We travelled around 4 islands - Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia - in March staying in different accommodation.

Shangri-La was, on reflection, the best organised and most comprehensive holiday resort offer. However, because it basically is a massive holiday camp it may not be to everyone’s taste. Like all these things depends what you want.

We stayed for 7 nights in March. We stayed in the adults only reef wing. We had some sunny days and some torrential downpours. The room was good, TV and excellent A/C which was necessary to combat the humidity. We left it off once to return to water running down the walls and puddles in the floor! The balcony was pretty spacious offering good views of the beach, lagoon and adult swimming pool.

This a massive self contained resort catering largely for families (and a conference facility) with a multiplicity of restaurants offering different cuisines (we liked the beach bar), bars, swimming pools, kids club, a small shopping centre, on site ATM, trips, golf course, crazy golf, spa, shows etc etc. To be fair it’s been very well put together. There are free motorised buggies that drive round picking guests up and dropping them off. The adults only wing was kept as adults only with its own bar (served snacks) and its own swimming pool. There is an adults only breakfast restaurant on the site but not in the reef wing.

The location was about an hour away from the airport (depending on traffic) and on the south side if the island. The resort offered walks around it and some pleasant beaches with lovely views. But to get the ‘real’ Fiji you’d have to go off site.

Like most, if not all, of the Pacific Islands it’s hard to go there and not be struck by how genuinely pleasant, polite, hospitable, warm and friendly the people are. This was true of all the staff here who were simply and uniformly helpful and lovely. In fact, the guys here were top quality.

So, we liked it as a different experience. But can see why others may not as it may just be too big and too busy. I can see the attraction for families. If you are on holiday without children I’d have to suggest going adult only.

Overall, we enjoyed our week.

We arrived later than usual due to our flight being delayed but check in was quick and we were met by the “chief” lobby greeter - very warm and welcoming.

Taken to our room by golf buggy and bags taken up. Room was big and had a great view overlooking the ocean.

Played golf - nice little 9 hole easy to get around. My wife and I had treatments at the spa - staff very professional. Restaurants were all great with amazing views.

All staff were friendly and helpful.

Food was great - we had our breakfast included and there are options to have all inclusive. They made an effort to bring me cake and sing happy birthday to me one night at dinner.

If you looking for a resort to relax, it accommodates families has pools with lifeguards.