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We travel quite a bit, and I am often asked to name my favorite trip so far. Well, the answer is that pretty much all of my trips are my favorites, as nothing makes me happier than being somewhere new. That said, when asked about the most unique and magical place, there is always one destination that comes to mind. And, that is Castaway Island, Fiji!
And, you might be wondering if this is where the movie Castaway was filmed. I had the same thought. It was not filmed on this island but on another nearby island, which you can see from the beach at Castaway Island. That was close enough for me!
Why Castaway Island, Fiji, Feels So Special
I visited Castaway Island, Fiji, located on a 174-acre private island, last year on a media trip hosted by Tourism Fiji. And even though my own family wasn’t with me, I instantly understood why so many parents call this their favorite family resort in the South Pacific.
If you’ve read any of my other Fiji posts, especially my guide on why a Fiji vacation should be on your radar now more than ever, you already know how much I love the way Fiji encourages you to slow down and be present.
Castaway Island takes that feeling and magnifies it. There is something so peaceful and unhurried about this island. People move more slowly. Kids run freely. Parents actually relax. And every time I saw a family laughing together or a toddler splashing in the water outside their beachfront Bure, I kept thinking to myself, “I need to bring my family here.”
Castaway Island is the kind of place where families genuinely reconnect!
A Peaceful Escape From Everyday Life
The first thing you notice at Castaway Island is how calm it feels. It’s that sense of stepping away from real life and sinking into a slower rhythm. This Fiji island resort and its thoughtful, yet laid-back amenities are truly beautiful. Castaway Island resort is on a private island, so you are there solely with the other guests who are also staying there and share the same desire to reconnect with their loved ones.
The whole environment encourages families to unplug and just enjoy being together, which is what makes it truly magical in such a busy day and age. In fact, wifi is only available in the main restaurant area, and there are no TVs in the accommodations.
Bula! A Warm, Welcoming Culture
One of the things that stood out to me during my entire Fiji trip, and that I wrote about in multiple travel blog posts about Fiji, is how genuinely warm and welcoming Fijians are. Castaway Island, Fiji, is no exception. The staff greet you by name, remember your preferences, and make you feel like part of the Castaway family. It’s such a consistent theme in Fiji, and it’s a huge reason why families love coming here.
Just like I’ve said before, there’s something about this country that makes everything feel effortless, and Castaway Island captures that feeling beautifully. And, it starts even before you set foot on this beautiful private island in Fiji.
You arrive for your stay at Castaway Island, Fiji, by tender boat from the larger South Seas ferry. And, as you get closer to shore, you will see and hear the staff singing you a warm Fijian welcome song, as shown in my Instagram reel here. And, yes, this warm welcome is indicative of how the rest of your stay will go!
My Visit to Castaway Island, Fiji
I visited Castaway Island, Fiji, for two nights as part of a longer hosted media trip with two other travel writers. Even though I was there to photograph and explore the resort, I found myself constantly thinking about how much my family would love it. In fact, I have said many times since then that I want to take them back there!
And, this is actually more doable than ever with the new direct flights from Dallas-Fort Worth to Nadi, Fiji. And we can take a quick, direct flight from Panama City, Florida, to Dallas, Texas, rather than having to travel to the West Coast. So, while this feels like one of those dream trips, it’s actually really doable!
In my guide to planning a family trip to Fiji for $5,000, I explained that Fiji is more affordable than many people expect!
Castaway Island Room Options & What To Expect
Castaway Island, Fiji’s accommodations aren’t your typical hotel rooms. They offer 65 private bures (bungalows) with vaulted, hand-painted ceilings. I was able to stay in one of these, and it was a true pinch-myself moment!
I loved these setups because they have one king bed and two single beds, which is perfect for a family like mine. Our teenagers always appreciate having separate beds, which gives everyone their own space. There is a privacy door between the two sections as well.
Beachfront & Island Bures
These bures are dreamy, and air-conditioned! The Beachfront Bures are essentially the front row, closest to the water. These are steps from the sand, lots of space, outdoor showers, and beautiful ocean views.
The Island Bures are the ones set back and are more affordable. That said, it’s a small property, but it’s still convenient to everything. These work well for families who don’t mind being a few steps back from the beach but still want all the comfort and charm.
There are also a couple of larger bures, including the Family Bure, which sleeps up to 10 with two king beds and 6 single beds. Perfect for two families or a trip with grandparents! The Grand Bure is a mid-size option that sleeps up to six people.
Click here to view the Castaway Island map!
Family-friendly Dining At Castaway Island, Fiji
Castaway Island is a magical resort, but it is also laid back! I even enjoyed a dinner barefoot with my feet in the sand. Meals here are relaxed and easy. No one is rushing or stressing. Families could have real conversations! You can opt for wood-fired pizza at Sundowners, casual buffet dining at Water’s Edge, easy bites at the pool bar and grill, or award-winning fusion cuisine at Restaurant 1808.
Is Castaway Island, Fiji, All-Inclusive?
Meals are not automatically included at Castaway Island Resort. However, you can add meal plans or book your stay to include meals through various promotions. This includes Castaway Island all inclusive options, beverage plans, and kids-eat-free offerings. So, just pay attention when booking and choose the option that best fits your needs.
Activities & Experiences You Won’t Want To Miss
During my time at Castaway Island, Fiji, I went snorkeling, and it was the best I have ever experienced! We also did coral planting and went out on a boat to a floating pizza bar called Cloud 9. This was my favorite day spent on my weeklong trip to Fiji!
When recommending a family resort, I think it’s important to share the activities and experiences available, because it really helps potential travelers determine whether these are activities and experiences that someone’s own family will enjoy. Everyone travels differently, and we can’t all fall in love with the exact same resorts or destinations. And, that’s ok!
That said, when I am on trips without my family, I always pay close attention to how families use a space. On Castaway Island, everything felt seamless and effortless!
In my post about the best reasons to visit Fiji with kids, I emphasized the importance of variety and why Fiji does that so well. Teens need freedom and adventure, while younger kids need safe play and supervision. Castaway nails this balance. I watched toddlers playing happily with their nannies, tweens snorkeling off the beach, and teens paddleboarding or kayaking on their own. Parents looked relaxed and connected in a way that’s hard to find on more structured or crowded vacations.
Here are some of the things you can plan to experience during a visit to Castaway Island, Fiji!
Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Sailing, Snorkeling & More
There are a variety of activities that you can do for free right there on the beach, including many non-motorized water sports like kayaking, catamaran sailing, kite surfing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, tennis, and more.
Paid activities at Castaway Island include things like jet ski and banana boat rides, excursions to other islands, fishing trips, surfing, and more.
You can also enjoy their new inflatable Castaway Island waterpark for a small fee (included in some rates).
Castaway Island Swimming Pools
Castaway Island, Fiji, has two swimming pools. One is for families, and another is adults-only. I saw many extended families visiting Castaway Island when I was there. Many parents enjoyed the adults-only pool while grandparents or even nannies cared for their younger children.
Scheduled Activities At Castaway Island
Upon arrival, stop by the activities desk for an activities schedule, or check the bulletin board near the main restaurant. The friendly staff at Castaway Island does a great job putting together a fun array of daily activities, with everything from traditional Lovo preparation to the popular International Frog Races.
There are also cooking classes, sunset kayak outings, Kava ceremonies, and so many more fun activities at Castaway Island, Fiji.
Castaway Island also does a great job of incorporating local Fijian culture and heritage in a fun yet meaningful way! I always smiled when I saw the kids yell “Bula!” to everyone they met. It’s a phrase that brings joy and a smile and means everything from hello to cheers to bless you. It literally translates to life.
Click here to see what activities to expect each week!
Castaway Island Spa
The best massages of my life were in Fiji! So, if you want some pampering and added relaxation, make sure to check out the Castaway Island spa menu and book your service in advance. And, those prices are in Fijian dollars. Convert them to USD, and you will be shocked to see that they are much more affordable than most hotel spa services we are used to here in the United States.
Snorkeling & Scuba Boat Outings
If your family loves the water as much as we do, this will be the highlight of your trip. The reefs further offshore around Castaway Island are stunning, and the marine life is vibrant and plentiful. We booked a boat trip that took us out to a beautifully vibrant reef. It was the best snorkeling that I have ever experienced.
They also have a great dive shop for anyone ages 10+ who wants to Scuba dive. And, if you have younger children, the kids’ club at Castaway Island provides a safe and fun place for them to stay and enjoy.
Castway Island’s Amazing Nanny & Kids Club Program
Speaking of that, one thing I really wanted to highlight is the Nanny and free Kids Club program at Castaway Island, Fiji. The incredible nanny service is something I’ve touched on before when talking about traveling in Fiji with kids, and Castaway Island takes it to the next level. The nannies here are warm, patient, and have the sweetest interactions with the little ones.
It’s one of the biggest reasons parents return year after year. And, the kids come to know and love their nannies. When checking out, I saw multiple moms arranging nanny services for young children, requesting people by name. And the nanny services are very inexpensive.
Adventures For Older Kids & Teens
For older kids and teens, the resort is a dream. The activities at Castaway Island align perfectly with what I discussed in my Visiting Fiji With Teens blog post. Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, boat trips, and so much freedom to explore safely. The snorkeling boat outings in particular were incredible. The water is so clear, and the reefs are colorful and easy for confident swimmers to navigate. I kept thinking about how much my kids would love it.
There are a handful of organized activities for teens, but what I think makes Castaway Island magical for families is the ability just to give them some freedom and autonomy. As a mother of two teenagers, I have come to realize that this makes things much more enjoyable.
Tips for Planning Your Visit To Castaway Island, Fiji
If you are ready to plan a trip to Fiji, definitely consider spending a few days at the Castaway Island resort. It truly is a magical place!
A great approach is to spend a few days on the main island, then venture to Castaway Island for the second part of your stay. You can finish with a night at one of the resorts near the airport in Nadi.
Click here to browse rates and availability at Castaway Island, Fiji!
Best Time Of Year To Visit Fiji
I visited in May and had picture-perfect weather. April through October is generally the best time to visit Fiji, as it is the dry season. Most days are mild and sunny, and the water is usually calm for snorkeling and swimming. July and August can be busy, so if you have a flexible schedule, consider May or early June.
How To Get To Castaway Island, Fiji
You can get there by seaplane, helicopter, or boat transfer from Nadi. I took the South Seas Cruises resort transfer ferry, which was easy and scenic. It’s definitely the most popular way to get to Castaway Island from Nadi, Fiji. Just keep an eye on your international flight times and plan your transfers accordingly.
Why I’m Already Planning To Bring My Family To Castaway Island
Even though I visited Castaway Island, Fiji, without my family, this beach resort in Fiji somehow became one of the places I’m most excited to return to with them.
Everything I’ve written about Fiji, the warm culture, the peaceful atmosphere, the family-friendly activities, comes together on this island in such a beautiful way. It’s easy, safe, relaxing, and filled with experiences that help families slow down and reconnect. Castaway Island is truly magical, and I can already picture us returning here for a trip we’ll never forget!
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