The moment you step off the boat onto Malolo Island, Fiji, you step out of your shoes and into the chilled-out charm the Fijians are renowned for.
Malolo Island Resort is ideal for romantic getaways, solo travelers, or multi-generational celebrations. You can fly direct from Brisbane to Nadi with Fiji Airways in just a few hours, then pre-book a fast boat to Malolo Island (just under an hour) or opt for a catamaran day cruise with South Sea Sailing to enjoy snorkeling and long lunches along the way.
Before our island getaway, we spent the night at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island, just a short drive from Nadi Airport. Decadent yet relaxed, the hotel is surrounded by nature and offers both a spacious family area and an adults-only wing by the sea. Local flavors, from seafood to tropical fruits, feature prominently on the hotel’s menu, paired perfectly with sunset cocktails.
Waking up as the sun rises, we slid into Fijian time and set sail for the island. Jumping into the bluest waters, surrounded by fluorescent coral and swarms of tropical fish, was pure magic. Upon arrival at Malolo Island Resort, we were welcomed by Manager Zack and his team, serenaded on the pier with ukulele music and song. The open-air lounge and smiley staff set the tone for a barefoot, sarong-clad island lifestyle.
The resort offers private, plantation-style bures on the beach, making it perfect for extended family vacations. Grandparents can explore the reef with grandkids, while parents relax knowing the local Fijians are entertaining the kids with live music, outdoor games, and homemade treats from the island’s ice cream shop.
Dining, Culture, and Adventure
Talented chefs at the resort curate long-table feasts on the pier or garden surroundings, ideal for family gatherings or intimate dinners. The menu changes daily, featuring traditional Fijian cuisine complemented by live music and fire dance ceremonies.
Take a family boat ride to the local Yaro Village to learn about the island’s culture and its Chief-led traditions. The island is home to Malolo and Liku Liku Resorts, both Fijian-owned, which support the village with water, power, and a school for the children.
For adventure seekers, Cloudbreak is just a 45-minute boat ride away and offers world-class surfing. Alternatively, visit Castaway Island to channel your inner Chuck Noland for the day. Daily activities on Malolo Island include an array of water sports, spa treatments, and medicine walks around the island’s kitchen garden.
How to Get There
Malolo and the surrounding islands are located in the Mamanuca Archipelago, a short flight from Australia’s East Coast. This makes it an ideal destination for a dreamy island vacation for the whole family, any time of the year.