ellaslist Reviews: A Fiji Family Paradise at the Shangri-La Resort, Yanuca Island

Our recent family holiday to Fiji was an unforgettable experience, and the Shangri-La Resort on Yanuca Island made it all the more special.

Located just a short 4-hour flight from Sydney (easy to manage with our three energetic children!), this beautiful resort offered the perfect tropical getaway for our family of five. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the lush landscapes and warm Fijian hospitality.

ellaslist Reviews: A Fiji Family Paradise at the Shangri-La Resort, Yanuca Island

Upon arrival at Nadi Airport, we had arranged a private transfer with Tewaka (highly recommended!) who took us directly to the resort—just under an hour's drive.

The Shangri-La is set on the stunning 109-acre private Yanuca Island, which is connected to the mainland by a scenic causeway. The approach to the resort alone is breathtaking, with tropical beauty surrounding you as you make your way down the long, picturesque driveway.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with a warm Bula welcome from Napoleon and the wonderful check-in staff, who made us feel right at home. We stayed in connecting Ocean Grand Deluxe Rooms, and we couldn't have been more pleased with the space and comfort. The rooms were large, beautifully furnished, and had the most spectacular ocean views—a serene retreat after a day of adventure.

One of the standout features of the resort is the exceptional staff. Every member of the team went out of their way to make us feel welcome, and I have to make a special mention of how amazing they were with our children.

Dining & Cuisine

The Shangri-La Resort offers a variety of dining options, with four restaurants to choose from, plus two beach bars.

Lagoon Terrace, a buffet-style restaurant, quickly became a favourite for us, with a wide selection of international dishes. The children especially loved the dedicated kids' buffet—featuring all the familiar favourites like chicken nuggets, fries, and plain rice (the eye-roll-worthy classics!). One night, we enjoyed a traditional Fijian BBQ banquet on the lawn, which was an absolute highlight.

Kids' Club & Family-Friendly Activities

As a parent, one of the biggest surprises was how much we all enjoyed the Little Chiefs Club. This kids' club was a huge hit with our children, and they couldn’t wait to return after dinner for movie nights, hermit crab racing, and more, with pick-up at 9 pm. With the kids happily entertained, we were able to enjoy some well-deserved downtime, whether that was relaxing by the pool with a frozen margarita (without kids in tow!), hitting the gym, booking a spa treatment, or even playing a round of golf.

The Little Chiefs Club is available for children over 3 years old, and we appreciate the resort’s thoughtful options for younger children. Our toddler, under 3, had his own dedicated nanny for supervision (at about $12 AUD per hour), and we were so impressed with how gentle, patient and kind the Fijian nannies were.

Activities & Excursions

Beyond the kids' activities, there was no shortage of fun for the whole family. The resort boasts its very own inflatable water park just off the beach—an absolute must-try, though it’s a lot harder than it looks! Other activities we loved included horse riding, kayaking, snorkelling, paddle boarding, and even a round of Putt-Putt golf.

There is an entire room dedicated to VR games and bikes are available for hire, which we used to explore the impressive grounds of the resort. Each day, there are numerous activities to take part in, including fish feeding and learning how to weave with Pandanus leaves—both were highlights for us. The range of activities meant there was never a dull moment, whether we were relaxing or getting active.

Final Thoughts

The Shangri-La on Yanuca Island is an idyllic destination for families, offering something for everyone. The combination of stunning natural beauty, impeccable service, and endless activities made this one of the most memorable holidays we've had, and every detail exceeded our expectations. We are already looking forward to returning and would wholeheartedly recommend it to other families.

10/10 – Can't wait for our next visit!

Find out more about what this tropical island hideaway on the idyllic Coral Coast has to offer and book your stay at Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji.

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