Tag: #FijiResort

Five reasons why an all-inclusive Fiji resort makes perfect holiday sense

Posted on by Jameel Mohammed

Kick back, order a drink and do as much or as little as you want. Booking an all-inclusive stay at Jean Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji takes the stress out of travel.

1. Rest easy – everything’s taken care of
One of the biggest advantages of an all-inclusive resort holiday is peace of mind. Once you’ve budgeted the per night cost for your stay, (almost) everything else is included. No calculating transfer costs, budgeting for a nanny/babysitter, planning for meals or carrying around a wallet. Kick back on our sun lounger by the Serenity Pool – we’ve got this.

2. No hidden extras
At Jean Michel Cousteau Fiji Resort (JMC) there are no hidden extras. Our all-inclusive rates cover transfers, meals, non-alcoholic drinks, full time nannies and buddies, complimentary Bula Club access, a comprehensive activities program (including snorkelling trips, kayaks, SUP, sailing) and so much more. You can dine a la carte three times a day, order a bowl of fries for hungry kids post swim, enjoy morning and afternoon tea (yep, our staff are trained baristas) and we’ll collect you and deliver you back to the airport. If you’re travelling with kids, our full-time nannies and buddies are available from 8am to 9pm daily. No sweating the bill at checkout time – it’s all covered so you can relax.

JMC All-Inclusive Resort SUP Stand up paddling

3. You can try everything on offer
Fancy snorkelling? Our all-inclusive rate includes twice daily adult and family snorkelling trips including quality snorkel and mask sets. Want a hit of tennis? Grab a racket and our court is all yours. Want to take a catamaran out for a spin? Be our guest. Kids want a quick SUP before breakfast? Let us set the boards up for you and store them when you’re done. We’ll take you on complimentary tours to the farmer’s market, mangroves, waterfall, local village and more. Do as much or as little as you like knowing it’s (pretty much) all included.

4. No forking out every time your child wants something
We all know how expensive travelling with kids can be! Our all-inclusive rate covers three meals a day for kids as well as morning and afternoon tea, snacks and drinks, complimentary Bula Club access and best of all a full- time nanny or buddy from 8am-9pm daily. How good is that?! If you’ve got multiple kids, JMC’s all-inclusive rates are a no brainer when it comes to value.

JMC Resort All-Inclusive Resort Massage

5. All you need is spending money
Once you know how much your holiday is going to cost all you’ll need is some spending money for cocktails by the pool, dive trips or a well-earned massage or two in our rustic spa bure lapped by the waves. Oh, and we have a boutique too stocking a range of locally made handicrafts, jewellery, resort wear and more if you want to treat yourself.  You’re on holidays after all.

Why JMC is the world’s best family resort?

Posted on by Jameel Mohammed

Whooshing down a waterslide, exploring the magic of the underwater world, full time nannies and old-school fun. It’s this and so much more that makes Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji (JMC) the world’s best family resort.

Full-time nannies and buddies
Yes, you read that right. At Jean-Michel Cousteau (aka JMC) every child five and under is assigned their own nanny from 8am to 9pm (later or earlier if you need it) each day. Children up to the age of 12 are paired with a buddy (with a ratio of one buddy for a maximum of five children).

The connection between your child and their Fijian nanny or buddy starts the moment you arrive. As you check-in (mocktail in hand) our specially trained nannies and buddies scoop young charges up and whisk them away for a tour of the Bula Club.

Even if your child is naturally reserved or hesitant, don’t fear. Our team will have them (and you) settled in no time.

World's best Family Resort . Award-winning Bula Club for Kids

Award winning Bula Club
All children have complimentary access to the Bula Club, largely considered the South Pacific’s best kids’ club (some say the world’s best and who are we to argue) by countless happy parents, contented kids and travel industry experts.

Underpinned by the Lei Lei Holiday program for 0-5-year-olds and the Marau Holiday program for children 6-12, activities include spearfishing, snorkelling, Fijian basket weaving, fishing, volleyball, hiking and kayaking. Younger children do face painting, crab hunting, shell collecting, basket weaving and everyone is invited to visit a Fijian village, the weekly farmers’ market and more.

‘The School Under the Sea’ program is also offered whereby children (six to 12) can learn about Fiji’s natural environment and cultural heritage through the eyes of our resort’s two onsite marine biologists.

Aside from our fun activities programs, the Bula Club offers a mushroom pool, toddler pool and a larger family pool with day beds. Two pools have waterslides (always a winner with kids). There’s also a jungle gym, zip-line, trampoline, sandbox, and arts and crafts centre.

Nannies and buddies care for kids from after breakfast to bedtime while a three piece band serenades children while they have dinner. Kids can sing along to The Lion Sleeps Tonight, play Marco Polo in the pool, join snorkeling sessions to the “Coral City” and enjoy movies and popcorn while you enjoy a romantic dinner together.

Parents choose their children’s meals each day prepared fresh from scratch in our main kitchen. Kids can eat with parents in the family dining section of our restaurant or at the Bula Club – it’s your choice.

World's Best Family Resort. The School Under the Sea Program with Marine Biologists.

Our staff are naturals with kids
Fijians absolutely adore children. Likewise, children are naturally drawn to Fijians with their warm nature, big friendly grins and ready laugh. At JMC every team member from the bar staff to our wonderful housekeeping team greets kids with affection and wide smiles. It doesn’t matter whether you’re dining or building sandcastles on the beach, help is on hand at every turn. Our excellent nanny’s and buddies standby ready to connect with your child, even rocking babies to sleep. It’s all part of the JMC service.

Time to reconnect
With the kids in good hands, be seduced by poolside dining or head to our spa for a massage as waves lap the shore. Snorkeling and diving in world class reefs, stand up paddle boarding, tennis or yoga overlooking the Coral Sea await.

Many parents however say their favourite thing is the joy of having time to read a book, have coffee or cocktail sans children by the Serenity Pool (child free except for a few hours on Sunday).

Worlds-best-Family-Resort-Jean-Michel-Cousteau-Resort-Fiji-Time-for-parents-to-reconnect

Don’t just take our word for it
Our award-winning resort has received countless accolades over the years from ‘Best Overseas Family Resort’ in the Luxury Travel Gold List to being dubbed “the finest family resort in the South Pacific” by Frommers. You have only to look at the multiple glowing entries from parents on tripadvisor.com to realise there’s something special about JMC.

Australian travel writer Ben Groundwater visited with his young family recently and put it this way: “Perhaps the greatest gift that Fiji and Jean-Michel Cousteau can give, the most important thing we can be reminded of, is that parenting is fun. The real work is taken care of by other people here. All that’s left are the fun parts, the shared joys, the simple pleasures.”

We know claiming to be the world’s best family resort is a huge call. But we stand ready to exceed your expectations.

Why our nannies are the world’s best?

Posted on by Jameel Mohammed

Hand-picked for their caring, nurturing nature you won’t find better nannies (arguably) anywhere on the planet. Here’s what makes Jean Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji’s (JMC) nannies the world’s best.

Our nannies are hand-picked
Our nannies are hand selected for their nurturing nature, kindness and patience towards children. They’ve grown up helping raise siblings, cousins and watching their mothers, aunties and grandmothers tend to large, happy broods. This makes them naturally gifted in caring for littlies. Rocking a baby in their arms or singing to soothe an over tired toddler? It’s as natural as breathing for our rockstar nannies.

Worlds best resort Nannies Caring

They make child caring look easy
Blessed with maternal instincts our nannies offer love, patience and kindness in spades. They intuitively understand children and kids are naturally drawn to their calm, motherly (and fun) nature. We don’t know how they do it but somehow, they manage to make caring for children look easy. They’ve got your back so you can have the type of holiday parents only dream of.

They’re known as baby whisperers
In Fiji the adage it takes a village is not just a glib saying – it’s still the accepted way to raise children. Most of our nannies are mums or soon to be mums and have grown up caring for children in the village. JMC’s special nannies have literally cared for and cast their magic on thousands of babies, toddlers and littlies. “Baby whisperers”, we call them.

The connection is real
On check-in our nannies are there to meet families and kids are soon whisked away only to return excited and already bonded to their carers: the routine is tried, tested and has withstood the test of time. The connection between children and our nannies is authentic and often happens instantaneously. Many kids jump hurdles of development with us while also having the holiday of a lifetime. It’s not uncommon to see both nannies and little ones (OK, mums and dads too) crying on checkout and declaring they’re moving to Fiji forever. They’re happy tears born from a holiday filled with joy, memorable moments and true connection.

Worlds best resort nannies team of carers

You can rest assured your littlies are in the safest of hands
All our nannies are vetted by character and history before joining JMC’s special team of carers. Our carers undergo regular health checks with a private doctor and receive careful, fastidious training in terms of hygiene, safety and early childhood learning. Parents can brief their assigned nanny about any specific needs while dietary restrictions are easily catered for. Parents are encouraged to include nannies in family activities outside of the Bula Club – offering an extra pair of hands to help you connect and have fun as a family.

Our nannies can follow routines for naps or take kids for quiet time on the beach. Most kids are so tired at the end of a fun filled day; they sleep like a baby.

Date night, every night
After children our put to bed our nannies can take over so you can enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner beneath the stars to the strains of our three-piece band. Imagine being able to enjoy date night every night while on holiday?! Knowing your little ones are in the safest of hands is a priceless gift meaning the whole family can relax and enjoy a well-deserved holiday.

It’s just one of the reasons so many of our guests return again and again – you simply won’t find nannies as special as ours anywhere in the world. Trust us on this.

Worlds best resort nannies lets you enjoy romantic dinners

Where is the World’s Most Romantic Destination?

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort can offer you everything. Here are just five suggestions for romantic things to do with the person you love while staying with us.

  1. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offers a nearby private island which you can have all to yourselves. If that wasn’t enough, a meal can be prepared, delivered, and set for you there. With champagne on ice, the luxury of privacy, feel free to lay together, listening to the gentle waves beat against the shore as palm trees sway above. Romance to remember.
  2. Visit a waterfall and hold each other as the fresh water falls upon you, nudging you downstream in each other’s arms.
  3. Be among tropical fish and colourful coral. Learn to Scuba Dive or you can snorkel across the surface and explore the exquisite and vibrant underwater world among some of the world’s finest dive sites. Be hand in hand under warm water and experience so much for the first time.
  4. Luxurious spa treatments are awesome, but are they romantic? Yeah, completely. What is better than laying in each others arms after being pampered, completely relaxed, lightly oiled, fully comfortable with the person you have chosen.
  5. Indulge in taste sensations. Meals and cocktails served at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort make full use of the local exotic ingredients. There are unusual and strange sounding foods you haven’t tried before prepared by master chefs blending perfectly foods you know and love with something exciting and new.

The ultimate romantic destination requires privacy and a quality service. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s award-winning service is proven and the convenience of Fijian’s speaking English in addition to their mother tongue shouldn’t be understated. Romance is stymied by confusion and misunderstanding. You don’t want frustration, you want to go where you can get what you want when you want it presented as you asked for. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is here for you.

Romance shouldn’t be limited to couples traveling on their own. Arguably, those most deserving of the ultimate romantic experience are those who have already spent years together. If you have raised each other’s children and have been so involved with each other for so long than you forget to appreciate one another, you deserve perfection. This means you ought to be even more mindful of making use of this opportunity to celebrate your love and commitment to one another while away.

That’s why one of the best parts of the private island getaway might be that it also comes with the inclusive kids club (which is essentially the greatest childcare service you’ve known) where you can be confident in the safety and happiness of your little ones while equally confident that won’t interrupt you. You deserve this and it is available to you, so treat yourselves.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has a special offers available for our guests seeking romance:

Romance Package: Pay for four nights and receive two free nights!

The person you love can be served with peace, quiet, sun, sand and more excellent choices than you have time for.  Visit Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji.

#FijiRomance #FijiResort

What is the best new activity to share as a family?

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

SCUBA stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. It is possible to become trained in scuba diving and gain a globally recognized PADI certification, all within a family vacation.

You can learn the science and techniques of spending so much time underwater. You can swim with fish large and small, connect with the tranquility of Fiji’s tropical waters and broaden your understanding of how spectacular our planet is. There is a small amount of studying and a huge amount to talk about. This is an ideal activity to share with your nearest and dearest as they get older and start taking part in the world on their own.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort’s professional dive centre offers experienced  instructors catering to all of your needs at competitive prices. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort trains more divers in Fiji than any other resort. To take part you need to be at least 10 years of age. The most basic course is an Open Water Diver certification, and students younger than 15 years of age who complete the course become Junior Open Water Divers. For those who are 15 years of age and above, the full Open Water certification is something you can keep and use for the rest of your life and is recognized all over the globe.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offers resident marine biologists to assist with expanding your knowledge.

To learn more about scuba diving with Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji you can refer to our frequently asked questions about diving or you can choose from one of the dive packages.

And don’t forget: Two children under the age of thirteen stay for free when you book your holiday with Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. 

#FijiFamilyResort #FijiMarineBiologist #FijiDiving #FijiSnorkeling #FijiResort

How can I feel like myself again?

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Fiji Spa and Wellness
Healing at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji

Fiji has a rich history of traditional healing, a true hands-on approach with massage playing a central role. Talent for healing others is considered by those in Fiji as something inherited, with certain skills shared within families through generations. One Fijian family might specialize in healing throat issues, while another family are those to see for joint pain. These practices can seem fanciful to Western ears, where tales of extraordinary acts of healing done solely by touch are at odds with the practices of Western medicine and may not sound credible. This said, the Fijians with direct experience of such things swear by them.

We at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort have seen first-hand the unusual healing abilities of the people of our Fijian community. It is a holistic and natural approach to wellness and wellbeing, incorporating local time-honed knowledge with natural ingredients. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offers a world-class spa service with a difference. Our full spa menu was designed by a local female healer named Viri Marivale. Viri has healing in her lineage, hailing from Natewa on the island of Vanua Levu. We have witnessed Viri provide transformative treatments for our guest and she continues to provide an exception healing service at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, incorporating cold pressed coconut oil, honey, flowers, nuts and spices in treatments provided in a luxurious tropical setting.

Fiji Wellness Eesort Spa
Rediscover the sound of your true self beneath all the noise of modern living.
Fiji Wellness Spa Foot Soak
Soak in the sun and soothing sounds of paradise

Each massage is designed to provide a function, be that to improve circulation, deep tissue relief, balance of the musculoskeletal system, rejuvenation, vibrancy, stress relief and more. We store so much within our bodies and not all of it is beneficial, so why not release that which doesn’t serve us well? Viri and gifted others at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort can help you with that.

In addition to spa treatments, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji offers other ways for guests to feel the healing benefits of Fiji and its pristine environment. The warm waters of the South Pacific ocean are cleansing and taking part in the world class diving, exceptional snorkelling sites, waterfall visits, kayaking, and so many more exceptional activities each help restore balance and bring us back to a more natural pace and peace of mind. To stay at our award-winning luxury family friendly resort, please find a date perfect for you.

Enquire Now to learn more about availability at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort and share the wonders of Fiji with your family.

#FijiFamilyResort #FijiMarineBiologist #FijiDiving #FijiSnorkeling #FijiResort #FijiSpa

 

When You Think of Sustainability, What You Should Ask

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

When you think of Sustainability, ask: How do I want my world to be like and how do I sustain that?

Sustainability is a popular and worthwhile idea, but what would sustainable employment look like? At
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort there are many people who have worked here for twenty years and
longer. That’s pretty sustained, but not what people mean by “sustainable”.

Empowering Employees in Local Communities

Meet Pete (pronounced “Pe-tay”), Pete is one such twenty-plus year employee at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. Pete works in guests services and he’s from Nukubulavu village, which is the nearest village to the resort and where the majority of resort employees come from. No lengthy commute required, with some people walking along the beach to work (yes, please). Because Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort puts so much time and effort into training employees and developing leadership roles, this has a long-term benefit to a community who are made up of highly skilled and highly trained people. This might be the key to sustainability, by spreading knowledge and with it empowerment, influence and independence.

Pete is a friend and teacher to many
Pete is a friend and teacher to many
Would you like this to be your walk to breakfast?
Would you like this to be your walk to breakfast?

Relationship with the Natural Environment

Conscientiousness comes naturally in Fiji. For most who make the excellent choice to stay with us, it is the connection made with local people which fills the heart with goodness. You can’t train someone to be a pleasure to be around, it comes from the Fijian way of living and the innate openness and sincere enjoyment people in Fiji live with. That’s sustainable.

Bonds that Last

This is Maria. Maria is a nanny and she is part of the fabulous Bula Club, where young children staying at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort receive one-on-one care. By developing new friendships and connections between guests and workers, those who return home have a piece of a distant land in their heart, carrying a greater understanding of those from a different and distant culture within. This is a key part of sustainability globally, as people from different walks of life get to know and enjoy each others company spreading laughter, mutual appreciation and respect. Sustain that!

 

Jean-Michel Cousteau resort is also more typically sustainable with many years of planning and action in becoming a leading Eco Friendly holiday destination in addition to being an award-winning family friendly resort offering world-class diving and snorkelling.  

Fun with Friends
Fun with Friends

Enquire Now to learn more about availability at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort and share the wonders of Fiji with your family.

#FijiFamilyResort #FijiSustainability #FijiResort

 

How can I learn about sustainability while on holiday in Fiji?

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

At Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji guests have ample activities to choose from and many are not what you expect. Sure, there is world class diving, exceptional snorkelling sites, waterfall visits, spa treatments, kayaking, and so much more of the excellence Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is known for, but this award-winning luxury family friendly resort offers less common choices too, including:

Junior Chef Program

Children want to learn and want to be involved. Incorporating an education with fun activities is the best way to learn. That’s why children take a tour of Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort’s organ garden and learn about organic farming practices as they harvest fresh produce, dressing in a chef’s uniform before helping prepare fresh and healthy meals in the Bula Club Kitchen.

Our Organic Garden provides 20 per cent of food for our guests.
Our Organic Garden provides 20 per cent of food for our guests.
What do your kids have to look forward to on a family holiday in Fiji?

Mangrove Planting

Mangrove Planting brings many benefits. Mangroves are fish nurseries, providing a safe haven for juvenile fish as well as protecting shores against coastline erosion. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort guests have worked with our resident marine biologists to plant 7,500 mangrove saplings in the last year alone. Whoop!

Coral Planting

Guests can choose to take part in coral rehabilitation by planting coral! Healthy and abundant coral landscapes are essential to marine biodiversity. This ongoing project has led to a snorkel trail and is another example of the sustainable contributions led by Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort’s marine biologists.

Medicinal Walk

Fiji has a longstanding culture of traditional medicine. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort doesn’t encourage the use of these traditional medicines over Western medicines, however we do want to preserve this knowledge and share it with others, which is why Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has built an extensive collection of indigenous medicines and rare plants -some of which are extinct in the wild. Guests can learn about how these age-old practices were applied from a village elder..

Learn more about availability at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort and share the wonders of Fiji with your family.

#FijiFamilyResort #FijiMarineBiologist #FijiDiving #FijiSnorkeling #FijiResort

 

The Family Resort in Fiji Where New Friendships are on the Menu

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

When you have been to Fiji you leave with a leading memory: ‘The Fijian people’. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, a Family Luxury Resort, is located in what Fijian people call “The Friendly North”, famed for the openness and warmth of its residents.

When there is such natural beauty in Fiji, warm weather, world class coral reefs, marine life and lush landscapes, why is it guests comments are about the friendly Fijians? Comments like, “The staff at the resort made for an exceptional experience and we can’t wait to go back.” and “I saw people actually cry when they left this place, it is so wonderful.”?

We’d like to introduce some of our heartwarming staff, who are so easy to connect with.

Fiji Marine Biologist - Johnny Singh

Johnny Singh is a resident Marine Biologist and Naturalist. Say what now? Yes, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji is the only resort to employ full-time marine biologists to help visitors appreciate Fiji’s best diving and snorkeling and to understand the Cousteau philosophy. Johnny is from Fiji, studied here and also in Australia, where he earned his master’s degree from James Cook University.

Johnny is passionate about the environment, conservation, sustainability, and educating guests of all ages about the environment. At Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, he plays four key roles:

Guest Education Informing guests about Fiji’s natural heritage, snorkeling (both day and night trips – can you spell bioluminescence?), evening presentations, all to guide guests of all ages in how to help protect the environment through action and advocacy in our daily lives.

As Environmental Coordinator. Johnny’s resort projects include integrated landscaping, creating renewable energy sources, organic gardening, recycling grey water for wetlands, composting, and more. He also ensures the resort uses eco sensitive products.

Research With the belief that we must understand something before we are able to protect it, Johnny conducts reef checks at dive sites in order to assess the health of the reefs. Guests and other volunteers are always welcome to join Johnny on these reef checks.

Local Outreach Johnny takes his educational tour on the road and visits local schools, giving presentations, sharing knowledge, and helping future generations of Fijians so that they are aware of the importance of preserving their local environment.

Not only is Johnny a delight to be around, he’s responsible for restoring mangroves in the area, repopulating nearby reefs with giant clams, and measuring the benefits of marine protected areas.

If you think this work sounds all very hip and new, Johnny Singh has been doing this work at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji for fourteen years! When asked what project was his favourite, Johnny said, “I love all of it.”

As an example of how close guest connections run with those who work at the resort, Johnny’s daughter connects with a young past guest every Sunday to chat over Messenger. The family has been back to Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort five times and when away, one of their children communicate weekly with a friend made in Fiji.

Fiji Resort Sraff - Veiwili

Veiwili began his career at the resort as a trainee in our Food and Beverage area (restaurant). He has become one of the superstars on the floor (that’s serving floor, not dance floor -although he probably lights up a dance floor too!).

We’re so glad and grateful to have him in the team. Veiwili grew up in a fairly remote and isolated part of the island we are located on. Something about where he originates from contributed to this special person you are sure to gravitate to.

Fiji Resort - Talei

If you’ve been to Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort before, there is a good chance you remember Talei and her wonderful and welcoming smile. Talei has been at the Fiji Family Luxury Resort for nearly two decades. After running our world renowned Bula Club (Fiji’s best educational, interactive and fun Kids Club) for fourteen years, Talei is now in charge of running our restaurant (more about our fine dining experience and organic menu).

Talei would love to meet you and share in your experience. Learn how to receive a complimentary night’s accommodation

#FijiFamilyResort #FijiMarineBiologist #FijiDiving #FijiSnorkeling #FijiResort