Ground has been broken on a huge FJ$230 million extension of Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa.
Dubbed the ‘Vatu Talei’ project (‘The Jewel’), the new development is adjacent to the existing structure and will comprise 190 rooms and suites.
The extension is a project backed by Fiji Airways and Bank of the South Pacific-owned company, Richmond Ltd. According to renders, it appears to occupy a parcel of land located to the immediate left upon entering the driveway of the existing luxury resort.
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Vatu Talei will feature three multi-level buildings, including both nine-storey and four-storey structures that will have rooftop pools and bars — inspired by Marina Bay Sands in Singapore — another three-level low-rise tower, all surrounded by swimming pools. The higher levels would offer water views, overlooking the existing hotel.
Artist impressions indicate there will be penthouses in the tallest tower, while ground-floor rooms options will provide direct access to a massive shared pool that featuring a lazy river pool.
“It will be the largest pool you will ever see in Fiji. The Sofitel at the moment has the largest pool in Fiji but this pool will be four times the size of the Sofitel pool,” Richmond Ltd Board chairman, Michael Nacola, is reported to have stated by local media.
“Vatu Talei will bring all of that level of excitement for Fijian hospitality under one roof,” added Vincent Macquet, GM of Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa.
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka attended the groundbreaking. Rabuka referred to the Sofitel Fiji project as “ambitious but achievable”.
He also revealed The Warwick Group on the Coral Coast would shortly be announcing an expansion with more inventory.
“All these internationally branded hotels, and now yet another one, that will offer travellers to Fiji more than 300 rooms. High-quality rooms, luxury rooms for high-end tourists who are going to be coming here.”
PM Rabuka said the new project at Sofitel is expected to be completed in approximately three years time.