The lesser-known family destination you should know

When you think about family travel, Fiji, a group of over 300 tropical islands in the South Pacific, doesn’t immediately spring to mind. Most people think of Fiji as a mecca for honeymooners and romantic getaways (which it is). Known for its postcard-perfect beaches, turquoise lagoons, lush rainforests and warm-hearted locals, Fiji has long been a coveted destination for travelers looking for a scenic romantic getaway. But guess what? It’s also been attracting families for years.

With its mix of adventure, cultural immersion and Fijian hospitality, families enjoy Fiji because it ticks all the boxes.

Fiji is famous for its wide range of outdoor activities that will delight both children and adults. Snorkelling is an absolute must, with many sites accessible directly from the shore. The shallow lagoons surrounding the islands are teeming with colourful coral reefs and marine life, offering both novice and experienced snorkelers an unforgettable underwater experience. Older children and parents might enjoy scuba diving and, if they’re lucky, encounter manta rays, turtles and even reef sharks.

Fijian culture is rich and deeply rooted in community values ​​that extend a warm welcome to families. Many resorts offer cultural activities such as traditional Fijian dances (meke), fire-walking shows and kava ceremonies. A highlight can be a visit to a local village, where families can learn about local customs, sample Fijian food and interact with the friendly villagers. These experiences offer children a unique opportunity to appreciate other cultures and traditions.

Secret recipe for families

Although there are many family-friendly resorts in Fiji, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is a popular option. “30 percent of guests return to the resort within two years,” says Euan Taylor, General Manager. He notes that 70 percent of overnight guests are families, including many multi-generational groups. The resort’s secret sauce? The Bula Club.

Taylor points out that when the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort (commonly referred to as the JMC Resort) opened 30 years ago, the target audience was primarily divers. Since then, it has been catering to both divers and families. Children up to age six are assigned their own nanny. What’s unique about it is that instead of dropping off children at a daycare center, where most activities take place indoors, the nanny can tailor the program to the child’s age and needs. So a one-year-old and a five-year-old will have very different experiences. For children over age six, there are five children for each caregiver (called a Bula Buddy). The children in the group often become best friends and very attached to their Bula Buddy. They want to go to the Bula Club every day, where mom and dad have time to relax.

Families have become such a big part of the JMC resort’s profile that Taylor notes that of the resort’s 25 bures currently, eight are two-bedroom apartments, but that number will double to 16 by 2025. The total number of rooms will remain the same at 25—the resort wants to maintain its intimate size—but demand for family suites is changing the room category.

Many resorts experienced high occupancy rates in 2023 due to pent-up post-Covid travel requests, and the JMC resort was no exception: 2023 was the highest occupancy year on record.

For Americans, Fiji is not right next door. For families, booking multiple flights and many hours for a vacation should be something very special.

“This is where kids become more adventurous,” Taylor explains. They may not like swimming at home, but are willing to try it here. They may not eat fish at home, but will try it when they eat with other kids.” Parents value their children’s development and independence.

Diving in Fiji

Fiji is considered one of the best diving locations in the world, so it’s no surprise that many guests at the JMC resort take part in the three dives per day on site. What’s really interesting is how many children get certified on site. While some families plan ahead – the children complete the online course and then do the open water portion at the resort – often the children didn’t even have diving on their radar before arriving at the resort.

“We certify a lot of families – especially children – and a lot of people sign up at the resort,” says Dan Koyamaibole, PADI’s dive manager. He notes that children often see their parents diving – or even other children diving – and want to try it too. In some cases, entire families get certified while on vacation.

School under the sea

Every parent who takes their children on holiday hopes that there will be some education involved, but at JMC Resort, children are consciously taught about sustainability and protecting our planet. Johnny Singh, one of the resort’s two marine biologists, has developed a program called School Under The Sea (SUTS) to make learning fun. Activities range from educational coral planting and mangrove rehabilitation to nighttime snorkeling (with flashlights) and trips to neighboring villages so the children can interact with local Fijian children.

At the end of the week, the graduation ceremony takes place. “The children get a stamp in their passport and a graduation shirt. They are so proud of their achievements,” says Singh. He notes that the key to making sustainability and ecotourism an integral part of the resort is to involve the children. The hands-on experiences allow the children to ask questions and develop a deeper understanding of their environment. Singh gets down to the children’s level – and meets them where they are. He makes learning fun by introducing new and different activities every day. It’s a win-win for children, parents and the environment.