Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort (sister resort to Big Sur’s Post Ranch Inn) is an award winning, 5-star vacation destination.  Built on the site of a former coconut plantation, overlooking the peaceful waters of Savusavu Bay on Vanua Levu, this highly praised resort is an international favorite for romance, honeymoons and weddings, water enthusiasts, and families who want to combine wonderful surroundings and exceptional dining with an unsurpassed range of eco-friendly activities. The resort features 25 spacious bures; built of local timbers, these traditional thatched Fijian bungalows highlight rattan

furnishings, king-size beds with custom-made mattresses, small sitting areas with desks, wooden louvered windows, overhead fans, and private decks with garden or ocean views. Large bathrooms in warm Italian tile offer double sink basins, separate showers, and hair dryers. In addition there are minibars with complimentary beverages and snacks, French press coffee makers, plush robes and tropical flowers. To ensure a serene environment, the bures have no telephones or televisions.

Some of the most extensive spa treatments in Fiji are also available here (additional fees apply) either in-room or in the spa bure. A variety of massage and spa services from Aromatherapy Body Wrap or Duavata Massage (2 massage therapists) to the regenerative Cooling Aloe Wrap will relax and rejuvenate you. The therapists are trained by senior spa staff at Post Ranch Inn, in Big Sur, California. Post Ranch has an international reputation for providing a comprehensive range of relaxing, healing spa treatments. The resort constantly strives to improve and revise their offerings to ensure their extensive spa program remains at the forefront of the field.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is one of the only 5-star resorts with a spacious oceanfront freshwater pool, just steps from Savusavu Bay.  You can also clear your mind and relax your body with a daily morning yoga class.

The resort's award-winning meals are served in an open-air dining room with a 60-foot high temple roof, overlooking the sea. Serving the "Best Food in Fiji" (Travel + Leisure, November 2002), the restaurant specializes in contemporary Fijian, South Pacific and International cuisine complemented by an extensive selection of fine wines. The Executive Chef, Vijendra Kumar, was born in Fiji and has worked in the islands since 1987 in various prestigious resorts and hotels. He has received additional training in Australia, and has been tutored by the chefs from Post Ranch Inn, and Aqua in San Francisco. Chef Kumar has been featured in many cooking shows in both the US and Australia, including the Travel Café. Using fresh herbs, spices and vegetables grown in the resorts own organic garden, the chef produces culinary delights of Fijian, South Pacific and International cuisine for his guests. The extensive wine list has been developed to pair well with food.  Each week, guests enjoy two special dining events: a Lovo, the traditional Fijian feast, and Mongolian barbecue/stir-fry.  During cocktail hour and dinner each night, local Fijian "Beach Boys" will entertain you with Fijian and American songs.

The Diving:

Fiji is known as the "Soft Coral Capital of the World," and offers the largest variety of fish and coral anywhere in the world. Small reef dwellers and large ocean pelagics populate the colorful reefs near the resort. Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands resort is the only resort that employs a full-time marine biologist to help visitors appreciate the underwater world of Fiji. Divers of all skill levels will delight in the award-winning facilities at the resort, which is the "World's Best for Diving," according to Harpers Abroad. (January 2003)
 

L'Aventure, a 37-foot custom-built, enclosed cabin dive vessel cruises at 16-18 knots and is equipped with the latest GPS plotter, color depth sounder and radar, catering for up to 12 divers, individual gear lockers, a freshwater shower, and complimentary soft drinks and cookies. Each morning, the boat leaves the resort at about 8:30 a.m. and returns for lunch around 12:30. Full day trips (including Namena Island), are organized whenever possible and include a picnic lunch, returning to the resort around 4:00 p.m. (Note: Jean-Michel rates Namena as the best dive spot in Fiji, and one of the 10 best in the world. This is one of the only resorts in Fiji that visits Namena on a regular basis.)

The L'Aventure Dive Shop has everything you need for your underwater adventure. Snorkels and fins are provided free of charge. Wetsuits, tanks, masks, fins and other accessories are also available. The dive shop is also a great place to hear what's going on under the waves, from shark sightings to the latest findings from the monthly reef check.  If snorkeling is your thing, there is a special boat that caters specifically to you! For beginning divers, the expert dive staff will welcome and guide you into the underwater world. Expert divers can do their own thing. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified dive courses that range  from an “Intro to Diving” or a resort course through Advanced certifications are available, and Nitrox fills are also offered.
              

"Did You See That!"

Recent underwater sightings and news from the Dive Shop...