A Fiji island holiday seems to be a bit of an off-the-radar idea for us here in Singapore. However, it shouldn’t be! The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is an eco-resort in Fiji that’s ideal for both families and couples who want a mix of adventure, nature and relaxation – and it could be just the right spot for your next trip.
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 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 at this Fiji eco-resort
There are 25 bures (Fijian bungalows) to choose from that offer garden or ocean views and different two- or three-bedroom configurations. However, with every option, you’ll have king beds and a daybed, a private deck, Wi-Fi, a complimentary mini bar with non-alcoholic beverages, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Each bure is crafted from local timbers and features 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 culture and nature
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.
Exploring with marine biologists
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 know that many dive sites are just 10 to 20 minutes from the resort. However, 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.
In addition, there are two resident marine biologists on staff. These experts on the area will guide snorkelling, dive trips, mangrove adventures and rainforest walks. They also oversee the eco-resort initiatives and sustainable practices.
Fiji 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 Fiji 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 Singapore is difficult. However, Fiji Airways offers several non-stop flights from Singapore 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 at this resort on the Fiji island of Vanua Levu? Find out more at fijiresort.com.
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