The benefits of beachfront yoga

With blissful hours spent soaking in the summer sun enjoying some much needed downtime, a trip to Fiji is the perfect way to unwind from the stresses of the working world. To add an extra splash of zen to your stay at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, try out one of our complimentary morning yoga sessions – there are plenty of reasons as to why this is the best way to start your day.

YogaFor the best start to the day, indulge in one of Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort's complimentary yoga classes.

Exposure to nature

It's no secret that a few hours of sunlight has huge benefits on human health, both physically and mentally. Not only is vitamin D great for regulating calcium in the body for healthy bones, but can also give you a big boost of serotonin – the happy chemical. For those who spend much of their time in office buildings, getting back in touch with nature and indulging in beachfront yoga right by the ocean helps create feelings of calm and grounding. Simply breathing in the sea air is good for the body – packed full of nutrients and natural anti-bacterial properties, the ocean is one giant anti-pollutant.

Intense relaxation

Partaking in an outdoor yoga session isn't just an exercise – it's an enriching experience. Our yoga experts will guide you through calm stretches, releasing the tensions of your muscles while the natural soundtrack of Fiji babbles around you. The chirping of native birds with the gentle lull of the ocean is incredibly immersive, sure to help you start your day in a state of zen.

Relaxing in FijiAt the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, relaxation is on the menu.

Embark on a relaxing escape

At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we live and breathe relaxation. Our luxurious spa packages embrace both traditional and modern methods of pampering, perfect for restoring a glow to both your skin and your soul. In fact, this luxury is explored in every corner of a Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort stay, from our exotic gardenview bures to the dining experience, curated by Executive Chef Raymond Lee.

Ready to relax? Take a look at our selection of holiday packages, and start planning your escape to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

How the South Pacific Ocean benefits your skin

Fiji is one of the best places on Earth for a relaxing escape. There's little to debate here – the twinkling golden sand and warm island breeze makes this location the perfect paradise to recharge in, especially with a calming dip in the South Pacific Ocean. Swimming in the ocean isn't only good for exercise and recreational purposes – the natural salts and minerals of the Fijian waters are a treat for your skin.

Fiji oceanA trip to the Fijian seaside isn't just beneficial for the mind and soul – your skin will thank you for diving in the mineral rich waters.

Natural exfoliator

For soft and lush skin, a trip to the seaside will do the trick. The minerals in sea salt paired with coarse sand gently scrub away at dead skin. It's a great idea to commence your skin care routine after a swim in the sea – salt water opens your pores, meaning it'll absorb cleansers and moisturisers more efficiently for a deep clean.

Reducing inflammation

Salt water has incredible benefits for those who suffer from skin ailments, such as eczema or psoriasis. This is because the ocean is loaded with skin-loving minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals – particularly magnesium – are anti-inflammatory, perfect for reducing redness and preventing itching. Salt water on its own is known for keeping bacteria at bay. For acne sufferers, a rinse in the sea helps in warding off bacteria that hides in your pores, creating a cleaner base to apply treatments and cleansers.

Blood circulation

Swimming in the ocean helps in promoting blood circulation. This is thanks to the combination of physical exercise and nutrients you're exposed to while diving between the waves. An improved blood cycle helps in reducing stress and removing toxins such as air-pollutants absorbed by the skin.

Fiji resortThere are plenty of opportunities to relax and rejuvenate at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

Relax at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Take the time to unwind with one of the massage treatments on offer at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. Our professional massage therapists will lift your stresses with their fingertips, set to the soothing sounds of the water's edge lapping nearby. From deep, regenerative reflexology massages to relaxing in luxurious cacao wraps, you'll leave your spa session feeling rejuvenated and in a state of pure bliss.

Ready to book your escape to the tropics? Check out our packages to create your dream stay at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

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

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..

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

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

The story behind the Fijian pearls gifted to Meghan Markle

On their whirlwind royal tour of Australasia, newly-weds Harry and Meghan spent some time enjoying everything Fiji has to offer. As well as market visits and kava ceremonies, the royal couple also met with First Lady Sarote Konrote, where Meghan was gifted a stunning pearl necklace.

Discover the story behind this symbolic gesture and how you can get your hands on your own Fijian pearl necklace.

The story behind Meghan Markle's pearl necklace

While attending a meeting at Borron House, the Duchess of Sussex was gifted an exquisite 18-inch pearl necklace by the First Lady. The necklace featured 37 high-grade naturally multi-coloured pearls sourced from renowned pearl farm, J.Hunter Pearls. Colours ranged from shimmering greens to magnificent bronzes, brilliant blues to gun-metal greys.

The pearls from the Savusavu region are a product of the Pinctada Margaritifera-Typica oyster – a subspecies of the black-lipped Tahitian oyster. Their pearls are one of the world's rarest and their multi-coloured tones are highly sought after by pearl connoisseurs from all corners of the globe.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun, Ms Hunter explained that the necklace was the perfect embodiment of the Fijian Government's role in the 2017 United Nations Climate Change Conference aka COP 23.

"Fiji's role in COP 23 is to take care of our ocean," she said.

J. Hunter Pearl Farm practises a sustainable farming operation, which is one of the key signatures of the COP 23 initiative.

Discover where Meghan Markle's pearl necklace came from.The pearls of Savusavu are highly sought after around the world.

Receive your very own Fijian pearl necklace

At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we pride ourselves on our unique attractions and excursions. Of those on offer, lucky guests can join a trip to J.Hunter Pearl Farm. The tour offers insight into the history of pearl farming in Fiji, as well as a guided boat trip around the farm itself. Here, guests can view oysters at different stages of growth as they suspend on 200 metre-long lines that run three to five metres below the ocean's surface.

There's even the option to dive down to view the oysters up close if weather permits, so bring a snorkel just in case!

Afterwards, stroll round the showroom and purchase individual pearls or exquisite pieces of jewellery, just like Meghan's.

When staying at our eco-friendly luxury resort, guests can experience a true Fijian experience. If you'd like to find out how we can make your Fijian holiday one to remember, get in touch with the team today.

Snorkeling versus diving – which one’s right for you?

As Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world, it's hardly surprising so many of our guests take to the waters to explore the underwater paradise below the waves.

Here at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we offer opportunities for both snorkeling and diving, so you can make the most of these stunning surroundings.

But which one is right for you and your abilities? 

Dipping your toes in scuba diving

Scuba diving refers to underwater swimming using a self-contained breathing apparatus known as a scuba. Each diver carries their own tank of gas which allows them to stay underwater for longer periods without needing to come up for air.

A wetsuit and flippers are worn to give greater freedom of movement, while goggles and scuba equipment allow the diver to remain comfortable whilst swimming.

Whether you're a novice or an expert, we offer an incredible dive programme for all guests wanting to experience scuba diving in Fiji. All dives are conducted at the Namena Reserve  – a site considered one of the top 10 diving spots in the world! The reserve is home to 400 known corals, 1,000 species of invertebrates and 1,000 fish species! Here, divers can enjoy walls and pinnacle dives.

We offer certification courses for beginners through all levels, with a minimum age of 10 years required to join in.

Enjoy scuba diving at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. Experience world-class diving at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

Superb snorkeling in Fiji

Snorkeling is an activity that involves swimming with a breathing tube (snorkel) and a diving mask. It allows people to swim along the surface of the water while looking at the colourful coral and marine life below. Unlike diving, a person cannot fully submerge their head underwater.

A person will wear flippers to help with movement through the water, however, a wetsuit isn't required, unless snorkeling in colder waters.

At our five star resort, guests don't need to undertake a course to get involved. Instead, with snorkel and flippers strapped on, people of all skill levels can snorkel in the shallows that surround the resort and enjoy the beauty below!

If both scuba diving and snorkeling sound like something you'd like to get involved with, there's no need to choose just one. Why not experience both? Our team of dive experts and in-house marine biologist can work with you to ensure you stay safe and happy whilst partaking in both activities.

Get in touch today to find out more about our scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities.

Different ways to volunteer on your holiday to the Fiji Resort

Protecting and preserving our stunning surroundings is high on our agenda here at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. However, it's not just our resident marine biologist and team members that make this possible. We're proud to give all guests the chance to help out too through our various volunteer experiences.

Here's how you can get involved and make a change for today and years to come.

Get stuck into our giant clam repopulation project

Where they were once in abundance, Fiji's giant clam population is slowly depleting as a result of over-harvesting. These magnificent creatures play an important role in the recycling of nutrients as well as being a critical component of the resort's surrounding waters.

In an effort to rebuild diminished clam populations, Fiji Resort's resident marine biologist, Johnny Singh, has established the 'giant clam repopulation project'. With his hard work, Johnny has been raising a series of juvenile giant clam brood stocks as part of an effort to repopulate four species in local waters around the resort. Under his guidance, volunteers will learn about the daily workings of a sustainable pearl farm at J. Hunter Pearls. This is a great way to learn about the intricate process behind cultivating and protecting pearls at one of Fiji's most renowned hatcheries and research centres.

Protect Fiji with our volunteer programs.Find out how you can preserve and protect our beautiful surroundings with our volunteer programs.

Help restore our mangrove population

Mangroves are a core component of the ecosystems that surround the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort and beyond. Their extensive root systems help with water filtration, while playing host to a diverse range of wildlife. They also prevent coastal erosion from storms, as well as removing carbon from the atmosphere.

Unfortunately, Fiji's mangrove population is rapidly shrinking. In order to replenish numbers, we've created our own mangrove restoration program. With your help, we aim to continue planting young and healthy mangroves along the coast to meet our goal of 10,000 freshly planted mangroves by November 2018. 

Immerse yourself in the community spirit at Fijian schools

Another great way to give back to the local community involves our reading program. Here, guests can make the short trip to Buca Primary School and read to the local children. Each volunteer will bring a grade-appropriate, English language book which they will read to the class, then leaving it behind as a donation to help bolster the school's growing library. This experience gives a glimpse into Fijian education as well as allowing guests to interact with the friendly children and help them learn and practise English. 

Here at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we're incredibly passionate about giving back in everything we do. If you'd like to find out how you can help preserve and protect our beautiful lands, get in touch with the team today. 

The perfect romantic day at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji

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. 

Release your inner zen at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

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

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.