Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort gets a refresh Savusavu, Fiji

When people think of Fiji, they usually picture the big names. But tucked away on the island of Vanua Levu is Savusavu, a place that’s a little more local, a little less crowded and a lot easier to slow down in.

It's also home to Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, which has just reopened following a multi-million-dollar refresh. The update wasn’t about reinventing the resort. The Fijian powers at be wanted to make what's already there even better. Think expanded oceanfront bures designed for families, refreshed shared spaces and thoughtful design touches inspired by traditional Fijian craftsmanship, including the use of magimagi, a woven coconut-fibre rope that's deeply connected to local culture.

Overlooking Savusavu Bay, the resort has built a loyal following over the years thanks to its genuine connection to the community. Many staff members have been welcoming guests back year after year for decades, creating familiarity that's increasingly hard to find in luxury travel.

Alongside the refreshed accommodation, guests will find restored tropical gardens, updated dining and pool areas, a new ocean-facing fitness centre, and plenty of opportunities to unwind at the spa or yoga platform.

But the real draw remains Savusavu itself. Days here are spent diving colourful reefs, visiting nearby villages, exploring the coastline and embracing a slower pace of travel. It's Fiji without the ‘get-me-to-the-nearest-swim-up-bar’ crowds (a.k.a. the way we like it).

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