A Pacific Island holiday might seem a bit of an off-the-radar idea for us here in Hong Kong. However, it shouldn’t be! The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is an eco-resort in Fiji offering a stay that’s focused on sustainable travel. If you’re looking into where to stay in Fiji on a family trip or couples getaway, here you’ll find a mix of adventure, nature and relaxation.
Located in the southern Pacific Ocean, Fiji is a part of Polynesia and consists of 332 islands. In this archipelago, you’ll find beaches lined with swaying palm trees, wild tropical marine ecosystems and the famously sunny and relaxed Fijian way of life.
Where to stay in Fiji
The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is a beachfront property ideal for a family vacation or romantic getaway. It’s an eco-resort that offers guests the chance to take part in a sustainable travel practice while they learn about the local culture and environment. Plus, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation of this corner of the world.
The 17-acre luxury eco-resort is located on the second-largest Fiji island, Vanua Levu. The property has been designed to emulate a traditional Fijian village and is positioned with views of Savusavu Bay. This means you’re also just a stroll from the secluded coastline.
Accommodation options
There are 25 bures (Fijian bungalows) to choose from that offer garden or ocean views and different two- or three-bedroom configurations. Each comes with a king bed and a daybed, a private deck, Wi-Fi and a complimentary mini bar with non-alcoholic beverages.
The bures are crafted from local timbers and feature high temple ceilings, natural thatched roofs, ceiling fans and floor-to-ceiling timber louvred windows. You’ll feel how this design allows tropical breezes to cool the space.
Connecting with a Pacific Island
A core focus at the eco-resort is providing activities for kids to learn about protecting the earth and ocean. The Bula Club has two separate programmes for very little ones and older kids. Each day, they’ll embark on adventures to learn about Fijian culture and the environment. In addition, children under six get a dedicated nanny from early morning to late at night every day.
The Bula Club is also a bit like a kids’ resort. Why? Because it has two swimming pools with water slides, a mushroom toddler pool, zip line, trampoline, cubby house, tree house, outdoor chess area, table tennis and kids’ dining space!
Beachfront dining
The Executive Chef at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort uses produce from the property’s organic garden. In addition, local ingredients are used to create a blend of Fijian, modern European and Asian dishes.
These meals are served in the restaurant that overlooks Savusavu Bay, while in the evening local Fijian musicians play gentle traditional songs as you dine. For an even more traditional Fijian experience, once a week there is also a “Lovo” (underground oven) feast.
Guests can also order alfresco, by the poolside or in the separate adult-only or family dining areas. Private dining options are available on the beachside decks, bures and pier, too.
Diving in protected waters
With a whole world underwater to explore, this eco-resort in Fiji is fully facilitated to provide scuba adventures and even get you dive certified. In fact, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Dive Centre is an award-winning, full-service, 5-star PADI dive facility.
If you’re looking at where to stay in Fiji to access world class diving, you’ll be happy to learn that many dive sites are just 10 to 20 minutes from the resort. The most famous is the Namena Marine Reserve. This haven for soft coral is one of the top dive sites in the world. And it’s only 45 minutes by boat. There are also plenty of reef systems in the area that are unexplored. Some feature seemingly bottomless drop-offs, coral gardens and an abundance of marine life.
What’s more, there are two resident marine biologists on staff. These experts on the area guide guests in snorkelling, dive trips, mangrove adventures and rainforest walks. They also oversee the eco-resort initiatives and sustainable travel practices.
Pacific Island adventures
Other outdoor activities include kayaking, paddle boarding, volleyball, daily yoga, hiking and pickleball. You can also go on a trip to the Savusavu farmer’s market at Nukubulavu village, visit a giant clam farm and even attend a village church service. If those don’t appeal, there’s Fijian storytelling, palm leaf basket making, star-gazing, bird watching, glass bottom boat excursions and kava sampling.
Even more options for things to do on on your Fiji holiday are available for an additional charge. These includes catamaran day tours, pearl farm tours, deep-sea fishing adventures and your own private escape to a pacific island with a gourmet picnic. (The private island of Naviavia is just a few hundred metres off the coast of Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.)
For something a little more relaxing, the beach side bure resort spa has a deck that extends over the sand. Here, you can listen to the waves while enjoying a massage experience using locally sourced Fijian ingredients.
Getting to this eco-resort in Fiji
There’s a misconception that travelling to a Fiji island or most places in the Pacific from Hong Kong is difficult. However, Fiji Airways offers non-stop flights from Hong Kong each week (10 hours) to the capital Nadi. There, resort representatives will assist with the quick domestic flight to Savusavu airport on Vanua Levu, and the 20-minute coastal shuttle to the resort. You can also choose to fly from Nadi to Labasa airport and enjoy a stunning 90-minute road journey through the mountains to Savusavu.
Interested in a stay on a pacific island that supports sustainable travel? Find out more at fijiresort.com.
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