Malolo Lailai Island, Fiji – Plantation Island Resort has reinforced its reputation as one of the South Pacific’s most loved family holiday destinations, receiving top honours from Australia’s two leading family travel publications to close out 2025.
The resort has been named Best Family Resort at the 2025 Out & About With Kids Readers’ Choice Awards, while also being voted Best Resort in Fiji (3–4 star category) in the Holidays With Kids Readers’ Choice Awards, marking an extraordinary 10 consecutive years of recognition from Holidays With Kids readers.
Together, the accolades represent a powerful endorsement from Australian families and position Plantation Island Resort as the benchmark for family-friendly holidays in Fiji.
Gold-Standard Recognition from Australian Families
Now in its 14th year, the Out & About With Kids Readers’ Choice Awards are considered the gold standard of family travel recognition, celebrating destinations and properties that consistently deliver exceptional experiences for travelling families.
The Holidays With Kids Readers’ Choice Awards are hosted by Holidays With Kids, a leading Asia-Pacific family travel magazine renowned for its trusted advice and real-life family travel experiences. Voted on by readers, the annual awards highlight the best family-friendly resorts and hotels in Australia and around the world, with results published in the magazine’s quarterly print edition and online.
Plantation Island Resort General Manager, Rodney Samuels, said the dual recognition reflects the resort’s unwavering focus on family connection and experience.
“Being recognised by Australian families across two of the country’s most trusted family travel platforms is incredibly meaningful. Plantation Island Resort has always been about connection. A place where children gain confidence, parents can truly relax, and families
create lifelong memories. These awards reflect the passion of our team and the loyalty of the families who return year after year.”
The recognition was described by Lisa Wagstaff, Head of Operations, Digital Manager and Contributing Editor at Holidays With Kids, as “such a fantastic acknowledgement of an incredible resort.”
A Standout Achievement in a Highly Competitive Year
The 2025 Out & About With Kids awards saw record engagement, with more than 40,000 votes cast by Australian families, making this year’s accolade one of the most competitive to date.
Publisher Elisa Elwin highlighted the significance of the results, stating, “The sheer volume of votes this year is a powerful mandate from Australian families. Australian families are in search of exceptional, dependable, and superior experiences, and the 2025 RCA winners set the benchmark. These awards are a trusted resource for every parent planning their next getaway.”
Being recognised across both awards underscores the enduring appeal of Plantation Island Resort’s warm hospitality, unforgettable activities and exceptional value for families.
Why Families Love Plantation Island Resort
Located on Malolo Lailai Island, in Fiji’s iconic Mamanuca Islands, Plantation Island Resort blends adventure, relaxation and authentic Fijian culture to create holidays that bring families together. Spanning 553 acres of tropical gardens and pristine beaches, the resort offers a rich mix of experiences designed for all ages.
Highlights include:
- Dedicated family facilities, including multiple pools, wide beaches, water parks and expansive spaces for kids to explore
- The Coconut Kids Club and a wide range of supervised activities that let young guests play, learn and connect
- A safe, welcoming environment ideal for multigenerational holidays, family reunions and milestone celebrations
- Flexible, family-friendly accommodation, from traditional beachside bures to spacious hotel rooms
- Excellent value, with family-focused packages and inclusions designed to make travel easier for parents
Since 2019, the resort has expanded its offerings with 40 new Beachfront Rooms, the Tavola precinct with new pool and dining options, a retail shopping centre, Senibua Spa wellness facilities, Fiji’s first Jungle Water Park, and upgraded pool and dining experiences.
Looking Ahead: New Guest Experiences for 2026
Plantation Island Resort will continue its evolution in 2026 with nine new guest rooms, currently under development, including Beachfront Bures and Two Bedroom Garden Bures, designed for families and small groups.
Opening in early 2027 will be a new central facility including Baravi Mediterranean Kitchen, and new locations for the popular Brigham Bar and Copra Restaurant; plus new resort pools designed as a central gathering space for guests.
Together, these developments reinforce Plantation Island Resort’s commitment to delivering affordable, family-friendly memorable experiences in the heart of the Mamanuca Islands, Fiji.
For more information, visit www.plantationisland.com
ENDS
About Raffe Hotels & Resorts
Raffe Hotels & Resorts is a family-owned business operating in Fiji for more than 50 years. The Group prides itself on providing memorable holiday experiences at its trio of independent Fijian properties – family favourite, Plantation Island Resort; couples-only destination, Lomani Island
Resort & Spa; and the ultra-convenient Fiji Gateway Hotel. The Raffe reputation for excellent service and value continues to attract visitors from around the globe. The Group remains deeply committed to the community and focuses on practices that reflect its passion for sustainability and continual improvement. Visit www.raffehotels.com
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS CONTACT:
Rebecca Astier – Glasshouse Communications
(PR Consultant representing Raffe Hotels & Resorts)
Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 (0) 417667042
