Intercontinental Fiji Resort and Spa – The best holiday I have had with children

Overall rating 5 stars

A true luxury resort which allows children to have a fun filled holiday and at the same time parents can experience a touch of romance.

The resort and golf club is situated at Nadatola Bay, a magnificient stretch of white beach, palm trees and calm blue water. It is only an hours drive from Nadi Airport.

The resort has many features of the 1980’s sprawling resorts like the Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas or the now defunct Hyatt in Coolum. It is a modern and luxurious version of these old style resorts.

Facilities

There are two swimming a very long family pool and a 25m adults infinity pool. Refreshingly the adults pool is in prime position and leading straight onto the beach. Free apples, ice cold water and watermelon and pineapple served around both pools is a nice extra.

There is no kids slide which may be a concern for some.

Water sports are available on the beach, most at a cost. Cannoes, Kayaks, surf boards and snorkels are the most popular. A snorkelling trip out to the house reef is a must. When the waves are up a bit surfing lessons also looked like fun.

The Gym is well equipped for an hotel gym offering various cardio option and free weights with a couple of machines.The Spa looks inviting although I did not give it go.

Restuarants – Food rating 4 stars

Service is pretty much spot on. Out of weeks stay there was only once when I felt we had to wait too long to our receive our meal. Talking about dinning options, there are three.

Sansana is the traditional buffet breakfast serving a buffet breakfast with a very wide choice. You can even make your own juice from raw fruit and veg and there is a frozen youghurt machine. Every evening there is a themed buffet ranging from Asian to Seafood. I am not big on buffets but I must say most of the food is of a reasonably high quality.

Toba is the causual open air covered restaurant situated between the family and adult swimming pool, serving pizza’s and more casual meals, and provides a good break from the buffet meals.

My favourite restaurant however was Navo, the adult only venue which challenges some of Australia’s best restuarants for quality and service. It is situated right on the beach. Pack the kids off to kids club and enjoy a romantic evening with your partner.

Club Intercontinental also serves breakfast in the lounge and canapes in the evening.

Rooms – 5 Star

The standard rooms are large by hotel standards, 60 sqm including the outdoor terrace or balcony compared to a normal hotel room of 30sqm to 40sqm. The outdoor area including a large soaking is definitely the winning feature. The rooms have all the comforts of a five star hotel.

The rooms have four different outlooks and in order of price are garden, pool, lagoon and beach front. There are numerous blocks of rooms going up one level with around 12 rooms per block. Lagoon and beachfront rooms have the option of a one bedroom suite which when combined with a room with two double beds creates the perfect accommodation for the larger family.Rooms have a King or two doubles with interconnecting rooms only available as a King combined with a double. For quiet rooms ask for a block away from reception or a lagoon facing room

The rooms include a bar fridge and kettle but no cooking facilities.

Pricing

Standard Hotel rooms go for anywhere from $250 to $450 per night depending on season and demand.

The hotel participates in the IHG rewards program which requires 30,000 points per night. At times it is possible to purchase the 30,000 points for around USD 200 which represents good value, so watch out for IHG specials.

Fiji Weather

May to October is the dry season and is the best time to visit. Even though it is the dry season this is relative as the climate is tropical. For more information on Fiji weather go to Climate and Weather.