Fiji - lots of questions!

Can you tell I'm researching our next holiday? lol

Fiji is one of the top contenders at the moment but I have lots of questions!

So for those of you who have been, I'd love if you could answer them for me :)

1. Where did you stay?
2. What is the cost of food like over there? Both to buy at a supermarket and for restaurant meals / eating out.
3. Is there much in the way of shopping/markets over there?
4. Did you do a village tour (looking for the authentic culture experience) and if so where was it?
5. How easy is it to go between the islands and is it expensive to do so? Thinking if we stay on one of the outer islands, is it easy enough to get back to the mainland for a day and not a huge expense to do so?
6. Where would you reccommend staying if we wanted the white sandy beach with crystal clear water experience that's not too expensive?
7. Any info for making the holiday more fun and go smoothly for the kids?

That's all I can think of for now, I'm sure there will be more questions as I research it further.

Powder white sand and crystal clear water are found out on islands. The Yasawa Islands are the best in Fiji, imo. The Blue Lagoon was filmed there ;)

Most islands have village visits in their programs, and its a minimal/no cost, but please do consider taking money to buy crafts/gifts at the end from their village. Even better, take supplies for the very poor, local schools - pens, books, etc.

Kelly, that's a fabulous idea re taking supplies for the schools, will definitely remember that!

Where did you stay when you went?

I have stayed in a few awesome places:

* Blue Lagoon Beach Resort in the Yasawas
* Nanuya Island Resort (more for couples)
* Toberua Island Resort (you need to go to Suva after you arrive in Fiji, then Suva to the Island.

Usually because of the timings of flights and transfers, you have to stay overnight in Nadi and get the transfer to your island in the morning. There is no need to spend much money, its just overnight for a bed! The Raffles Gateway is a great place for a family if you have to transfer. You may also have this issue coming home.

You can fly immediately via seaplane, but its exxy. Only 30 mins to the Yasawas when you're ready to fly (beautiful scenery though!), otherwise 4 hours on the Yasawa Flyer (opt for the captains lounge upgrade so you get aircon, snacks etc).

I LOVE the Yasawas though, would definitely pay the extra to go there.

We stayed at musket cove on malolo lai lai

The island was around 50 mins from Nadi.

Beautiful quiet resort, more so for adults but next to it was a resort that was more for kids forgot the name.

The island only has two resorts.

We did lots of activities which were free or very cheap such as snorkelling on the sand bar and visiting a nearby village.

To be honest, Nadi is very 3rd world and I was quite scared driving past it so was glad i went to an island instead!

Fiji was beautiful