Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Island Resort .. luxury in Fiji

It is possible to have absolute luxury, fine dining, candlelit dinners every night when holidaying with kids.  I always thought you had to give up (even if only something very minor) but Jean-Michel Cousteau, Fiji is all of this and a whole lot more!  Clients I’ve sent there always come back raving about the resort, but seeing, doing, experiencing the tropical treat that is Jean Michel Cousteau, Fiji delivers quality timeout for mums and dads and high energy kids club delights single-handedly.  Jean-Michel Cousteau, Fiji is a 5 star resort located in Savsavu, an hours flight (on a small plane) from Nadi.  Built on a former coconut plantation, the resort ticks all the boxes: eco-friendly, child-friendly, parent-friendly. In fact, my only disappointment was that we could only change our flights to  extend our stay one (rather than two) extra nights, it was that good!

It was an incredible family holiday, where we actually had no problem with leaving our 3 boys with the specially-trained nannies, most of which are from the local village. Every child 5 years and under has a dedicated nanny for their entire stay, who are available (if you require them) from 8am until 9 pm (or longer if  needed), and the older kids 6 years and above have a buddy (ratio is one buddy to 5 kids).  We actually went on holidays not to ditch our kids, but to spend time with them, and this was also possible.  There was so much to do as a family, plus plenty of quality time for my husband and I to go off for a snorkel, hike, or just lie by the Serenity Pool (adults only area) and know that our kids were safe and having a great time.

The Bula Club has everything from toddler pool (with small slide), mushroom pool, family pool with slide, trampoline, sand pit, Cubby House, arts and craft, flying fox, giant chess board, tennis court and more.  There are 2 programs the Lei Lei Holiday programme (0-5 years) and the Maua Holiday programme (6 – 12 years) –and there is so much on offer.

Some of the activities included daily trips in the glass bottom boat (kids can go with nannies and buddies plus parents are welcome), those who want to snorkel can, the littler ones just look through the boat, and Johnny (the marine biologist) will bring things up for them to see, touch and learn about.  Our oldest son even did a night snorkel!

There is also tennis, chess,  kayak races, fishing, crab races, cookie baking (using  a sun oven), sand castle contests, table tennis, Art and Craft (face painting, tee-shirt painting, and coconut painting)- the list goes on!! Not only will your kids have an amazing time, they will also learn about everything under Ocean, Fijian Culture, and the natural environment around them – my 7 year old now wants to be a marine biologist!.

Some of the activities you can do as a family, include: heading to a private Island for a picnic, taking out the catamaran, heading for an adventure on the kayaks, fishing, visiting the local town of Savsavu; as well as, snorkelling - either out to one of the sites nearby, or just off the pier – (both excellent), or to go for a scuba dive too.

You can also check out the local village, rainforest hike and swim, simple beach combing – it’s amazing what you can find! We also spent lots of time in the family pool (our boys never got sick of the water slide) and we never knew there were so many ways to come down a slide – on your knees, lying down, head first, backwards!

The food is exceptional.  Extremely fresh and healthy with just the right portion size. Most of the fruit and vegetables come from the resort’s own organic garden, and the fish are caught locally (very often by the guests).

The kids can either eat at the Bula Club or in the Family Restaurant, unlike most other kids menu’s I have seen, the kids eat extremely healthy 3 course meals – I was very impressed.

Although compared to other resorts in Fiji, it does seem like a more expensive upfront cost, I think it is definitely worth it.  We spent some time at other resorts on the mainland, and it all adds up, buying lunch and dinner for us and the kids bottled water, soft drinks, ice cream, baby sitters etc.  Pretty much everything is included once at Jean-Michel Cousteau, the only extra’s we had to pay for was alcoholic drinks, diving, fishing and the essential massage (there are packages available which include a couple of dives and  massages).

I think a good sign of a fantastic holiday is when you see families leaving and the mum and kids are crying because they have to leave! (I didn’t see any Dad’s crying, but I am sure even the Dad’s have shed a parting tear!).

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji is luxuriously romantic, effortlessly practical and everything else in between all at the same time! The staff are the friendliest in the world. I cannot recommend a Jean-Michel Cousteau holiday highly enough.  Review courtesy of Kate from Fiji for Families.

BYOkids have packages perfect for families to this beautiful resort call us now 1300 296 543 or enquire online here for more information, pricing or to book

 



 

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