Travel Agent Berridale

We had been told that Fiji is very family friendly and that’s exactly what Fiji is. I’d chosen Mana Island to experience some Island life and more importantly, they would accept children less than 3 years into the kids’ club with an accompanying guardian.

As we arrived later into Nadi, we chose to spend one night at the Novotel Nadi before we headed across to the island and we also did this on the way back. The Novotel was great: very close to the airport with a free shuttle, large clean rooms and wonderful food. We then took the cataraman transfer with South Sea Cruises from Port Denarau (which is approximately 10 minutes from Nadi) across to Mana Island. This trip was about 2 hours in length and stopped at various islands en route…The boys loved it – we just had to make sure that they didn’t lose their hats or burn in the intense sunshine! I might add that as usual, we entertained quite a few people with our antics (survival on mum & dad’s part!) and all the Fijian women were just taken with these little blonde hair, blue eyed charmers.

We stayed 6 nights on Mana and enjoyed the beautiful beaches, plenty of snorkelling on the nearby reef, lots of time in the two pools, and the evening entertainment. The boys were at the pools almost every opportunity.
Mana Island is about 200 acres in size and has three places of accommodation on it including a backpackers, Mana Island Resort and a guesthouse. I spent my time researching The Spa - which is amazing. I was fortunate enough to enjoy a 2 hour package consisting of foot scrub, massage, facial and scalp massage and all for less than $200AUD. Whereas my husband, Peter, thoroughly enjoyed the snorkelling along the coral reefs just out from the island. I also took a jump and went parasailing which, when you don't like heights, can be quite daunting. Absolutely amazing looking down at the island and the coral reef from above. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Mana Island Resort has a variety of accommodation styles including island burés (where we stayed), oceanfront burés, honeymoon burés, oceanfront suites (two storey units)…and more. Our Buré consisted of a king size bed, 2 singles + rollaway, with a generous bathroom and wonderful outdoor shower…which the boys absolutely loved – probably the one time it’s been easy to get them into the shower!

Usually staying on an island can be more expensive than the mainland because most meals are more expensive but you can prepay your meals from Australia within your package and this will generally work out more economical. Also, you gain money as the Fijian Dollar is at about .66AUD - so more bang for your buck!

Did I forget to say that the weather was absolutely perfect? Sunny, hot and cool in the evenings. Went perfectly with a relaxing holiday.

I have to admit that at the end of six nights, I was ready to stay longer. It was relaxing, it was relatively peaceful as we were there in off season, the weather was great, the people were lovely and the scenery was spectacular and the water was warm...Fiji really is a beautiful place! The boys loved it (and still talk about it) and even more importantly, I loved it! Can't wait to go back!