Shangri-La essentially means “utopia.” Guests arriving at Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji certainly experience a taste of utopia during their stay.
Most US tourists arriving in Fiji have traveled at least ten hours on an overnight flight. After landing in Fiji, you can bet they’re ready to activate vacation mode ASAP. To jump right into the tropical vibes, we’d recommend you book a room at Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji, not too far from the main airport.
Built in 1967, Shangri-La exudes classic beach resort vibes, but with all of the modern amenities. The property sits right along the ocean and the views are gorgeous in all directions. Picture lush landscaping, swaying palm trees and pastel sunsets.
The resort sits on its own 109-acre island on Fiji’s Coral Coast. Once you cross the causeway into Shangri-La, you’ll feel you’ve really escaped from it all.
Accommodations at Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji
Shangri-La is an ideal setting for families, and family groups, visiting Fiji. It’s a large property with hundreds of rooms, all with water views.
The Yanuca Lagoon Wing is the ideal location for families as it’s close to the resort’s many family-friendly activities and water sports.
The standard family room features a king bed with a pull-out sofa or daybed. All have a private balcony overlooking either the Lagoon or the Pacific Ocean.
KidTripster Tip: The standard room might feel a bit cramped if traveling with teenagers. In that case, we’d recommend booking two rooms.
There’s an adults only section of the resort, that was built just a few years ago. The Reef Wing has its own pool and lobby with complimentary happy hour each evening. We’re told that grandparents often book these rooms when traveling with their kids and grandkids. This section of the resort is very quiet and the rooms are huge.
Golf cart transportation is provided around the large property.
Room rates start as low as $150 USD a night. The “Ultimate Fiji Family Experience” is a great deal for a family of four as it includes airport transfers, some meals, massages for the adults, an excursion to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes and much more. Package rates start at $250 USD.
KidTripster Tip: Kids are considered age 11 and under at this resort.
Activities at Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji
Something else we love about Shangri-La is the wide array of complimentary activities available to guests. To name a few:
Kids Club
Little Chief’s Kids Club: The Little Chief’s Club is for ages 4-11 years old. There are activities throughout the day between 10am-9pm. Check the calendar upon arriving at the resort. Some of the traditional Fijan activities are coconut boat making and racing, spears making and throwing, dance lessons, weaving classes sandcastle building and crab races.
There’s an entertainment zone with activities for tweens and teens. For an added cost, there’s VR Mindflight7 Fiji.
KidTripster Tip: Babysitting services are available for a small fee.
Water Activities
Swimming Pools: Three large freshwater pools are located on property as well as a small children’s pool.
Water Park: The inflatable water park in the lagoon is the largest and first of its kind on the Coral Coast. It has slides, monkey bars, bridges and more. It’s available for kids ages 7 and up.
Beach Access: The beach is easily accessible. Because the lagoon isn’t impacted by the tides, it’s safe for swimming and snorkeling year-round. Chairs are available on the beach.
Non-Motorized Water Sports: Some of the included activities are snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding. You don’t have to snorkel far off the shoreline, you can see a lot of colorful fish in the reef just feet from the beach. Life vests are available.
KidTripster Tip: Water activities like boat tours, parasailing, wakeboarding and scuba diving can be booked at a cost through the Reef Safari Dive Center.
Marine Education Center: Shangri-La has its own Marine Education Center and is committed to protecting its natural surroundings. Inside the Marine Education Center, guests can learn about local marine life and the surrounding ecosystem. They can also partake in meaningful activities like building a fish house, which helps bring fish and coral back to the area. Reef rangers also provide mangrove kayak tours, snorkeling tours through the reef, and other educational opportunities. Donations help to sustain the center.
Land Activities
Golfing: For land activities, the 9 hole executive golf course ranges in cost from $8-15 USD for a round, price is dependent upon age. There’s a complimentary mini-golf course on property, too.
Horseback Riding: Another fun activity is horseback riding. A guide will lead you and your horse around Yanuca Island. It’s a pretty way to see the property. No horseback riding experience is needed. The cost of a 30 minute ride is $9 USD for kids and $17 USD for adults. Hourlong rides are available, too.
[ Related: Top 10 Reasons for Families to Visit Fiji ]
Spa Services at Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji
It’s worth indulging yourself at Chi, The Spa located in a gorgeous and peaceful setting. Treatments are provided in individual bures (traditional Fijian cottages) with ocean views. Spa services include facials, body treatments and massages. We recommend the Traditional Fijian Bobo Massage, the cost is $85 USD for 1 hour.
There’s a unique service called “Dusk Til Dawn” that’s a spa and sleep experience. Treatment and a light dinner are provided at dusk. Guests then spend the night in the bure. In the morning, they’ll enjoy breakfast and a facial before heading out. The cost is $450 USD per couple.
Dining at Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji
We were impressed with the food at Shangri-La – in the variety, quality, and value. The resort sources more than 75% of its meat, seafood and produce locally.
There are four restaurants and two bars on property. A particular highlight was Takali Asian Kitchen. The Asian fusion menu is outstanding. The Golden Cowrie Coastal Italian restaurant was also really good. It’s high quality Mediterranean dishes featuring the island’s fresh seafood and produce.
The Lagoon Terrace is the main restaurant, and it’s perfect for families. It has a dedicated kids menu and a kids seating area. Lagoon Terrace serves globally inspired food throughout the day.
KidTripster Tip: Shangri-La Yanuca Island is knowledgeable and accommodating when it comes to food allergies. The buffets included a “Gluten Free Corner.”
Half-board and full-board dining packages are available for guests wishing to make their stay at Shangri-La more of an all-inclusive experience. Some room packages include meals as well. Kids age 11 and under eat free at the resort’s “Kids Eat Free” restaurants when ordering off of the children’s menus.
Cultural Experiences at Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji
Fiji is rich in culture. The Little Chief’s Kids Club provides cultural activities daily.
The whole family can experience an evening of culture at the traditional Fijian village called Marau Village located right on Yanuca Island. Guests can watch fire walkers, partake in a Kava ceremony, take cooking classes, and experience a traditional Fijian Lovo. A Lovo is a feast cooked outside in an earth oven.
Getting to Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji
Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji is located on Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island, and home to the nation’s capital and the major international airport, Nadi International Airport (NAN). Travel time from the airport to the resort is about 45 minutes.
If transfers aren’t included in your room package, we recommend booking transport through Rosie Holidays, a reliable and efficient tour operator in Fiji. Arrange your transportation in advance so that your ride is waiting for you upon arrival. One-way transfer for a family of four in a private vehicle will cost about $165 USD.
Tourism Fiji and Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji hosted the author for the purposes of this review. All opinions are her own.
