One of the things I like most about this resort is that everyday their is a different theme to the activities and outings. Today’s theme was “Fijian Culture.” Some of the activities offered were Fijian Storytelling and an outing to nearby Nukubalavu Village.
We stayed on the property and enjoyed breakfast and a cooking demonstration where we learned to make coconut stuffed plantains braised in coconut milk. This dish was on the menu for tonight’s dinner so it was fun getting to learn how to make it ourselves.
Most of the day was spend in the Serenity Area around the pool and reading in the hammock at our bure. It rained on and off during the day but that did not seem to keep anyone from having fun.
Lunch was exceptional– with salmon served on udon noodles as the standout dish. The thinly sliced pork was also tangy and delicious.
You’re well fed at the Jean-Michel Cousteau resort, but the portion sizes aren’t huge, which is nice when you’re spending most of your day rocking a bathing suit.
I drank a few young green coconuts and also decided to try the fresh lemonade made with local Fijian lemons which really hit the spot during the heat of the afternoon.
The clouds were extremely beautiful during the magic hour before sunset, making me sad to be leaving tomorrow.
The evening activities were particularly fun since dinner was traditional Fijian Lovo buffet. Lovo means cooked underground while wrapped in leaves and fish, pork, and chicken were prepared this way.
It was fun to watch the lovo pit for the few hours before dinner to see the leaves before and then the meat being pulled out once it was cooked.
While I might attempt the coconut milk braised plantains, I’m going to leave the lovo cooking to the Fijians!
The dishes were served in baskets and platters woven out of local leaves. It was a great dinner.
The evening’s entertainment included a traditional kava ceremony and music from the Kava Boys. There was also a special meke dance performance from school aged children from Nukubalavu Village.
Since most of the resort’s staff is from this village, many of the performers were children or relatives from the attentive staff we’ve gotten to know during our stay. This added to the home-like atmosphere that the resort fosters.
While I’m sorry for my stay to be ending, I felt that tonight’s entertainment was a highlight that won’t be forgotten.
This has been such an amazing South Pacific glamping adventure. I want to say vinaka (that means “thank you” in Fijian) to Mark, Bart and all the staff at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort and Glamping.com for making this trip possible.
