A child playing in the pool at Radisson Blu Denerau, Fiji

We arrived in the middle of a cyclone warning; the skies were grey and heavy with strong winds.

Our hearts sank a little, the promise of a week of happy tropical island bliss washed away as we gathered our bags and walked out into the stormy night.

Or so we thought.

You see, despite the rain that had begun trickling first, then pouring, on the short drive to the Radisson Blu, the greeting that came when we finally made it to the open-air foyer was as warm as any sunny day.

First, the traditional lali drum as we approached the desk, a thundering welcome drumming through our bones, followed by ‘Bula’ and a wide smile. Happy ‘Bula!s’ came thick and fast from everyone we encountered, cold welcome juices appeared, and our bags were whisked away to our spacious room before we’d even blinked.

Over our weeklong stay (which thankfully did deliver some blue skies eventually!), we discovered that if Fiji runs on happiness, then the Radisson Blu Denarau must well and truly be powered by it. From the second we arrived to our reluctant departure, the smiles were warm and genuine, without any hint of it being forced or trained. It felt like we — but more importantly, our kids — were remembered, and greeted like old friends each day with an enthusiastic ’Bula!

Turns out there’s a reason the Radisson Blu Fiji has garnered a cult following among families, daycares and school groups alike — not only is there a kids eat, play, and stay free deal, but it feels like one of those places where families are the star of the show, not an unwanted arrival.

This is our review of the Radisson Blu Fiji.

ABOUT THE HOTEL

THE LOCATION

Located just a 20-minute drive from Nadi airport, you’ll find the Radisson Blu at the western end of Denarau Island. Known for its loop of luxurious resorts, Denarau is very much at the heart of Fiji’s tourism industry and is extremely well set up for travellers.

Sprawling across 10 lush acres, the hotel overlooks Nadi Bay and the Mamanuca islands (perfect for those evening cocktail views!), and is a stone’s throw from the island’s golf course and nearby convenience shops too.

Port Denarau Marina, the gateway to day cruises and island adventures, is just 10 minutes away on the island’s Bula Bus shuttle.

HOW TO GET THERE

If you’re travelling to the Radisson Blu Resort Fiji, you’re likely getting there by air or sea, so we’ve outlined your main options below:

BY PLANE

The famous Fijian hospitality began the minute we touched down at Nadi airport with a fast-track airport service. A representative was waiting for us at the terminal gate to fast-track us through the airport, transforming our journey through the airport from probably an hour to around 10 minutes. Having arrived after both our kids’ bedtimes, the speediness to get us through and to our waiting transfer was such a delight!

From there, we were greeted by our private TEWALA transfer driver who took us the 20 minutes to the Radisson’s front steps.

If you’re arriving via the airport, we definitely recommend booking a transfer with TEWAKA; their drivers were lovely and had even organised two age-appropriate child seats for each of our littles.

Other options include a taxi (generally FJD 35-50 from the airport), or self-driving. There’s no other public transport service available between the airport and Radisson Blu.

BY FERRY

Radisson Blu Fiji is only 1.3km from the Port Denarau Marina, and is connected to the ferry terminal by the Bula Bus, which loops the island every 15 minutes.

THE FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

THE ROOMS

The Radisson Blu’s self-contained one-bedroom suites would have to be among the most spacious we’ve ever stayed in. What’s more, they were clearly designed by someone who knew the intricacies of travelling with a young family.

Pre-kids, we never realised the difference that a kitchen and separate living area could make to a family travel. Now, they form an essential ingredient for a comfortable stay, and our fully-equipped kitchenette took all the stress out of managing baby bottles and fussy-hangry-toddler snacks entirely.

From there, the enormous living and dining area, separated from the bedroom by a heavy sliding door, opens out to a wide and breezy balcony (also accessible via the bedroom). The bathroom, which moonlights as the laundry, comfortably fits a shower, separate bath, two-sink vanity, and — most importantly, if you’ve ever felt the fear of trying to creep past your sleeping toddler just to go to the loo — access from both the living area and bedroom.

But the largest highlight (especially for Miss 2yo): The king-sized bed in the king-sized bedroom. Not only was it made for trampolining practice in her eyes, we’d also made a last-minute decision to only bring a travel cot for her infant brother, crossing our fingers she’d either settle on the foldout couch or that we could make it work.

We can now confirm that the king bed does accommodate two fully-grown adults and a sideways toddler stretched out like one of those lanky dancing inflatables, extremely comfortably - and she was stoked with her week-long sleepover.

LEARN MORE | For more information on room types, read here

LAGOON POOL

Four lagoon pools — one adults-only and another with a white sand ‘beachfront’ and, importantly, a swim-up bar — ensure that those looking to flop and drop poolside will never be left wanting.

The baby/toddler wading pool takes the stress out of managing super little ones in the pool, although we found that the stretch of lagoon pool between the baby pool and the whitewater slide was perfect for both our toddler and baby to wade and splash about comfortably, too.

The much-loved heart of the lagoon pool complex (and by extension, the whole resort) is by far the whitewater waterslide. All day long, kids race up the stairs and shoot back down through the rocky structure over and over, whooping with glee.

A daily schedule of activities is also run around the pool, like water volleyball, fun competitions, and cultural interactions.

BLU BANANA KIDS CLUB

The official Blu Banana kids club was closed for renovation when we visited, but we dropped by their temporary space one morning with one very excited toddler who loved joining in a foraged leaf craft activity and a boisterous game of balloon volleyball.

We didn’t end up leaving our littles there (at 8m and 2.5 years they’re a bit little, and our jam-packed family adventure itinerary meant they were stuck with us anyway!), but throughout our stay we bumped into the kids club out on their daily schedule of adventures all the time: racing leaf boats in the pool, playing Fijian games in the gardens, or joining in the torch lighting ceremony in traditional costumes. The smiles on the kids’ faces each time — and feedback we had from fellow parents staying at the resort — would suggest that the kids club is a major hit with little and big travellers alike, and we’re definitely going to be booking our two in if we make it back there soon!

The Kids Club operates between 9 am - 9 pm daily for ages 4-12. Kids younger than 4 can still attend as long as they’re accompanied by a booked nanny.

HARMONY RETREAT

Unfortunately also closed for renovations when we visited. We hear that this day spa tucked behind a waterfall at the lagoon pool is one of the best for rejuvenating body and mind using Pure Fiji products. One for a return visit for sure!

WATERSPORTS

The Hydro Sports Fifi watersports centre has a range of paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis available for hire. If you’re looking to spend more time on the water, jet-ski day tours, scuba diving and snorkelling trips, private charters, and adrenaline-pumping activities like flyboarding, tubing, and fishing can also be organised from here. Open from 8 am each day.

We had the best intentions of checking out the gym while here, but, well, island life got in the way!

THE RESTAURANTS

There are 5 onsite restaurants to choose from, and while we’re not usually the ‘eat at the resort’ type, we have to say that the food -and the service- at each here was extremely good. And be warned: serving sizes at each are very generous!

BUFFET BREAKFAST AT BLU BAR & GRILL

The daily breakfast offering is probably the buffet to end all buffets; there’s multiple walls lined with both local offerings and western favourites, an omelette station (both ready and made-to-order available), oodles of fresh fruit, a doughnut wheel (a source of great happiness to miss 2!) and more pancakes, bacon, and waffles than you could shake a fork at.

The best treat for weary parents looking to maximise relaxation? The self-service mimosa and bloody mary station!

The Blu Bar & Grill also doubles as a lunch spot, as well as the location of the famous fire-dancing Wednesday night, where you can enjoy a barbecue buffet with a view over the traditional Fijian dance and fire show. We’d definitely recommend heading along to watch this as it’s a spectacular affair.

CHANTARA THAI

We had a lovely meal overlooking the lagoon waterfall at Chantara Thai. Definitely recommend the sizzling plates, both for taste and for a wow-factor moment as they arrive in a cloud of steam. The kid’s menu was also apparently great, as evidenced by our daughter eating most of her bowl of noodles (an event that has rarely happened before!)

BYBLOS

Absolutely the standout and most unexpectedly good meal of the trip, Byblos serves up truly excellent Middle Eastern fare overlooking the Nadi bay. We arrived at sunset, which would have been spectacular had clouds not set in right as colour began to streak the sky - but what we lacked in a lovely sunset view was made up for in spades by the warm hospitality and the absolutely delicious food on offer.

We’re still drooling over the kebbe, hummus plate and chicken off the grill! Again, our little ones devoured almost as much as we did, which is a massive, massive vote for it being a delicious meal.

NEARBY ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO

It’s position at the heart of all things tourism in Fiji means that the Radisson Blu Fiji has a bunch of epic adventures right on its doorstep. There is, of course, the golf course across the road, plus the Bula waterpark a few minutes away (always a big hit with the kids!). But for those looking to adventure a bit further

We actually have a guide to our favourite things to do in Fiji coming really soon, but in the meantime, here are some of the things we did and loved while there:

GARDEN OF THE SLEEPING GIANT

Once the private garden of late American actor Raymond Burr, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a stunning, botanic garden to spend a day wandering through. There are over 30 varieties of Asian orchids, lush landscaped lawns, a tranquil lily pond and a hike through the heart of a lush rainforest up to a spectacular view over the islands.

Our littles loved exploring the gardens, and our toddler made it a reasonable distance uphill before her legs gave in and she got a piggyback the rest of the way.

For families - this is one to leave the pram at home for; there are stairs and steep, rocky inclines that are inappropriate for strollers.

SLEEPING GIANT ZIPLINE

If wandering lush gardens isn’t the right kind of adrenaline for you, head to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant zip line, and explore it from a Birds-eye view instead. Here, you can zip through the lush surrounds on a guided tour, making your way to tumbling waterfalls deep in the rainforest.

If you’d prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can also hike to the waterfall; it takes about an hour there, and the trail can get muddy after rain, too.

If you’re there with littles, you can take a dip in the mini waterfall and little river pools at the starting point, where wood-fired pizzas are available for hungry tummies too.

TAKE AN ISLAND DAY TRIP

A trip to Fiji is never complete without an adventure to one of its more than 300 islands. With the Port Denarau Marina just 10 minutes away, we recommend booking yourself on a day trip and enjoying some island time.

Some of the more popular spots are Malamala Beach Club and the Mamanuca islands (including Malolo) - the team at Radisson can recommend the right one for you and help you book.

VISIT A TRADITIONAL FIJIAN CULTURAL VILLAGE

Fijians are proud of their culture and keen to share it with travellers to their shores. Visiting a traditional Fijian village is a wonderful way to delve into their centuries-old heritage, and understand how the various influences have impacted and shaped them amongst the mountains, jungles and seas.

VISIT SRI SIVA SUBRAMANIYA TEMPLE

A colourful Hindu Temple probably isn’t on your expected list of things to do when visiting Fiji, but we definitely recommend making the time to stop past and wander the grounds.

The temple is the most obvious example of the blend of Fijian and Indian cultures that exists in the country, a leftover of the colonial period and its indentured labour campaigns that brought Indians to the tropical shores.

It is a working temple, so it is occasionally closed for religious festivities, so check ahead of time!

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