Most think of Fiji as a tropical couples’ destination, but hotels like Jean-Michel Cousteau make it a very appealing holiday option for families. The journey to the hotel’s remote town, Savusavu, is a short flight from Nadi airport on a small plane that offers awe-inspiring aerial views of Fiji’s coral and clusters of tiny islands. Once you arrive at this luxurious eco-resort the staff are immediately on hand to take care of you to ensure your trip is memorable and restful.
The resort was opened in 1996 in collaboration with the influential ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau. It was originally intended as a retreat for eco-friendly sea activities and diving; an educational haven for exploring this completely unspoilt area of the Pacific. In the last 20 years the resort has grown in ambition, with philanthropic and eco programmes that would impress any hotel reviewer. Jean-Michel Cousteau support local primary schools, encourage preservation and conservation of resources, and use only natural products and recyclable materials in the resort. When it comes to food, the kitchen concentrates its efforts on sustainable fish and produce from the onsite organic garden. The hotel also have their own marine biologist, Johnny, who as well as offering tours of the reef, is working to replant the precious local coral.
The nightly rates seem expensive, until you hear what is included. Guests can forget about carrying cash around knowing that all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, resort based activities, and four off-site excursions per week (rainforest and waterfall hike, village trip and farmers market) are part of the package. Daytime childcare is also provided free-of-charge for kids under 12 years old, and those under the age of five receive a one-on-one nanny! The thoughtful Bula kids club keeps little ones entertained throughout the day with educational and fun activities and games. Fijian people are renowned for their nurturing childcare abilities and I noticed this dedication and kindness first hand… one nanny even came to the airport on her day-off to wave the kids goodbye. The parents obviously appreciate the peaceful break and there are plenty of ways couples can utilise their time with boat trips, special private dinners and spa treatments.
I was allocated one of the more remote bures (cottages), a short walk from the main resort facilities. The village-style home was luxurious and spacious incorporating traditional Fijian features and furniture into the design. The dark, shiny wood was elegant and gave a welcoming warmth to the room. The split-level architecture made the bure feel like an apartment, with a very separate living room and bedroom. The bathroom was equipped with his-and-hers sinks and a big walk in shower. Maricold make organic seaweed products for the hotel and generous bottles were found in the shower. I quickly settled in to my new home with a glass of Australian fizz on the bure terrace.
On the first night at Jean-Michel Cousteau we were booked in for a private dinner on the pier, with enthusiastic waiter Cookie looking after us. Out here, removed from the light and buzz of the resort, we felt totally isolated with just the gentle sea and the tropical fish for company. For every meal there is a three-course menu with several choices, so there is something to suit every appetite.
The culinary highlights were mostly seafood dishes, unsurprisingly. The recipes were comforting and classic: fresh seafood paella, fine red snapper fillet, a platter of assorted exotic shellfish. Jean-Michel Cousteau also often offered delicious healthy options; flavoursome soups and tasty halloumi salad. My favourite dessert was the homemade caramelised pineapple upside down cake. In the mornings an extensive buffet presents fruit, cereal, yoghurts, amongst other cold options, but some may prefer to order something hot and more substantial from the a la carte, like vegetable omelette or pancakes.
There is an array of unique experiences to take part in within the resort and in the local area. A private yoga class on the beach with Ana will calm your mind and body, or for something more active head out to sea for a snorkel or dive trip with Johnny to see some of the colourful sealife. My favourite excursion was the visit to J. Hunter Pearl Farm just a short drive from the hotel. The company was started by Justin Hunter (a Fijian-American), and with the help of expert Japanese “seeders”, they now produce some of the most beautiful black pearls in the world. Pick up a souvenir – the pearls range in price from £35 for a single pearl to £35,000 for a necklace of the highest quality gems.
Jean-Michel Cousteau offer every guest a complimentary ten minute foot soak on arrival – a ritual which I believe every hotel should include. The lovely Taipa came to our room laden with coconut scented scrubs and lotions, and worked wonders on my feet. A few days later I was lucky to meet her again at the al fresco beach spa where couples can enjoy a relaxing massage while listening to the waves. 90 minutes in the care of one of these talented ladies is enough to send you into a deep sleep. If you are suffering from sunburn I highly recommend the cold vanilla soak and wrap from the spa, it will cool and sooth your inflamed skin.
Recently voted the number one hotel in the world for families by Mr & Mrs Smith, it is hardly surprising that they make up 85% of the visitors here. But even without kids I found the experience at Jean-Michel Cousteau blissfully relaxing, wonderfully secluded and refreshingly informative about this special part of the world.
More information and book a stay at Jean-Michel Cousteau here.