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 resort in Vanuatu, the Cook Islands, Samoa and French Polynesia. These resorts make for amazing island holidays with kids. These are the kind of resorts that are set on crystal clear lagoons, have awesome kids’ clubs, offering 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 waterholes, 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.

1Warwick Le Lagon – Vanuatu
VANUATU

Warwick Le Lagon – Vanuatu is the best family resort in Vanuatu and the South Pacific.

This stunning resort boasts luxurious rooms, bungalows and exclusive villas. Along with a kids’ club, there’s a selection of water sports, two tennis courts, a 13-hole golf course, swimming pool and a kids’ pool. When parents feel like time out, the Oasis Spa awaits.

The vibrant resort is located among lush gardens on the shores of Port Vila’s sparkling Erakor Lagoon. Close to town, it’s easy to explore the local market, nearby beaches, waterfalls and the stunning blue pools.

2Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu
VANUATU

Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu has an exclusive lagoon frontage.

There’s a kids’ club for children aged from three to 12, and an activities program for all resort children including teens. You’ll be taken on nature walks, treasure hunts and more. Parents aren’t forgotten either with a great spa and adjacent golf course.

Located just minutes from town, this resort boasts a range of accommodation offerings, from a 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, 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.

3The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
COOK ISLANDS

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium is right on Aroa Lagoonarium Marine Sanctuary, boasting some of Rarotonga’s best snorkelling.

Kids aged four to 11 can play free in Moko’s Kids Club. There’s also the Playland Creche for babies and toddlers, and a Teen Zone.

Spend your days kayaking, paddleboarding or submerged in the dazzling blue waters of the resort’s private beach. There are daily activities for everyone, such as lei making, ukulele lessons and fish feeding. As an added bonus, two children aged up to 11 years can enjoy a complimentary stay when sharing a room with up to two adults.

Mum and dad can enjoy a cocktail at Captain Andy’s Beach Bar & Grill while little ones indulge in the ‘Gone Troppo’ menu.

4Iririki Island Resort & Spa
VANUATU

Iririki Island Resort & Spa offers luxurious farés that caters to families of up to five with the kids in a separate bedroom.

Make memories on the complimentary kayaks and catamarans, or don snorkelling gear to discover the abundant marine life at Snorkellers Cove.

Relax on 130-metre beach, or at the sunset pool with its swim-up bar. While the younger kids are at the kids’ club you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the infinity pool, open to those over 14 years.

Then take part in free daily activities like kayaking safaris, scuba introductions, cooking classes, Polynesian dance and basket weaving. The resort also has bikes, a volleyball court, tennis courts, a games room and playground.

5Poppy’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 island paradise is just 15 minutes from town and entertains guests with everything from art classes to free use of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and outrigger canoes. Kids can get their hair braided while parents indulge at the day spa, then reunite for a meal at The LEAF Restaurant, offering locally grown products with beautiful overwater views.

6Pacific Resort Aitutaki
COOK ISLANDS

With just 29 luxuriously appointed bungalows and villas, Pacific Resort Aitutaki, offers an intimate stay surrounded by lush tropical gardens, white-sand beaches and a stunning lagoon.

The self-guided snorkelling tour along the Aquatic Eco-Trail is a must-do for families, as is the Wednesday night buffet dinner featuring entertainment by local Aitutakians accompanied by island drummers, guitarists and ukulele players. If you’re after something more romantic, the resort offers private dining experiences in your very own Bedouin-style tent on the beach.

7Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort
SAMOA

Lush and secluded, Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort truly showcases the natural beauty of Samoa and is one of the best family resorts in the South Pacific.

The resort has a blissful beach to explore by wading, snorkelling, paddleboarding and kayaking. For those who feel like staying close to home, the lagoon-style pool is ideal for lazy days, while the tennis courts offer the opportunity for families to partake in a little friendly competition. Visit the Apolima Fale daily for a spectacular breakfast buffet, and then again on Friday evenings, when they offer delicious meals and an entertaining cultural show. Burn off the calories with complimentary bike hire.

8Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
FRENCH POLYNESIA

The highlight of your 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, and then wander over to the pool for a swim or to lounge in a thatched cabana. Spend your day splashing in the lagoon-style pool, or take to the seas and help chefs catch the fish of the day. If you’re worried about entertaining the little ones, don’t be – the Kids For All Seasons will keep them busy on their own a Polynesian adventure.

9Ratua Island Resort & Spa
VANUATU

The epitome of barefoot luxury, Ratua Island Resort and Spa is a rustic eco-resort.

You absolutely must experience the overwater day spa, yacht club and organic dining.

The resort offers a kayak excursion to a blue hole, and a deep sea fishing expedition. You can explore the island on horseback and swim through a lagoon with your noble steed, or take in some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving sights in Vanuatu.

=10The Edgewater Resort & Spa
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 everyone: a tennis court, cooking lessons, live entertainment and themed nights, Coconut Kids Club, a salon and spa, and a sand deck beside the pool (best enjoyed with a cocktail at sunset). Accommodation offers views of the garden, lagoon and beach, and can cater for up to six guests.

=10Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort
NEW CALEDONIA

Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort is situated right on a UNESCO World Heritage-listed barrier reef and the Deva Domain nature reserve.

When you’re not snorkelling or diving at that incredible reef you can relax by the infinity pool, join a yoga class, tee-off from the 18-hole golf course or be pampered at the spa.

Once you work up your appetite there are three restaurants to get your mouth watering. Rooms, bungalows and suites offer dreamy views and cozy furnishings.