paradise island for family quality time

hello,
as part of our family round the world (7 and 9 years olds), we will spend 1 month in Fiji during April. Does anyone has suggestions on the perfect island getaway for relaxing and enjoying quality family time by the sea, as a parenthesis during our tour? any suggestions for appartement or beach bungalow long time renting? We are also a bit worried about the ongoing Dengue Fever epidemia: does anyone has fresh info on it? is it not recommend to go at all, especially with kids?
thanks for your valuable input!!

Constantin family
https://sites.google.com/site/constantinlatitudecapricorne/

Head for the Mamanucas or the Yasawas Islands. You'll get away, (perfect island getaway for relaxing and enjoying quality family time by the sea) and also lessen the exposure to Dengue. Take some deet and do some research on avoiding the mosquitoes that carry Dengue fever. It's always a possibility in the SP but fairly easy to avoid if you're careful, especially if you can get away from populated international travel hubs.

You'll get a good response from this forum on where to stay. There's also a lot of online resources if you use Google and include Fiji, Mamanuca Islands, Yasawas Islands, family accommodation, etc. I like Octopus and Blue Lagoon.

Edited by: H2ooh

Without knowing what your budget is it is difficult to make recommendations. I am going to assume you are looking for self catering places - there are not a lot of these on the islands in the Mamanucas or Yasawas - mostly you will find resorts with compulsory meal plans or expensive restaurants. If this is what you are looking for have a look at Mana Island - lovely beaches, great snorkeling, kids activities etc - there is also a budget option of several backpackers places but they would not be really conducive to families. I would also recommend you have a look at Nananu-i-Ra Island in the north. There are a couple of places that have family accommodations with cooking options(McDonald's and Bethams come to mind). You can take the bus to Raki Raki and then a taxi to the wharf or you can hire a taxi service to take you directly to the wharf - this would also allow you to stop at the supermarket on the way to pick up supplies as there is really no place to shop on the island. I cannot remember the mosquito situation when we were there but the island has good sea breezes which would help keep them away. You might like to check out the Fiji forum at tripadvisor.com for more up to date news of Dengue Fever and other suggestions as to where to stay. Hope this helps your plans!

I got dengue while living in Lautoka 2 years ago.
It is not good.
The dengue mosquito is out and about during the daytime and it is easily identified (it is black and white striped).
I imagine there will be much less risk in the smaller islands than on Viti Levu.

http://smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Fiji

Fiji is a great destination with kids.
For a month visit I would suggest moving about.
We enjoy Nanuya Resort (small, maybe a bit up market), MacDonalds (small, very basic), Octopus (larger, middle of the road), and VoliVoli at the northern tip of Viti Levu.

Just for fun, take a bus trip around Viti Levu spread over about 3 or 4 days and visit the Lautoka market on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Best Market in Fiji :)

Cheers,
Peter

I'd add in Leleuvia on the East Side for a shot stay a great place for kids (and adults), no self catering but good basic food http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g308251-d929265-Reviews-Leleuvia_Island_Resort-Leleuvia_Island_Lomaiviti_Islands.html,

Thanks for these infos Will do my homework when internet is ok.
We are indeed looking for self catering , preferably in place where small stops and restaurant available, i.e. Not cast away type but not big sea side town either...
Cheers Chris

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what you want is not that easy in Fiji, at Pacific Harbour #6 above you will be sitting a pool, you can do that anywhere in the world, just check how far it is to walk to the sea, as swimming in the sea around there is not as good as other places,