The South Pacific’s Best Family Resorts

There are so many stunning South Pacific holidays destinations, all with fantastic accommodation options. Our readers have voted for the best family resorts in Vanuatu, the Cook Islands, Samoa and French Polynesia. These resorts make for the best island holidays for families because they are set on crystal clear lagoons, have awesome kids’ clubs, offer snorkelling at world Heritage-listed barrier reefs, horse riding on the beach, and more.

Everywhere in the South Pacific, you’ll find friendly people, natural beauty and family fun galore. The tropical islands are filled with unique swimming spots, markets selling local handicrafts and fresh fruits and Pacific cuisine. Stay at one of the best resorts in the South Pacific to explore these family-friendly offerings in a relaxing paradise.

1. Warwick Le Lagon

Vanuatu

Warwick Le Lagon – Vanuatu has once again won the title of the best family resort in the South Pacific. Nestled amidst lush gardens and cascading waters on the sparkling Erakor Lagoon in Vanuatu’s Port Vila, Warwick Le Lagon offers an enchanting escape. With luxurious rooms, bungalows and exclusive villas, the resort is a perfect retreat for families. The location is close to town, making it convenient to explore markets, beaches and waterfalls, but guests can also indulge in an array of exciting activities on site as well as three premier dining options. The resort boasts a kids’ club for little ones, a range of water sports, two tennis courts, a 13-hole golf course, a swimming pool, and a separate pool for kids. For parents seeking a time-out, the Oasis Spa awaits.

2. Iririki Island Resort & Spa

Vanuatu

Relax and indulge on gorgeous Iririki Island Resort & Spa , located just minutes by ferry from Port Vila. Spread along a 130-metre stretch of beach, there are so many things to do on and around the island that you will never want to leave. Enjoy everything from wining and dining at the incredible Azure Restaurant to snorkelling, kayaking safaris, diving lessons and coconut husking. Parents can also enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatment or relax along the four-tier swimming pool. Kids will also love the resort’s games room and playground and there’s loads of fun island-themed entertainment by night.

Children aged three to 12 will love the complimentary daily kids’ club, while the whole family can take part in free daily activities like kayaking safaris, scuba introductions, cooking classes, Polynesian dance and basket weaving. When bedtime calls, Iririki Island Resort offers luxurious farés that cater to families of up to five with the kids in a separate bedroom.

3. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

Cook Islands

Located on the Aroa Lagoonarium Marine Sanctuary, The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium is an ideal choice for families seeking an immersive holiday in Rarotonga. The resort offers some of the island’s best snorkelling experiences and engaging daily activities such as lei making, ukulele lessons and fish feeding. Guests can also enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, or simply relaxing in the private beach’s crystal-clear waters.

The resort features an extensive program of daily activities, including the free Moko Kids Club for kids aged four to 11, a creche for babies and toddlers, and a teen zone. Plus, two children up to 16 years old can stay for free when sharing a room with two adults. You’re spoilt for choice with accommodation options including standard Beachside Rooms, or two, three, four and five bedroom suites right through to three-bedroom private pool villas. Perfect for families of all sizes, especially ideal for multigenerational getaways or family reunions.

4. Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu

Vanuatu

Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu is a haven for families, boasting a lagoon frontage, two sprawling pool areas, and a whole lot of fun for families. There’s a kids’ club for children aged from three to 12, plus an activities program for all resort children, including teens. Kids will have a blast with nature walks, treasure hunts and more. Parents aren’t forgotten either, with a great spa and adjacent golf course and a plethora of sports on offer including sailing, kayaking, beach volleyball, windsurfing and boating. 

Located just minutes from town, this resort boasts a range of accommodation offerings, from family suites to stunning overwater villas. Kids will love staying in the Banyan treehouse-themed room. The resort’s ‘Kids Stay and Eat Free’ deal for children under the age of 12, along with its combination of fun zones for young travellers and secluded quiet zones for adults, ensures that everyone will enjoy their best holiday ever.

5. Poppy’s on the Lagoon Resort

Vanuatu

Nestled in an oasis of tropical gardens and set on its own private beach, Poppy’s on the Lagoon Resort channels a distinct castaway vibe. This boutique island resort is located just 15 minutes from Port Vila. Choose from luxury bungalows, two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom villas, all equipped with internet access and satellite television. There is a DVD, book and games library on site, as well as a barbecue area and babysitting services. 

Guests can use free kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, outrigger canoes and snorkelling gear, and parents shouldn’t miss the chance to unwind at the day spa.  Then reunite for a meal at The LEAF Restaurant, offering locally sourced dishes with beautiful overwater views. The concierge team at Poppy’s on the Lagoon Resort can even organise tours and cruises for your family before you arrive, allowing you to sit back and slip into a hassle-free holiday.

6. Erakor Island Resort & Spa

Vanuatu

Accessible by a free 24-hour ferry from Port Vila, Erakor Island Resort & Spa is a deserving winner. Slip into island time as you swim in the pool and lagoon, snorkel with schools of tropical fish, kayak, paddleboard and learn how to paddle an outrigger canoe. There is something new for families to experience every day, with weaving, sand drawing, and plenty of coconut trees to climb.

The fun doesn’t end when the sun sets. Each Thursday, Erakor Island Resort & Spa hosts a Melanesian feast and fire show, complete with kava tasting, delicious food and death-defying antics. Order from an a la carte menu, enjoy themed nights with trivia or karaoke, and set up camp on the beach each Tuesday for pizza and movies. Relax in two-bedroom Garden, Beachfront or Sunset villas. Larger groups can kick back in a range of luxe beach houses, sitting beachfront and featuring ensuite bathrooms, a full kitchen, spacious living area, and an outdoor deck.

7. Pacific Resort Rarotonga

Cook Islands

The 4.5-star Pacific Resort Rarotonga is situated on the absolute beachfront of stunning Muri Beach in Rarotonga, the capital of the Cook Islands. Free kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available to explore the lagoon or don a snorkel to explore underwater, then enjoy the swimming pool. The resort offers daily activities for family bonding.  The complimentary kids’ club, entertains children with traditional dancing, coconut husking, basket weaving and beach-focused activities. The kids’ club welcomes children aged 6 to 12 years, however, children under 6 years are welcome with a parent or child carer. Pacific Resort Rarotonga has 64 rooms, suites and villas with eight different options including a three bedroom villa for up to seven guests

8. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

French Polynesia

The highlight of any stay at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is sleeping in one of the stunning overwater bungalows. Start your day with breakfast delivered by canoe to your private deck, then wander over to your plunge pool for a swim or to lounge in a thatched cabana. Kids under 17 years of age stay free at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora when staying in the same guest room as their parents, space permitting. 

That’s before we even mention the infinity pool, tennis, badminton and volleyball courts, complimentary snorkelling equipment, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. When you’re not lounging by the pool or savouring delectable dishes at one of the resort’s four culinary venues, enjoy shell necklace making, cultural classes, private snorkel tours, artist studio visits and family cooking classes or movie nights on the beach. While the kids are busy at the Kids for All Seasons program, parents can visit on-site shopping venues and experience true wellness at the Te Mahana Spa.

Keep reading:

• Vanuatu family-friendly travel guide
• The best things to do in the Cook Islands

9. Ratua Island Resort & Spa

Vanuatu

The epitome of barefoot luxury, Ratua Island Resort and Spa is a rustic eco-resort set amongst almost 60 acres of lush tropical gardens. Here, you’ll discover hidden lagoons, private beaches and coral reefs alongside beautiful accommodation and organic dining. Ratua Island Resort and Spa boasts a tranquil overwater day spa and a luxe yacht club, along with a range of beachfront or jungle-fringed villas to choose from. Families can even rent their own private island for the ultimate getaway.

The kids will never be bored, with mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding and a range of fun tours on offer. Embark on a kayak excursion to a blue hole, or a deep sea fishing expedition. Explore the island on horseback and swim through a lagoon with your noble steed. Water babies can also take in some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving sights in Vanuatu.

10. The Edgewater Resort & Spa Rarotonga

Cook Islands

Any day that starts with a complimentary tropical breakfast is going to be a good one, and at The Edgewater Resort & Spa, that’s exactly what’s on offer. Sprawled across 2.5 hectares, this resort has something for every family member. Keep the kids occupied at the daily Coconut Kids Club where children aged four to 12 can feed fish, race crabs, learn how to make leis, and more. There’s also daily activities for the whole family to bond over, ranging from ika mata (raw fish salad) cooking demonstrations and pareu (sarong) tying to dance lessons.

When hunger strikes, choose from three incredible dining options – a buffet of iconic Cook Islands cuisine and traditional entertainment, the beachfront The Brasserie and pizza and pasta at The Spaghetti House. For a spot of extra relaxation, head to Akaora Spa & Salon for a variety of a la carte treatments. As for accommodation, you’ll find comfortable rooms and spacious villas offering views of the garden, lagoon and beach.

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