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

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.

Fun beach games to play with the whole family

With some of the most family friendly, clean and pristine beaches on the doorstep of our 5 star Fiji resort, having fun in the sun has never been easier! Just a shell's throw away from your accommodation at Jean-Michel Cousteau is a great stretch of Savusavu sand waiting for you and your family.

When you need a break from catching rays, why not try your hand at this list of fun beach games for the whole family?

Sand mermaids/merman

Building sand castles is an age old tradition that every child and adult has partaken in over the years. Step it up a notch and turn those sand castles into life-size mysteries of the ocean – mermaids and mermen! Use seaweed for hair, shells for scales and other natural items found on the beach for your projects. Give your mermaid a name, create an adventurous story and don't forget to snap a selfie with your mer-crew once done.

Water bucket relay

Inspired by another classic, the water bucket relay takes its concept from the egg and spoon race. Super simple to play, all you'll need are four players, two buckets and two cups or other utensils capable of holding small amounts of water. Nominate two of the four players to hold the bucket on top of their heads and the other two to be the carriers of the water. The kids may find it more fun to do the latter because children love to race! The bucket holders must line up about 10 – 15 metres from the ocean and the carriers must race back and forth between the sea, using their cups to transport water to the buckets. The winners are the ones whose bucket is filled first! Word of warning, prepare to get wet!

Have fun in the sun with our list of beach games.Have fun in the sun with our list of beach games.

Beach ball race

This game isn't restricted to a certain amount of players and in fact, the bigger the teams, the merrier! Find a section of the beach that has a slight slope into the water and from there, prepare to scoop some sand! Each team is given one ping pong ball and must dig a channel from the starting point with the aim of filling said tunnel with water to get the ping pong ball into the sea! The winners are the first ones to travel their ball into the ocean. Get ready to catch your ping pong ball at the end to not lose it to the waves!

Keeping up with the little ones' energy can be a tough feat at times. Why not let our trusted team of nannies and buddies take the reigns in our renowned Bula Kids Club? It's a fantastic way for children to make friends and have their own adventures, while you enjoy a well needed break by the pool. For more information on this complimentary service, visit the Jean-Michel Cousteau site.

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

 

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

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 fun family activities for your Fiji holiday

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

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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. 

Relax as your children learn to cook in Fiji

When you go on a family holiday, you don't want to have to worry about entertaining the kids all the time. That is why, at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we offer the complimentary Bula Club for children. 

The award-winning program offers a variety of fun activities, educational games and exploration for children aged 6-12 years. Open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., you and your partner can relax by the seaside or go on an adventure yourself while the young ones are taken care of. 

With the Bula Club, your children will learn to cook while you read a book at the beach.With the Bula Club, your children will learn to cook while you read a book at the beach.

Encouraging children to cook

One of the highlights for children at the Bula Club is the 'Junior Chef's Program'. Here, they learn how to harvest produce from the resort's organic garden and assist in preparing lunch or dinner.

At Jean-Michel Cousteau, we are strong advocates of the farm-to-plate concept , so you can be certain that your young ones will gain a good understanding of different aspects of organic farming such as planting and composting, as well as food preparation. 

The children who partake in the Junior Chef's Program enjoy the wholesome, fresh dishes they helped to prepare for either lunch or dinner, where parents are welcome to join in the adult section of the main restaurant. 

Iconic Fiji dishes

When your children learn to cook at the Bula Club, we make education as much of a priority as fun. This means that once you return from your relaxing Fiji holiday, your young ones will know about the different cooking methods (open fire and underground), staple ingredients (taro, rice, fish, sweet potatoes and cassava) and culinary history of the Pacific Islands. 

Here are some of the most iconic Fijian dishes you and your children might encounter – and learn to cook – during your stay. 

Lovo

A delicacy that is commonly enjoyed at weddings or festivals, lovo is cooked in an underground oven. The oven, which is essentially a hole in the ground, is lined with coconut husks that are lit on fire and covered with stones. Fish, meat and vegetables are then wrapped in taro and banana leaves and placed on top of the hot stones to cook.

The food is left in the oven for up to three hours, something that leads to delicious smoky flavours and tender consistency. 

Kokoda

Kokoda is made from finely cut, raw mahi-mahi fish. The iconic flavours of the dish come from the dressing, which is made from thick coconut cream, chillies, lemon juice, salt and onions. To achieve a slightly chewy texture, the fish is marinated for 6-8 hours and served with coconuts or clams.

A great starter, this light dish is Fiji's version of South American ceviche. 

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Taro

The potato-like root vegetable is one of the key ingredients in many Fijian dishes and even has cultural value to the islands'. So much so, the first full moon in May is celebrated by a holiday dedicated to taro. 

Mashed, fried or steamed, the taro root is a favourite among the Fijians, particularly because all elements of the plant can be used and cooked. Taro leaves, for example, are often boiled in coconut milk to achieve a spinach-like dish. 

Duruka

Known as Fiji's asparagus, duruka is the unopened flower of a cane shoot. It is often used with coconut milk or to add a slightly nutty flavour in curries. Early settlers from Papua New Guinea are thought to have introduced the stringy and fleshy food in the late 1800s. 

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Family holidays in Fiji, done differently

An all inclusive Fiji holiday at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offers much more than gorgeous beaches and palm trees. A family holiday here provides the best of both worlds – relaxation for you and adventures for the children. 

Get in touch with our team to talk about your ultimate holiday. 

Fun family activities to do on your Fiji holiday

 

Whisking the family away on a luxurious Fiji holiday can be both fun and relaxing. And while your young ones might be whirlwinds of energy, at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort we also understand that you might need some quiet relaxation time.

Because of this we created the Bula Club, where your children are well taken care of while you enjoy some rest. However, for those days you want to be active with the entire family, we have a myriad of fun, family-friendly activities:

Take the kids for a paddle boarding adventure.Take the kids for a paddle boarding adventure.

1. Nakawaga waterfall

Fiji’s jungle is filled with hidden gems, including the Nakawaga waterfall. A result of fast-flowing rivers, the water shoots through the volcanic terrain, making for a stunning sight after a hot and humid walk through the forest.

Both parents and kids will love splashing around in the cool water – it’s a fun day activity that’ll stay in your memories even after you return home.

2. Paddle boarding

If your family likes to be active, you can enjoy exploring the shoreline of Savusavu Bay together as you go paddle boarding together. Test your balance and introduce the children to the breathtaking scenery while having the excitement of physical activity.

Coucou beauté ! #turtle #namena #fiji #fijifinds #gopro

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3. Namena Marine Reserve

Splash around with your family at the Namena Marine Reserve and dive or snorkel in the epitome of Fiji water experiences. The crystal-clear water offers spectacular insight into the underwater world, where you can discover trevalis, sharks and turtles.

The experience of riding the currents with the Jean-Michel Cousteau Dive Masters is not only a beautiful experience but an unforgettable one at that.

4. Glass bottom boat

If your children aren’t ready to go diving just yet, we also have an option to discover the marine life while remaining dry. Watch as the diverse sealife passes by from the comfort of our glass bottom boat cruising through the bays.

The colours and lively temperament of the local sea life will get the children excited and leave you marvelling at the wonders of nature.

5. Flora Tropica Gardens

With more than 300 species of palm trees from around the world, the sheer volume of tropical flora at the gardens will amaze you. The young ones can delight at the sound of birds that are attracted by the many different flowers and fruit trees.

Guided tours will give you an insight into the stunning gardens that are spread across five acres of creek flats and hillsides. Both adults and children will go away from this activity with a new appreciation for the varied shrubs, orchids, water lilies, heliconias and over 40 fruit trees on show.

6. Traditional Fijian stories

For a more cultural experience, we recommend taking the family on a storytelling adventure. At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, you have the opportunity to sit with one of the local elders and delve into 3,000 years of history and myth.

Sucked into the ancient legends and folklore of the Islands, the whole family is in for a treat during this exciting adventure.

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

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7. Savusavu’s hot springs

The local town of Savusavu is known for many things, including its weekend market and hot springs. Amidst the stunning shore, these particular springs showcase the geothermal activity of Fiji that has lasted through the centuries.

Don’t be fooled though, while the locals come to cook at the quietly simmering pools, the springs were actually geysers in the late 19th Century!

Treat yourself and the family to an all inclusive holiday at a 5 star Fiji resort that caters to your every need. Get in touch to make a booking with our friendly staff at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort today.

3 reasons to go kayaking when staying at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji

 

When you make the choice to come and stay with us at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji, there’s a good possibility that you’ll get the chance to try something that you’ve never done before. This is perfectly fine – after all, taking a well-deserved holiday is all about trying new things, discovering something different.

Kayaking is one such activity, and there really is something to be said about serenely paddling your way across the sparkling blue waters along the shoreline of Savusavu Bay. Here are three simple reasons why you should give kayaking a try – we look forward to seeing you out on the water!

1. It’s beautifully relaxing

What’s the main reason you chose to stay a few days at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji? One of them must be that you wanted a break from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, and a few days in a South Pacific paradise is just the ticket.

There are several ways to unravel the knots and unwind at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji.

There are several ways to unravel the knots and unwind at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji, and taking to the water in a kayak is just one of them. Just sitting in your kayak and letting the sapphire surface slip underneath as you watch the sun sink into the sea is an experience sure to fill you with a sense of complete calm – and one rarely replicated anywhere else.

2. Keep up your exercise

Sure, a holiday is a time for relaxing, enjoying your time away from work and eating exciting new foods, but it doesn’t mean that you have to put your fitness routine on hold. Kayaking offers a fantastic workout, especially for the upper body. It doesn’t matter whether you’re paddling gently from the shore, or having a more energetic runout a little further away – your arms, shoulders and back will really reap the benefits of a day out on the kayak.

Several core muscles, so often neglected when in the gym, will also be called into action, and the cardiovascular benefits cannot be discounted either. You’ll also be having awesome fun as you do it!

3. A real sense of adventure

When people think of an adventure holiday, they often imagine plunging down rough whitewater on a flimsy raft, or leaping off a high bridge with a length of elastic tied to their feet. It doesn’t have to be that way. You could simply be exploring new areas on calm waters with your kayak, watching wildlife that you’ve never seen before in your life – now that’s a real adventure!

At Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji, we offer a guided kayaking tour for our guests, where you’ll explore the beautiful coral, flora and fauna of Savusavu Bay – contact our friendly team to find out more.

Learn to scuba dive on your Fijian holiday

 

The ability to scuba dive can unlock a whole new underwater world, where you can get up close and personal with beautiful corals and a raft of marine life. Once you have your diver’s certification, it can act like a passport and take you diving around the world, including in the beautiful waters of Fiji.

However, if you haven’t gotten around to getting certified, you’ll be glad to know you have the chance to do so at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu. We offer a number of different courses from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, otherwise known as PADI, that will equip you with the skills and confidence to enjoy diving.

What kind of courses does the resort offer?

The Cousteau Dive Centre caters to all different levels of divers, from beginners to those looking for their next adventure. We can also tailor programmes to suit the specific needs of our guests, so feel free to enquire about finding the right courses for you.

Our PADI dive courses are taught by expert instructors with thousands of hours of experience underwater. They have all been hand-picked by oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau and work with the latest, high quality equipment.

Gain an exciting qualification on holiday in Fiij. Gain an exciting qualification on holiday in Fiij.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Diving in Savusavu offers unparalleled access to some of the world’s most spectacular dive sites and pristine coral reefs. Under the direction of Jean-Michel Cousteau, our PADI-certified scuba diving excursions explore excellent dive sites just 10-20 minutes away by boat.

We cater to all experience levels, offering calm, shallow sites for beginners, with walls and gently sloping coral gardens, and night, boat and drift diving for the more advanced. We are also fortunate enough to have resort resident marine biologist, the renowned Johnny Singh as a guide for a number of our dives – enriching your understanding and experience of Fiji’s incredible marine ecosystem.

Explore the soft coral capital of the world on a scuba diving excursion. Explore the soft coral capital of the world on a scuba diving excursion.

Is there a way to try scuba before signing up to a PADI course?  

If you’ve never tried scuba before, our half day Resort course gives you the chance to do so! Your instructor will teach you about the foundations of scuba diving as well as introducing you to the gear before you get into the pool to learn basic scuba skills.

How long does it take to get PADI certified? 

As the world’s most popular dive program, the Open Water course is your ticket to the big blue sea. In order to fulfil the requirements of the PADI Open Water course, you’ll need a minimum of three days, however we find guests usually take about 4-5 days to comfortably complete it. However, you can also complete the online component ahead of time to fast track the process once you’re here. Gear will be included for participants.

Scuba diving certification opens up a whole world of diving opportunities. Scuba diving certification opens up a whole world of diving opportunities.

Do you have any advanced scuba courses? 

If you are already PADI certified, you can join our Advanced Open Water course to further your knowledge. Over the space of five dives, you’ll hone your skills to make diving even more enjoyable.

We also provide a Rescue Diving, as well as a Nitrox course. If you’d like to take the first step towards your professional dive training, you can also tackle the Divemaster course. You’ll work on rescue skills as well as refining what you already know to become an even better diver.

Can kids try scuba? 

Kids love our fun intro to scuba course! Kids love our fun intro to scuba course!

Yes! Our Seal team course conducted in the pool is designed for children aged 8-10 and incorporates many of the skills that one learns during the open water certificate course. Young divers will get the chance to put their faces in the water and try breathing through a regulator in a safe environment while wearing a life jacket. We also have our Bubble Maker course aimed at the same age group which offers kids a taste of scuba diving.

If your child is 10 years and over, they can alternatively complete the Junior PADI Open Water Certificate.

You can find out more about our courses and pricing here, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch to enquire about diving certification.

The Bula Club: The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort’s superb children’s program

There are few things in life more enriching to a child's mind than exploring a part of the planet unfamiliar to them. Travel can teach children how other people live, immerse them in a new and exciting culture, and open their minds to the possibilities that learning about the world can bring.

At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we strongly believe that educating the children of today will set us up for a brighter tomorrow, which is why we have organised the Bula Club – an award-winning program open to all little ones holidaying with us. The Bula Club is complimentary, so parents don't need to worry about having to pay extra to take part.

Let's take a look at what the Bula Club is all about.

Bula. An all-encompassing, friendly word that shows that all are welcome!

'Bula'. It's a word that is heard on every beach and down every street in Fiji, but do you know what it means? It has its origins deeply embedded in Fijian culture, and if there's only one word you'll want to learn when visiting Fiji, it's this one. It can mean hello, welcome, love – everything that embodies the spirit of these beautiful islands. This is why we have named our children's club after this wonderful word – an all-encompassing, friendly phrase that shows that all are welcome!

How does the Bula Club work?

When you and your family arrive at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, little ones will be assigned either a 'nanny' (if they are under five) or a 'buddy' (if they are aged between six and 12). Buddies will take care of up to five children, whereas nannies will give their complete care and attention to just one child. With your children under the watchful eye of our nannies and buddies, you'll be free to enjoy the sights, sounds and secrets of these islands without worry. Whether that be exploring the world beneath the waves with one of our diving packages, unravelling the knots via yoga or spa, or simply strolling along the sand, the Bula Club will allow you the freedom of a romantic holiday – with the children enjoying themselves just as much!

One of the core values of the Bula Club is to help nurture and expand your children's perspective of the beauty of the planet we live on. We want to educate and inform, showing young ones how to build a better understanding of nature, wildlife, the Earth's resources and everything in-between. The Bula Club is home to a great raft of exciting, diverse activities – below, you can read about a few of them.

Take a dip in calm Fijian waters while the Bula Club looks after your children.Take a dip in calm Fijian waters while the Bula Club looks after your children.

Where will you find the Bula Club?

The Bula Club is found just a few minutes' walk from the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort's main building and bures (traditional Fijian huts). Passing through the Bula Club's gates is to seemingly enter another world – one designed purely for the recreation and entertainment of children.

Inside, you'll find a children's fun pool (complete with a waterslide), a jungle gym, a zip line, trampoline and all sorts of other great activities. There's even an arts and crafts centre to ignite your child's bubbling creativity, so little ones can never get bored within, especially if they take part in one of the many programs on offer – let's have a look at these and see which might interest your kids!

Get with the program

At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we run two separate programs, based on age, each of which are chock-a-block with diverse activities for both kids and parents alike to enjoy. For children up to five years of age, there is the 'Lei Lei' program, and for youngsters aged between six and 12, the 'Marau' program.

Each has been created with the ages of the children in mind, and is aimed at mental stimulation as well as a big heap of fun. Your children can learn a whole host of skills across the variety of activities, from preparing food, to planting crops.

Passing through the Bula Club's gates is to seemingly enter another world.

To illustrate this, children who are part of the Marau group can participate in our Junior Chef's program.  This is more than just a cooking course for youngsters, however. Participants will pay a visit to our resort's very own Organic Garden, where they will harvest produce and help prepare and deliver lunch and dinner over the course of the day. At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we're big believers in the idea of farm-to-plate transparency, and we'll endeavour to teach your children about this worthwhile concept, too!

This healthy eating notion is carried over to the dining area of the Bula Club. Children can choose to have dinner or lunch with fellow young guests in friendly, fun surroundings, enjoying dishes that they themselves may have helped create. We make a big point of using only the freshest and most nutritious of ingredients, so you can rest assured your child will be getting a wholesome meal at the Bula Club. 

You'll want to come to Fiji to relax - and with your children engaged at the Bula Club, that's exactly what it will be.You'll want to come to Fiji to relax – and with your children engaged at the Bula Club, that's exactly what it will be.

Taking care of your children

The guys and girls at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort know that holidays should be about fun and excitement, but we also understand the need to take a break from your little ones every now and then. This is why the Bula Club has a strong emphasis on childcare. When you are assigned a nanny at the beginning of your time with us, you can let them know about any special requirements that your child may have so that their time away from you passes smoothly and without any issue or worry.

If you fancy a glass of wine or two in the evening with your partner but are worried about leaving the children, fear not.

You can advise your nanny of everything from nap schedules through to downtime, as well as how long they may be allowed to spend playing on a device, safe in the knowledge that your instructions will be followed to the letter. If you fancy a glass of wine or two in the evening with your partner but are worried about leaving the children, fear not. As soon as you have them safely tucked up in bed, the nanny will relieve you, leaving you a romantic few hours to explore Fiji with your loved one.

To find out more about the Bula Club and the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort as a whole, be sure to get in touch with our friendly, helpful team – we look forward to hearing from you. Bula!