Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Child-free resorts & best diving destinations Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Fiji
nearwildheaven 05:22 UTC 02 Apr 2013 | Hi I am travelling to Fiji in around 3 weeks (late April) with my Mum, who is in her mid-sixties. She can get around OK but is definitely not a hiker or adventure activites person! We haven’t booked anything yet but are looking at heading to the Coral Coast for a week and then up to the Yasawas for a week. Does anyone have any recommendations on the following: Child-free resorts that aren’t exclusively aimed at the romantic couples demographic, in the upper mid range price bracket. Quiet and private accommodation that also offers some activities, tours etc to keep The Mother entertained. Not into anything overly touristy or cheesy. Good dive operators. I plan to get my PADI Open Water whilst there and am currently thinking I’ll do that at Diveaway Fiji on the Coral Coast and then do some day dives up at the Yasawas after that. However there are a dazzling array of operators in Fiji and if someone can recommend a good, well priced operator with great dive sites, I am all ears. We are probably looking to lock some things in within the next week or so – but assuming we want to wing things a bit – how likely are we to come accross accommodation shortages at this time of year? Also any general advice on places to go would be much appreciated. We don’t want busy family resorts but also I think if we’re too secluded we’ll get bored and kill each other – a nice mix would be great! We both quite like the option of spa treatments too so that is a consideration. For me the important thing is beautiful beaches, clear water and great snorkelling/diving close by (we probably won’t be getting a car). Thanks in advance :) |
peter_n_margaret 09:18 UTC 02 Apr 2013 | Suggestions...(from a 'mid to high' sixties...) 1. Skip the Coral Coast, unless intending to stay IN the resort. Consider a local cruise.... http://www.bluelagooncruises.com/ These offer lots of snorkelling, beautiful beaches, village visits etc. We love them. Nanuya Resort in the Yasawas. Not sure that they have a 'child free' policy, but in several visits have never seen any kids. Could also do your dive course there. http://nanuyafiji.com VoliVoli Resort at the northern most tip of Viti Levu has arguably the best dive operation in Fiji. Their best accommodation is also great and the pool is superb. Meals are OK for a few days, but limited. You would need to share the bar and dining with lots of young folk. http://www.volivoli.com/ A bit further around the coast from VoliVoli is Wananavu Resort. More upmarket. Stunning food. Excellent dive operation. http://www.wananavu.com/ It attracts many repeat customers from the US. The diving north of Viti Levu is excellent. Cheers, Peter Edited by: Peter_n_Margaret | 1
ozziegiraffe 11:41 UTC 03 Apr 2013 | Bookmarking. Also being 60+ (although I may be travelling with someone young enough to be my daughter), I am also interested in adult, but not couples, places. I am actually getting tired of all the websites that offer "couples" and "family" packages, and don't consider the rest of the market. | 2
smandkjc 20:17 UTC 03 Apr 2013 | Matamanoa Island Resort in the Mamanuca's is child free, has very good snorkeling, diving and a good spa. | 3
childchi 22:39 UTC 03 Apr 2013 | HI, if you e-mail me I may be able to help you in what I think you're looking for. Check my profile for my e-mail address. | 4
nearwildheaven 03:01 UTC 06 Apr 2013 | Hello, I just wanted to say thanks for your input - it has been a nightmare trying to organise this holiday!! I think we have decied on VoliVoli for the Dive Course and then on to Matamanoa (it has been a REALLY tough choice between this and Nanuya, but as Nanuya is much further out and my Mum is not a massive fan of long boat journeys, I think we'll go with Matamanoa). Thanks again, very helpful! Christina | 5