Want to be adrift in the daydreamy South Pacific as soon as possible? Read our list of the top 10 resorts for families in the South Pacific to help you decide on your next holiday.
Want to be adrift in the daydreamy South Pacific as soon as possible? Read our list of the top 10 resorts for families in the South Pacific to help you decide on your next holiday.
Taking top place once again, Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu offers families a tantalising taste of island life. Drop the little ones off at the kids’ club while you enjoy a massage in the day spa or lounge in a cabana overlooking the lagoon. Feeling active? Try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or windsurfing, sail a catamaran, play a game of beach volleyball or let the kids run wild under the pool’s tipping buckets and mushroom sprinkler. On-site dining is a delight with the Verandah dishing up three meals a day overlooking the Lagoon, while the Pool Bar offers all-day ice-cream and pizza.
Located on the edge of Erakor Lagoon, Warwick le Lagon – Vanuatu offers lush gardens, two tennis courts, three pools, the Oasis Spa, cascading water features, a 13-hole golf course, a number of water sports (including snorkelling, kayaking, sailing lessons and canoeing) and the excellent dining at Wild Ginger Restaurant & Bar. It is close enough to town that it is easy to explore the sights and activities beyond the resort, yet feels like a peaceful oasis. Young guests will adore the kids’ club, which is free for ages three to 12 and offers daily activities to keep them entertained.
Situated by the ocean – just a one-minute drive to Aroa Beach and 10 minutes from Wigmore’s Waterfall – this resort is the ideal base for a holiday in the stunning Cook Islands. After a morning spent at the private beach, take part in free daily activities like lei making, ukulele lessons and palm frond weaving. If you need some ‘me’ time, drop younger guests off at Moko’s Kids’ Club or the dedicated Teen Zone and indulge in a massage, body treatment or facial at the spa. Interconnecting rooms and family suites are on offer and complimentary cots, high chairs and baby baths are available on request.
Relax your days away on Iririki Island’s 130-metre beach and enjoy a range of activities by night with a stay at Iririki Island Resort & Spa. Monday night includes Polynesian group dance performances, while you can feast on an array of traditional dishes at Azure Restaurant on Tuesdays. Wednesday is for cheese and wine lovers; Friday presents a gastronomic experience with fresh local seafood platters; and Saturday brings the heat with a beach barbecue and fire show. There is also lots to do before the sun goes down with a range of daily activities including kayaking safaris, scuba diving introduction classes and coconut husking.
Nestled in an oasis of tropical gardens and set on its own private beach, you’d be forgiven for thinking Poppy’s on the Lagoon Resort was in the middle of nowhere instead of 15 minutes from town. There is lots to do at this home away from home, with art classes held on the property and a lagoon perfect for snorkelling right on your doorstep. For a cultural experience, take a tour of the lagoon on a traditional canoe with a local guide, who will share their knowledge of the area and traditions of the Ni-Vanuatu people.
Lush and secluded, this resort truly showcases the natural beauty of Samoa. There is a beautiful beach to explore and unparalleled access to snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking and cycling. For those who feel like staying close to home, the lagoon-style pool is ideal for lazy days and the tennis courts are always there if you are feeling active (or competitive!). Visit the Apolima Fale daily for a spectacular breakfast buffet and on Friday evenings, when they offer delicious meals and an entertaining cultural show.
These serviced apartments are in prime position on the beach in Port Vila, just 10 minutes from the centre of Vanuatu’s capital. With sand and sun just outside your door, it would be silly not to take advantage of the complimentary kayaks and the snorkel gear for hire at reception – although a day by the infinity pool might be too tempting. For a completely stress-free holiday, the front desk can assist you in organising tours, babysitting services and making restaurant reservations in town.
Island holidaying at its best, Erakor Island Resort & Spa is a gorgeous destination its own right, but if you want to go out and explore, it’s only minutes to the mainland on the free 24-hour ferry. Snorkel in the lagoon, learn how to paddle an island outrigger canoe, weave a basket or climb coconut trees if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground. Kick off the evening with a sundowner and join other guests on a Thursday for the Melanesian Feast & Fire Show – it’s one you won’t forget.
A beautiful and eco-luxe experience, this resort shows guests a side to Vanuatu they might never have seen before. Avid fisherman can jump on board a charter in the hopes of wrangling a Blue Marling and equestrians can take a tour of the island on horseback, swimming bareback through the lagoon with their noble steed. After all the adventure, a stunning spa sits over the water, offering guests ocean views during their personalised treatments.
At this Bora Bora resort, beautiful overwater bungalows await guests looking for the final say in luxury accommodation. Start your day with breakfast delivered by canoe to your private deck and then wander over to the pool for an early morning swim or to lounge in a thatched cabana. While away your day beneath the waves as you dive the lagoon, or take to the seas and help the chef catch the fish of the day. If you’re worried about the little ones, don’t be – the Kids For All Seasons will have them venturing on a Polynesian adventure they will be talking about for weeks.
It’s a tremendous achievement to have your property recognised by the people who matter most: the families who stay there. We love seeing how many wonderful options there are for travellers with kids in tow all across the world, and every year the list is expanding.
As you can probably imagine, it’s a massive job to compile the Top 10 each year, and the Holidays with Kids team has been hard at work for the last few months compiling all the survey responses and sorting them into categories.
Holidays with Kids was the first travel magazine in Australia to do readers’ choice awards all the way back in 2001, our editors are pretty much certified experts in this field.
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