Located in Fiji’s stunning Mamanuca Islands, Plantation Island Resort has long been a favourite for family holidays – and it’s easy to see why. Everything here is thoughtfully designed to make travelling with kids genuinely easy, while still feeling relaxed and enjoyable for parents. From the excellent Kids Club and nanny services to free meals and transfers for children, the resort takes the stress out of family travel.
Add in four sparkling pools, a huge range of activities, and the warm, welcoming Fijian hospitality that keeps families coming back year after year, and Plantation Island Resort quickly proves why it’s considered one of the best family resorts in Fiji.
If you’re planning an unforgettable tropical family holiday in 2026, read on to discover what makes Plantation Island Resort so special – and exactly why we loved our stay so much.
How to Get There
The resort’s reservations team can organise transfers for you. If your flight arrives later in the evening (as ours did) and you miss the same-day island connection, Gateway Hotel is a perfect one-night stop. Located directly across the road from Nadi Airport, it offers comfortable family rooms, a good onsite restaurant and bar, and a large pool with a waterslide.
First Impressions
The moment you step off the boat, you’re warmly welcomed with music, smiling faces, and a cheerful chorus of “Bula!” It’s an immediate reminder that you’ve arrived somewhere special.
Check-in is relaxed, with a cool welcome drink in hand, the staff take time to explain everything clearly - from dining options to daily activities.
A friendly buggy driver is waiting to whisk you and your bags away, and within minutes you’re being shown to your room.
Before you know it, shoes are off and you’re barefoot on the sand, settling into island time.
Despite its large size, Plantation Island Resort never feels crowded. With wide paths, and plenty of beachfront, there’s space for everyone to spread out and relax. It’s friendly, easygoing, and full of heart - the kind of place where you instantly feel at home and ready to start your Fiji adventure.
The Room
They offer a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and family setups, including Garden Rooms, Poolside Rooms, Beachfront Bures, and spacious Two-Bedroom Bures that are ideal for larger families or longer stays.
We stayed in a Two-Bedroom Beachfront Bure, and it was everything you’d hope for in a relaxed island holiday. Light, airy, and just steps from the sand, it offered plenty of space for our family to spread out and truly unwind. Inside, there was a comfortable king bed for us, single beds for the kids, and still ample room to move around without ever feeling cramped.
A separate lounge area added to the sense of space and included a handy kitchenette with a mini fridge and tea and coffee-making facilities - perfect for slow mornings, snacks, and keeping drinks cold after a day in the sun.
All rooms are well equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, toiletries, and daily housekeeping, making for a stress-free stay. There’s no TV, and Wi-Fi is available as an optional extra - a deliberate choice by the resort. It’s very much a place designed to help families disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other, and we loved that. (There is complimentary Wi-Fi at the restaurants and main public areas).
Outside, our bure had its own footbath, a table and chairs, and loungers set on the lawn directly in front of the room. Down on the beach, there was also a hammock and two additional loungers reserved for our use - the perfect setup for slow mornings, afternoon lounging, and watching the sun go down.
Beyond the Room
One of the things Plantation Island Resort does exceptionally well is offering plenty to do without ever feeling overwhelming. There are four swimming pools, each with its own distinct vibe.
Scattered throughout the resort are multiple playgrounds, which means there’s always something for kids to do between swims and activities. It’s easy to let the day unfold naturally here, moving from pool to playground to beach without any planning required.
Down by the water, the dive hut and boat shed form the hub for ocean-based fun. Guests can borrow snorkelling gear, kayaks, and even small sailboats, making it easy to get out on the lagoon and explore at your own pace.
There’s also a large inflatable water park set up in the lagoon, along with the Jungle Water Park - an overwater playground complete with slides and diving platforms straight into the sea. Both are a guaranteed hit with confident swimmers and add to the endless, active fun on the water.
For getting around, Bula Bikes are available to hire and are a great way to explore more of the island or simply make getting around the resort quicker and more fun. Baby seats are available, making this a family-friendly option even with little ones.
The Coconut Kids Club & Nanny Service
For younger children, the resort’s nanny service is outstanding and quite affordable. Nannies can be booked by the hour or for full days, and every single one we met was warm, professional, and instantly adored by the kids. Having this option gave us the freedom to enjoy some genuine downtime - whether that was a massage, snorkelling, an adults-only tour, or even just a rare kid-free meal - all while knowing our children were in safe, happy hands.
We were lucky enough to have the same nanny each time, and she took such beautiful care of our kids. Both of our children (aged 2 and 4) loved their time here and were genuinely excited to go back each day. The air-conditioned indoor play space was perfect during the warmer parts of the day, while the outdoor playground kept them happily busy for hours. Our daughter especially loved joining in on the activities, including making her own tie-dye T-shirt - the perfect souvenir to bring home - along with shell bracelet crafting.
Activities for Everyone
From kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling in the lagoon to fishing trips, dolphin safaris, and island-hopping adventures, there’s something to suit every age group and energy level. You can join a guided snorkelling tour, visit a local Fijian village, or even try your hand at surfing some of the nearby reefs.
On land, there’s just as much to keep everyone entertained, including golf, tennis, beach volleyball, and bike hire for exploring the island at your own pace.
And if unwinding is more your style, it’s just as tempting to claim a hammock, order a cocktail, and watch the kids splash happily in the lagoon - pure bliss.
Some of our personal highlights included the dolphin safari and snorkelling tour, a family-friendly donut boat ride, a cooking class, visiting a local village, going on a family kayak and an adults-only trip to Cloud 9 while the kids were happily looked after by their nanny.
Dining & Drinks
Food is a big part of life at Plantation Island Resort, and dining here is refreshingly easy. With a range of restaurants and casual eateries spread across the island, there’s something to suit every appetite and schedule.
Their options include:
We found meals to be very reasonably priced, especially with kids eating free. Children also have their own fuss-free menus, making mealtimes easy even with picky eaters.
Most dining spots offer beautiful water views, plenty of space for families, and a friendly team who treat guests like family. Whether it’s a casual lunch by the pool or a sunset dinner by the beach, eating here feels easy, enjoyable, and very much part of the holiday experience.
Spa & Relaxation
Whether you choose a traditional Fijian Lomilomi massage or a rejuvenating facial, you’ll leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and completely recharged. The therapists are exceptional and take the time to tailor each treatment to your individual needs, making the experience exceptional.
Couples massages can also be arranged, making it an easy way to enjoy a little uninterrupted time together while the kids are busy having fun of their own.
Family Perks
Some of the standout family perks include:
The Staff
Their options include:
- Copra Restaurant - the main dining hub, serving buffet breakfasts and themed buffet dinners, often with live acoustic music
- Tavola Restaurant - all-day a la carte dining overlooking the lagoon
- Black Coral - a la carte dinner-only dining for a slightly more elevated evening out
- Cocohut - great coffee, smoothies, and fresh coconuts
- Snack Bar at Cocohut - ideal for pizzas, chips, sandwiches, and other quick bites
- Bowl - fresh and delicious poolside poke bowls
- Batabata Milk Bar - our personal favourite - ice cream and donuts!
- Brigham Bar - a lively beachside bar perfect for drinks, live music, pool tables, and even watching live sports
We found meals to be very reasonably priced, especially with kids eating free. Children also have their own fuss-free menus, making mealtimes easy even with picky eaters.
Most dining spots offer beautiful water views, plenty of space for families, and a friendly team who treat guests like family. Whether it’s a casual lunch by the pool or a sunset dinner by the beach, eating here feels easy, enjoyable, and very much part of the holiday experience.
Spa & Relaxation
While the kids are happily entertained, it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a visit to Senibua Spa. In the heart of the resort, it’s a calm escape where you can properly switch off.
Whether you choose a traditional Fijian Lomilomi massage or a rejuvenating facial, you’ll leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and completely recharged. The therapists are exceptional and take the time to tailor each treatment to your individual needs, making the experience exceptional.
Couples massages can also be arranged, making it an easy way to enjoy a little uninterrupted time together while the kids are busy having fun of their own.
Family Perks
Plantation Island Resort genuinely goes the extra mile when it comes to family-friendly travel. Thoughtful inclusions and well-designed facilities make it easy to relax and enjoy your holiday without constantly worrying about logistics.
Some of the standout family perks include:
- Great value specials including pay 5 nights stay for 7 - check the current offers here
- Kids eat, and transfer free (for up to two children under 12)
- Four swimming pools, including waterslides
- Multiple playgrounds and pram-friendly walking paths
- Free Kids Club and Teen Club
- Professional nanny service available seven days a week
- On-site Medical Centre, laundry service, and convenience stores
The Staff
The true magic of Plantation Island Resort lies in its people. From the moment you arrive, you’re met with genuine warmth at every turn. Staff take the time to learn your children’s names, remember your coffee order, and make you feel less like a guest and more like part of the Plantation Island family.
This level of hospitality is rare and deeply felt, and it’s easy to see why so many families return year after year. It’s not just a place you visit once - it’s a place you come back to.
The Details
Hotel: Plantation Island Resort
Location: Malolo Lailai Island, Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
Website: www.plantationisland.com
Reviews: 4/5 stars on TripAdvisor
Price: Rooms starting from around NZD $450 per night, with specials available
Final Thoughts
Plantation Island Resort is, without question, one of the best family resorts in Fiji. It hits that rare sweet spot - non-stop fun for the kids, genuine relaxation for parents, and a touch of island magic for everyone in between.
We visited in November 2025, and even then the resort was already evolving, with an exciting new area set to open later in 2026, including a brand-new pool and restaurant.
With soft white sand underfoot, crystal-clear warm water, great snorkelling right in front of the house reef, and incredible sunsets every evening, it truly is a tropical paradise. But more than that, Plantation Island wasn’t just a holiday - it was a chance to slow right down as a family.
Sandy little feet, endless pool days, and watching our kids experience the magic of Fiji as they played freely and soaked up island life are moments we’ll always treasure. It’s no surprise the resort has such a high returnee rate - once you’re here, you understand exactly why families keep coming back.
From the incredible nanny service and Coconut Kids Club to the multiple pools, free kids meals, and endless activities, this is a resort that truly understands family travel. Travelling with young kids isn’t always simple, but Plantation Island makes it feel effortless, with every detail thoughtfully designed to help families actually enjoy their time away.
We left feeling recharged, connected, and already counting down until we can return.
If you’re looking for a family holiday where parents get a real break too (yes - even with kids!) - Plantation Island Resort is it.
For a video overview, check out the Instagram Reel I shared here.
A few more photos from our wonderful holiday below:
If you have any questions at all feel free to DM me on Instagram - happy to help!
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