up.
When it rained, we spent time in the indoor playroom at Coconut Kids Club. It’s well set up with mats, a range of toddler-sized toys, and attentive staff who keep a close eye on the kids. Wesley enjoyed the chance to interact with other children, stacking blocks and knocking them down again, while we took the opportunity to sit back and relax.
Hot Tip: Having both indoor and outdoor play areas gives you flexibility throughout the day. It makes it easier to balance downtime with activities, essential for happy parents and happy kids.
T-shirt tie-dye at Coconut Kids Club: Colourful fun for little ones
Wesley loved the t-shirt tie-dye session hosted by the Coconut Kids Club.
The staff were awesome, showing us simple folding and tying tricks while keeping the whole thing mess-friendly (well, mostly). Watching Wesley’s curiosity as the colours blended was great to see. By the end, we had a collection of bright, unique t-shirts, and he happily wore his throughout the week.
Hot Tip: The process was fun and creative, with plenty of giggles and oohs as the bright colours blended in surprising ways. It’s a wonderful way to encourage artistic expression and keep kids entertained, while parents get to relax nearby.
Exploring the resort and sparkling blue lagoon
Sometimes the best moments were just wandering the resort with Wesley, letting him dig his toes in the sand, and watching small crabs scuttle across the beach. The island’s natural setting made even a short stroll feel like a little adventure.
The lagoon was perfect: clear, warm, and shallow enough for Wesley to play safely while we stayed close by. It was like having a natural kids’ pool just steps from our cabin.
Hot Tip: Bring reef shoes and a sand bucket — even a simple walk can become a fun nature adventure with a curious toddler. And don’t forget your phone (in a waterproof pouch) — you’ll want to capture these moments.
Inflatable Water Playground
Wesley was still a bit little for this one, but that didn’t stop us from giving it a go ourselves — and honestly, it was so much fun. The inflatable water playground is out in the lagoon, with slides, trampolines, climbing bits, and all sorts of wobbly, bouncy obstacles.
The whole thing is anchored and monitored, and the water is super clear, so it’s easy to jump off for a swim in between climbs. We watched a bunch of older kids racing around, yelling and laughing the whole time. It was chaotic in the best possible way.
Hot tip: If your kids are a bit older they’re going to love this. Parents can join in or cheer from the sidelines with a drink in hand. Either way, it’s a win.
What to do at Plantation Island Resort — without kids
Plantation Island’s Coconut Kids Club was a real lifesaver. Booking a babysitter gave us the chance to enjoy cocktails, quiet dinners, and sailing trips without worry. Here’s a list of everything we could do, confident that Wesley was well looked after.
Exploring the lagoon on stand-up paddleboards
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) quickly became a great way to connect with the ocean while getting some light exercise. The resort’s calm lagoon provided a safe and peaceful setting, perfect for beginners to find their balance and enjoy a slow, steady paddle across the water without any rush or pressure.
Hot Tip: This is a great option for parents looking for some quiet time — just you and the water. Whether you’re paddling alone to unwind or with a partner for a bit of shared exercise, stand-up paddleboarding is an enjoyable way to spend time on the water.
Kayaks are also available and just as fantastic — they offer a more stable ride, making them perfect for adventures with your kids.
Cocktails at the infinity pool: Sunset sips with a view
The breeze was warm, drinks were flowing, and the sun was setting over the ocean as we relaxed in the infinity pool.
With Wesley tucked up or playing happily at Coconut Kids Club, Chrissie and I made it our mission to try as many tropical drinks as possible from the poolside bar. From coconut mojitos to passionfruit daiquiris, each drink came with some much-needed downtime and uninterrupted conversation — a rare treat when you’re usually focused on nappies and toddler routines.
Hot Tip: The pool’s shallow area is ideal for kids during the day, and by sunset, it transforms into a calm spot for adults to unwind. With some snacks, soft lighting, and a glowing horizon, it makes for a perfect holiday cocktail hour.
Kokoda cooking class: Learning to make Fiji’s signature dish
We rolled up our sleeves for a Kokoda cooking class — Fiji’s well-known ceviche made with fresh fish and coconut cream. Our chef was a legend, showing us how to prepare it all while cracking jokes and sharing island foodie secrets.
The result was fresh, tangy, and full of tropical flavour. We enjoyed every bite.
Hot Tip: For parents wanting a break from their usual routine and a chance to try something new, this class offers both cultural insight and delicious rewards — plus, it’s a recipe you can easily recreate at home to keep the holiday spirit alive
Sunset cruise with Likuri Watersports: Relaxing drinks and views
One of the most memorable ways we unwound was taking a sunset cruise with Likuri Sailing Adventures. We enjoyed a smooth boat ride across the calm lagoon for a few hours, sipping a cold bottle of Fiji Bitter as the sun went down.
Honestly, it felt like a mini honeymoon — the warm sea breeze, the fading light of the setting sun, and the gentle sound of the water made for a peaceful and enjoyable experience.
Hot Tip: There are kid-friendly cruises available, but this one offers a quiet escape for parents looking for some time to themselves. Having a chance to relax away from parenting duties is something you’ll remember well after the trip.
Snorkelling the underwater museum
We grabbed our snorkels and dove into one of the coolest underwater experiences ever — the Underwater Museum. A unique experience featuring sculptures resting on the ocean floor, now covered in coral and sea life.
Our guides weren’t just friendly — they were actual marine biologists who taught us all about how these installations help restore the reef. While we floated past objects like old golf carts and furniture, we also learned a lot about the local ecosystem.
Hot Tip: For parents looking for a mix of relaxation and a chance to learn about coral conservation, this snorkelling trip is a great choice. Older kids can join, but keeping it adults-only means a quieter experience and a chance to fully enjoy the ocean.
Cloud 9 floating bar: Beer, pizza & epic splashdowns
We embraced our inner teenagers at the iconic floating bar Cloud 9. With wood-fired pizzas, ice-cold beers, music playing, and the anticipation before jumping off the top deck into clear blue water, it was a fun and unforgettable experience.
We laughed till our faces hurt, dared each other to jump higher, and made fast friends with fellow splash-happy parents who were just as thrilled to be off duty.
Hot Tip: If you’re looking for a quick escape with swimsuits and a relaxed island vibe, this is a perfect choice. With sun, saltwater, and a babysitter, it’s a great way to enjoy a break from the usual routine.
Couples Massage at the New Senibua Spa
This was hands-down one of the best things we did all week. The new Senibua Spa is absolutely beautiful. We booked a couples massage, and for that one glorious hour, it was like all the noise of parenting just melted away.
The therapists were amazing, using traditional Fijian oils and massage techniques that had us both somewhere between asleep and floating. Afterwards, we genuinely felt like new people — less like frazzled parents, more like humans again.
Hot tip: If you’re travelling with a baby or toddler, you need to do this. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve had a full night’s sleep for the first time in forever.
Kava Ceremony & Fijian Meke
One night Chrissie and I ducked out for a grown-up evening at Brigham Bar. We started with a traditional kava ceremony — sitting cross-legged with coconut shells in hand, listening to the stories behind the rituals and sipping that earthy, slightly tingly drink. It was a really grounding, immersive moment.
Then came the meke performance — and wow. The dancers were incredible, with colourful costumes, booming chants, and choreography that told ancient stories in the most unforgettable way. It felt like we’d been given a window into something really special.
Hot tip: If you’re looking for something more meaningful than just sunset drinks, this is such a good way to connect with Fijian culture. It left us feeling way more connected to the place and the people.
Wrapping up our Fiji holiday — for now!
Our week at Plantation Island Resort was exactly what we needed — a good balance of relaxation, culture, adventure, and quality family time. The resort has everything families look for: comfortable cabins, good food, plenty of activities, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
After our stay, we came home feeling refreshed and ready to take on parenthood’s ups and downs. We recommend Plantation Island Resort to Australian families looking for an affordable, easy, and memorable tropical getaway. We’re already looking forward to our next visit.
Getting to Fiji
Fiji Airways, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia are among the airlines that fly to Nadi International Airport in Fiji. The flight is around four hours from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne – an easy trip for most kids. From there, it’s an easy 50-minute speedboat transfer to Plantation Island Resort (with complimentary coach to the marina on request). Have time between transfers and flights? Grab a day pass for Fiji Gateway Hotel, just 300 meters from Nadi Airport.
When to go to Fiji
Fiji’s dry season is the most popular time to visit. It may coincide with winter in Australia, but daily temperatures in the islands range from a balmy 26°C to 31°C. Consider travelling during the wet season from November to April if you want to save on accommodation. While you can expect short tropical downpours, the weather is still hot and Fiji is especially lush and green.
Kids eat free
Kids aged 0-11 eat and transfer FREE* at Plantation Island Resort! There are two handy ways for under-12s to grab a free bite: from the kids’ menu at select restaurants when dining with two paying adults (including meal plans) OR at the designated kids’ buffet between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm. Kids under 12 also transfer FREE* when travelling with a parent or guardian. *T&Cs and exclusions apply.
