Author: Anita Mitchell

A beginner’s guide to snorkelling

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Vanua Levu isn't just a tropical paradise above the waves. In the warm and clear waters surrounding our five star Fiji resort, guests can swim amongst lush coral gardens and multi-coloured fish while snorkelling in the soft coral capital of the world.

If you're new to snorkelling but don't want to miss out on the action, follow the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort beginner's guide and get ready for endless fun!

Stick with the experts

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is famed for its incredible snorkelling and for being the only Fiji resort with a resident marine biologist – Johnny Singh. Johnny helps educate our guests on the stunning underwater paradise before taking them out for snorkelling trips. Whether you've been snorkelling a few times before or you're a complete beginner, Johnny will take the time to ensure that you are safe, comfortable and having fun at all times.

Practise your breathing

Before plunging into the water, familiarise yourself with your equipment. The snorkel is a tube-like apparatus that will allow you to breathe when your mouth and nose are submerged in water. Practise breathing calmly and slowly through the tube above water before going under. Once you feel comfortable, adopt these techniques in the shallows ahead of venturing deeper.

Don't touch coral or fish

In the Namena Reserve close to the best Fiji resort live more than 1,100 species of colourful fish and 400 varieties of coral. Here at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we're passionate about maintaining this gorgeous underwater ecosystem so that everyone who visits can enjoy it for years to come. Help preserve this space by not touching any of the marine life you come across. Human contact can cause damage to aquatic life and even wipe out species, states Reef Relief.

Stay calm and slow down

Although it's easy to become excited by the unbelievable views below the Savusavu waters, it's important to take your time when snorkelling to avoid exhaustion. Stay at a steady pace when exploring and stick to your group and guide. This will prevent panic to yourself and the marine life you may come across. Such creatures may include clownfish, starfish and turtles – four of the world's seven turtle species reside here!

While enjoying your five star family holiday in Fiji at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, be sure to head out on a snorkelling adventure you'll never forget. 

Go green at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Being the best Fiji resort is high on our agenda. Therefore, we take great pride in creating a luxury holiday experience that our guests will never forget.

Another element close to our hearts is sustainable tourism. We are proud to practise green methods across the resort and through our services. The World Travel Awards have even awarded the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort with Australasia's Leading Green Hotel award three consecutive years in a row!

Discover how you can partake in sustainable tourism while enjoying a luxury couples holiday in Fiji.

Learn how the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort helps preserve the coral.Learn how the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort helps preserve the coral. 

Green guest amenities

As a guest of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, you'll stay in one of our bures – a Fijian thatched house – on the shores of Savusavu Bay. All of our luxury bures are designed with sustainability in mind and built from naturally harvested materials. The high roofs allow for maximum air circulation – eliminating the need for wasting resources on unnecessary air conditioning systems. 

From the non-phosphate cleaning products to the chemical-free spa lotions and ointments, you'll find nothing but natural, harm-free goods used throughout the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

Ocean initiatives making a difference

Our five star Fiji resort is located just a stone's throw away from the clear and clean Pacific Ocean. Jean-Michel Cousteau – the resort's founder and ocean environmentalist – has ensured that the resort places a firm focus on preserving this underwater paradise.

In 2013, through Johnny Singh's initiative, the resort founded a coral farm in a bid to restore the reef. So far, there are 87 fragments of live coral that are currently being nursed back to health after breaking away from their original colonies. This programme helps to grow the broken coral fragments into larger, healthier groups.

Get green fingers in our organic garden.Get green fingers in our organic garden.

Great for the environment and for our guests

Not only will guests leave the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort with happy memories, they'll also leave full after dining on plenty of delicious Fijian cuisine. All food served at meal times is sustainably sourced from the local area, if not from our own organic garden in the resort. Here we grow herbs, fruits and vegetables that you may try when experiencing a traditional Lovo feast – a cultural Fiji cooking method. 

The resort also features Fiji's first ever water reclamation plant. This low energy system puts treated wastewater to good use and reduces both the carbonaceous and nitrogenous demand around the resort. This water is then pumped to nearby ponds and wetlands.

We love being a sustainable resort in Fiji and we hope that our guests enjoy our eco-friendly services while staying with us! 

What wildlife will you find at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort?

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Are you excited for your five star family holiday in Fiji? Of course you are! There's so much to see and do at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, including keeping an eye out for some of Vanua Levu's exotic wildlife.

What creatures will you find on your family holiday in Fiji?

Underwater creatures in the Namena Reserve 

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is lucky enough to be a stone's throw away from some of the world's best diving and snorkelling spots. The Namena Reserve is approximately 70 square kilometres in size and within this vast space lives more than 1,100 species of fish and 400 corals.

At the resort, we have our resident marine biologist, Johnny Singh, who is happy to take groups out to explore these waters. Here you may swim with clownfish (Nemo!), red snapper, bottlenose dolphins and even turtles! The Namena Reserve is home to four of the world's seven species of turtles, including the green turtle. This species can live up to 80 years old and weigh up to 130 kilograms, according to National Geographic – making them one of the world's largest species of turtle.

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Exotic birds on Vanua Levu

Vanua Levu is the second largest island in Fiji and home to the best Fiji resort and an abundance of exotic birds, including the following:

  • Fiji goshawks – This species of bird are native to Fiji and are considered a bird of prey. You may spot them in the trees and parks near the resort. They have a grey head, back, tail and wings, and yellow eyes and beak.
  • Orange fruit dove – As the name suggests, this Fijian bird is orange! Try and spot this colourful creature on our complimentary excursion to Nakawaga Waterfall as the orange fruit dove loves to live in forests.
  • Silktail – The silktail is one of the island's rarest birds and is unfortunately listed as near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list of threatened species. However, there are still a number of silktail's that live on Vanua Levu. Look out for a small black bird with metallic blue patches and white patterned tail.

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Local lizards of Vanua Levu

In Fiji, there are 30 types of reptiles that live across the archipelago's 300 islands. One that can be found on Vanua Levu is the Fiji banded iguana. This lizard is bright green in colour and has blue spots over its body – making it a little easier to spot while exploring. The Fijian government consider Fiji iguanas a national treasure and have even featured the lizards on postage stamps and currency! 

While enjoying your family holiday to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, be sure to keep an eye out for some of these local creatures! 

Learn how to play beach rugby on your Fiji family holiday

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

While enjoying your five star family holiday in Fiji, you'll no doubt be playing fun-filled beach games on the shores of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. One game that is incredibly popular with guests and our staff is beach rugby.

Never played? Don't worry. Follow these simple rules and you'll be scoring those tries in no time!

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Beach rugby – what's it all about?

Beach rugby is based loosely on rugby union and is played around the world. It turns out that Australians can't get enough of rugby either as more than half a million adults and children take to the field to play the sport, according to Roy Morgan research – putting it in the top 20 sports played in the country.

In fact, rugby is also a game much loved by the staff at our five star Fiji resort. The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has their very own team that often takes part in competitions around the island and beyond. They're also extremely partial to a match on our own beaches so be sure to wear your game face at all times! 

Who will be the winning team of your beach rugby game?Who will be the winning team of your beach rugby game?

How do you play?

Depending on how many players you have rounded up, beach rugby is often played with five people per team, according to the official Rugby Union laws. However, for a casual game at the resort, four to seven is acceptable.

With rugby ball and teams ready to go, the game will begin with a free kick to the side who won the coin toss.

Whoever is lucky enough to catch the ball will begin their run up the pitch toward the marked goal! Try and dodge tackles from incoming players of the opposing team in a bid to score that all important try.

If the ball is lost to a rival team member, try your best to regain play to avoid them scoring points. 

The game lasts a total of 10 minutes, with five minute halves either side and a three minute break in between. At this point, teams will switch sides and discuss tactics – perfect if a few last minute tries are needed.

That's it, time's up. Shake the sand out of your hair while the points are tallied up to determine the winning team.

Congratulations! If you managed to steal the win, well done – if not, better luck next time. Discover all the family fun you can have at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort today. 

3 reasons to embark on a second honeymoon to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Embarking on a romance-fuelled honeymoon doesn't have to a once-in-a-lifetime endeavour. To maintain a healthy relationship, couples should take time to celebrate their love, away from the distractions and daily stresses of daily life.

A romantic Fiji getaway to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is the perfect place to enjoy a much-deserved second honeymoon.

Ignite your romantic spark

Your first honeymoon was likely taken at a time before major responsibilities. With these factors taking forefront in a couple's life, romance can often take a backseat. Additionally, a recent study by The Knot found that only one in four couples go on their dream honeymoon.

Only one in four couples go on their dream honeymoon.

A trip to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has all the ingredients to rekindle the spark between a couple. Our tranquil and tropical surroundings are the ideal place to sit back, relax and rediscover the attraction you felt the first moment you met.

Whether you unwind by the adult-only pool with exotic drink in hand, or dine under the stars at the end of the pier, there are plenty of opportunities to soak in the ambiance.

Commemorate your love by sailing away to our very own private island to enjoy the company of your other half, and no one else. Spend your time snorkelling in clear waters, basking on the beautiful beach or sharing a delicious picnic made by the staff at the best Fiji resort.

Sail away to your own private paradise island.Sail away to your own private paradise island.

Get to know each other a little better

Visiting a new holiday destination can inject your relationship with a little refreshment that allows a couple to spend time getting to know and love each other that little better. Enjoy peaceful and private areas of the resort – perfect for rediscovering interests and reveling in memories. Relax beside the adult-only pool or in a hammock overlooking the Savusavu shore.

For further relaxation and serenity, head to our on-site spa right on the beach's edge. In the privacy of our beachfront bures, yourself and partner can indulge in South Pacific massage treatments that will revitalise you to the full. With just the sound of the water hugging the shore, take the time to chat the afternoon away with your other half.

Commemorate a special occasion

Whether you've hit a profound milestone in your relationship, want to celebrate an anniversary or just feel like treating yourself and a loved one, a second honeymoon to the Jean-Michel Cousteau is the perfect way to do so. We take care of every little detail so that you can spend your days enjoying each other's company without having to worry or lift a finger. Our world-class facilities, accommodation and activities all work to create a vacation you'll never forget.

Immerse yourself in island life and love. Find out how we can create a 5 star couples holiday in Fiji for the second honeymoon you know you deserve. 

3 reasons to spend Christmas at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Christmas is a time for fun, family and festivities, but amongst all of the holiday cheer, people can often be left feeling stressed when trying to please everyone.

Instead of spending your time off work worrying, why not take a holiday in the holidays to really maximise time with family?

Discover how the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort can create a 5 star family holiday in Fiji that you'll never forget.

Enjoy spending Christmas at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.Enjoy spending Christmas at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

Set your body clock to island time

Christmas can be a stressful time, what with buying gifts, cooking enough food for everyone and making sure the kids are entertained. Leave work and worries at the door before jetting off to Fiji, like the 35,000 Australians who visited the tropical islands in December 2016, according to Fiji Bureau of Statistics. 

Our five star Fiji resort allows families to enjoy island life to the fullest, with feet up and refreshing drink in hand. Every little detail is taken care of so that you have more time to spend with the people you care most about.

Leave work and worries at the door before jetting off to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

We're not the only ones who think that Christmas spent at the resort is a great idea, our past guests do too:

"It really was a special Christmas for ourselves and the kids, surrounded by beauty, amazing staff, good people and an intoxicating air of relaxation", writes one TripAdvisor reviewer.

Leave boredom at the door

Instead of wondering how to entertain the little ones over the Christmas break, at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, children will never have an excuse to be bored. Instead, watch their little faces light up like a Christmas tree when they discover the action-packed activities on offer at the Bula Club. 

If there's more energy and excitement to burn off, leave them in the capable hands of our friendly nannies and buddies, while you enjoy an afternoon relaxing in the adult-only facilities. Watch as they make new friends, learn about wildlife and Fijian culture in a fun environment and splash around in child-friendly facilities. 

Enjoy family outings with our fantastic range of complimentary excursions that can take you to Savusavu gems such as hidden waterfalls, traditional Fijian villages and local markets.

Spend Christmas with the family in our five star resort.Spend Christmas with the family in our five star resort.

Enjoy a change of scenery

Fijians love Christmas just as much as you and your little ones. Help the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort staff decorate the Christmas tree before joining in the church service where carols are sung and spirits are high.

The stress of Christmas dinner isn't on you this year! Instead, you can dine upon traditional Fijian fare such as a Lovo feast in gorgeous surroundings.

Spending a family holiday in great company at the Jean-Michel Coustea Resort is the best gift worth giving this Christmas. Find out how we can make your holidays the best they can possibly be.

Choose the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort as your first couples holiday destination

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Deciding where to go on your first couple’s holiday is a significant milestone in any relationship. As you’re still learning the ins and outs of your other half, you’ll want to visit somewhere stress-free, ultra-relaxing and fun-filled – and with a lot of sun, of course!

Find out why our five star Fiji resort is the perfect choice for your first vacation away together.

Fall in love in Fiji

Here at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we can cater to couples wanting their own piece of paradise, away from children, if you wish . Spend your time with one another in our adult-only facilities where the only thing you’ll have to worry about is which exotic cocktail to order next. We strive to think of everything, so that you have more time to enjoy Vanua Levu’s picture-perfect scenery and the company you’re with.

If it’s romance you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. From the hypnotic sway of the palm trees to the unbeattable sunsets over the Savusavu horizon, our five star Fiji resort works to make your first couple’s holiday the best it can possibly be.

Experience the romance of Fiji for yourself.Experience the romance of Fiji for yourself.

Experience it all

Whether you want to relax in tranquil surroundings or immerse yourself in Fijian fun, we let you set the tempo. If it’s fast-paced island adventure you’re after, hold on tight because the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has you covered. With your other half in tow, head down to the depths of the nearby Namena Reserve for world-class diving. Swim alongside 400 species of colourful coral, 1,100 varieties of fish – if you’re lucky, dolphins or turtles may join your underwater soiree!

On dry land, join in on one of our many complimentary excursions that can whisk you away to tropical waterfalls, local markets or traditional villages.

Swim alongside 400 species of colourful coral, 1,100 varieties of fish and if you’re lucky, dolphins or turtles!

Put your feet up in paradise

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort encompasses the best of Fijian luxury, making it the perfect place to spend quality time getting to know one another. Enjoy relaxing poolside with drink in hand before winding down at our beach-side spa where body wraps and massages await.

End your day of pure bliss with a romantic dinner for two on the pier, with the serenading sounds of the gently lapping waves and twinkling stars only adding to the ambience of your unforgettable evening.

Retire to your luxurious oceanfront bure after a day spent in the best company, in the best Fiji resort on Vanua Levu Island.

Find out more about how we can create the perfect romantic Fiji getaway for yourself and a loved one today.

The healing powers of hitting the beach with your family

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

In 2016, 10 million Australians arrived back into the country after short-term trips away, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). 

Fiji consistently makes the top 10 list for most frequented vacation destinations for Australians, reports the ABS. Discover how family holidays in Fiji are more than just a time for fun in the sun – a trip to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort could also be good for your health!

Get your daily dose of vitamin D

With average temperatures of around 25 degrees Celsius, it's no lie that the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort on the island of Vanua Levu welcomes a lot of sun. Whether relaxing or playing games on the beach – even for as little as 15 minutes – you can gain a significant amount of your daily vitamin D intake from the sun. Vitamin D helps to regulate immune systems, as well as lowering blood pressure and the risk of heart attacks.

Remember, any time spent in the sun should be spent wearing sunscreen and protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses.

Enjoy the many benefits of taking a beach holiday!Enjoy the many benefits of taking a beach holiday!

Book in for spa treatments on the beach

Indulge in spa treatments in and out of our 5 star Fiji resort and discover how the beach can help to transform your body.

Wet sand: Enjoy softer feet when walking across the wet sand. The tiny grains act as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells for noticeably smoother results.

Salt water: Did you know that the salt water from the clean and clear sea next to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has many health benefits? It can work to remove impurities and close pores, balance the skin's oil production and heal scrapes and cuts. 

Wet sand act as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells for noticeably smoother results.

Unplug and unwind

Spending a 5 star family holiday in Fiji comes with many wonderful benefits such as fantastic food, action-packed adventure and breathtaking beaches, with happiness being at the top of the list. A recent Roy Morgan study found that 79.4 per cent of Australians planning a holiday in the next 12 months had a more positive outlook on life than the 67 per cent of those who don't. 

Where better to unplug and relax than the pristine shores of Savusavu? Take the time to soak in the sun, snorkel and swim in the clear waters or enjoy the company of your family in beautiful conditions. Want the beach all to yourself? Hire the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort's very own private island!

Find out more about our incredible family-friendly destination and how we can make your next holiday the best yet. 

Explore the aquatic paradise of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Swimming is a great way for children to keep fit – but most importantly have fun! In fact, from December 2015 – December 2016, swimming was the most participated sport by kids, with 30 per cent of Australian children taking the plunge, according to the Australian Government. 

Enjoy a five star family holiday in Fiji and let your little ones discover the aquatic paradise of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. 

'All aboard, me hearties'

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offers guests the chance to experience the best of Fijian island life through our incredible range of complimentary excursions. One of our most popular features is sailing the Savusavu sea in one of our Hobie boats. Keep an eye out for pesky pirates or friendly Bottlenose dolphins wanting to say hello. Enjoy floating around the bay and wave to your Bula Club buddies waiting at the shore.

What fish will you find?What fish will you find?

Reel-y good fun 

Grab a rod, hook your bait and get ready to catch a fish! Deep sea or closer to shore, our friendly team at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort can arrange the perfect fishing trip that the whole family will enjoy. Try luring in Tuna, Walu or even a monstrous Marlin that can grow up to 14 feet, according to National Geographic. 

Try luring in Tuna, Walu or even a monstrous Marlin that can grow up to 14 feet!

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming

As the grown-ups take some time out at the adult only pool, allow your little ones to carry on the fun at our complimentary and action-packed, award-winning Bula Club – the best kids club resort in Fiji. They will meet new friends and spend the day exploring, playing games and swimming in our kiddie's pool – no mums and dads allowed! Make your way down the snake-shaped water slide and prepare to make a serious splash at the bottom! 

Will you find Nemo?

The Namena Reserve is one of Fiji's best diving sites, filled with 400 varieties of colourful coral and more than 1100 species of fishy friends. Our resident marine biologist, Johnny Singh, regularly leads small groups on snorkelling trips where you might spot turtles, dolphins and even Clownfish. Even close to the shore of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort are fantastic snorkelling opportunities. 

Phew! All that water-fun is tiring work. Rest your head and count sheep (or fish!) before another day of sun-filled swimming and splashing! 

3 reasons why Fiji should be top of your travel bucket list

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Looking for a new, sun-filled holiday destination? Join the 350,000 Australians who, according to Fiji Bureau of Statistics, visited Fiji over the course of July 2016 to June 2017. There's a reason, after all, why the country consistently makes the top ten list of travel destinations for Aussies.

As experts in everything 'Fiji', allow the five star resort of the Jean-Michel Cousteau to explain why the tropical paradise of Fiji should be at the top of your travel bucket list.

1. Bask on beautiful beaches

If you're dreaming of postcard-worthy beaches surrounded by gently swaying palm trees, you're in luck. On the second largest island in Fiji – Vanua Levu – where the Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort is located, stunning stretches of sand are the norm – a particular treat while enjoying your romantic Fiji getaway. And, best part is, they are just a short stroll from your accommodation!

Spend your time relaxing on the shores or take to the clear waters for some of the world's best snorkelling. We have our very own dive centre that allows guests to experience the Namena Reserve in all it's glory. Swim with four of the world's seven sea turtle species, keep an eye out for playful Bottlenose dolphins and see more than 400 colourful coral species.

2. Immerse yourself in the culture

As soon as you step into our five star resort, a swarm of smiles and 'Bulas' will greet you. Our friendly staff are a shining example of the country's warm and welcoming demeanour and they work to ensure that your stay is nothing short of magical.

Expect to have a permanent smile plastered on your face when joining one of our complimentary excursions that explore Savusavu and beyond. Interact with locals at the Savusavu Saturday market and experience the hospitality and warmth for yourself as they guide you through their offerings and homemade crafts.

Here at the Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort we love nothing more than celebrating our great culture and what better way to do so than by experiencing a traditional Lovo feast? Watch as chef Raymond Lee cooks the ingredients in an underground fire pit – a time-honoured Fijian method.

3. Experience the adventure

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is proof that you'll never be bored when holidaying to Fiji. Take to the water and enjoy snorkelling, diving, boat rides and kayaking. If dry land is more your thing, hike to secluded waterfalls, visit a Fijian village or create your own traditional wares – the possibilities are endless!

We knew it wouldn't be hard to convince you that Fiji is the perfect holiday destination, so what are you waiting for, contact the Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort to see just what we can do for you.