Author: Anita Mitchell

Hire your very own private island paradise for the day

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Dreaming of a private island getaway filled with sun, sand and tropical vibes? Of course you are. Turn those dreams into reality at Jean-Michel Cousteau. Not only are we a five-star Fiji resort on the simply stunning Savusavu island, we have a secret ingredient to make your couples holiday one to remember for years to come: our very own private island.

Make your trip one to remember

A post shared by Sheriden (@sheriden_rhodes) on

Yes, you heard correctly. Naviavia is a secluded and picture-perfect island just a short boat ride away from our main resort which can be yours – and only yours – for a half or whole day of complete privacy.

Treat your loved one to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as you take the time to explore, relax and revel in Naviavia's pristine paradise. Just under an acre in size, don't worry about bumping into anyone else – once we've dropped you off, we'll leave you with a delicious picnic, beach necessities and whatever else you require to enjoy the white sands completely by yourselves.

Not only do we think that Naviavia is a trip worth taking, a lot of our past guests do so too:

"We were taken by a few staff members to a private island for a few hours. I've done this before in Australia but this was just the most spectacular place with crystal blue water, palm trees and white sand for miles!" writes one TripAdvisor reviewer.

"As for paid excursions, I highly recommend the private island trip. We had a fantastic time snorkelling, sipping coconuts and having the whole island to ourselves", says another.

Discover the colourful sea life

Spend your time unwinding on the fine-grained white sands on the beach with the occasional break to cool off in the shimmering shallow waves. Wade out a little deeper to discover endless snorkelling opportunities – with incredible soft corals, the waters around Vanua Levu are some of the best in the world! Keep an eye out for fish of every colour such as butterflyfish and wrasse, you might even find your very own Nemo along the way! 

Back on dry land, listen to the Fiji Parrotfinch and the island's other exotic bird life serenade you as you feast on your scrumptious prepared hamper of goodies. With so many ways to spend your time, you simply have to see it to believe it and trust us, you'll want to.

Jean-Michel Cousteau has it all

Whether you stay until sundown or for a breakfast experience like no other, we can create the perfect island package for you and your loved one. After sailing back to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, enjoy the rest of your time making the most of our facilities and couple experiences.

If you're looking to take your romantic Fiji getaway to a new level of love, here at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we've got you covered. Contact us to find out why we should be your only choice when booking your next getaway.

How to spend the perfect day on a family holiday in Fiji

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

 

Bula! Welcome to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. If you and the kids are after a little Savusavu inspiration to see just how special we can make your luxury family holiday in Fiji, look no further than our stunning five star resort. No matter your length of stay, there is so much to see and do to make your family holiday one to remember.

From morning through to night, find out just how special your time on the island can be.

Breakfast

Yadra, vacava tiko? Learning a few traditional phrases, such as ‘good morning, how are you?’ whilst in Fiji is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of the island. Practise this common expression while enjoying your freshly prepared breakfast buffet and a la carte items. Once full, happy and completely looked after by the resort staff, take in one last view of the bay and get ready for some action-packed adventures.

Beach activities

Famed for its tropical and warm weather, why not burn off some energy before the midday sun, at the beach? Nestled on the pristine shores of the bay, stroll the short path down to the sand with inflatables, beach games and smiles in tow. Vanua Levu is renowned for its rainbow coloured coral life and exotic fish species. Bring your snorkels and try your best to find Nemo and his friends. If you’re after more adventure, speak to a member of the team about our boat trips a little further afield for more snorkelling and diving action.

If your kids are a little young to head out diving, the fun doesn’t have to stop. Simply jump on board our glass bottom boat for a ride over the clear waters to discover our colourful marine life and corals. Fun for all, it’s a great morning well spent.

Have endless fun with your family here in Fiji.Have endless fun with your family here in Fiji.

Visit the farmers market

Back on dry land, head on over to Savusavu’s traditional farmers market for a dose of culture and a whole host of delicious goodies. Spend an hour or two strolling the many stalls of fresh produce and watch as the women craft baskets, goods and gifts for brilliant souvenirs to take home. Just one of the complimentary excursions from the resort, speak to a staff member about joining in the fun.

A bite to eat

Phew! All of that splashing in the waves and strolling around the village is thirsty and hungry work. Head on into the bar for a refreshing cocktail (soft drink for the kids) and get ready for a scrumptious bite to eat. With several a la carte menu options for lunch, there is certainly something delicious for all tastes. Enjoy incredible views with equally incredible food. Best Fiji resort? We certainly think so.

Bula Club

Our Bula Club for kids is a great option for when mum and dad want a little down time and the kids want to put all of that energy to good use. The separate area of the resort includes water slides, pool, various activities and programmes, as well as a nanny and buddy system and best part is, it’s complimentary. The kids will have so much fun meeting new friends, and in the best hands possible, you won’t have to worry as you sip cocktails by the pool.

Dinner time

At Jean-Michel Cousteau, we have plenty of options for dinner. One of the most memorable is our traditional Fijian ‘Lovo’ Feast which happens every week at the resort. Similarly to a Maori Hangi, our in-house chef, Raymond Lee, prepares each dish in a fire pit, which is then covered with banana leaves. Incredibly tender, flavourful and a delight to witness, the whole family will enjoy this theatrical and traditional dinner.

For a 5 star family holiday in Fiji to remember, don’t hesitate in bringing yourselves and the kids to our fantastic and hospitable resort. Call now for more information and bookings.

Top tips for taking great underwater photos

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

When you're not enjoying facilities at our 5 star Fiji resort, there's a good chance you'll be living it up at the beach. The glistening azure waters of Savusavu Bay and beyond offer incredible opportunities for you and your family to explore the vibrant marine life either snorkelling or scuba diving. 

If you want to show everyone back home some of the unique beauty of Fiji's oceans – as well as capture the kids in action with their snorkels – there's no better way than to dabble in some underwater photography. 

Here are a few of our top tips to help you take some great underwater pictures. 

What you'll need 

At the least, you'll need a waterproof case for your smartphone that will be able to protect it while you're taking snaps under the sea. You can choose between either a fitted case or a dry bag. The former is a hard shell that fits snugly over your phone such as the iThrough Underwater Case or the Optrix Pro. 

The alternate is a dry bag, a clear pouch that seals shut, allowing you to still access your phone. Just be sure to check the depth limitations before you take your device snorkelling, as some cases are only water resistant up to a depth of one metre. 

If you're interested in taking things to the next level, you can bring a waterproof camera, or an underwater housing for your existing camera. 

Before you dive in 

Make sure your device is fully charged, and that you have plenty of free storage available – there's nothing worse than spotting a beautiful fish, or some colourful coral and realising that you can't take the shot! 

Those thinking of bringing DSLRs should be comfortable navigating the various settings, as exposure and metering may work differently underwater.  

If you're interested in going scuba diving with your partner or your older children, but you don't have your licence yet, the Cousteau Dive Centre is here to help! We offer a wide range of scuba courses, for beginners to those seeking more advanced qualifications. 

When you're in the water 

For the best results, make sure you're close to your subject, whether it's your kids or a lazy crab scuttling along the rocks. You're going to need to use your camera's flash to get the most out of your shots, as the water can reduce your subjects' contrast and colour. 

Get down on a level with the marine life, or even better, get beneath them and shoot your photos upwards on an angle. Try to avoid taking photos looking downward on the back of marine life – this means you will miss out on the fish's (or your family's!) eyes. 

To freeze the movement of fast-moving fish underwater, you'll need a shutter speed of about 1/125 seconds, although you can use slower speeds for still subjects if necessary. 

As the ocean can be a difficult environment for cameras to gain accurate focus, it's a good idea to use the centre-weighted or spot-focusing modes on your DSLR if possible. If you use flash, make sure you leave your white balance settings on Auto for the best results.  

Dreaming of swimming in the Fijian sea? 

If you're ready to try out some of our tips for yourself on an all-inclusive family holiday to Fiji, the team at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort can't wait to help you book your stay. To find out more about our packages for family holidays, get in touch with us today. 

3 spa treatments to try on your Fijian holiday

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

There's nowhere quite like Fiji for taking a step back, slowing down and relaxing. Maybe it's something about the azure waters stretching as far as the eye can see, the swaying of palm trees or the golden sand between your toes. 

At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we know how important is it to be able to unwind and breathe easy on your Fiji getaway, whether you're here on a romantic couples holiday or you've got the whole family in tow. That's why we offer our world-class spa facilities just a stone's throw away from the beach in our bures, with a range of blissful treatments to help you loosen those knots and rejuvenate your skin.

About our spa treatments 

While you're here in Fiji, you can experience the unique blend of 'liga mana', meaning 'gifted hands', and 'vuda', meaning 'Mother Earth'. Our massage technique is inspired by traditional Fijian practices, while the natural oils and products we use are derived from the bountiful local ingredients.

For winding back the years 

Our Koko Rapture treatment uses an organic cacao base that has been fermented and sun-dried to activate its powerful skincare properties. It's applied using a banana leaf wrap, allowing your skin to benefit from this anti-oxidising and anti-aging treatment while you enjoy a reflexology massage for your hands and feet. Finally, a gentle, rhythmic massage helps to improve lymphatic circulation. 

For the ultimate facial 

The Vakacegu treatment, which translates to 'peace be with you', is a facial treatment unlike any other. It combines deep cleansing and exfoliation as well as a tension-releasing facial massage to truly rejuvenate your skin. Using only the purest local ingredients and oils, the Vakacegu involves a pH balancing facial mask in addition a nourishing hair treatment oil to restore softness and texture. Finally, a soothing scalp massage helps to send you off feeling like you're walking on air.

For full-body rejuvenation

If you've been feeling a little run down with the stresses and strains of everyday life, the Maucokona treatment is for you. Meaning 'complete', or 'fulfilled', Maucokona is a regenerative treatment that draws inspiration from traditional Fijian tribal practices to leave you feeling re-energised and relaxed.

It begins with a body massage, integrating pressure points and rhythmic techniques to ease muscle aches and pains as well as native aromatic oils specially chosen for your needs. The treatment helps to encourage better circulation, relieving tightness and detoxifying the body.

Ready to plan your blissful retreat to Fiji? Don't hesitate to get in touch with out team at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort about arranging your dream holiday today. 

Why it’s important to go on holiday

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

 

With the constant demands of life, work and family, sometimes it feels impossible to even imagine going away on holiday. However, this institution of leaving home behind for a change of scenery could be more important than you think. 

Here are just a few of the reasons why you shouldn’t put off that luxury family holiday or your romantic Fiji getaway for too long. 

You can reconnect with your family 

When you travel together as a family unit, you have more opportunities to be in each other’s company and share new experiences together. A study by Perdue University even found that family holidays helped to contribute to family cohesion.

A happiness boost 

A gourmet meal for two, snorkelling in the azure waters of Savusavu Bay, a relaxing massage at the spa… any of these activities on offer at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is enough to bring a smile to our faces, but do they have an effect on our health and well-being once we’re back home? 

Research by a university in the Netherlands found that 60 per cent of employees reported a ‘substantial improvement’ to personal factors such as fatigue, mood, energy levels, tension and health after going on holiday. 

Going on holiday could be better for your career 

But don’t just take our word for it. Burnout sees many hardworking employees and entrepreneurs have to cut their time short in their chosen field or position, often due to a lack of work-life balance. 

Many studies have observed the positive impact of going on holiday on burnout and stress levels. Jesse Pujji, CEO of Ampush, has this to say:

“Vacations with loved ones will help entrepreneurs avoid burnout. It’s important to put on an out-of-office message, too, and not respond to emails. Another benefit of taking a vacation is you set a good example for hard-working employees.”

Become closer with your significant other

A luxury couples vacation in Fiji is the perfect opportunity to bond with your other half. A survey by the U.S. Travel Association found that almost four out of five couples who travelled together believe that travel was a positive influence on their relationships, while over 70 per cent of holidaying couples thought that travel inspired romance.

If you’re thinking about popping the question on your romantic break, all the better! 

Ready to book your dream getaway? 

While you’ve been reading, the blissful shores of Fiji have been waiting. If you’re ready to stop daydreaming and start planning, get in touch with the friendly team at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. 

What is a Fijian Lovo?

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Here at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we pride ourselves on offering not only luxurious, relaxing accommodation and facilities, but also a taste of the incredible heritage and traditions of the local Fijian culture. One of the amazing experiences that hold a special place in the hearts' of our guests is our Fijian lovo, a banquet cooked using an earth oven. 

Find out a little more about this tasty meal and how you can join in on the excitement during your romantic Fiji getaway or family holiday. 

What is a lovo? 

The term 'lovo' also refers to the underground oven that is used to cook the feast. The lovo is often reserved for special occasions in Fijian villages and is a core part of the local culinary arts. 

This traditional technique involves digging a pit into the ground and placing hot coals inside. Various ingredients, from meat to vegetables and palusami (taro leaves filled with corned beef, onions and coconut cream) are then wrapped up and placed over the coals. Everything from fish to chicken and pork can be cooked in a lovo and will also sometimes also be bundled up in banana leafs to retain their moisture. 

Once the food is inside, the pit is covered in banana leaves, soil or potato sacks and left to slow cook for several hours. Once time is up, the pit is unearthed to reveal deliciously cooked, tender food. 

Experience a lovo at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

We bring the traditional Fijian lovo to the heart of the resort, giving our guests the chance to experience this special style of cooking every week.

Using recipes handed down through generations, our Executive Chef, Raymond Lee, prepares a veritable Fijian feast that can be enjoyed buffet style. 

As you dig in, you'll also be treated to the vocal stylings of a traditional Fijian guitar group, the Band Boys, whose lilting melodies are the perfect soundtrack for a truly wonderful meal. 

If you want to go on holiday to a tropical beach destination, there is no shortage of destinations to chose from.

However, if you want to combine the beauty of an island holiday with the warm-hearted Fijian culture and experiences you won't find anywhere else, there's only one place to put on your map.

You can click here to find out more about our resort, or contact our team if you have any queries. 

5 water sports to try on your family holiday in Fiji

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

 

Ready to have some fun on the water in Fiji?

Whether it’s your first time visiting Fiji, or you’re heading back for yet another holiday, the beauty of the ocean is something that never ceases to inspire. It’s also a magical place for children to play in the waves and catch a glimpse of another world. 

At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we have a deep connection to our environment, and love helping our guests to enjoy the waters of Savusavu Bay and beyond. Here are some of our top water sports and activities that you can try on your next luxury family holiday in Fiji.

1. Snorkelling 

You and your kids will love taking a leisurely swim in the crystal clear waters off Vanua Levu. Because the resort is surrounded by a marine reserve, we have access to some incredible snorkelling spots – many of which are right by the edge of our pier! 

For a little adventure, you can also talk to one of our staff members about visiting one of the snorkel sites just a short boat ride away where you can see even more soft corals and marine life!

2. Sailing 

If you love the ocean breeze in your hair and the wind in your sails, you can head out on one our our Hobie boats. At the tiller of one of these lightweight sailboats, you can enjoy the calm waters of Savusavu Bay at your leisure. 

3. Kayaking 

Another great way to explore Savusavu Bay is from one of our double kayaks. Whether you chose to share with your kids, or let them work together to try and master their own craft, you’re bound to have fun out on the water. Prepare for a splash or two!

4. Paddleboarding

This international craze has come to Fiji, so grab your board and paddle and head to the beach! If your kids are older, they can have fun trying to find their balance on their own boards – a valuable lesson in balance and coordination! 

Little ones can also sit on the front of their parent’s board, just prepare for a bit more of a workout.

5. Fishing 

Reel ’em in on a fishing trip with the whole family. Our staff can arrange a chartered fishing trip where you and the kids can try your luck at landing a whopper. If you’d prefer not to head out deep sea fishing, you can opt to stay a little closer to shore – just let our friendly team know! 

Ready to book your family holiday in Fiji? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to start planning your dream trip. 

Planning the perfect proposal on your Fiji holiday

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

When you propose to the love of your life, you're going to want it to be perfect. You don't get a second chance to pop the big question, so why not make it a memorable moment with the beautiful Fiji as the backdrop? 

There's no better time to get down on one knee than during a luxury couples holiday on the blissful shores of Vanua Levu island, which is why we're bringing you some inspiration from Fiji to help you prepare the perfect proposal.

Before you go 

A post shared by Andrew Zo (@andrewzo) on

If you've picked out a ring before you board your flight, one of the biggest challenges is getting the ring to Fiji without your other half finding it. With all the bustle of packing for a trip, going through airport security and finally arriving at your suite at the Jean-Michel Cousteau resort, it's easy to lose track of where you are stowing your precious cargo and whether your partner might be able to stumble upon it. 

Often the shape of the box is a dead giveaway, so consider swapping it – the secret engagement ring case designed by Andrew Zo is an ingenious invention that hides the sparkler in a slim case that you can pop into your wallet. Voila!

The adventurous proposal 

Now that you've arrived in Fiji (surprise hopefully still in tact), it's time to choose the right setting. If you and your partner love to explore and discover new sights, one of our guided excursions could be just the ticket for your proposal opportunity. 

Here at the Jean-Michel Cousteau resort, we offer a number of complimentary excursions, one of which is our Rainforest and Waterfall Tour. Together, you'll go on a short hike through the lush rainforest to arrive at a secluded waterfall. With the water cascading down and birds singing in the trees, it makes for a magical location to ask a very special question.

The private island proposal

While you can enjoy a range of deluxe commodities at the resort, we have a special experience to offer that is found just a short boat ride away. Sail across azure waters to the secluded Naviavia Island, where you can steal your love away to the golden shores of your very own private island. 

Yours for the morning, or the entire day, Naviavia is truly a little piece of paradise that you'll have all to yourselves. With a packed picnic to enjoy, as well as beach necessities to enjoy snorkelling and lazing on the sand, all you have to worry about is how you're going to pop the question.

The romantic dinner proposal

Take advantage of our world class spa facilities during the day to unwind and soothe some of those pre-proposal jitters before booking your spot at the best seats in the house. 

As one of our most special dining experiences, you can reserve the pier for a romantic dinner experience unlike any other. With Savusavu Bay and the distant horizon as your stage, you can enjoy a delicious meal created by our Executive Chef, Raymond Lee, with a dedicated server to attend to you throughout the evening.  

Whether you gather up your courage after a toast to your wonderful holiday, or you want to conceal the ring in a champagne glass, we'd be happy to help facilitate this exciting moment! 

Dreaming of a wedding in Fiji?

Fiji is not only a stunning place to pop the question, it's also a beautiful place for a wedding. If you come to the end of your romantic couples vacation and you've left a piece of your hearts on the shores of Savusavu Bay, we'd love to welcome you back for your wedding day. For more information, don't hesitate to reach out and talk to our helpful team.

3 fun family activities for your Fiji holiday

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Are you ready for a well-deserved holiday? We have some fantastic news for you: the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji can offer everything you could want from a family vacation. 

At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort we pride ourselves in being the best resort in Fiji, whether you are after pure relaxation or want to make the most of the crystal clear waters and range of resort activities. 

To provide some inspiration for your next family holiday, take a look at three of our complimentary activities in Fiji. 

A warm #fiji welcome to you! #jmcfiji #fijitourism #sustainabletravel #ecotourism

A post shared by Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort (@fijijmcresort) on

1. Immerse yourself in the culture

Fiji's history is filled with a variety of myths and legends, all riveting to hear. Join one of the elders in the evening to learn about the ancient stories of gods, cannibals and indigenous wildlife. Children and parents alike are set to be pulled into the gripping storyline of more than 3,000 years of folklore. 

2. Stay active and fit

Set the right tone to your holiday by staying active, even out in the Pacific. Regardless of whether you go to the gym five times a week or enjoy the occasional run, at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we know how important it is to maintain a balance of relaxation and staying fit.

Add to this the fact that children tend to be balls of energy, and the resort's diverse sports facilities are even more attractive. Enjoy a semi-competitive game of tennis or take the little ones on a leisurely paddleboarding tour along Savusavu Bay – there is something for every level of fitness.

3. Explore the ecosystem

For our more environmentally-conscious guests, we are happy to recommend the "Eco Tour". Jean-Michel Cousteau's own marine biologist, Johnny Singh, can help you discover the coastal ecosystem, plant mangrove seedlings and take in Fiji's scenery. 

And if you feel like some quality time with your partner away from the children, you always have the option to sign them up to the complimentary Bula Club. There, they will be taken care of and experience the holiday of a lifetime while you too enjoy everything the Pacific gem has to offer. 

If you would like to know more about what a family holiday at our 5 star Fijian resort could entail, please feel free to reach out to our friendly team. 

3 ways Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji helps conserve the natural environment

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

The well-being of the environment is one of the core values of Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji. As such, preservation of the resplendent land and seascapes around us are key to upholding their inherent natural beauty, and we want to keep them that way for future generations. With sustainability and eco-friendliness so key to our ethos, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji has created a number of schemes to help benefit our planet. Here are three that you may not have heard about.

The giant clam project

These wondrous giants of the ocean floor are endangered as a result of over-harvesting – the adductor muscles that open and close the shell are considered a rare delicacy in some parts. Slow-growing, but with the potential to live over 100 years, the giant clam has steadily been disappearing from the South Pacific, but now efforts are in place to repopulate their depleted numbers.

Our giant clam project involves growing a certain number of giant clams and and keeping them near the resort dock, out in the bay. Once the clams have grown to a healthy size, we move them to a secluded area where they cannot be damaged or killed for their meat. Slowly but surely, the giant clam population will reach its former numbers. 

The mangrove reforestation

Several decades ago, the coastline of Savusavu was awash with mangroves – a collection of shrubs or small trees that grow in shallow water. Not only do these plants make a healthy contribution towards the local wildlife in the shape of food and shelter, they also help to minimise coastal erosion by soaking up relentless pressures from the wind and waves.

Our mangrove reforestation program has seen the planting of several young, healthy and growing mangroves along the coast.

However, many of these mangroves were removed as humans moved in, and this is something that we at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji are looking to put right. Our mangrove reforestation program has seen the planting of several young, healthy and growing mangroves along the coast around our resort, and we hope to spread these yet further as time goes on.

The Organic Garden

Our organic garden is now over two acres in size, providing a broad array of tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs. Though providing good, honest food is of paramount importance when cooking for our guests, we're also careful with how this impacts on the environment, too. For example, our kitchen waste doesn't simply go into landfill – rather, we compost what we can, then use it to give the soil a healthy dose of nourishment!

To find out more about Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji, or to make a booking, be sure to get in touch with us today.