We stayed at Lomani, which is next door to Plantation. Lomani is the adult only version, Plantation the family version. Same owners, so they may share the same staff. The staff were wonderful. I got a pedicure at Plantation. It looked like there were loads of stuff for the kids to do. A kids club, a couple of pools. The bures looked nice.
The surf is a boat ride away, past the lagoon. The lagoon is nice to splash/fish in.
There's another resort next door to Plantation (can't remember the name). Their food is better. btw - we didn't buy the food package at Lomani because we really only ate twice a day and it wasn't good value (drank all day though ) Probably different with toddlers.
Hi JM! We've been to Vanuatu, Thailand and the Philippines - I have to say my fave place out of those three - for the environment - was vanuatu. Beautiful water, clean and clear with lots of sea life just for snorkling alone - they have some fantastic dive spots there. We stayed on Erakor Island - the whole island is the resort - so it's quite safe for the kids to run around on. In saying that, there isn't a lot on in Vanuatu in terms of structured activities.
Thailand was nice, we stayed on Phuket and to be honest, the diving / snorkling there is pittance They sadly have ruined the natural beauty of the area with a lack of management. Once you go out to the smaller islands - it gets much nicer. But then with the little ones, it's harder to get out there as you need to go onto speedboats - they have an age limit and no pregnant women allowed!
Philippines has a great diving reputation - especially on Boracay island - they get quite a lot of European's there for the diving. There is a lot more to do on that island and accomodation is quite cheap - but to get to any nice islands - you'll need to go either by boat / large ferry (which always seem to sink LOL) or the old properller planes!
Just had friends come back from Cook Islands - they loved it - it's pretty basic in terms of activities but the natural beauty was amazing Lucky girl! Free Trip Have fun planning!!!
The islands in Thailand have great diving, surfing and personally I still dream about the food seven years later. Not as polluted as the cities either. One problem is the ferries to get to the island (can be crowded and I wouldn't want to be wrangling kids) but you can fly direct to Kho Samui. I've been to Vanuatu and TBH I found it a bit dull.
I'm sure you'll have a great time whichever you choose.
We did Thailand with DD1 when she was 2.5y and it was the best holiday EVER! She had the most wonderful time - rode elephants, went on the long boats, swam in waterfalls, had people doting on her everywhere. It was fabulous - even Bangkok was great and easy to get around with her.
We just got back from a holiday in Thailand. Surin in Phuket. Some friends came up from Perth and we hired out a Villa (expensive but worth it!) which had a driver, cook, housekeeper. It was nice not sharing the pool surrounds with other people....just our friends. The food was A-MAAAAZZZINNGG. BUT the Villa had loads of stairs as it was high on a hill so really had to keep an eye on the kids. There are loads of different villas that are hired out, so there could be a better one ie more kid friendly. The beach at Surin was really lovely, even Max liked to jump around in the waves. I'd do it again, so I'd recommend it too.
A friend of mine got married on the Cook Islands.....it looked totally beautiful too.....I'd also give that one a go!
Jersey in the Channel Islands (where I'll be headed in January) is a 'surf' town in the summer.....Europe, supposedly very kid friendly and beautiful. I can let you know more about that destination at a later date
My vote is for Rarotonga (cook Islands)...my nephew got married there this time last year......the photos looked amazing....if i hadnt been so preggas I would have been going as well. My niece took her kiddies and they had a blast...some of the resorts have kids clubs, not sure of the ages though....
Isle of Pines. If you want a carefree holiday, where there are no shops, limited cars, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters. It is perfect for R&R. Not many tourists either. I could easily let my kids run around outside and know nothing will happen to them.
Arte I love NZ, but I have been there 4 times in the last 6 years. We have great friends in Wanaka, Taraneki (sp?) Bay of Islands and just out of Auckland so will get there again sometime soon. I do love NZ.
Where is that TD???? I've never heard of it? I better go google!
But JM, you haven't been to the Central Plateau! It is different here! Not much in the way of surfing but there are amazing rivers for rafting trips. You will be too big to go, but I would be willing to go in your place if you look after my kids lol. We are also the fly fishing capital of the world (according to the road sign).
Are you north or south Arte? I've been black water rafting at Waitomo. It was so much fun!!! is that near you? I've forgotten! But when I went some of the soft boys went fly fishing instead.
We are about 2 hours south of Waitomo. I would love to do some of the white/black water overnight trips around here - it is top of my list when I can get away for a night.
Tahiti is a pretty long flight. 7.5 hrs from Brisbane. We're thinking Vanuatu too or Fiji for our ten year anniversary. I'm following this thread closely
Reply With QuoteThey sadly have ruined the natural beauty of the area with a lack of management. Once you go out to the smaller islands - it gets much nicer. But then with the little ones, it's harder to get out there as you need to go onto speedboats - they have an age limit and no pregnant women allowed!
Lucky girl! Free Trip
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