A $35 million renovation has made this Fiji resort perfect

Travelling with kids, our ocean-facing ground floor garden room is one of Sofitel’s 52 redesigned family rooms. Sleeping four, it’s set out with the main queen bed and living area by the garden and, cleverly, two oversized kids’ bunk beds tucked in a nook with sliding door between the main bedroom and the generously sized bathroom. The new room design solves one of the oldest hotel issues for parents – sharing a room with young ones. Instead of having to put the lights out when the kids go to bed at 7pm, we’re free to watch TV, order room service and chat, without needing to book (and pay) for an adjoining room.

Food + drink

The breakfast buffet at the Sofitel Fiji is a highlight. Along with being unapologetically French with a heaving pastry section and French champagne, it also gives guests an excellent taste of Indo-Fijian cuisine, right down to the masala chai served in clay cups and coconuts macheted open to order. Beyond breakfast, an adults-only a la carte restaurant is available at Waitui, a French-themed cafe in the main lobby, and an ice-cream parlour is strategically placed by the waterslide. Solis restaurant on the beach offers amazing seafood and has a bar area for sundowners. However with two exhausted kids, on our second night we order tasty and reasonably priced room service, which comes in paper bags and cardboard take-away boxes.

Out + about

For a change of scene, jump on the round-trip Bula Bus to check out Denarau’s other resorts, attractions and dining precinct. Play a round of golf, head to a waterslide park, or get a retail fix at the Port Denarau Marina, which is also an easy departure point for day trips to the islands. Don’t miss a seafood dinner at Sails Restaurant (sailsfiji.com) at the port. Not only are they exceptionally accommodating for children, they showcase the best regional produce, Indian and Fijian classics and seafood.

The verdict

The Sofitel remains one of Denarau’s best resort options, consistently delivering on service, style and sophistication. The extensive renovation enhances and differentiates the hotel from others, finding a unique balance between catering for families, business travellers and kid-free couples.

The essentials

Beachfront, Denarau Island, Fiji

www.sofitel-fiji.com

From $FJ950 ($640) a room a night including taxes, full buffet breakfast and Wi-Fi.

Highlight

The breakfast buffet – if only they could all be so amazing.

Lowlight

A loud wedding on the first night stretched the friendship after a 6am flight from Sydney, although it finished on time as promised by management.

Our rating out of five

★★★★★

The writer stayed as a guest of Tourism Fiji.