RACHEL VISSER
Mum of three children and bespoke travel planner for 18 years.
Currently working with exclusive boutique agency Freedman Langhorne & James Travel Associates.
“Castaway Island is an amazing family holiday destination. Actually nothing beats it in my book. Every client I’ve ever booked there raves about it.”
FEATURED DESTINATION:
CASTAWAY ISLAND, FIJI
Castaway Island is simply paradise on our doorstep. Access is an easy direct flight (from Australia) and then a beautiful cruise out to the island.
RACHEL’S TIP!
Don’t even attempt the overnight flight with little ones. Virgin Australia have day flights which I prefer a million times over the overnighter from Fiji Airways. It does mean you will need to spend one night on the mainland though. If you choose to fly overnight, make sure you pay for guaranteed check-in so you can go straight to your room for some much needed sleep.
WHY I LOVE CASTAWAY ISLAND:
- One of the most stunning beaches you will ever see with azure coloured waters.
- Excellent snorkelling and every water sport you can imagine!
- Weather is fabulous most of the year round (except February to April when it can be wet and cyclonic… avoid).
- Incredible food and service.
- Stunning sunsets from the bar and restaurant every night.
- Beautiful beach bures (wood and straw huts).
KIDS CLUB
My children still talk about it and beg to go back. Aseri the Kids Club Manager is the most fun adult/child you’ll ever meet! They still talk about her too! She remembers every single child and welcomes you back like a long lost family member.
Kids club runs all day and while you’re lying on the beach the children are wondering around with Kids Club staff having hermit crab races, collecting shells, playing and laughing or making sand castles.
It’s not like they’re kept in a crèche type facility, they’re having a hoot on the beach while you are too. The children have dinner at 5.30pm every night and then the Kids Club facility opens again for a night time session – just in time for “happy hour” sunset drinks and adult dining whilst listening to the waves lapping the shores.
The children have so much fun at evening Kids Club they can’t wait for the next day.
RACHEL’S TIPS
- Aseri is also the best children’s hair braider on the island but bring your own beads (from a store like Riot Art & Craft) as they are expensive to purchase on the Island.
- The island nurse is a miracle worker! If your children get any cuts, scrapes, bruises etc, go to her!
- Wine and champagne are expensive on the island. Purchase some from Duty Free before your outbound flight.
- Sunscreen, nappies, wipes, hats and thongs are also very expensive, so pack spares.
- The island attire is “beach casual”, so flat sandals and a casual strappy dress is all that is required.
- I always pack Aqua Ear for my children to guard against ear aches from too much pool time (which will definitely ensue!).
“I cry every time I leave when the staff gather to sing their farewell song. It’s a real tearjerker! Sunnies required! It’s the same traditional Fijian song they sing to their family and friends whenever they leave each other to wish a safe journey and eventual return.”
FOR A LUXE OPTION
If money weren’t an issue, I would highly recommend Jean Michel Cousteau Island. It’s stunning just like Castaway but much more lavish!
The Island is a little trickier to access but worth the effort. A major bonus for families is they offer a ratio of one staff member from Kids Club for every child (and teenager) who will take them on a daily land or sea adventure.
“A word of warning, your children
will cry when they leave their nanny!”
The Jean Michel Cousteau Island Marine Biology program is second to none. If you didn’t have an appreciation or interest for marine life when you arrive, you definitely will by the time you leave!
Image credits: Rachel Visser, @castawayislandfiji and www.fijiresort.com
LIKE TO HEAR MORE FROM RACHEL?
Let us know in the comments below what destinations you would
love to know more about and we will try to feature them in upcoming editions!
