Elite Traveler Spring 2020

elite traveler SPRING 2020 125

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, FIJI One of the world’s most famous conservationists and oceanographers, Jacques Cousteau, inspired generations to protect and preserve our environment. His son, Jean-Michel Cousteau, followed in his famous father’s footsteps by devoting his life to helping the environment. In 1995, he founded the eco-resort, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji, often noted as one of the most environmentally friendly hotels in the world. The intimate resort has only 25 accommodations, all overlooking the picturesque Savusavu Bay, and the most spectacular is the Presidential Villa. Designed with natural materials, including thatched roofing, stone walkways and plenty of lush greenery, the resort’s indoors and outdoors are woven together in perfect harmony. The villa has a private pool, hot tub, kitchenette and two separate decks. Villa guests receive a one-hour Bobo massage during their stay, and cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres each evening at sunset. While here, indulge in classic Fijian cuisine, enjoy the spa’s treatments using local ingredients, and explore the ocean with the resident marine biologist, Johnny. Join Johnny on his coral-reef assessment dives or snorkeling. Avid scuba divers will delight in the once-in-a-lifetime diving trips offered by the Cousteau Dive Center. Giving back Not only does the resort work with Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society organization, which educates people on taking care of the ocean, it recently introduced a volunteer program for guests. Guests can visit the local school, Buca, where they can bring books for elementary-school children or become a pen-pal to one of the pupils, which improves students’ literacy; plant mangroves in the resort’s surrounding waters; learn about the giant clam repopulation project; or buy produce and local goods from farmers at Savusavu Farmer’s Market, which provides valuable income.

Photos Chris McLennan

Rate from $2,920 per night Contact Bartholomew Simpson, general manager, info@fijiresort.com, +1 800 246 3454, fijiresort.com