Many of us wish we could ‘escape to a tropical island’ when we’re stressed, overloaded and tired. So when babies are added to the mix, are parents obliged to give up the island getaway dream?
The short answer is a definite ‘no’!
Island destinations make sensational holiday havens for babies and their mums and dads – and the good news is that far from having to compromise on chill time (or romance!) because you have little ones – there are many fantastic island resorts in Australia and the Pacific that are dedicated to keeping the dream alive for new parents.
Far from daunting, taking family time out on a beautiful tropical island can only benefit you and your baby! Here’s what you need to know to plan a baby-friendly holiday in the tropics.
1. Adjust your holiday dreams - just slightly!
We did it when my daughter was two months old in an attempt to recapture pre-baby holiday memories and to test if it was even possible to enjoy sun, sand, surf and ‘together time’ with another travelling companion in tow. To our surprise it was … we just had to tweak the dream slightly!
We shared romantic dinners in the restaurant, with baby asleep in her capsule under the table; we took walks along the beach, with baby in a sling and sun hat; we relaxed on the balcony together overlooking the ocean, while baby slept inside and we had mid-afternoon siestas – the three of us! Same, same … but different.
DISCOVER MORE: Getaway’s Charli Robinson shares her baby travel tips
2. Opt for a domestic or short-haul flight
Factor in travel times and modes of transport to your destination and determine what you – and baby – can manage, without losing it! The carefree days of a backpack each are on hold for now, and while babies are only small, the amount of paraphernalia they require makes travelling light a thing of the past, so be realistic about the logistics of the journey to your holiday island.
If bub is a no-fuss type who loves sleeping, then the world is your oyster … if not, consider holidaying closer to home in Australia or on a short-haul flight to New Caledonia, Vanuatu or Fiji – and make sure baby has a passport!
3. Choose a resort with baby-friendly amenities
Ideally, you want to travel with as few baby essentials as possible, so resorts that offer more than cots and highchairs (free of charge) get a big tick. If you’re taking a stroller, ensure that the resort you’ve picked is easily navigable on wheels – with as few billy goat climbs and stairways as possible, and with easy and close access from your room to the resort’s main facilities.
Look for accommodation that is spacious enough to allow you to sprawl out or consider two-bedroom options. Fridges, kettles and decent-sized sinks in your room are necessities for storing, preparing, heating and cleaning baby formula, food and equipment.
4. Look for a nanny service or crèche
If you’re hoping for some alone time on your island holiday, you’re in luck! Most family-friendly island resorts totally understand the attraction of an island holiday for parents, and subscribe to the theory that if the kids are happy the parents are happy.
Many resorts offer exceptional, and reasonably priced, in-room babysitting services and one-on-one baby nannies… as well as kids’ clubs with crèches and special facilities and activities for bubs.
READ MORE: All about Fiji resorts’ nanny services
5. Be sun-safe with baby on the beach
Not so long ago, mums were routinely instructed to let their babies have daily ‘sun kicks’ – nudie sunbathing for a short period each day – to promote good infant health. Of course, we’re all more safety-conscious now when it comes to the sun, but a little bit of sun really is good for everyone, and where better than a tropical island for tiny tots to get their kit off?
It goes without saying that liberal sunscreen and hats are a must before frolicking in the sun or splashing in the water. On the upside, there’s nothing quite like the ambience, gentle sea breezes, warm weather and laidback lifestyle of an island to induce feelings of contentment and sleepiness! And if mum and dad are relaxed and chilled, generally baby will be too!
6. Make it magical for grown-ups too
Day spa treatments, a round of golf, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, cocktails at sunset … enticing and attainable with a baby in tow, even if it means rostering grown-up activities and taking turns grabbing ‘me time’. Book in a babysitter and enjoy an hour or so each day, together!
And with more and more families embracing multi-generational holidays, bringing nan, pop, siblings, friends and other cohorts along on your holiday guarantees babysitters on tap and promises loads of fun for all!
Baby-friendly tropical island resorts around the world
Switched on family-friendly island resorts now make traveling with a baby easy and stress-free. Book with one of our favourites below for one of the best family holidays that you’ll ever experience.
Australia
InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef - Queensland
At luxury Hayman Island, the licensed crèche caters for little ones from six weeks old, and babysitting services are also available.
Hamilton Island - Queensland
Clownfish Club Junior Childminding Centre at Hamilton Island caters for babies from six weeks old. Babysitting services are also available.
Daydream Island Resort - Queensland
Skippers Club at Daydream Island caters for kids from six weeks old and babysitting services are available. You can also purchase nappies, formula, bottles and more and hire strollers.
DISCOVER MORE: 17 Aussie islands perfect for a family holiday
Fiji
Mana Island Resort
Creche for babies, with activities and nap time scheduled daily. Stay 5 nights at Mana Island Resort and receive five hours’ free baby-minding at the crèche each day of your stay, or pay as little as (approx.) AUD $4 per hour for in-room or crèche babysitting services.
Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island
Babysitting available at (approx.) AUD$12 for the first three hours and for (approx.) AUD$4 per hour thereafter.
Malolo Island Resort
Fijian nannies available on request for babysitting.
Plantation Island Resort
Babysitting for as little as (approx.) AUD$10 per hour. Plantation Island Resort also has a fantastic, affordable supermarket with baby supplies and special services for holidaying single parents.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
Babysitting and one-on-one nannies are available at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort to take care of your little one for the duration of your stay.
Castaway Island Resort
Babysitting available, kids club and Castaway Island Resort also has a great general store.
DISCOVER MORE: Fiji’s best family resorts – as voted by you!
The Maldives
Dusit Thani
The resort’s Preferred Family status offers certification for the care of different age groups including ‘0-2 infants & toddlers’. Babysitting is available at Dusit Thani Maldives as well as nappies, formula, bottles, cups, toys, clothing and medicine for babies.
Centara Grand Island Resort maldives
Babysitting services are available at Centara Grand Island Resort Maldives.
South Pacific
Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort
40 of the 180 guest rooms at Sheraton New Caledonia include a handy kitchenette. Babysitting and childcare available (including in-room)
Warwick Le Lagon Resort - Vanuatu
Child-minding (including in-room) available at Warwick Le Lagon for (approx.) AUD$3 per hour.
Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa - Samoa
On-call, qualified babysitting services available at Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa.
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium - Cook Islands
Banana Beach Playland Creche at The Rarotongan caters for 0-4 year olds in a completely safe environment including activities and nap time. Cost is (approx.) AUD$40 per three-hour session. The crèche is open from 9am-9pm.
Opening image: Plantation Island Resort, Fiji. © Sharyn Burgess
