Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa

Our flight had us turn up late at Nadi airport and even later by the time we reached our resort on Yanuka Island.  After check-in we were taken to our room which smelt really bad and I was beginning to wonder if I’d made the wrong decision in coming here.

room at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa

room at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa

After a good night’s sleep we awoke to the sound of the waves from the nearby beach and were suddenly feeling more positive about the place.  There was a verandah with a small table and chairs on ground level as with two small children we didn’t want a room higher up.  There were lots of palm and coconut trees and even a hammock to lie in and relax.

relaxing out on the verandah at Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa

Breakfast consisted of pastries, tropical fruits and juices and the usual fare.  Our Girls loved the passionfruits and couldn’t get enough of them.  Breakfast was included in the price we paid but otherwise food was quite expensive.  We got to experience island time first hand waiting for food which seemed like it was never going to turn up.

breakfast at Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa

The kids pool was great as it wasn’t too deep for the little ones and had sun chairs around it so you could sit back and relax whilst keeping an eye on the kids.  We also saw a couple of the staff looking after children in their care whilst parents were off doing their own thing and they appeared to be very attentive as well as having fun with the kids.

enjoying the pool at Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa

We noticed staff doing hair braiding beside the pool so our eldest daughter sat very patiently whilst they braided her hair.  Despite her hair being long, their deft fingers worked quickly and the job was done before you knew it.

hair braiding at Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa

The resort had a kids club where they were all given a T-shirt and got to join in on various activities.  This time it was outside at the playground.  They also have babysitting services for children under two who are too young to be left in the kids club.  We left our youngest daughter there for an hour or so where a member of staff spent quite some time pushing her back and forward on the swing which she seemed to enjoy.

Kids club at Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa

The resort offered a bus trip out to Sigatoka which I wouldn’t recommend.  There was very little there and we were told not to wander too far as the place wasn’t very safe.  I guess the bars on all the windows was testimony to this.  They also had some excursions out on boats but after reading about the lack of lifeboats on many of the boats in Fiji, with young kids we decided not to risk it.  Also, watch out for the coral as although my daughter was wearing sandals, she still managed to cut her foot on some coral and came down with a nasty fever.  Hubby and the kids also got sick just before we left.

Pros

• Well resourced for families with young children
• Large and attractive grounds
• On the beach

Cons

• The rooms have a musty smell to them which can be quite off putting
• Food at the resort is expensive

In Summary: This resort is well set up for families with young children.  Otherwise stay somewhere newer.