In a place where happiness, and friendliness, “come naturally” (as Tourism Fiji’s tagline goes), Radisson Blu Resort Denarau Island’s warmth still stands out. Indeed, behind every bula at the Radisson Blu – a word you’ll hear a hundred times a day in Fiji (is there a more commonly used word in any language?) – is a friendly face.
Take Inia, one of the affable porters at the Radisson. “Welcome home”, he says as my family and I alight from our transfer from the airport. And with these simple words, our stay here is transformed before it’s even begun. How many guests Inia greets each day is anyone’s guess, but during our time here, my name isn’t forgotten.
Then there’s Malo, the smiling singer. At breakfast, he mingles in between tunes with guests. In the lobby, he’s taking requests. With a baritone voice perfect for a country song, I throw the Glen Campbell classic Rhinestone Cowboy at him. He immediately knows the melody, if not most of the lyrics, and his guitar’s a little out of tune. But you can’t fault his pitch, or his eagerness to put a smile on yet another guest’s face.
I could keep going on about its people – from activity leaders and front office staff to the hard-working housekeeping team, but to do so might detract from the hotel’s other standout features.
Indeed, in Denarau, where more than half a dozen top-notch properties vie for visitors’ business, hotels need to offer something special. And the Radisson does, with this… aside from being super friendly, it’s also super family-friendly.
Family fun
At the centre of family activity at the Radisson are the resort’s pools – four of them, no less, including an adults-only swimming area. The pool complex’s most unique feature is its tunnel slide. Other hotels may have slides, but the Radisson’s is next level, spiralling through a rock structure before spitting riders out below.
The rest of the lagoon-like complex is pretty good too, highlighted by a large beach area popular with both kids and adults.
But the pool area is just the beginning of family fun at the Radisson Blu. Each day’s resort activities are listed on a blackboard in the middle of the pool complex – and then introduced with a drum roll on a traditional Fijian Lali. The lists vary from day to day and are extensive: from cultural activities like basket weaving, wood carving, sarong painting and Fijian language lessons to a host of water-based fun.
Some activities are free, others incur a small fee – like the daily torch-lighting, in which children don Fijian outfits and follow a traditionally dressed local around the resort, taking turns to light the torches. This experience is a real winner with the families. And then there’s the evening Fijian fire dancing performance which starts next to the pool and ends up on the beach – with spectacular effect.
For adults, there’s the watersports centre, where guests can hire kayaks, jet skis and even wakeboards to use off the resort’s private beach, while a well-equipped fitness centre welcomes those looking for a workout. Elsewhere, guests who really want to unwind can also check out the hotel’s Harmony Retreat Day Spa.
Where you’ll sleep
But what’s a family-friendly hotel without appropriate lodging? To this end, the Radisson offers a range of room types, from Standard Garden View rooms (lead-in category) to Two-Bedroom Lagoon View suites.
Our One-Bedroom Garden View suite boasts a large living/dining area (with sofa bed), a separate bedroom with a king bed, a sizeable balcony, a spacious bathroom (with his/her vanities, large bathtub and rain shower), laundry facilities and perhaps best of all, a fully-equipped kitchen – perfect for families and others looking to save a buck on dining out (which can add up in Fiji).
The well-fitted suite also has all of the usual mod-cons like free wifi, large TV, air-conditioning and grooming amenities. The designs are simple, befitting the laid-back vibes of the destination, but I particularly like the large timber bedheads (walls).
What to eat & drink
Most dining at the resort centres around Blu Bar & Grill, Chantara Thai Restaurant and Byblos ‘A Taste of Lebanon’. With Blu under renovation, a full buffet breakfast is currently served in the resort’s ballroom while a smaller buffet is offered at beachfront Byblos. I’d recommend the latter as it’s right on the water.
As for the food itself, there’s a generous selection of breakfast staples – think tropical fruits, pastries, salads, meats, hash browns and a local take on beans – alongside a Fijian station (comprising root veggies, salsas and more).
There are also made-to-order omelettes and ready-made omelettes to save time.
Or if you’re game, there are self-serve Bloody Marys or bubbles. And like in most hotels, the breakfast menus vary slightly from day to day.
For lunch, guests can hit up Byblos (until Blu Bar & Grill reopens) for another buffet – if you can fit it in – or simply order from the pool menu to have the food brought to you. Poolside pizzas or poke bowls… yes please! And of course, there’s a full range of pool beverages to quench your thirst – from cocktails to mocktails and everything in between.
For dinner, Chantara is a popular choice (bookings are essential!), while there’s a small teppanyaki grill (for six diners only) adjacent to this. For something a little different, you can even dine literally in the pool in the Lomani Wai dining experience. And if that’s not enough, there are the neighbouring resort restaurants and lively Port Denarau eateries a short distance away.
What else to do
Speaking of which, just beyond the Radisson Blu, all within Denarau Island, there are plenty of other things to keep your family occupied.
Like heading to Big Bula Waterpark, playing a round at the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club, or visiting Port Denarau, the heartbeat of the island. Here you can shop for souvenirs or supplies, visit some of the many restaurants and bars, enjoy the (free) nightly cultural performance or just use the port as a springboard for a day trip to one of the nearby islands like Malolo.
And you can access all of Denarau Island on the open-air Bula bus, an experience in itself that’s a hit with my daughter – largely because of the friendly ‘bulas!’ that greet us at every stop along the way. But especially at the Radisson, where they seem just that little louder (or that could just be Inia).
The writer was a guest of Tourism Fiji. All images by Mark Harada.
For more on the Radisson Blu Resort Fiji, click here.
Also, check out our report from this year’s Fiji Tourism Exchange (FTE).
