Month: August 2018

Three incredible day trips to take from Vanua Levu Island

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Fiji's second largest island, Vanua Levu, is certainly one of the nation's most beautiful locales. Pristine coral reefs, thick green jungle, powder white beaches and calm blue waters aren't all it's got to offer, however. Thanks to the beautiful natural environment, there's so much to do here.

We picked three of our favourite Vanua Levu day trips to give you an idea of the intrepid adventures waiting for you on the island.

1. Discover unexplored reefs off Namenalala Island

Fiji is widely recognised as the soft coral capital of the world and one of the best locations for diving. If you want to experience the best of the best, go snorkeling and diving at Vanua Levu and Savusavu Bay, where the 200 km-long great sea reef converges, alongside countless other coral deposits. 

Whether you're a keen diver or just a learner, take a day trip to small island 20 minutes to the south of Savusavu and you'll find Namenalala Island. This tiny paradise is fringed by endless drop-offs, rainbow coloured soft corals and an abundance of marine life. If you're lucky you'll see sharks, tuna and mantas coming in from the Koro Sea. 

2. Tour a pearl farm and learn how they're made

Just a few minutes boat ride across the calm Pacific Ocean from Vanua Levu is the country's first commercial pearl farm that produces some of the world's rarest and most coveted jewels. Book a tour at J. Hunter Pearls Fiji to witness these underwater treasures being made.

The tour will start in the showroom with a quick explanation of the pearl culturing process and how it has been adapted to suit the Fiji environment. Following that, guests are whisked away to tour the farm and witness its day-to-day operations. 

If you're lucky enough to come during seeding season (April, May, October and November), you might even see highly experienced Japanese pearl technicians performing surgical operations on the pearl oysters to start the culturing process. 

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3. Get lost on your on private island

If you need some time to yourself, or with someone special, why not book your own private island and relax on its perfect white sand beaches? We're serious! Naviavia is the Jean-Michel Cousteau resort's private island, available for bookings for full or half day excursions.

This perfect little paradise is around an acre in size, and all you can hear when you're relaxing on its beaches is the warm Pacific Ocean lapping on its shores. To find out more about the incredible adventures available to you on Vanua Levu or to make it your home for a week – make a booking at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort today. 

The perfect romantic day at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

There are few locations more idyllic and romantic then the powder white bays of Fiji's Vanua Levu. Nestled on Savusavu Bay, just metres from the crystal blue waters, you'll find the Jean-Michel Cousteau resort – the island's premier luxury escape. 

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, take a moment to daydream about the perfect romantic holiday here…

9:00 am – Breakfast at the beachfront restaurant 

The warm Fijian sun streams into your oceanfront bure. You slip out of bed and amble down the shoreline to the resort's beachfront restaurant to enjoy French toast and cafe-quality coffee to recharge for the day ahead.

10:30 am – Traditional Fijian Massage

After breakfast you take another short stroll down the beach to experience the blissful relaxation of a traditional Fijian massage. Your local masseur uses cold pressed coconut oil and long firm and rhythmic strokes to release tension, soundtracked by the sounds of waves lapping against the shore. 

12:30 pm – Private island excursion

You're woken up from your accidental post-massage nap in a garden hammock, and you jump on a water taxi with your partner. You're whisked away to Naviavia, the resort's private island. It's less than an acre in size, rimmed by pristine white beaches and dotted with coconut trees. Its all yours for the afternoon – just you, your partner and the warm Pacific Ocean. 

You spend your island-time indulging in a picnic and champagne, soaking in the sun and cooling off in the sea.

7:00 pm – Sunset dinner on the pier

Feeling sun-kissed, you venture to the end of the resort's pier out over the water. A private table is set up for you and your personal waiter serves you three courses and drinks as the sun sets and the stars light up the sky. 

The food, courtesy of renowned Chinese-Fijian chef Raymond Lee, is an exotic fusion of Fijian, Asian and world cuisines. 

9:00 pm – A nightcap at the resort's lounge bar

After a particularly delicious dessert, you end your evening in the lounge bar. You and your partner savour a couple craft cocktails, then it's time to retreat back to your ocean front bure and look forward to another day in paradise tomorrow. 

Sound like your idea of a perfect day? For more information on what your stay in Fiji could be like, check out our room rates and all-inclusive romantic escape packages today. 

Why is Vanua Levu such a great spot for a family holiday?

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Family holidays should be relaxing, fun and rejuvenating. That's why Savusavu Bay, nestled on the gorgeous southern cost of Vanua Levu, is the ideal location. With incredible wildlife, diverse and delicious cuisine, world class facilities and award winning child care – a luxury family holiday in Vanua Levu at Jean-Michel Cousteau is always memorable.

Incredible sea life

Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world, as well as one of the best snorkeling and swimming locations. The water temperature ranges from 28 degrees Celsius in March to just under 25 in August and September, so make sure you leave your wet suit at home. 

If your kids are older or confident in the water, they'll love the guided snorkeling tours offered here in Savusavu Bay. With the help of a fully trained diver or marine biologist they'll discover vibrant and colourful coral, colourful reef fish straight out of Finding Nemo and perhaps even beautiful, rare sea turtles.

Adults are always welcome to join, but if you'd rather enjoy some well earned pool time there's always a sun lounger waiting for you. 

Activities galore

The last thing you want on a family holiday in Fiji holiday is bored kids. Luckily, when they're done exploring untouched underwater worlds, there's dozens more activities to enjoy here in Savusavu Bay. Your kids can go paddle boarding, swimming, kayaking, sailing and fishing. 

If they're not keen on getting wet, there's tennis, volleyball, table tennis, hiking and bird watching to enjoy too. To get a taste of local culture little ones can join in on a traditional storytelling sessions, where they'll learn the tales from over 3,000 years of Fijian legend. 

The South Pacific's best family holiday

Fijian hospitality is legendary. It's not put on or embellished for guests – the people here are just uncommonly warm, friendly and welcoming. Perhaps that's why Luxury Travel Magazine gave Jean-Michel Cousteau in Vanua Levu a Gold award and called our Bula Kids Club one of the best in the South Pacific. 

It's a paradise for little ones featuring a kid's pool, nursery bure, trampoline, flying fox, jungle gym and an incredible tree house. There's daily educational activities and excursions where kids can hang out with locals and learn about local Fijian culture, the natural environment and cooking. 

Children under six are assigned their own nanny, while kids six to 12 are looked after by a Fijian buddy in groups smaller than five. The best part? Most of the child care and activities are included as part of your stay.

To find out more about the incredible family holidays on offer at Jean-Michel Cousteau resort Fiji check out our all inclusive packages today.