Switching to Fiji time at Malolo

It's an unfortunate start. A choppy dark blue sea and a moonless Fijian sky.

The nose of the water taxi rises and falls, hitting the water like a brick on concrete. Boatman Api peers out into the blackness, keeping a watch out for hazards on the 40-minute trip from Fiji's main island to Malolo Island.

I feel I've made a serious mistake.

I pull my one-year-old closer to my chest, trying to stop her rockmelon-sized head from bobbling about, while my partner wraps his arms tighter around our three-year-old.

The exhaust fumes are making me queasy - then we arrive at the jetty and see the singing staff, who after their welcome song shout "Bula! Bula!"

Malolo Island Resort operations manager Zack Vonotabua hands out peppermint-scented wet towels and joins us for a pineapple drink at the Beach Bar on the water's edge.

"How was your boat trip over?" says Zack, as he holds the glass and straw in place for my youngest girl.

Before I get a chance to explain that it was choppy, my daughter starts vomiting over Zack's arm and then the chair, seat cushion and the table.

It's an odd first encounter with Malolo but the perfect introduction, I soon realise, to this small island resort.

The seasickness "event" demonstrates how the staff here make one feel instantly embraced into a new family - they are as concerned about my little one as I am.

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Switching to Fiji time at Malolo