Three miles southwest of Savusavu, isolated on the peninsula, Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is a resort with a conscience, an eco-friendly paradise for ocean lovers.

Established by one of the world's leading environmentalists and diving experts, son of famed ocean pioneer and environmentalist Jacques Cousteau, this unparalleled resort offers exclusive luxury with an ecological conscience.

So how did this innovative resort come about? For five years Jean-Michel Cousteau ran sessions of his undersea education program, Project Ocean Search from this waterfront property. With failing management, the company eventually fell into receivership in 1994 and Cousteau was so concerned that they would not be able to return, that he called a former Cousteau Society employee who now runs the Post Ranch Inn on California's Big Sur and within a month they were on their way to acquiring their resort.

Today the 6,000 square foot main bure has an open air bar and restaurant and there is a bure just for children. 

Twenty accommodation bures, elevated for views and breezes, dot the seventeen acre grove, all with views directly over the sapphire sea, each screened from its neighbour by lush gardens. 

Built from local materials with 25 foot high thatched roof, each has an expanded veranda, opulent interior featuring tropical blues and greens, rattan furniture, ceiling fans, refrigerator, coffeemaker, honour bar, hairdryer, robes, fresh flowers and turn down service, but no phones or TVs.

Awaken to eco-paradise...  

The range of natural and cultural, not to mention culinary amenities, includes tennis and volleyball courts, windsurfing, sailing, glass-bottom boat, kayaking, fishing and scuba diving with more than 500 species of coral - but nothing noisy or with motors.

You can lie by the pool, snorkel, nap and only surface for food. Have a massage or spa. Take a day trip to the local village. Check out the mangrove swamp, go birdwatching, rainforest exploring and stargazing with guides.

If you are expecting a powder white sand beach, you may be disappointed. At low tide it is more like a reef flat - not kind to bare feet, but the guided tours of the tidal pools provide an opportunity which more than compensates.

Jean-Michel Cousteau believes we need to consume more efficiently. All kitchen and landscaping waste is composted, organic gardens and edible landscaping with coconut and banana trees are also decorative. He personally oversees the dive operation and other programs that introduce guests to the sea and island environment.

Diving at Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is micro-diving - taking the time to truly observe the small stuff without damaging the sensitive reef.

An activity unique to this resort is bar diving. Sipping daiquiris in the bar, it is possible to watch divers through live interactive video presentations and ask questions while they are underwater. There is also an underwater photography lab with instruction available.

After a day of education and relaxation, enjoy complimentary appetisers during Bula hour. Meals reflect popular Fijian and Indian specialties, along with tasty continental dishes complemented by an international wine list. Lovo feasts and barbeques are a weekly treat. Buffet breakfast is complimentary and there is room service, a children's menu and packed lunches are available for private island getaways.

For adults and families, this unique resort explores the unity of ocean, land and culture. The resort honours the Fijians' richness of ceremony, custom and family tradition through observance of their ways and embracing their love of the natural world. Children are welcome and special programs reflect Jean-Michel Cousteau's aim not only to educate them, but make the world a better place for them and show that it is financially viable to treat the environment properly.