Fiji continues to grow in stature on the luxury travel scene as multiple resorts place an emphasis on their conservation and sustainability strategies. New authentic, cultural experiences to showcase the island group’s diversity are increasingly drawing Australian travellers to Fiji’s lesser-known outer islands.
Just two years ago, Fiji saw the opening of Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay and Kokomo Private Island Fiji, while last year saw the opening of the highy anticipated Six Senses Fiji in the Mamanuca Islands. These resorts are attracting those who seek luxury, authentic and immersive activities, as well as guests with an interest in eco-tourism.
Six Senses Fiji is focused on sustainability and social responsibility. The resort is 100% solar powered by the largest microgrid in Fiji using Tesla batteries. The resort has its own garden and water-bottling plant using glass bottles (no plastics), and it will be sourcing all fish from local fisherman. The Alchemy Bar will produce its own tonics, ginger beers and probiotics using fresh ingredients from The Garden: the Living Cocktail menu is well worth trying.
Kokomo Private Island has developed a coral gardening and restoration project allowing guests to harvest and propagate healthy super-coral fragments. The resort has an on-island water filtration system, greywater system and sewage treatment plant. There is a four-hectare tiered organic garden, free-range chicken coop, beehives and a flock of ducks.
Nanuku Auberge has introduced a new Treetop Dining experience under the leadership of Executive Chef Oliver Scarf and Food & Beverage Director, Logan Miller. Nestled in a 70-year-old dilo tree, a suspended platform provides private over-ocean dining, allowing guests to enjoy the sound of waves lapping beneath them. The dining experience is completely personalised to the guests’ individual tastes and at any time of the day – champagne breakfast, private lunch, afternoon Devonshire tea or a romantic dinner with a private chef.
It has also recently banned single-use plastics, such as straws and shampoo bottles, and has introduced coral nurseries and mangrove restoration projects with reused plastic water bottles to grow seedlings.
Castaway Island has appointed an environment officer who has been tasked to ensure environmentally sustainable practices have been adopted for both the marine and land-based resources of the resort.
There have also been a number of resort refurbishments at destinations such as Yasawa Island Resort, Tropica, Matamanoa and Volivoli Beach Resort.
Learn more about Fiji and become a Matai Specialist through Tourism Fiji’s online training course. For all the details, go to matai.fiji.travel
Lead image: Kokomo Private Island Resort