Author: Anita Mitchell

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. 

What marine life will you see diving on beautiful Vanua Levu?

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Fiji's second largest island, Vanua Levu, is home to stunning white sand beaches, lush flora and fauna and thriving tropical forests. The beauty of this undiscovered paradise doesn't stop at the shoreline though. If you're a keen snorkler or diver, there's endless worlds and diverse sea life to discover underneath the calm blue.

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Coral and small colourful fish

Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world, offering one of the most diverse underwater experiences you can find. Some of the best diving in Fiji can be found in the marine protected areas off the coast of Savu Savu Bay where Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji is located. 

Here you'll see countless colourful and complex soft coral structures just a few minutes swim from the pier. You might paddle through schools of neon yellow and purple Fairy Basslets, spot Masked Banner Fish and leaf fish. 

Reef sharks and larger fish

Go a little further out on a guided tour with our in-house marine biologist and you'll encounter far more. Under the Calm of the Pacific ocean you might see Lion Fish, one of the ocean's most eye-catching and imposing creatures. 

On the right day you'll spot reef sharks, moray eels and barracuda circling from a safe distance, as well as larger fish like tuna and trevally. If you're lucky you might run into schools of snapper and grouper on the reefs.

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Rays and turtles

Keen and experienced divers are welcome to take a guided trip further off the coast at the drop-offs where rare and beautiful marine life can be found. One of the most unique fish you'll see is the manta ray, a wide and flat marine ray that ripples through the ocean like a living magic carpet. These can grow to up to 7 metres wide but are harmless if respected. Their smaller cousins the Eagle Ray are usually close by. 

The warm waters of Fiji are also home to five of the seven species of turtle including the Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Olive Ridley. A meeting with one of these characters may be rare but few underwater encounters are more memorable. 

To meet some of the locals under the water here at Savu Savu Bay speak to the team at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji to enquire about our all inclusive offers and diving packages. 

Release your inner zen at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Sometimes life has a way of catching up with you, igniting unwarranted stress and worry. Instead of letting these hurdles trip you up, take time off to reset your body clock in one of the most tranquil settings in the world.

At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we operate on island time, signifying our laid-back pace and time well spent in a place that relaxes and rejuvenates the mind, body and soul.

Succumb to the healing power of touch

Get ready to feel your stresses melt away when indulging in our soothing spa treatments. The combination of private beach-front spa bures, intoxicating tropical remedies and hypnotic massage motions create the perfect recipe for relaxation.

While our signature South Pacific spa treatments are the perfect holiday treat, they're also renowned for healing and nurturing the body. Our trained masseuses work to rub, stretch or apply pressure to various muscles to help return them to a naturally relaxed state. Such massage techniques have been handed down through generations and can be enjoyed in all treatments within our spa menu.

From facials to full-body wraps, we guarantee you'll have no trouble finding the perfect spa treatment with you and your body in mind. View our complete spa menu and speak to a member of the team to book in.

Find out how you can relax at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. Are you ready to unwind in paradise?

Start your day the right way with morning yoga

Join us every morning at 7 a.m. for a restorative beach-front yoga session run by one of the resort's expert instructors. These early morning classes are completely complimentary and free for all to join regardless of ability. With the shimmering sea as your backdrop, practise an array of poses and sequences and get ready to feel at ease with your mind, body and soul. Sometimes sessions even take place on the pier and our private island, making the experience even more memorable.

If you're after a little more one-on-one action, we also host private yoga sessions for an added cost. Simply speak to a member of the team for more information.

Our luxury spa treatments and complimentary beach-front yoga sessions are both sure-fire ways to restore balance and harmony. If you're ready to reap the relaxing rewards, get in touch with us to secure your spot. 

Why the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is the world’s leading eco resort

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

With a resort title bearing the world-famous 'Cousteau' name, you can bet our five star eco resort places a huge emphasis on wellbeing, the environment and sustainable practices.

Find out what makes the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort the world's leading eco resort and what you can expect when enjoying a luxury holiday with us.

1. An immense passion for preserving the ocean

If you weren't already aware, Jean-Michel Cousteau is not only the resort's founder, he's also a world-recognised explorer and environmentalist, whose love for preserving and protecting our waters shows no bounds.

Through his 40 years of extensive environmentalist work, Jean met the resort's now resident marine biologist, Johnny Singh. Together the pair created a number of programmes focused on preserving the surrounding reefs and residing creatures. These include the on-site coral farm, which is helping to grow broken coral fragments into healthier groups, along with the giant clam project, which is working to protect clams from excessive harvesting.

Johnny's and Jean's hard work allows guests to enjoy this stunning environment when staying at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. 

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort are passionate about protecting the oceans. We're dedicated to preserving and protecting the oceans and their inhabitants.

2. Educating guests on environmental practices

Jean's teachings are widely practised throughout the resort, and we strive to educate all guests on how they can help keep our underwater paradise beautiful in years to come. Our resident marine biologist is proud to host an array of educational endeavours around the resort that delight and inspire guests of all ages. These include mangrove reforestation tours, interactive marine presentations and guided snorkelling trips out in the bay. 

3. Practising sustainability throughout the resort

From what we serve at dinner to the amenities used in all bures, everything is chosen with the environment in mind:

  1. Chemical free spa lotions and ointments – When indulging in a delectable massage at our on-site spa, rest easy knowing that all products are made from natural, locally sourced ingredients. 
  2. Non-phosphate cleaning products – Our 'no-nasties' cleaning goods are effective on the job and extremely eco-friendly.
  3. Organic onsite garden – We're proud to grow an amazing range of delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables in our on-site organic garden, helping reduce our environmental impact every single day.

For the last three years in a row, the World Travel Awards has awarded us with Australasia's Leading Green Hotel award, showcasing the resort's incredible dedication to providing the best of the best in luxury and eco-friendly tourism. To find out more about our five star eco resort, get in touch today.

What makes the people of Fiji so happy?

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

We don't just think Fijians are the happiest people in the world, we know it! After speaking to 54,000 people from 55 countries, the results of a Gallup study found 92 per cent of Fijians to be happy or very happy with their lives, placing them in the number one spot.

So, what's the secret to their happiness? We think we have a few ideas…

The unbeatable community spirit

Whether immediate family or neighbours, the bond Fijian people share is enviable. Due to Fiji being comprised of predominantly smaller villages, residents are able to maintain strong connections with others living there, resulting in unbreakable ties and a tight-knit community like no other.

Fijians often share child care duties and ensure that the elderly are well looked after and respected. Resources are shared to ensure no one ever goes without, and in times of hardship, people pull together to confirm just how strong Fiji's community spirit really is.

At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort you'll experience this hospitality first hand and see how our staff bend over backwards to ensure all guests have the best time possible. Here's what past guests had to say on TripAdvisor:

"Staff were outstanding and made my partner and I feel at home from the moment we arrived", said one reviewer. Another followed with, "The setting is beautiful and the staff is filled with truly the nicest people on the planet." 

Find out what makes the people of Fiji so happy.Experience the incredible hospitality of Fiji when staying at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

Stunning scenery and enviable climate conditions

if you regularly woke up to shimmering oceans, palm-dripped beaches and balmy blue skies we think you'd be pretty happy too! Not only is Fiji home to some of the world's finest landscapes, it's also a haven for warmer weather.

A healthy exposure to sunlight is believed to increase the brain's production of serotonin (these are the neurotransmitters responsible for making a person feeling happier), and with Fiji receiving annual temperatures of 24.9 degrees Celsius on average, it's not surprise that Fijians are in such good moods!

Tropical flavours and fantastic food

Succulent fresh fish, tropical fruits and Asian-inspired curries are just some of the delicious delights synonymous with the cuisine of Fiji. The majority of these food items are locally grown and sourced, meaning that many Fijians get to enjoy feasting on such incredible ingredients every single day. And if that's not enough to make anyone smile and lick their lips, we don't know what will! 

Here at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, guests can enjoy dining on authentic South Pacific fare from breakfast right through to dinner, and trust us you'll never go hungry! 

There's no better place to experience the happiest country in the world than at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. Find out how we can make your trip to Fiji one to remember by getting in touch today. 

Tips for surviving a holiday with young kids

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

A family holiday with young children should create memories filled with fun and laugher, not tantrums and stress. If you returned from your last family vacation feeling like you needed a break, listen up. 

With the help of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, find out how you can survive and have a great time while enjoying your next family holiday. 

1. Go all inclusive

"I don't want that for dinner", "I want to go to the beach today", "Mummy, I'm bored" – sound familiar? For parents heading on holiday with more than one child, finding the perfect place that caters to everyone's tastes isn't an easy task.

This is where an all-inclusive holiday to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort comes in. From activities to dining, accommodation to entertainment, parents can rest assured knowing that everything is taken care of. Furthermore, the whole family will relish in the variety on offer when staying with us, especially at meal times. Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy the delicious food on offer throughout the day and we pride ourselves on making sure everyone leaves the table full and happy.

Find out how you can keep the kids entertained at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.Keeping the kids entertained at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is incredibly easy!

2. Engage the children

Trying to find something to do that both parents and young children will enjoy isn't always a walk in the park. While you may want to explore the local sites, they may want to splash the day away in the ocean. Before you've finished fighting, the day is nearly over.

At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort however, you'll be spoilt for choice for family-fun activities. Whether you choose to embark on a snorkelling adventure with our resident marine biologist or immerse yourselves in ancient Fijian traditions, each day offers unique opportunities and plenty of adventure!

3. Enlist the help of the experts

Did you know that the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is home to the award-winning Bula club for kids? Here, kids as young as two months right through to teens can enjoy spending time with friends their own age, partaking in a range of fun activities, while been looked after by their very own nanny or buddy – giving you a little time off to relax in the adult-only area of the resort.

Best part is, entry is completely complimentary! To find out more about our award winning kids club and our luxury family packages, get in touch with the team today.

Cocktail recipes inspired by the tropical paradise of Fiji

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

If you're feeling excited for your luxury couples holiday to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, why not start the celebrations early by learning how to create three tropical South Pacific-inspired cocktails in your very own home?

So, what are you waiting for? Dig out the cocktail umbrellas, shaker and rum, and have your own little Tiki party!

Pina colada

It's a tropical cocktail classic, and one that features a heavenly blend of three typically Fijian ingredients: rum, pineapple and coconut. The below recipe yields two glasses, so adjust accordingly depending on your party size.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cup ice.
  • 50 ml pineapple juice.
  • 50 ml white rum.
  • 30 ml coconut cream.
  • Pineapple wedges and glacé cherries to serve.

Method

  • Pulse all ingredients except pineapple wedges and cherries in a blender until smooth.
  • Pour into chilled highball glasses and garnish with pineapple wedges and glacé cherries.
Find out how you can make pina coladas in your own home. If you like drinking pina coladas, you'll love this recipe.

Passion fruit mojito

Give the classic mojito a tropical twist by adding the fruity flavour of passion fruit – you won't regret it!

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp brown sugar.
  • 5 – 10 fresh mint leaves.
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice.
  • 1 tbsp passion fruit syrup (this can be found in most supermarkets).
  • 2 tbsp white rum.
  • 70 ml soda.
  • 1 cup ice cubes.
  • Lime wedges and extra mint to garnish.

Method

  • Muddle (gently combine) mint, sugar and fresh lime juice at the bottom of the glass.
  • Stir in rum, passion fruit syrup and 70 ml soda.
  • Add ice cubes to fill and garnish with lime wedges and fresh mint sprigs.
Try your hand at making a passion fruit mojito.Give the classic mojito a tropical twist with passion fruit.

Mai Tai

While the Mai Tai may have originated in Oakland CA, this tropical concoction certainly embodies the island flavours of Fiji. This rum-based cocktail yields one serving.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp dark rum.
  • 2 tbsp light rum.
  • 2 tbsp orange juice.
  • 2 tbsp pineapple juice.
  • 1 tbsp Curaçao.
  • 1 tbsp lime juice.
  • 1 tsp white sugar.
  • 1 tsp orgeat syrup or 1 drop of pure almond extract.
  • Dash of grenadine.
  • 1 cup ice cubes.
  • Fresh mint to garnish.

Method

  • Place all ingredients into cocktail shaker (except grenadine) and shake for 20 – 30 seconds until shaker is frosty on the outside.
  • Strain into short glass filled with ice cubes.
  • Add a dash of grenadine into the top and garnish with fresh mint and a straw.

These three cocktails are the perfect accompaniment to our Fijian-inspired recipes, that you can learn to create here. And of course, you can enjoy all these and more in our very own bar lounge when staying at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. 

3 benefits of booking an all-inclusive holiday to Fiji

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

 

An all-inclusive holiday to the luxury Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji allows you to spend more time having fun in the sun with family, while we take care of every little detail imaginable. Sound good? Of course it does. Discover more benefits of our all-inclusive packages today.

1. Activities to keep yourselves and the kids entertained all day

A huge variety of fun-filled activities at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort are included in the price of the booking. From water activities to on-land excursions, there’s so much to see and do each day of your stay with us.

The shimmering shallows of Savusavu Bay are a perfect playground. With our expert staff on hand to guide you, spend an afternoon snorkelling the reefs watching tropical fish and coral life. Prefer to stay dry? Kayak, paddleboard or take a ride on our glass-bottom boat to enjoy the water from up above.

We also provide a host of complimentary excursions around various parts of Savusavu. Trips include hikes to secret waterfalls, visits to local markets and even opportunities to connect with the area’s children at the nearby school. These excursions and activities are a great way to immerse yourself in adventure.

There's so much to see and do when staying at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.Enjoy a plethora of activities when staying at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

2. Get closer to the culture of Fiji

Getting to immerse yourself in Fiji’s fascinating culture is just another benefit of booking an all-inclusive family holiday to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. We’re proud of our heritage and go out of our way to involve guests in traditional practices. From our historic lovo feast to visits to the local village of Nukubalavu, guests of all ages can enjoy learning about our vibrant culture and get involved in unique experiences. Such activities help to create memories to last a lifetime.

Discover how you can immerse yourself in the local culture with the help of the Jean-MIchel Cousteau Resort.The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort brings you closer to the culture of Fiji.

3. Spend less time planning and more time relaxing

An all-inclusive holiday to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort removes the stress that comes with planning a DIY trip. Instead of worrying whether you’ve included all the finer details such as food preferences, things to do and childcare, we take care of absolutely everything so you have more time to have fun in the sun with family. The only thing you’ll need to worry about the entire time you’re here is which exotic cocktail you’ll sip first!

With so much to see and do, let us take care of everything, so you don’t have to. For more information on our various all-inclusive packages, get in touch with the team today.