Category: Fiji Resort Blog

How to have the most romantic Fiji-getaway

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Planning a holiday with your significant other is exciting. It all builds up to the big moment when you're heading to the airport to celebrate quality time together. 

Of course, an all-inclusive luxury resort in Fiji encapsulates the epitome of romance for such a vacation. And at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we have made it our mission to make your lovers' holiday to Fiji an unforgettable experience. 

Alongside the natural beauty of pristine beaches and aquamarine water, we can help you and your other half have the most memorable time.

Go on an adventure

What is better than relaxing with the sunshine of your life by the poolside? How about a day spent on a private island – just the two of you. 

The ultimate secluded paradise, Naviavia lets you enjoy each other's company in complete calm. Smooth waves on the beach will perfectly complement the picnic we can arrange for the two of you before your little trip. 

For a half-day to an entire day, you get to relax and sip champagne by the shore.  Let your imagination be the limit of the adventures you can have. 

Get flexible together

Doing yoga in Fiji though takes things to an entirely new level.

Practising yoga regularly has many health benefits. It can reduce back pain, arthritis, headaches and even lower blood pressure. More than that though, it is a fantastic way to improve your mood and energy levels. 

Doing yoga in Fiji takes things to an entirely new level. The restorative and serene experience of moving your body within eye sight of the tranquil Savusavu Bay can do wonders – for more than just your mental wellbeing. 

To make your couple holiday even more enjoyable, share the experience of serenity with your partner in one of the complimentary morning group sessions. Don't want to have anyone but your lover and a professional instructor in the room? No problem! At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort we have fully trained experts offering private sessions. 

We can guarantee that the romantic fire between the two of you will burn in a novel way after getting flexible together. After all, yoga is good for both mental and physical experiences. 

Happy 4th July to our American friends across the water #Fiji #jmcfijiresort #tourismfiji #virtuoso #july4th #independanceday

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Dine under the stars together

The way to the heart is often through food. Or so people say. Far away from your daily lives, indulging your taste buds with delicious cuisine is a treat in itself. Dress up in the evening to enjoy a few cocktails at the Lounge Bar. You may even decide to play an exciting game and pretend you are meeting for the first time again – one of you could be a mysterious spy who swoops the other off their feet. 

By the time you are ready to feast, both of you will be filled with excited anticipation for the grand event: a private dining experience by the beach. 

Savour the moments together with a dinner under the stars, right on the waterfront of Savusavu Bay. Perched on the pier or even directly on the beach, you and your partner have the night to yourself. One of our dedicated staff will serve only the two of you, ensuring no one disturbs your special dinner.

At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort we pride ourselves with the knowledge that our guests can experience the most romantic holiday with us. Every aspect of the romantic island getaway is thought of and provided for by our team, ensuring that you have the vacation of your dreams. 

Whether you want to surprise your significant other with the trip of a lifetime, or are planning the ultimate getaway together, we'd love to be a part of it. Because life deserves to be filled with luxury, romance and relaxation. 

3 Fijian day excursions you and your partner will love

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Planning a romantic Fiji getaway? Then you will be delighted to know that a holiday at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offers more than simply luxury accommodation. 

As a 5-star resort, we pride ourselves with having immaculate amenities, servicing your every need. From private beach-side dinners to relaxing days spent at the spa – there are endless opportunities for you and your partner to indulge the senses.

But what if you feel like being adventurous together and want to go explore the surroundings of the resort? We offer a range of complimentary off-site excursions on set days each week. 

Let us introduce three of these to give you an idea what you can expect: 

Go on an adventure in Fiji's rainforest. Go on an adventure in Fiji's rainforest.

1. Explore the local rainforest 

When you think of a romantic Fiji holiday, hammocks, sandy beaches and a soft ocean breeze are likely to come to mind. However, the South Pacific has much more to offer than just beach side relaxation. 

Join us for a hike through the stunning rainforest and dip your toes (or full body) into a refreshing jungle pool as you discover a hidden waterfall. 

Besides the obvious beauty of your surroundings, you and your other half get to marvel at some of the thousands of plant species that call Fiji home. You might even get a glimpse of one of Fiji's native species! From the dendrobium dectylodes – a little-known orchid – to the balaka macrocarpa – a flowering plant only found here – your day trip will give you an insight into the colourful world of South Pacific rainforests. 

2. Visiting a traditional village

Fiji is renowned for its friendly, relaxed people. As such, we invite you to experience their famous hospitality during an afternoon in the local village Nukubalavu. Exploring the traditions and customs of the locals, we guarantee you'll feel closer as a couple afterwards! 

To ensure you have the best time possible, visit the village in modest clothing and take off your hat – wearing one could be considered an insult to the chief. Then, if you're lucky enough to be invited into a home, thank your host and leave your shoes at the door before entering. 

Want to impress others with your language skills? Then you'll want to remember how to say hello (ni si bula), thank you (vinaka) and goodbye (sa moce) in Fijian. 

Learning about new cultures and customs can bring you and your partner closer together as well. The two of you will have a new-found appreciation for each other and be able to share the memories of your travel time for years to come. 

3. Farmers market 

If you enjoy indulging your taste buds in different culinary dishes, then the complimentary excursion to Savusavu's farmers market on Saturday morning is for you! 

Immerse yourselves in the busy and colourful atmosphere of Fiji's traditional shopping day and explore the many different local products. From fruit and seafood to handcrafts and jewellery, your lover and you will be exhilarated by the diverse offering. 

Since the Fijian cuisine is heavily based on cooking with sweet potatoes, coconut and fish, there is a plethora of delicious treats you won't see anywhere else on offer. Influenced by the migration of Indians to Fiji in the 1870s, local cooking is now a colourful mix of Indian spices and traditional island foods. 

Want to add a playful element to your trip? Why not pick something you have never eaten before and share the new taste experience as a couple! 

Inevitably, it doesn't matter whether you and your partner have been dating for a year or have been married for 10. Flying away on a romantic holiday can bring out the butterflies of your early relationship, making even a short vacation one to remember and cherish. 

Catch the fish of your dreams at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

 

There are few things more relaxing in life than casting a line into the serene blue waters of the Fijian coast, lying back and waiting for a fish to take the bait. After all, your holiday is all about recharging your batteries, and fishing in Fiji is one of the finest ways to escape from the hectic realities of modern life.

At Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji, you can charter a boat and head out into the sumptuous seas of Savusavu, where you’ll have the opportunity to catch your own dinner. The waters of Savusavu are among the best in all of Fiji for fishing, so you’re practically guaranteed a bite – here’s what you need to know.

The waters of Savusavu are among the best in all of Fiji for fishing, so you’re practically guaranteed a bite!

Fishing for a winner

Savusavu is located on the northern Fijian island of Vanua Levu, and it’s here that you’ll find the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji itself. The resort represents the perfect place to bait up your rod, framed by swaying palms on the sun-kissed shores of the island. You can bring along your own equipment if you like, but don’t worry if you’ve left it at home – we have plenty here that you can borrow. Usually, we’ll troll for fish (dragging baited hooks behind the boat), but you can cast if you have brought along your own rod.

Typically, we run two fishing trips per day. One will leave at first light when the fish are looking to feed, and the other in mid-afternoon, as our finned friends sun themselves near the surface. Additionally, we run two different types of fishing trip – a gentle cruise around the bays, or a deep-sea fishing venture where you’ll really get the chance to hook a whopper. Because the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji has long been dedicated to conserving the environment, our fishing trips are designed to see you catch open water species rather than the reef fish that live near the shore.

The sailfish is one of the ocean's fastest swimmers - can you catch one?The sailfish is one of the ocean’s fastest swimmers – can you catch one?

Fiji’s finest fish

On your fishing trip, you’ll be aiming to snare such fish as walu, yellowfin tuna and the hard-fighting mahi-mahi – a great prize for any sea angler. Arranging your fishing trip on the calming South Pacific is simplicity itself. All you have to do is give the Dive Centre or Activities staff 24 hours notice before you intend to head out, and we’ll do the rest.

Be sure to get in touch with us to arrange your trip to paradise – we look forward to welcoming you.

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

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

 

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.

Three unusual Fiji attractions away from the beaten track

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

There are few holiday destinations that can rival Fiji for things to see, do and make. The blue skies, golden sun, white sands and swaying palms have long attracted families and couples alike, each of them eager to explore the wonders of these islands. At the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we know that Fiji's 300 islands are home to a treasure trove of secrets, many of which are just as interesting as the main attractions. With so many activities in Fiji to seek out, it can be hard to know where to start – here are three of Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort's favourites!

Feast your eyes on a fire-walk

Easily accessible via a pleasant boat ride, Beqa Island is home to the indigenous Sawau tribe. Today, firewalking is practised all around the world, but it was the Sawau people who originated the traditional artform of walking barefoot over fiery coals. Therefore, to witness the local Sawau warriors participate in a fire-walking ceremony, all the while chanting in their native tongue, is something to be savoured. The coals themselves are plucked from a 'lovo' (an earth oven), so you can be certain there is no fakery involved!  

To witness the local Sawau warriors participate in a fire-walking ceremony is something to be savoured.

Absolutely crabulous

After a spot of diving in Savusavu Bay, it's well worth your time making the short trip to the island of Qamea. The lush, verdant hills of the island are home to the Lairo mud crab, a species endemic to these parts – and delectable, too. You won't have to pay extortionate prices to sample this tasty crustacean though, as on Qamea, you can hunt your very own. Between November and January, the bright full moon of the early summer is the signal for the Lairo mud crab to head to the beach to breed. The crab are plentiful, so embrace your hunter-gatherer spirit and try to catch one – then have it for breakfast the next morning!

Make the most of mud

Fiji is an archipelago just bursting with geothermal activity – after all, it is found within the Pacific Ocean's infamous 'Ring Of Fire'. Over in the Sabeto area, you'll find mud pools naturally heated by the bowels of the Earth, so don't be shy – jump right in! The warm mud is reputedly excellent for the skin, and there are plenty of pools for you to choose from. They are well signposted, but out of the way enough so as not to be crowded – and they're completely free, too.

To book your next Fiji holiday, be sure to get in touch with the friendly, helpful team at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort – we'll organise everything! 

Why is the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji resort just perfect for a romantic getaway?

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

Romance. It's a notion that has fascinated humankind for time immemorial. Books have been written, songs have been sung and movies made all about falling in love – it's an emotion that comes to all of us. Romance can strike at any time, unexpectedly, and there's often very little we can do about it – this is a good thing! It doesn't matter whether you're embarking on a fledgling relationship with that special someone you met only a few weeks ago, or you've recently celebrated your ruby wedding anniversary – the flame of romance continues to burn bright.

There's no better way to treat the love of your life than a surprise trip away to the tropical shores of Fiji, but you'll want to make sure you choose a resort best suited for a romantic sojourn. This is where the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort comes in – when it comes to romance, nobody does it better than us. Here's why.

Become a romantic castaway

Aside from covering your king-size bed with a dozen red roses on Valentine's Day whilst reciting a Shakespearean love sonnet, what could be more romantic than your very own private island? Short of being marooned by a shipwreck, you may think this a distinct improbability, but with Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we can really make it happen.

With a glass of the good stuff in your hand and sky turning a rich shade of orange, nothing on Earth can shatter the romance of Naviavia.

Our private island is named Naviavia, and it's a little under half a hectare in size. This means it's small enough to offer a sense of seclusion, but large enough to explore with your partner – with no one else in sight. That's right – you'll have the island completely to yourself, with just the golden sands, gently lapping waves and sea breeze for company. You and your partner will be completely left to your own devices, but if you so wish, we'll prepare a picnic for the two of you to enjoy as the sun sinks into the Pacific. With a glass of the good stuff  in your hand and the sky turning a rich shade of orange, nothing on Earth can shatter the romance of Naviavia.   

A honeymoon from heaven

There are several famous honeymoon destinations around the world. Paris (known affectionately as the 'City of Love'), the Greek islands and New York all feature highly on anyone's list of romantic honeymoon destinations, but Fiji offers that little bit more for newly-weds.

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is the quintessential island getaway. This is the the kind of place that would not look out of place in a child's storybook – azure skies, softs sands and a shimmering blue ocean that extends far into the horizon. At our resort, you can enjoy gentle strolls arm-in-arm along an empty beach, take a walk along a secluded pier granting you exquisite views, or even get your adventure on and snorkel beneath the waves – who knows what weird and wonderful wildlife you might discover in the crystal-clear waters? 

A wonderful wedding

Before your honeymoon, of course, comes the wedding. In this modern day and age, a traditional church wedding doesn't have to be your go-to choice when the time comes to say 'I do.' These days, the blissful beach wedding is steadily growing in popularity, and it's easy to see why. At Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, our elegant wedding ceremonies are the kind of occasions that will linger in the memory forever.

You and your guests can toast the occasion with a sumptuous gourmet dinner, finished off with fine Champagne under the watchful glow off countless stars overhead.

Picture the scene. You wake up on the morning of your wedding on the resplendent island of Vanua Levu. After a refreshing breakfast, the time has come to make your vows in a traditional Fijian ceremony – we told you that it'd be an occasion to remember! On a private stretch of unspoiled Pacific beach, two Fijian warriors will carry the bride gracefully across the sand to her groom. Time-honoured Fijian instruments will play throughout the ceremony, with a gorgeous backdrop that will make for the most fantastic of photos.

Once the ceremony is over, your special day certainly isn't. You and your guests can toast the occasion with a sumptuous gourmet dinner, finished off with fine Champagne under the watchful glow off countless stars overhead – what could be more romantic?

Be sure to get in touch with the friendly, helpful team at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort to find out more about our romantic Fijian getaways – love will certainly be in the air!

Learn to scuba dive on your Fijian holiday

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

 

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

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

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!

3 great dive spots to explore in Fiji

Posted on by Anita Mitchell

 

Let’s not beat around the proverbial bush here – Fiji is home to some of the finest diving sites on the planet. The shimmering sands, azure seas and cloudless skies make for many a memorable holiday, but it’s the adventures you can have beneath the gently lapping waves where things can really grip your imagination. Fiji is known as ‘the soft coral capital of the world’ – the crystalline waters, perfect temperatures and array of unique sea creatures make the island nation a world-class diving destination.

Our diving packages can take you into the wonderful world below Fiji’s waves, with a multitude of different dive sites to explore.

Additionally, the wonderful hospitality and welcoming smiles of the locals means that Fiji is a highly popular holiday choice for those looking to get away from the hectic reality of modern life. At Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we place a strong emphasis on recharging your batteries via the magic and beauty of Fiji, as well as exploring new avenues that are simply not possible back home. Our diving packages can take you into the wonderful world below Fiji’s waves, with a multitude of different dive sites to explore. Each is different to the last, so you never quite know what mysterious secrets they will unveil.

Here are three of our favourite dive sites to look at when you stay with us – jump on in!

Namenalala Island

This tiny volcanic islet, found just off the fringes of Vanua Levu (Fiji’s second-largest island) is home to some of the most jaw-dropping underwater scenery in the entire South Pacific. Beneath the sparkling blue surface of the ocean lies a veritable canvas of unspoiled reefs, just perfect for gliding over as you peruse every nook and cranny. One of the big appeals of diving Namenalala Island is that spectacular drop-offs, who-knows-how many metres deep, can loom up at any moment, arresting your gaze (and that of your camera’s lens!) for several captivating minutes. Though initially frightening for less-seasoned divers, these drop-offs make for an otherworldly experience.

The soft corals of Namenalala Island come to you in a kaleidoscope of colours, with a great raft of unique marine life resident. Sea creatures from the Koro Sea often pay a visit to the waters off Namenalala Island, including Spanish mackerel, hulking manta rays, barracuda and even large sharks – so keep an eye out for these fantastic beasts!

Describe this scenery in one word!

A post shared by Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort (@jmcfijiresort) on

The Rainbow Reef, Somosomo Strait

Translated from Fijian, ‘somosomo’ means ‘good water’, and it’s easy to see why they’ve given this little corner of the Earth such a title. This revered diving site features powerful tidal currents that allow for a never-ending stream of nutrients to flow through the area. Therefore, the ecosystem in the Somosomo Strait is wonderfully healthy – conditions are optimum for soft coral growth, and marine life simply thrives here. Indeed, almost 1,200 fish species call this patch of water home, so the reputation of the Somosomo Strait as a dive site is understandably impeccable.

Almost 1,200 fish species call Somosomo Strait home.

As for the Rainbow Reef itself? It earned that moniker because the aforementioned currents open up the coral, pulling it this way and that, as every colour of the rainbow (and countless more) swirl around you. Pick your way through the psychedelic hues of the Rainbow Reef in an effort to find one of its most unique inhabitants – the playful clownfish – better known as ‘Nemo’.

Shark Alley, Savusavu

There is a reason Shark Alley is named, well, Shark Alley. This adventurous, adrenalin-inducing dive site features an intriguing maze of swim-throughs, open chambers and lurking overheads. Your eyes will constantly be scanning the next underwater corridor in a search for hiding sea life, with the humphead wrasse and grouper (both fish of considerable size) inhabiting these parts. What you’re really looking out for, though, are the whitetip reef sharks that hang out along the alley’s seabed – but don’t worry, this species is not considered dangerous to humans, and our team will be on-hand for extra reassurance.

Be sure to get in touch with the friendly team at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort to find out more about our holiday packages – we look forward to hearing from you!