Dive deep into holiday mode in Fiji

There is something about palm trees, azure blue water and wide Fijian smiles that activate holiday mode quicker than you can ‘Bula!’ Located on the serene shores of Savusavu Bay on the island of Vanua Levu, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is a world away from the stresses of work, school and everyday hassles. Tanya von Konigsmark from Evans & Turner in Mosman, said she “felt loved just being there.”

“Every staff member LOVES working at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. You can tell they are so happy to be there. They make you feel important and special,” Tanya said.

Lolo Trendell from Trendell & Turner in Manly, QLD, agrees, saying: “It feels like family from the moment you arrive and you feel like you’re a part of a local village.”

That makes perfect sense, as the resort is designed to reflect the warmth and traditions of a Fijian village, with its 25 authentic thatched air-conditioned bures woven into tropical gardens and swaying palms.

There is an array of bures to choose from, to suit families, multi-generational groups or couples, from one-bedroom Garden or Oceanfront bures to an array of two-bedroom options. The Oceanfront Point Reef Spa Tub bure features breathtaking views of Point Reef Beach with a spa tub the perfect spot for watching the sunset over the ocean. The spacious Premier Oceanfront two-bedroom villa is the ultimate choice for up to five people with a pool and spa tub, while the Signature Oceanfront two-bedroom bures can sleep seven. Lolo describes the accommodation as “very relaxed and spacious with island vibes”, while Carly Hockey from Gungahlin Travel Associates in the ACT, said: “You pay per bure not per person, and the two-bedroom options would suit families. I love that you can get laundry done daily free of charge – that is a massive bonus.”

A stay at Jean-Michel Cousteau unfolds around the water. Guided by the legacy of the Cousteau family, marine science and sustainability are integrated into the experience, ensuring guests go home with an enduring respect and love of the sea. There are many spectacular sites for diving or snorkelling. If you have always wanted to learn to scuba dive, you can do a PADI course here. If you already know how to dive, this is your idea of heaven. The L’Aventure Jean-Michel Cousteau diving professionals can showcase some of the many incredible dive sites, including the Namena Marine Reserve with its vibrant marine life. Guided snorkelling is a wonderful way to spends a few hours, along with cultural visits to nearby villages to learn about iTaukei heritage. There is no shortage of things to do.

Carly enthuses: “The diving is mint, the waterfall walk was awesome and we loved that we could hire Naviavia, the resort’s private island, for a picnic. The drinks for guests on the pier was a truly wholesome experience, held once a week with local music, cocktails and the magnificent sunset.” Tanya also loved the waterfall walk, as well as the stand up paddleboarding, snorkelling (day and night) and kayaking. “I really loved the village tour, the kava ceremony and I treated myself to a massage at the Spa Bure. We did it all.”

Children love Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort for many reasons. There are dedicated ‘bula buddies’ for children, and they are treated like mini-VIPs. The Kids Bula Club is free for all guests and offers immersive Fijian adventures, with nannies for kids up to five years old and the Fijian buddy programme for ages 6–12. Lolo loves that “kids can go to the chicken coop to collect eggs with the kitchen staff, there is a great tree house plus they can do a lot of marine biology activities with the School under the Sea program to get their special passport stamped while learning about the environment and the Fijian way of life.”

Tanya reports that her children said it was their favourite place to holiday. “My children didn't want to have meals with us; they wanted to spend all their time in the kids’ club and would happily go with their buddy or nanny.”

Our travel advisors and their families loved the food. Carly said the food and the service was “amazing” while Tanya described it as “outstanding”. “I have been so fortunate to have experienced over 20 Fijian resorts in my 20 years as a travel advisor and the food at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort was the best out of

all of them. It is fresh and extremely mouthwatering. For fussy children like mine, ‘beige’ food is always available,” Tanya said.

“Beautiful and fresh”, was how Lolo described the food, “and they had great espresso martinis too!”