family in Fiji

We are a family of 5, 2 adults and 3 kids (1,3,6) traveling to Fiji for 5 days this December. This is a stop on the way back to Canada after 3 weeks in NZ visiting with family. We are looking for a place to experience Fiji allowing our kids to be kids (I.e., catching small creatures, fishing, swimming and exploring) and letting adventures find us as we hang out at the beach or explore the markets. I've done lots of research but most of what comes up for kids and Fiji are the major resorts. We have found lots of great villas for rent but they seem a bit removed. I had wanted to limit travel when we arrive/depart as we will have a long haul to Hawaii when we depart and would like to make it as easy on us but now I don't think this will be possible so I'm opening up for a wider search. So with all of this said any family vacation accommodation recommendations anyone can make? We are pretty easy to please and would just like beach and jungle and markets to explore but would be happy with any additional adventures or suggestions.

would just like beach and jungle and markets to explore

If you want markets to explore then you will have to limit yourself to the larger islands, and near towns.

I don't know what you have already found with your research. I suspect that your research has already and correctly given you a realistic idea of what to expect. Most tourism infrastructure, whether with or without kids, is in the form of self-contained 'resorts'. This isn't just for the 'major' resorts as you call it. What might be turning up in your search is simply the style of what's there. There are resorts of all price classes .. budget to movie star $$$$, in a sense they are all equal with regard to style.

Considering that getting around Fiji is moderately complicated -- long bus rides, flights on small planes to more distant islands (with inherent day to day uncertainties related to weather) -- moving around much with a 5 day window isn't really on - no big benefit in exchange for the time and money required. Unless you can get a flight from N Zealand to Suva, you are essentially limited to landing at Nadi and choosing something nearby. While there are several child friendly resort islands in the area, if you're interested in markets (as day trip activity), a resort on a beach for the kids, plus some inland adventure activities, choosing something on the coral coast is the most convenient option available.

I can't advise on or make recommendations for private bungalows/vacation homes. I'm not surprised that what you've already found is 'a bit removed'. The population, outside of a few main town centers, is very spread out.

Thanks for your reply bthdth!

You have confirmed what I have been finding in my research. We found a great place on an island just outside of Suva that has everything we want (except for the markets which I can easily forgo) but it means alot of extra travel. Because we get in at 5pm we would have to travel 3 1/2hrs by taxi spend the night in Suva and then arrive early in the morning - same thing of course on the way back (except it would be 3 hours in a car before 11 hours in a plane). Its not too onerous as to knock it out completely as it looks like a fabulous place that has everything we want but enough to consider something else. Its called a "resort" so I am not adverse to a "resort" as long as it has what our family needs - low-key with more of a focus on snorkeling, fishing etc than on flash pools, swim up bars and expensive day trips to see the culture! So the question becomes can we find something similar closer to Nadi or forgo some of what we want to not have to travel or travel for 8+ hrs there and back to get what we want. All in all very decadent dilemma ; )

on an island just outside of Suva

What's it's name? I might have been there .. gives me a frame of reference.

Any place with a couple of bure to rent is called a 'resort' in Fiji! There are a few lower key places in the yasawas that might suit you.

great I will check out the Yasawas. www.Leleuvia.com for the island resort we were looking at.

I spent a few days at Leleuvia. If that's the kind of place that appeals to you then one of the smaller resorts in the Yasawas would fit. You still have to plan in the travel time on the Yasawa flyer, but you could be at a resort island by noon. The ferry back arrives at Denerau (Nadi) in the evening. Depending on your flight time out, it will mean getting back a day before the flight.

I stayed at a very small resort on Waya island. The island is hilly, forested, good for taking walks. Octopus resort at the north end gets good reports from visitors. I think it's family friendly.

you can fly direct from NZ to Suva on some days which would make it easier to get to Leleuvia, your kids would love it there and you will as well but then you will have to get to Nadi for your flight out, you could take a taxi from Suva to Nadi as an option if you didn't want the cost of airfares.

thanks for the input jbinternational. our tickets are already booked as part of a month long trip from Canada to NZ so we can't change them. Wish I had thought of it in advance. Given that we are only in Fiji 5 days I think I am going to have to give on some of my wish list and stay in the coral coast to save travel time. I am sure we will have fun no matter what as it will beat the -40 degrees and snow that will be at home over the New Year!