On a small island in the South Pacific, not too far from Sydney and not nearly as far as one would think from San Francisco or Los Angeles, lies a paradise on earth known as the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. To get there most visitors from the United States need to take a Fiji Airways flight to Nadi and then a small 18-seat plane to the tiny airport of Savusavu which renders some of the most beautiful views during its one hour flight.
Overlooking the magnificent Savusavu Bay, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort features just 25 luxurious bures (the Fijian word for bungalow) providing 5-star accommodation and service amidst quintessential Fiji island serenity.
The Presidential Villa is the most upscale bure featuring a private retreat within its walled garden with expansive decks, a private infinity pool, a master suite with sunken tub and jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor showers, a separate living room with en-suite in its own bure (which can be used as a comfortable second bedroom) and so much more.
All accommodations are very well appointed with many luxurious touches including deluxe king beds, over-sized bathrooms, and private decks, perfectly designed for both couples and families.
Focusing on rest and relaxation, providing authentic cuisine and culture, and exploring the incredible secrets of nature, guests can really take their pick of the kind of vacation they want to have on this beautiful island.
For guests looking for the ultimate relaxation, there is a spa with a varied menu of services, a relaxing pool, and beautiful walks and trails just around the resort.
For those looking for a bit more adventure, the resort provides kayaks, paddleboards, sailing boats, snorkeling gear, and daily diving and snorkeling boat rides to the nearby corals.
Jean-Michel Cousteau is the only resort on the island with a Marine Biologist on staff, helping guests explore and understand the diverse natural wonders to be found at and near the resort.
Marine biology is at the heart of the snorkeling program, with daily trips, interpretation and educational endeavors which benefit the local community.
There are even opportunities to snorkel at the world-famous Namena marine reserve site, which offers the largest variety of fish and coral on the planet, seemingly bottomless drop-offs, multi-colored soft corals, and perfect coral gardens supporting an abundance of spectacular marine life.
Established in 1997, Namena is the largest no-take reserve in Fiji. Its over 23 square miles encompass a horseshoe-shaped barrier reef and a small island called Namenalala just south of Vanua Levu, in Kubulau District. The reserve’s beautiful high-biodiversity reef boasts an incredible array of corals and invertebrates, and over 1,000 fish species. It is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world to snorkel or dive.
For families who want a romantic vacation without leaving the kids behind, the Jean-Michel Cousteau might very well offer the best of both worlds with the Bula Club, a complimentary award winning children’s program that features fun, exploration, educational games, and all kinds of exciting activities that encourage kids to discover the world around them.
From fun in the pool, to discovering the diversity of the coral, playing in the sand, kayaking, snorkeling, and learning about protecting the environment, kids are in for an adventure. Families can choose to spend the day together and turn it into a family fun day or kids can experience the Bula Club while in the care of loving and protective nannies and buddies, while parents get a much needed break to relax and reconnect.
Every child under 6 years is assigned their very own nanny for the duration of their stay and older kids, in groups of five, get their own buddy so you can rest assured they’re getting the best care possible.
Parents can opt for a secluded island picnic or a dinner on the pier, get relaxing massages, visit the nearby village or just relax by the pool knowing their kids are in great hands and having the time of their lives. For those who can’t resist but see what the kids are up to, the Bula Club has an open door policy and parents can join the fun whenever they want.
Children wanting to take their first underwater breaths can join our combined snorkeling and scuba course for kids aged eight to 10. When they feel ready, they can learn to dive on world class reefs – including Namena Marine Reserve which inspired the movie Finding Nemo.
The Pixar staff actually stayed at the resort over 20 years ago when they were getting inspiration for the movie. Guided by experienced instructors from the Cousteau Dive Centre, diving together as a family is an experience you’ll never forget.
The resort also offers twice a day snorkeling trips for families, typically led by the marine biologists and each child is accompanied by their nanny or buddy. The snorkeling trips in glass bottom boats are safe, easy and super fun for kids. There are 15 snorkeling sites within 15 minutes of the resort and once a week there is an exciting night snorkel off the jetty. Resident marine biologist Johnny Singh leads many of the snorkeling trips and brings the coral city to life by explaining what is seen underwater.
For those looking for a bit more of a land adventure, as much as you can have a land adventure in Fiji, the Nakawaga Waterfall presents the adventure of a lifetime. Tucked well off the beaten track in luxuriant jungle there’s a spectacular and powerful waterfall following a short but steep hike. Once at the waterfall, it’s time to cool off at the natural pool at the base of it or continue the adventure by taking a leap from the top.
Fiji is known for its leading conservation efforts, and the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort couldn’t be more involved in environmental conservation and restoration. The French explorer, Jacques Cousteau (the father of Jean-Michel Cousteau), left a legacy within the global conservation community by protecting oceans from nuclear waste and whaling and pioneering the industry of scuba diving. His son and fellow environmentalist, Jean-Michel Cousteau, opened the resort in 1995 to prove that luxurious hospitality and protecting the environment could coexist. Nearly 30 years later, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort remains a front runner in sustainable luxury tourism setting the bar for what the future of tourism could look like.
