Your dream holiday with the kids starts here

Named the Best Superior Accommodation at this year's Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards, Malolo Island Resort is a perennial favourite that has bounced back from its long COVID-19 closure. Owned by a Fijian family, the resort is unashamedly kid-friendly, although the waterfront location and excellent service make it attractive for anyone seeking affordable barefoot luxury. The original 1970s bures (villas) along the edge of the sand, completely redesigned and refurbished less than 10 years ago, have had a further refresh during the lockdown.

The resort is located on the tip of its namesake, Malolo Island, the largest of the Mamanuca Islands group and one of the closest to Nadi International Airport. Along the edge of the beach, hammocks hang between tavola trees, and I notice some guests choose to spend most of their time there (hopefully observing the signs requesting "responsible hammocking"). Although there are other resorts on the island, you wouldn't know from the sense of isolation you get in this little slice of paradise, not far from where Tom Hanks filmed Cast Away.

Although it's modern and comfortable, Malolo Island Resort also has a rustic feel, so you almost feel you're part of a local village, nestled among palms heavy with coconuts. That sense is helped along by the staff, with 35 per cent of them coming from communities on the island. Their genuine friendliness makes guests feel like part of a family - including the young boy celebrating his birthday who was invited to help light the resort's tiki torches that evening.

Of the 46 bures at the resort, only two of them are designed just for adults (with only one king bed in each). The rest all sleep at least four, with the family bure fitting up to seven. The rooms, with high vaulted ceilings, have a spacious mix of bedroom and living area, and most have direct water views. There's intentionally no Wi-Fi in the rooms, so the kids won't be distracted from quality family time (although you can get connected in the common areas).

On the casual lunch menu down by the water, among the burgers and pizzas, are local offerings like cured local reef fish (kokoda) and a baked spinach pie. Executive chef Gregory Llewellyn, who's worked in US kitchens and owned Australian restaurants (including Hartsyard in Sydney), tells me his aim here is a menu that's "recognisable but nuanced and packed with flavour". You'll see that style reflected in the adults-only Treetops dining room with curries, island-grown vegetables, and local hand-caught lobster.

It's all about the water here, from the two pools (one is adults only) to the snorkelling around the fringing reef, and the kayaks and sail boats to borrow for free. The resort offers tours, including an island-hopping boat trip to new snorkelling and swimming locations, plus a sunset cruise with drinks and nibbles. Perhaps the ultimate luxury, though, is the small private island just 15 minutes away that you can have all to yourself for a romantic couples' retreat ... or with the kids, if they insist.

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I'm not sure I've ever had a massage as good as the one from spa manager Lucy, who seems to find every knot in my back. The treatment rooms at Malolo Island Resort's spa have no exterior walls, so you feel as though you're in the jungle.

Where: Malolo Island, Fiji

How much: Rooms range from $500 to $1500 a night

Explore more: maloloisland.com

Michael Turtle was a guest of Malolo Island Resort.