IT'S ALL HAPPENING!

There is a buzz of activity in the remote Yasawa Islands, located off the west coast of Fiji, with significant investment occurring along the length of the spectacular 20 island archipelago.

The majestic ancient volcanic islands have long been the playground for more adventurous and independent travellers seeking out the untouched beauty of Fiji and experiencing the true Fijian culture first hand.  Now dotted with over 30 resorts ranging from basic backpackers to more luxurious '3 coconut' properties specialising in honeymooners, the Yasawa's are seeing an injection of investment from new owners and management at many resorts.

As the tropical wet season gets into full swing with steamy days broken by tropical showers, many resorts are taking the opportunity to close up and focus entirely on renovations, refurbishments and new building projects.  The end result - in April there will be a string of shiny, new accommodation and resort facilities to be explored and enjoyed throughout the Yasawa Islands!
Just some of the changes and goss from the Yasawas:

• The owners at well known Barefoot Island Resort, on Drawaqa Island, have been busy over the past 12 months completing a brand new Sunset Deck and Bar area, as well as completing the first new 2 coconut dorm room.  The new design is upmarket while in-keeping with traditional Fijian style, and will be used as the prototype for all dorms on the island to be upgraded.  The Resort has also rebranded to become known as 'Barefoot Manta Resort' - aptly named after the stunning Mantarays that grace the ocean channel right off the beach of the resort.
• The rebrand at Barefoot Manta happened in association with the owners taking on a new resort, 'Barefoot Kuata' on Kuata Island in the south of the Yasawa Group.  Currently a 1 coconut rating, the owners have similar upgrade plans for this resort, with work already underway.  New luxurious outdoor showers and a facelift of all facilities are just the first stages of a longer term upgrade plan.  There are also now opportunities to scuba dive straight off the beach, or at spectacular locations nearby with a fully equipped dive centre now established at the resort.
• Speaking of re-brands, the former Otto and Fanny's Place on Tavewa Island is now known as 'Coconut Beach Resort'.  The new owners are looking to upgrade the entire property to a 3 coconut rating, including a new restaurant, day spa and completely new room type.  The resort is currently closed and will re-open in April.
• More new owners at Viwa Island Resort who have already commenced general improvement works and will be identifying additional new opportunities over the next two months while the resort is closed.  Due to re-open in April.
• And new owners also at Nadi Bay Resort on the mainland - we are eagerly awaiting an announcement on their plans!
• Moving on from new owners and onto existing owners with big plans!  3 coconut Paradise Cove Resort on Naukacuva Island has unveiled their newly built 'Paradise Suites' which have been especially designed for honeymooners.  Featuring private plunge pools and swinging day beds, the romance is sure to sizzle in these beautiful villas overlooking the ocean.
• Korovou Eco Tour Resort now offers ocean-side dining from under the shelter of a new roof purpose built over their verandah.  With the spectacular views over the water from this verandah, dining is sure to take on an entirely new atmosphere at this resort.  There are also renovations planned for the accommodation here, to be undertaken while the resort is closed during February/March.  Due to re-open in April.
• Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort has also focused on improved dining experiences, with a brand new coffee shop built right on the beach for guests to enjoy.
• Oarsman's Bay Lodge is planning new bathroom blocks for it's 1 and 2 coconut accommodation, as well as new accommodation room types.
• And rounding out the list, Mantaray Island Resort on Nanuya Balavu Island has introduced a new Beachfront Luxury Villa room type which opened in mid-December 2014.  Just meters from the beach, the villas can sleep up to 4 in air conditioned comfort.

Note: Awesome Adventures Fiji issues coconut ratings from 1-3 for all resorts it partners with throughout the Yasawa Islands.  1 coconut rating = basic but beautiful; 2 coconut rating = more modern rooms and amenities; 3 coconut rating = upmarket.

About the Yasawa Islands:
Fiji is made up of over 300 islands set in crystal clear waters with palm-fringed white sandy beaches, tempting lagoons and colourful coral reefs.  The majestic Yasawa Island group, just north of the well-known and luxurious Mamanuca Islands, off Fiji's west coast, is the playground for Awesome Adventures Fiji. This chain of 20 ancient volcanic islands is undoubtedly one of the most stunning regions in Fiji. Four of the islands have dramatic elevations with summits just short of 600 metres above sea level. The pristine beaches and dramatic monoliths provide a beautiful environment in which to relax or enjoy the many activities on offer - amazing snorkelling, diving, local village visits, hiking, cave exploration and (depending on the season) even swimming with manta rays.  The northern islands (including Nanuya Island) are home to the famous Blue Lagoon. As the name suggests, the water is the most inviting shades of blue you will ever see!
The Yasawa Flyer (or, the big yellow boat!) travels through these islands on a daily basis, delivering travellers to their island resorts.

FEATURE STORY OPPORTUNITY
NEW OWNERS AND BIG EXPANSION PLANS FOR FIJI'S NANUYA ISLAND RESORT
Nanuya Island Resort, in Fiji's Yasawa Islands, is under new ownership and set to undergo multimillion dollar extensions and improvements.
New owners Val and Ivan Parker have moved from the Gold Coast, Australia to take on the project after a series of philanthropic projects they've funded throughout the Yasawa Islands over the past 13 years.
“After many successful years with logistics and materials enterprises in Australia, Val and I have come to Fiji for the wonderful people and the quietness of the Yasawas,” Mr Parker said.
“We absolutely love Nanuya Island Resort and have big plans to expand on the already beautiful setting and atmosphere that is here,” he said.
Improvement plans include the construction of a purpose built jetty for guest arrivals and freight deliveries, refurbishment of all 12 existing bures, construction of 5 new upmarket bures including a honeymoon suite with spectacular 360 degree views (already complete), increased mooring buoys for visiting yachties and construction of the 'Blue Lagoon Yacht Club' which will be a combined dining and activities hub (incorporating diving and marine education) for the Blue Lagoon area open to all visitors to the area.
In addition, maintenance works are already underway throughout the resort including expansion of concreted pathways, commissioning of a multi stage waste and sewage water treatment plant, converting the entire resort's energy use to solar power, introduction of golf buggies to transport guests from reception to the bures higher up on the hill, a reinvigoration of the resort's restaurant menu and improved tropical landscaping throughout the resort.
“60% of our guests are return guests, so we have surveyed them to provide their input into our ideas for expansion and improvements,” Mr Parker said.
“Interestingly, there was an overwhelming 'no!' to putting in a pool – the vast majority of guests would rather swim in the azure blue seas lapping the beach of our resort – and I can hardly blame them for that!” he said.

"Guests are also very clear that they want the resort to maintain that small, intimate feeling that it's always offered, so we are very conscious to keep that feedback guiding our plans, while still catering to demand,"
"Everything we plan is in keeping with the natural environment and aimed at providing an enhanced experience for all of our guests - resort guests, visiting yachties and locals - and ensuring each have their own facilities and are well looked after,"
“We are excited to be here and feel so privileged to be working in the most beautiful location in the friendliest country in the world!”
“And we welcome both returning and new guests to come and experience the relaxed, peaceful and mind-blowingly spectacular scenery of the blue lagoon region at Nanuya Island Resort.”
 
Prior to taking ownership of Nanuya Island Resort, the Parkers have had a long history of involvement in many villages in the Yasawa Islands.
“We fell in love with Fiji initially while participating in a Variety Children's Charity fundraising cruise with Blue Lagoon Cruises in 2002,” Mr Parker said.
“We couldn't believe the substandard conditions that people were living under in the villages, and we wanted to help,” he said.
“So that started with us buying a boat for the Malakati village so that their students could get to school each day without walking for over an hour, at times knee deep through water,”
“For two years we provided school shoes and daily meals for all of the students at Ratu Meli School,”
“We've also funded power being supplied to 25 homes in Teci village, rebuilt the school there, and established a shop for the villagers to sell fresh fish and other supplies from in order to create an income for them,”
“When the cyclone came through a couple of years ago we rebuilt the church at Kese village and we're also mentoring a local young, aspiring builder who will be coming to work with us at Nanuya,”
“Throughout this time we haven't sought any recognition for these contributions and that's not why we've done it – we are just passionate about the people of Fiji and helping them grow a better future for themselves,”
“Now that we live here and have the resort, we are in a position to continue to help by way of employing locals across all facets of the resort, sourcing local produce and truly being a part of the Yasawan community which we are very excited to do.”
A highlight in their lives was when they were each presented with the highest honour in Fijian tradition at a special ceremony in Lautoka. Each received a Tabua in recognition of their contributions, efforts and services provided to the people of the Yasawa.
Having found retirement an unsavoury prospect upon exiting their collection of successful business enterprises in Australia, Val and Ivan took to spending almost all of their time in the Yasawa Islands further learning, listening and quietly helping where they could.
Owning Nanuya Island Resort is a dream come true for them both.
 
Multi award winning 'Awesome Adventures Fiji' is a trading brand of South Sea Cruises and provides adventure packages and experiences for backpackers and independent travellers throughout Fiji's Yasawa Islands. Island hopping passes range from 5 to 21 days and packages include island accommodation, meals, transfers and a range of activities.  Nanuya Island Resort is rated by Awesome Adventures as a '3 coconut' (ie. top of the range for the Yasawas) resort located in the stunning Blue Lagoon. 
Awesome Adventures Fiji Chief Executive Officer Peter Duncan welcomed the Parkers to the region.
“We are excited by the fresh enthusiasm and passion that Val and Ivan bring to Fiji and to Nanuya Island Resort,” Mr Duncan said.
“This is an exciting time for them and for the many past guests who already know what a gem this resort is,” he said.
“It's hard to beat Nanuya Island Resort for location, and I am confident the expansion and improvement plan that the Parkers are undertaking will result in an even more attractive resort for our visitors to enjoy.”
 
About Nanuya Island Resort:
Nanuya Island Resort is an intimate and peaceful resort that oozes romance. Located in the absolutely stunning Blue Lagoon, you can let the days roll by simply admiring the tranquil beauty.  It is simply spectacular and the beach and aqua waters do not disappoint! Fantastic snorkelling right offshore and hammocks on the beach are the perfect way to pass the day. The beach is a beauty - in fact, this island is where the Brooke Shield's movie, 'The Blue Lagoon' was filmed.
The resort is perfect for couples but does have a couple of villas for families. The 12 beautiful treehouse bures are small but stylish and strong in Fijian flavour. Each bure has its own balcony that peeks out from the trees, high up on a hill looking out over the Blue Lagoon. All bures have ensuites and are fan-cooled with louvre windows for the breeze.
A large open-air restaurant/bar/lounge provides an ideal area to relax and look out across the lagoon. Enjoy your choice of lunch and dinner from the delicious a la carte menu.

Journalists are invited to discover the all the new and improved resort facilities of the Yasawas from April onwards. 
Please contact Awesome Adventures Fiji to express your interest and outline what angle might best suit your publication. 
PR Manager, Danielle Krista
communications@marinetourism.com
ph. + 61 414 313 769

NEWS FROM VINAKA FIJI VOLUNTOURISM PROGRAM
Vinaka Fiji is a charitable trust set up by Awesome Adventures Fiji that aims to provide improved basic amenities currently missing from village life in the Yasawa Islands of Fiji.  Through fundraising and volunteering programs, Vinaka Fiji is improving the lives of 27 remote communities, bringing standards up from third world and giving something back to the villagers to say thank you (Vinaka) for welcoming us into your islands.  The Trust works directly with the Yasawa Island communities so that the villagers are active in determining their own needs, participate in the planning and implementation and share responsibility for the completion of projects embarked upon.
Great things have been achieved by our many generous and dedicated volunteers throughout 2014, including:

• Establishment of a community library and organic poultry farm at Muaira village, Naviti Island;
• Sponsorship of the first ever 'Dux' trophy at Yasawa High School;
• Significant improvement of students' reading skills via the reading recovery program;
• Establishment of an organic vegetable farm at Kese Village, Naviti Island which doubles as an income generating opportunity for the villagers;
• Discovery and connection to a new water source to service Kese and Muaira Villages on Naviti Island;
• Removal of over 3,300 crown of thorn starfish from the reef environment;
• Establishment of 2 reproductive pens within the marine park to rejuvenate the sea cucumber population, and continued management of the giant clam nursery - with the gigas clams growing an average 80mm over the year!;
• Mapping of previously un-charted reef areas;
• Re-planting of over 1,000 coral fragments.
  

HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED?
Vinaka Fiji welcomes volunteers from across the globe, who can offer their time to work on one of three programs for a week, several weeks or several months - the choice is theirs!  Vinaka Fiji operates an Education program (working one on one and with groups of children to assist with learning difficulties, in particular reading English); Sustainable Communities program (working within remote island villages to help establish the basics such as a clean and sustainable water supply); and a Marine Conservation program (open to all volunteers but especially suited to keen scuba divers and snorkellers as much time is spent completing hands-on tasks to protect the marine environment).
The difference with volunteering through Vinaka Fiji than other similar programs around the world is that the Vinaka Fiji base camp is Barefoot Manta resort.  Each afternoon after volunteers get home from 'work' they can snorkel on spectacular coral reefs, laze on the beach and enjoy the resort facilities.  On their weekends they can snorkel with Mantarays, hike to beautiful lookouts, and enjoy being a tourist.  It is a true 'voluntourism' experience!

More information: www.vinakafiji.org.fj
or contact PR Manager, Danielle Krista
communications@marinetourism.com
+61 414 313 769

For further information, contact:

Danielle Krista, Publicity Manager

+61 7 4946 7208 | +61 414 313 769

communications@marinetourism.co.nz

About us:

Multi award winning 'Awesome Adventures Fiji' is a trading brand of South Sea Cruises and provides adventure packages and experiences for backpackers and independent travellers throughout Fiji's Yasawa Islands. Island hopping passes range from 5 to 21 days and packages include island accommodation, meals, transfers and a range of activities.

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