Category: All-inclusive Resort in Fiji

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.

Easy ways to keep healthy on your Fiji holiday

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Going on holiday is about spending time doing things you enjoy. Whether that be relaxing by the pool or indulging in local cuisine, it's your time to do exactly what you desire. For some, staying fit and active whilst away is just as important, and here at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we have the facilities and activities to help.

Spend time swimming

Apart from being a fun and popular sport, swimming is a great way to stay healthy and enjoy a full body workout. It works at toning and strengthening muscles, building endurance and maintaining a healthy heart. Luckily for our guests, this activity isn't so hard to come by as our five star Fiji resort is surrounded by swimming friendly and clean, clear waters just a short stroll away from all accommodation. The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort also has an adult-only pool – perfect for lengths without the waves. 

Enjoy maintaining a healthy lifestyle at the Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort.Enjoy maintaining a healthy lifestyle at the Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort.

Other water activities to get amongst

The waters of Savusavu deliver endless room for activities that can help provide a little more adventure to your luxury couples vacation in Fiji. Apart from swimming, why not hop in one of the resort's complimentary kayaks and explore the shore of the island? Known to improve cardiovascular fitness and increase muscle strength in the arms and back, kayaking is a fun and easy way to get some exercise into your holiday routine.

Paddleboarding is widely regarded as the fastest growing aquatic sport in the world according to sports magazines globally and you can experience the fun for yourself, right here at the resort. If you're feeling adventurous and confident, try your hand at stand up paddleboarding, which uses the core muscles to keep balance, legs for stabilisation and arm muscles for paddling through the water. Kneeling paddleboarding, although lower impact, still requires a degree of work and delivers great results.

Volleyball is great for improving reflexes, balance and muscle tone.Volleyball is great for improving reflexes, balance and muscle tone.

On land activities to enjoy

If you'd rather keep yourself dry and water sports to a minimum, don't worry there are still plenty of equally incredible exercise activities to get stuck into on land. Channel your inner Williams or Murray and take to the on-site tennis court to really get that heart thumping. A reported 7 per cent of the entire Australian population play tennis, according to a Roy Morgan study, and with health benefits of improving metabolic function and lowering body fat, it's no surprise why.

With finely-grained, clean white sands at the resort's edge, where better to partake in a game of volleyball than here? Playing 45 minutes can burn up to 585 calories according to Athletico and works to strengthen muscles and improve reflexes and balance. 

When exercising, be sure to take the time to cool down and relax. Thankfully, as the best Fiji resort on the island, you'll have no trouble winding down in our tranquil settings and spa.

Fun facts you didn’t know about Fiji

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Are you excited for your 5 star family holiday in Fiji? Of course you are! With togs packed and excitement building, it's not long until you arrive at the sun-filled Jean-Micheal Cousteau Resort.

Learn more about our incredible destination and its incredible surroundings with these seven fun facts.

1. There are 333 tropical islands in Fiji and only one third of them are inhabited. This means that there are 222 paradise islands waiting to be explored. What do you think you'd find? Hidden treasure? A flock of flamingos? Awesome bamboo waterslide? The possibilities are endless.

Out of the 111 occupied islands, the best kids club resort in Fiji can be found on Vanua Levu – the second largest island out of them all! That's right, the Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort is situated in the sun-filled town of Savusavu, where there are plenty of amazing activities and family fun to be had!

2. Savusavu welcomes warm weather all year round, with 25degrees Celsius the average temperature. This is great for splashing in the sea, playing beach games with the family and hanging out with new friends in the resort.

3. The Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort is home to an award winning kids club. Our Bula Kids Club is a favourite of families visiting and it's no surprise why. We've got a team of friendly buddies and nannies that are in charge of creating a fun-filled atmosphere, complete with activities, games and island adventures. Meet new friends and learn all about the amazing island, all while having so much fun.

What sea creatures will you discover?What sea creatures will you discover?

4. The official language of Fiji is Fijian. However, people may also speak English and Hindi. Learn some simple Fijian phrases before you arrive and practise them while enjoying your stay.

5. Fiji is home to a method of cooking called 'lovo'. This involves cooking food underground! Don't worry, all of the delicious ingredients are wrapped in banana leaves before the surrounding burning rocks slowly cook them. You can experience this tasty traditional practice at the Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort every week!

6. Just over 900,000 people live in Fiji, compared to the 25 million who live in Australia, according to Australia Bureau of Statistics. 

7. Fijians love sport, especially rugby union. It's the most popular sport in the country and nearly ten per cent of the entire population play, according to Fiji Travel. Who do you think would win in a match between Fiji and Australia? There's only one way to find out – bring a ball and your game face!

Fiji is full of culture, beautiful beaches and so much sunshine. Enjoy all this and more while staying with us at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

What to see when you go diving at Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

The 5 star Fiji resort of Jean Michel-Cousteau is privileged to have the world class Namena Reserve dive site on the shores of the resort's pearly white beach.

Visitors of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort have the opportunity to get up close and personal to the incredible marine life – whether a beginner or an experienced diver – in one of Fiji's top diving spots.

From night diving to certified beginners courses, there are plenty of packages and opportunities to see some of the best marine life. Here's a snippet into some of the things you can find under the waves of the Namena Reserve.

What will you see?

With over 4000 square miles of coral reef spanning Fiji and its islands, diving encounters promise to be unique and different every single time. In just a 40 minute boat ride, yourself and the other small team of divers will be plunging into crystal clear waters ready to join the abundant marine life.

If it's colour that you're after, the Namena Reserve has it all. Find blue-ribbon eels, red snapper and soft corals depicting every hue of the rainbow – over 400 to be precise.

Every stroke rewards you with highly saturated ocean scenes, that could be straight out of a Pixar animation. Like a scene from Finding Nemo, discover Palette Surgeonfish (Dory) and Clown Fish (Nemo) flitting in and out of coral and plant life.

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Get your camera ready

If you're after bigger fish to fry, the Namena Reserve is known to deliver on the larger end of the fish scale, too. The dive site happens to be a popular, migratory pathway for cetaceans such as Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins along with Sperm, Minke and Humpback whales! Be sure to have your GoPro at the ready for unmissable moments and photo opportunities.

Sharks can also be spotted but do not fear, the species which reside in the waters are extremely shy and are more scared of you, than you of them! If you're eagle eyed, you might find Hammerheads, White-tip and Grey reef sharks. Tiger, Bull and Silver-tip sharks are not uncommon either, but again, you'll have to be vigilant.

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A firm favourite of divers in the Namena Reserve are the turtles which can sometimes be spotted here. Four of the world's seven species of turtle can be found in Fiji and these creatures aren't scared of a friendly selfie or two.

With such a recognised piece of paradise on the doorstep of the Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort, exploring this dive site couldn't be easier. For more information on our extensive packages, click here.

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. 

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. 

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 

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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 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.

4 fabulous reasons to choose the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort for your Fijian holiday

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

For generations, Fiji has been the holiday destination of choice for Australians searching for their own little slice of paradise. The desert island ideal of Fiji, along with its rich history, inimitable culture and great raft of things to see and do make this humble archipelago one of the finest holiday destinations on the planet. Even so, it can be difficult to know where to stay when planning your Fiji visit, what with the broad range of resorts to choose from. With this in mind, here are four reasons why you should pick the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort for your Fijian getaway. 

World class diving opportunities

The world beneath the waves of the Fijian islands are replete with some of the most spectacular scenery you can possibly imagine. The colourful coral is home to a veritable menagerie of sea life, including luminous fish, graceful rays and inquisitive turtles. Sweeping plants and labyrinthine caves make diving in Fiji an experience that's impossible to forget in a hurry, and at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, it's something of our forte.

Sweeping plants and labyrinthine caves make diving in Fiji an experience that's impossible to forget in a hurry.

Whether you're a seasoned diving old hand, or have never so much as seen a pair of flippers before, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Dive Centre will take you out into the revered Namena Marine Reserve to explore the world beneath – 'magical' is one word for it.  

A romantic attraction

Fiji is a place that just oozes romance, and at the the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we've managed to the harness the pure amore emanating from the sea and sand. If you're looking for a romantic getaway for you and your partner, you need look no further than Naviavia – your very own private island.  

That's right – you'll have half a hectare of pure, uninterrupted bliss to explore with your other half. There will be no one around to bother you, save for the chirping sea birds and roll of the waves against the soft sand. Enjoy a picnic with a view of golden sun setting into the Pacific – what could be more romantic than that?

A chance to relax

Why do we go on holiday? There are a myriad of reasons – to explore new places, or get a sense of a fresh and vibrant culture. Of course, one of the main reasons we take a break is to get away from the stresses and strains of hectic, modern life and Fiji represents the perfect place to get away from it all. 

Fiji represents the perfect place to get away from it all.

At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we have a range of yoga and spa options that will smooth out all the knots and creases that have built up over the nine-to-five, transporting you to a relaxing, tranquil place far away…

An award-winning children's club

Everyone is welcome at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, and children are set for an adventure of a lifetime the moment they set foot in the Bula Club. This complimentary program offers an engaging, fun and educational environment for children at the resort, where they can be left alone under the watchful eye of the dedicated nannies and buddies.

There are an ample amount of activities for your children to take part in during their stay, and this allows you to head on out and do your own thing without having to worry about the needs of the little ones. They'll be just fine at the Bula Club, so take a romantic walk with your partner along the beachfront, wine glass in hand. 

Of course, it's easy to tell you about just why you should pick Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort for your Fiji holiday, but you don't have to take our word for it. Be sure to have a look at the reviews that several happy holidaymakers have left of our resort, as well as a few of the awards that we have won. To find out more about our little piece of paradise, be sure to get in touch with our friendly, helpful team today. 

5 must-dos for your Fiji honeymoon

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

There is nothing quite like a honeymoon in Fiji. At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we are proud to be the ideal location for a luxury couples holiday in Fiji, where you can enjoy the time as newlyweds in pure delight. 

Let us introduce you to five must-dos for your ultimate romantic honeymoon getaway.

1. Dive into history

Learn about Fijian history from a local elder.

Fiji has a rich history filled with myths and legends that reach back thousands of years. Learn about some of the indigenous folklore at a traditional Fijian storytelling with one of the elders from the local community on Vanua Levu. 

A complimentary activity at the resort, it's an experience that is guaranteed to bring you, as a newly wed couple, closer together. 

2. Discover a tropical waterfall

If you and your partner enjoy the thrill of adventures together, then you will love hiking through the tropical rainforest on a day excursion. Cool off by diving into a natural freshwater pool right next to a hidden waterfall at the end of your walk. 

Jungle, water and your loved one all in one location – it doesn't get much more exciting than that.

3. Enjoy a private beach

If there is one single time in your life that you and your spouse get to celebrate each other in complete privacy, it's on your honeymoon. Instead of doing so on one of Fiji's many, gorgeous beaches, why not steal away to your own private island for the day? 

Naviavia, a hidden gem just off the coast of the resort, is the ideal spot for complete tranquillity. Our chefs will prepare a delicious picnic to take with you, so all you need to think about is how you want to spend the day on your own island.

4. Indulge in local cuisine

For the ever-curious couple, the Savusavu farmers market offers everything the culinary heart desires. Step into the hustle and bustle on a Saturday morning and explore the colours and tastes of Fiji with your spouse as you wander from one stall to another. 

5. Get pampered together

Indulge in spa treatments together and forget the rest of the world as you spend time with your spouse. The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has world-class spa facilities, where you and your partner can lay back and relax as you enjoy traditional Fijian therapies such as a Bobo massage, Fufunu scrub or Vakacegu facial. 

Your honeymoon is the ultimate time for luxury, relaxation and indulgence. For the perfect romantic getaway, enquire with our staff today.