Plantation Island Resort Reviews
The next stop on Sandra’s recent Fiji insight tour was Malolo Lailai Island, a slice of paradise that typifies a postcard perfect island destination.
Located in the stunning Mamanuca Group, Malolo Lailai hosts three resorts – Plantation Island Resort, Lomani Island Resort and Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina – each of which has a slightly different offering for guests.
The resorts are within walking distance of each other making Malolo Lailai popular with all travellers. It’s particularly unique in that it’s perfect for families and groups travelling together and destination weddings where each guest may have a different need – an adults-only resort, a family-friendly one, or one with a more laid back combination of both.
There is an airport on the island however most visitors take the 40 minute Malolo Cat out to the island from Port Denarau. This is a great opportunity to settle into “Fiji Time”, check out the super yachts moored at Port Denarau as you cruise by, and even do a spot of dolphin watching on the way.
Plantation Island Resort
Plantation Island Resort is a medium sized, three star resort positioned on a long beach in a beautiful sheltered lagoon. The beach has lovely white sand and calm blue water that’s safe for even the littlest of swimmers. Just a short swim off the beach and you can snorkel or bounce around on the floating water park.
The rooms have all just been refurbished and offer clean and spacious interiors. There is a great range of bure accommodation scattered throughout the resort including garden setting, poolside and beachfront. A popular bure for families is their two bedroom garden bure – two bedrooms are hard to find in Fiji, so these spacious bures really cater to that market.
Plantation is a large resort by island standards and has a wide range of guest facilities including 3 freshwater pools, children’s playground, games room, two restaurants / bars, a snack bar, mini mart, golf course and medical centre.
If you grab one of the resort bikes you can cycle between the other resorts or picnic on a secluded beach away from the crowds.
The Coconut Kids Club is fantastic and offers little guests a wide range of daily activities. There is a children’s creche and indoor activities centre and, of course, excellent child minding and nanny services. Teenagers have their own Teens Club with plenty for them to do without having to mix with younger guests.
Needless to say there is plenty to keep guests busy ranging from all the favourite water sports, snorkelling, diving and cultural activities.
What Sandra loved about Plantation Island Resort
- The resorts is spacious and set among lush tropical gardens with beautiful pathways meandering throughout.
- After 8pm the beachfront restaurant turns in to a bar and is a great place to watch the sun set over a cocktail (or two). Later in the evening it turns into a tropical “nightclub”. It’s a great place for socialising with friends – existing or newly acquired.
- After the refurbishment the rooms are fresh, light and spacious.
Different accommodation options suit all budgets. - The sister resort, Lomani Island Resort, is a short stroll away offering five star dining. A great retreat whilst the kids are attending Kids Club or with their personal nanny. Guests may dine at Lomani by reservation only.
Plantation Island Resort is an extremely popular choice for many of our clients as it offers great value for money in a beautiful 5 star location.
Lomani Island Resort
Lomani Island Resort is the adults-only sister resort of Plantation and is located at the northern end of the lagoon.
Lomani is the Fijian word for ‘love’ and you’ll certainly be enamoured with this resort. With 12 luxury suites and 5 beachfront bures, it’s a sanctuary of four star luxury and indulgence.
The atmosphere at Lomani is peaceful and the staff are very attentive to the needs of every guest. There is a sense of serenity about this resort that is hard to define, but evident when you’re there.
Enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars at The Flame Tree, Lomani’s beachside restaurant where you can savour the delicious flavours of European, Asian and Fijian influenced dishes that feature fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. The cocktail bar features a tantalizing selection of drinks including creamy coladas and fresh caprioskas. The resort also stocks an extensive range of New Zealand and Australian wines, French champagnes, and local and imported beers and spirits.
Only a short 5 minute stroll along the beach or through the garden paths to Plantation Island Resort, it’s easy for guests staying at either resort to meander between the two.
Adult guests staying at Plantation Island Resort are welcome to use the facilities at Lomani anytime and it’s common to see parents relaxing by the adults-only pool whilst the children are in Kids Club. Lomani’s restaurants are a popular romantic escape each night while the children stay with the nanny (with respect to other guests, children staying at Plantation are not allowed within the grounds of Lomani).
Lomani’s inclusions are particularly impressive making it a beautiful luxury resort that offers great value for money. Some of the year round complimentary inclusions are free massages, guided outer snorkelling excursions, romantic 3 course dinner by the beach, daily breakfast, laundry service plus complimentary tours and cultural activities. Contact us for more information as inclusions may vary on length of stay.
What Sandra loved about Lomani Island Resort
- Beautiful, protected beach.
- Spacious and clean rooms. Lovely decor.
- Close proximity to Plantation Island Resort and use of their extensive guest facilities.
- Unbeatable range of complimentary inclusions.
Lomani is an affordable, luxury adults-only resort that offers great value for money with complimentary inclusions.
Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina
Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina is located at the southern end of the Malolo Lailai Island. This uncrowded hideaway captures the essence of Fiji with lush tropical surrounds and a beautiful beach.
Uniquely, Musket Cove Island Resort has its own marina making it a popular destination for passing yachties seeking some R&R. The annual Musket Cove Regatta is a fun time to visit, with or without your yacht.
There is a range of five star accommodation dotted throughout the resort including amid the rainforest, on the beachfront and along the lagoon that meanders through the resort. Sandra stayed in one of the two bedroom villas perched over the lagoon. The villas are very spacious and perfect for families, a group of friends or two couples. The one Sandra stayed in featured a full kitchen, separate dining area, two large bedrooms, shared pool and sitting area with an over-water balcony.
The resort facilities are excellent and include two swimming pools, world class Mandara Spa, marina, supermarket and boutique. There are a range of dining options including gourmet cuisine at Dick’s Place Bar & Bistro or lighter choices at the Trader’s Cafe. For something a little different, cook your own BBQ at the Musket Cove Yacht Club bar. Or, stock up at the resort supermarket and self cater. The culinary team sources nothing but the best and freshest ingredients with a large percentage coming from their own organic farm. There are also great healthy options available (this was the only resort Sandra visited that served breakfast granola equivalent to cafes back home).
While Musket is a family friendly resort without a doubt, there is no formal Kids Club. Kids free range and explore within the grounds, on the beach or in the water. Babysitting and nanny services are available, if required.
What Sandra loved about Musket Cove Resort & Marina
- Spacious accommodation suitable for a range of guest requirements.
- Spectacular pool – the best place to watch the sun set.
- Free in-room Wi-Fi and throughout the resort.
- Fresh baked cookies delivered to the rooms each day.
- Cafe offering delicious baked goods.
As with the other resorts on Malolo LaiLai Island, Musket Cove is only a short stroll or cycle away from Plantation and Lomani Resorts.
Read Sandra’s other Fiji resort reviews
- Plantation Island Resort »
- Lomani Island Resort »
- Musket Cove Resort & Marina »
- Shangri-La Fijian Resort »
- Hilton Fiji Beach Resort »
- More Fiji travel reviews »