on 1 Nov 2021
Luxury eco-retreat on Vanua Levu Island in the South Pacific was first luxury resort in Fiji and is dedicated to marine protection
Fiji’s Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, a pioneering luxury eco-destination in the South Pacific founded by French oceanographic explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, is ready to welcome back its first guests since the pandemic forced its temporary closure. The reopening follows news that Fiji will reopen to international travellers from December, while Qantas will also begin a flight service from Australia to Fiji.
“We are excited to welcome back our guests and returning friends to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort,” said Bartholomew Simpson, the resort’s general manager. “During this truly unprecedented time in our history, our resort staff worked tirelessly to maintain the beauty of the property while preserving our commitment to the environment. We’re ready to provide our guests with a wonderful, memorable vacation.” Fiji was, for a short time, facing a Covid catastrophe. At one point, following an outbreak of the deadly Delta variant in April, the country had the highest per-capita infection rate in the world. However, more than¬†95% of eligible Fijians over the age of 18 have now received their first vaccine, and 80% are now fully vaccinated, with the country moving ahead with its reopening plans as a result. 
Founded in 1995, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort was the first luxury resort in Fiji when it opened on the island of Vanua Levu. The resort is built on 17 acres of land and overlooks the calm waters of Savusavu Bay. Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of French naval officer and ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, has spent much of his life exploring the world’s oceans as an oceanographic environmentalist, educator, and Emmy award-winning film producer. In 1999, he founded the Ocean Futures Society to carry on this pioneering work. 
Guests at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort can sleep in an authentic Fijian bure (wood and straw hut), dive in some of the most beautiful waters in the world, snorkel and explore the area via sea kayak, or escape to a private island for a picnic. Guests can also visit the mangroves, pearl farm, an authentic Fijian village, or hike through a tropical rainforest and discover a hidden waterfall.