The Best Luxury Resort for Families in Fiji
When it comes to unforgettable eco-friendly luxury travel, Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji is the destination of your dreams. Learn why it is the best eco-friendly luxury resort in Fiji for families. Nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, this resort seamlessly combines natural beauty, world-class accommodations, and a strong commitment to environmental conservation.
In 2022, Architectural Digest called it one of the “best family resorts in the world,” Forbes referred to it as an “enchanting haunt,” and Robb Report listed it among “7 all-inclusive resorts that offer a true 5-star experience.” Plenty of people love this place, but this is why it’s on my family’s short list of places worth revisiting, despite the long journey to get there.
- The Location: Set among unspoiled landscapes amidst vibrant coral reefs, a short boat ride from the Namena Marine Reserve. The proximity along with the kids club means mom and dad can dive!
- Dawn to Dusk Bula Kids Club: It’s more than just a kids club. We couldn’t get the kids to come out!
- Exceptional Service: When I think of service, I ask myself two questions: “Would they have said yes if they could have said yes?” and “Did they anticipate my needs before I asked?” JMC went above and beyond. The Bula Club let my son buy a fresh lobster at the market and arranged to have it cooked for his dinner!
- Exclusive Experiences: From educational and cultural experiences to massages and a picnic on a private island, this resort has something for everyone. One of our most memorable was a guided night-time snorkeling excursion hosted by the resident marine biologist.
- Secluded Luxury: The resort skillfully balances family-friendly activities and adult-only facilities, earning this resort a spot year after year on the lists for “best luxury family vacations.” It was a truly relaxing vacation for us parents, which is hard to achieve with kids in tow.
- Value: The rates include food, nonalcoholic drinks, kids club, dusk to dawn private nanny services, and many activities and excursions. They even include daily valet laundry service. You’ll pay extra for diving, massages, and private excursions, but the overall value is exceptional, especially if you utilize the private nanny service for kids five and under.
Are you ready to pack your bag?
Let’s explore Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji, including how to reach this paradise, the resort’s eco-friendly ethos, and the captivating Jean-Michel Cousteau School Under the Sea program, including their amazing dawn-to-dusk nanny service that keeps families flocking to this island destination!
Getting to Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji
Fiji is a South Pacific archipelago of 333 islands, with Viti Levu and Vanau Levu being the largest. Viti Levu features mountainous terrain and fertile plains, while Vanua Levu offers a more relaxed atmosphere. The smaller outlying islands provide diverse landscapes, making Fiji a haven for natural beauty and outdoor activities.
To reach this idyllic eco-friendly haven, start your journey at Nadi International Airport (NAN) on Viti Levu, a major global gateway with frequent direct flights from LAX. From there, access the pristine shores of Vanua Levu via an interisland flight from Nadi to Savusavu Airport (SVU). Yes, this is another flight after a very long flight… but I promise it’s worth it.
Once you arrive in Savusavu, the staff will whisk you away to the resort via a private transfer that takes around 20 minutes.
The Resort
Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji offers 25 luxurious bures (traditional Fijian bungalows) that perfectly blend comfort and privacy. Immerse yourself in the lush tropical surroundings while indulging in the pinnacle of eco-friendly luxury. Each bure showcases authentic Fijian decor with thatched roofs, floor-to-ceiling plantation shutters, a private deck, and a hammock. Our favorite rooms were the Oceanfront Bures furthest from reception, the Point Reef Bures, or the Luxe Villa, which offered more privacy. The 2-bedroom bure is perfect for a family of 4 or 5.
The resort’s commitment to sustainability resonates with conscious travelers. Its strong focus on marine conservation and education stood out. Of note, only one bure has air conditioning. With high temperatures averaging 77°F -88°F throughout the year, this is not generally an issue. However, you’ll find lower temperatures from May to October if you require cooler air at night.
Dawn to Dusk Bula Kids Club: A Fijian Summer Camp
The resort caters to families with engaging children’s programs. In the Bula Club, kids 0-5 are paired with a dedicated private nanny. Children 6-12 are paired with a “buddy” in small groups. They participate in the “School Under the Sea” program, which includes spearfishing, snorkeling, basket weaving, fishing, volleyball, hiking, and guided activities with the resident marine biologist- enabling guests to explore and connect with Fiji’s diverse marine life. Younger children will enjoy the children’s pool and activities such as face painting, crab hunting, and shell collecting. This children’s programming is more akin to a summer camp for kids and is an incredible inclusion. The Bula Club program runs from dusk to dawn and is flexible- you can use it as much or as little as you want. Although, if you’re like us, you may have to drag your kiddos out.
While we didn’t have a child under five with us on this trip, I observed the nannies’ interaction with both children and families during our stay. The nannies would take the kids to the bure for naps. They would swoop in when a child became fussy at dinner. They always had a smile on their faces, engaged interactively with the parents, and seemed to love and enjoy the children. Understand that this is a dedicated private nanny- not a kids club for the under-five set. Activities are customized to the abilities and energy level of the child and the comfort level and desires of the parents. It’s truly an exceptional program worth the journey.
Family Fun
There is a resort-wide excursion daily (except on Sunday). With the parent’s permission, their buddies escort the older children in the Bula Club on the excursion, but many resort guests will also join in. That’s right, the excursions are for the adults too. Activities include cultural experiences like a visit to a Fijian village, a waterfall hike, a school visit, and a visit to a weekly farmer’s market.
Guests can join the resort’s resident marine biologist on educational excursions to explore Fiji’s diverse marine life. They will visit coral gardens, take educational walks, enjoy guided snorkeling at night, and engage in reef conservation efforts.
If your idea of a perfect vacation involves a picnic on a private island, that can be arranged, too. While it required a negligible supplement, breakfast on the private island was quite fun and I’d highly recommend it. At low tide, you’ll want your water shoes and can walk to ‘bat island’ exploring the tidal pools along the way. In higher tide, you’ll be able to kayak over to the island. Or, you may choose to simply relax and enjoy the picnic and your time on the beautiful private island.
Adult Luxuries
JMC Fiji’s setting offers guests the opportunity to unwind in a serene paradise. With a designated adults-only section in the dining room, exclusive access to the main pool, and luxurious massages, the resort skillfully strikes a harmonious balance between family-friendly activities and providing ample quality time for adults. This is why this resort is ranked year after year as the best resort for a luxury family vacation. They execute this balance flawlessly.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the resort offers snorkeling and scuba diving experiences to witness the vibrant marine life, from colorful corals to exotic fish. This is, after all, one of the resorts that hosted Pixar’s staff over 20 years ago when they were looking for inspiration for “Finding Nemo.” JMC Fiji is located a short boat ride away from the Namena Marine Reserve, which is a must for certified divers. The resort’s location, combined with the incredible kids club, means you’ll grab your SCUBA gear and be underwater in no time.
“Welcome Home“: Why JMC is the Best Luxury Family Resort in Fiji
Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji is the epitome of eco-friendly luxury travel. This eco-conscious resort offers an enchanting escape while encouraging guests to connect with and protect Fiji’s natural wonders. Whether you’re an avid diver, a family seeking adventure, or a couple in search of a romantic retreat, Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of South Pacific. This pristine paradise embodies the fusion of luxury travel and sustainability, making it a haven for the discerning traveler. It will feel like your home away from home.
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