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Worldmark Fiji Review
Worldmark Fiji probably doesn't qualify as a kid friendly resort, but because we stayed there we'll review it just the same.
The resort is situated on Denarau Island, about 20 minutes from Nadi airport and ten minutes from Nadi town centre. It is next door to the Sheraton Fiji and minutes from the Sheraton Villas and the Sheraton Royal.
We visited in April 2001.
Worldmark Experience
The room we stayed in was a two bedroom fully self contained unit, with bathroom, ensuite, two TV's, video and stereo. Plenty of room for a family of four, with a huge balcony overlooking the ocean and pool. The rooms are air conditioned, have a kitchen with full cooking facilities plus a washer and dryer.
The Worldmark has no restaurants or food outlets (*see note at bottom of page), so you need to cook your own meals, or travel to one of the nearby Sheraton resorts, or to Nadi. There is a free shuttle bus (the 'Bula Bus') which runs frequently between the Sheraton and Worldmark resorts. The Sheraton resorts are five star accommodation and are very expensive to eat at. Full breakfast at the Sheraton Fiji is about F$68 for two adults and two kids (but the food quality and choice is fantastic). There is a café at the Sheraton Fiji that provides children's meals (F$6-$8) and adults (F$12-$24).
It's about F$8 in a taxi to Nadi or you can catch the local bus (60cents/adult) which is an experience, especially if you pass through the Fijian village on the way. Nadi itself is a very busy town, plenty of shops, especially clothes, duty free and souvenir shops. The supermarkets are crowded but it's a good idea to buy some food and drinks. However Nadi is a bit much for the kids, especially on a hot day, and you need to keep a good hold, the sidewalks are narrow and crowded. The Indian traders are very aggressive and will put a great deal of pressure on you to buy which makes the whole shopping experience a taxing time, especially with kids.
Back to the resort. There's a shop at Worldmark Fiji where you can get drinks, some food (bread, breakfast cereal etc).
The pool at Worldmark Fiji is massive, and is perfect for the kids. There's a big kids pool and the main pool has a walk in shallow area that extends for about ten metres before it opens out to about 1.6m. One end of the pool, under one of the two bridges, has a pool volleyball area and there's a swim up bar which is used just as much by the kids as the adults.
The beachfront at Worldmark Fiji is not great, the sand is a dark colour and the water was very murky, which may have been a result of the rain. Also at high time the water covers most of the sand and the water can get a bit rough when its windy (you certainly wouldn't even consider swimming). The Sheraton Fiji is a five minute stroll along the sand and the beach here looks a bit more inviting.
The staff at the Worldmark Fiji are as friendly and as helpful as we've come to expect from the Fijians, especially towards the kids. Some light entertainment was usually happening around the pool, including frog races and the nightly fire lighting ceremony. A lovo feast was prepared one night and was accompanied by some traditional Fijian dancers.
Summary
More of a series of self contained holiday units than a resort, and probably not the best place for the kids, but you probably won't find any better (or newer) accommodation in Fiji. You also won't find a pool as big as this one anywhere in Fiji either.
Eating nearby is expensive so you would probably be better off hiring a car and traveling to Nadi for food supplies. If possible avoid eating outside the main resort areas.
Note: This resort now has a restaurant.
Links
Readers Reviews
Trip Advisor Reviews
Website
Fiji Mainland Accommodation
Fiji Island Accommodation
Fiji Family Travel Guide
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