We’d hosted a massive Christmas Day in our home, had a huge NYE and it was about seven or eight weeks into the school holidays when I was starting to get cabin fever!! Then came the announcement from my husband…. “Baby, I’ve got to go to Melbourne next week for work.” I had run out out of stamina and my boys, bless them, were not retreating!! That’s it, I thought, the boys and I are going on a holiday! Usually we go away as a family on the school holidays, especially the Christmas holidays but we had been so busy in the lead up that the moment seemed to have passed us by. I was nearing the end of the holidays but there was still a solid week of outings, activities, “mum can you buy me this,” “mum, he said I was a ….!” Then of course there’s the endless catering. You’ve barely cleaned up from the last meal and then someone is hungry again! I needed to get away! I was exhausted!
My criteria.
Somewhere not too far away.
A place I would feel safe as I was traveling with the children and without my husband.
I wanted the kids to have a ball and be well catered for.
Warm weather.
Great food and service.
The obvious option was Fiji and Malolo was the place.
I have to say, it really was very easy. The airport and airline staff were so helpful to me. It’s really worth considering taking your child or borrowing a friends just to avoid the line ups!!! All jokes aside, I really do want to say thank you and give the Brisbane airport and Virgin staff a huge pat on the back.
When we arrived in Fiji, there was a gentleman waiting for us who literally pushed our luguage from the terminal, outside, along a pathway and into another small terminal. After a very short time, we had boarded our float plane and quite literally, about 15 minutes later, we were circling the island of Malolo. Depending on the tide, you will either pull up to the jetty or be met by a small boat that will collect you and your luggage and bring you ashore. Either way, the greeting is the same. The friendly Fijians are singing away and strumming their guitars, making you instantly shift into holiday mode.
The low down
I can see why Malolo and Castaway are often compared. They are both lovely island resorts that offer a relaxed but active family holiday.
I think the rooms are probably better at Malolo as there seems to be more choice and there were some really big rooms for families which you don’t often see. The only thing I would mention is that that there are quite a few rooms that share a wall in the middle. This means if you have neighbours whose children decide to scream all night.. hint, hint.. thanks very much for that… it can be very noisy. Castaway has all free standing bures so this is not an issue. In fairness though, it was only a problem for one night and I am sure that many people go year after year and never experience this.
The look and feel of Castaway is a bit more traditional Fijian decor. I like the thatched bures and use of natural textiles. For this reason I give Castaway a tick in that box but it’s really down to personal preference.
We really enjoyed the food and in particular, the adults only restaurant was wonderful. No, I didn’t have to sit there by myself. My husband flew in for the last two nights which was great!! I’m sure it was that he missed me and the boys terribly and not that the surf at Cloudbreak was enviable amongst his mates!!
The hospitality was fantastic but this is what you can always count on when in Fiji, particularly from the Islands. Such beautiful people who are so welcoming and really make you feel like part of the family.
I must tell you about the spa. It was like nothing I had seen before. It almost felt like you were in the middle of a jungle but with all the comforts of a well appointed day spa. I really appreciated how unique it was.
Finally, we were one of the very few guests that arrived by seaplane. Most arrived by boat which I believe takes WAY longer as it stops at different Islands to do pick ups and drop offs. The price is quite comparable and a few guests had told me their travel agent didn’t even offer this service to them. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Less travel time.. more holiday time.
That’s it from me. Hope this helps if you are currently deliberating over where to go next!!
Safe travels
Rebel x
The 3 Musketeers!
Perfect landing.
This looks hard to take!!
Spa time.
It’s going to be another boring day for the kids!!
Poolside.