The Best Family Vacations in South Pacific

There are no Disney Worlds or other such attractions in the islands. That's not to say that children won't have a fine time, for more resorts are making provisions for families. Kids will enjoy themselves most if they like being around the water.

A family can vacation in style and comfort at resorts like the big resorts on Denarau Island in Fiji, or Shangri-la's Fijian Resort on the Coral Coast, but here are some of the best smaller establishments that welcome families.

  • Castaway Island Resort (Mamanuca Islands, Fiji): One of Fiji's oldest resorts but thoroughly refurbished, Castaway has plenty to keep both adults and children occupied, from a wide array of watersports to a kids' playroom and a nursery. There's even a nurse on duty.

  • Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort (Savusavu, Fiji): The South Pacific's finest family resort encourages parents to enroll their kids in an exceptional environmental education program. It keeps the youngsters educated and entertained from sunup to bedtime.

  • Le Meridien Bora Bora (Bora Bora, French Polynesia): Most resorts in French Polynesia are designed for romance, not children. The notable exception is Le Meridien Bora Bora, which has a shallow, lakelike lagoon where children can safely swim with young sea turtles bred in the resort's conservation program.

  • St. Regis Resort Bora Bora (Bora Bora, French Polynesia): Well-heeled children will feel right at home playing in the St. Regis's state-of-the-art Hono Iti (Little Turtle) kids' club, where computers come equipped with high-speed Internet access and educational software.