The
Fijian Islands are a magnet for people wanting a holiday in paradise. There are more than 300 in the archipelago and something for everyone — family, honeymoon, five-star and budget.
Kelly Landry headed to Sonaisali Island Resort, a four-star property reached by a three-minute boat ride across a lagoon from the main island of Viti Levu. The small green dot is closer to the mainland than any other island resort.
Five types of bures sleep up to 123 guests. All have air-conditioning and Pacific Ocean views.
There are beachfront bures, ocean view bures and beachfront family bures. Fifteen air-conditioned standard hotel rooms and 17 beachfront hotel rooms, all with balconies, are available.
Sonaisali is geared towards families. Children under 12 have free meals if they stay more than three nights. Up to two children 18 years or under stay free of charge in the same room or bure as their parents using existing bedding.
The Kids' Club is open every day between 9am and 9pm with trained attendants running supervised activities. Fun things to do include sandcastle building, coconut shot-put, beach soccer, talent quests, language lessons, pirate nights, disco and loads more. They also offer a babysitting service.
There are plenty of things for the family to enjoy together. Sunset cruises, jungle cruises, dolphin watching, snorkelling, jetskiing and waterskiing, fishing, a village visit and guided horse rides around the 42 hectare island.
The resort has a shopping arcade, games room with large television, board games and pool table.
There are two restaurants. The Sunset Terrace is open all day for casual dining and has an alfresco menu. Plantation Restaurant offers fine dining with an à la carte menu and nine-course degustation option. Twenty-four-hour in-room service is available and there is a children's menu.
Tuck into a full American buffet breakfast poolside and international cuisine including Indian, Mongolian and Fijian meals. Whatever and wherever you eat, you are assured of being served by Fijians with big, friendly smiles.
Meal packages are available so ask about them when making your reservation.
Frangipani Health and Beauty Spa is open every day and have an extensive selection of aromatherapy and health treatments.
A traditional Fijian meke, involving chanting, song and dance, performed by local villagers with guest participation, gives a wonderful insight into Fijian culture. They are performed on Friday evenings at the pool.
Sunset Happy Hour is on every night as flares are lit and the Sonaisali Serenaders perform as guests enjoy discounted cocktails.
Location
Sonaisali in the Fiji Islands.
Cost
Sonaisali Island Resort rooms start at around $297 a night. Full buffet breakfast, unlimited non-motorised watersports are included. Children under 12 stay and eat for free. Guided horseriding is $31 per person for an hour. Guided village tours are $28 for adults and $14 for children.
Cagi Malua Day Cruises on an 11m-long catamaran are $96 for adults and $49 for children. They run every day except Wednesday and include welcome drink, morning and afternoon tea, barbecue lunch, refreshments and use of snorkelling gear.
Pacific Blue has one-way flights to Nadi from:
- Sydney and Brisbane $279
- Adelaide $349
- Perth $469
Conditions apply.
Prices correct at June 18, 2011.
For further information
Virgin Australia
Ph: 136 789
www.virginaustralia.com.au
Sonaisali Island Resort Fiji
PO Box 2544
Nadi
Fiji Islands
Ph: +679 670 6011
Fax: +679 670 6092
www.sonaisali.com
enquiries@sonaisalibookings.com
Visa: Australian visitors to Fiji are issued a visa on arrival. They last one to three months.
Electricity: 240V at 50Hz using the same pins as Australia.
Time zone: GMT +12.
Currency: The Fiji dollar.
International dialling code: + 679.
It is recommended travellers to Fiji see their doctor at least six weeks before departure as there may be specific vaccinations recommended. Other health precautions and preventions may also be recommended. For further information, visit www.smartraveller.gov.au and www.welltogo.com.au.
