Day 3 At Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji

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.

oJVPt3S6KidXPTbHBcdv4hdEghqKJhdcqJqCg4qrAcM
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.

xqSGU5tAmD2wnEsou5zkVQD9YXIX5sOM6g2jpQ4Ia3Y
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.

NeM_DCkkek6FSyGV8vlgRYtyNPAGEwb0N8MHcCdnYLE
Lunch was exceptional– with salmon served on udon noodles as the standout dish. The thinly sliced pork was also tangy and delicious.

rrugsL9ujNaKyagEhduXvsLhZYArNE280TGqVbIggE0
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.

H7q9SbMun1giE8e1JwrA6jN9Hkbq7NYEKsjxSMS6srY
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.

ZNZCnqumI2pdcVAHuzO7AVg0I7K6yJmtYk4sX2OwpTs
The clouds were extremely beautiful during the magic hour before sunset, making me sad to be leaving tomorrow.

c-zJLXZ9Y6XhSLRvkkq355NuhnU82HQJef9py5SdKKg
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.

iN6rVTBTrgbqDNPZyCrhGSJBIgQUm64Js4ux9XP3Pyg
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.

i578ZuRmiOefDSFOQUlQ_ixNx3nPe82aMA7jDH2LQ84
While I might attempt the coconut milk braised plantains, I’m going to leave the lovo cooking to the Fijians!

_BbH2-pp2T7aqlTpz2YlLHxL--7pIWYKGCn6bjUY0Uc
The dishes were served in baskets and platters woven out of local leaves. It was a great dinner.

Q88YA2np9afXKCFzg7dRK4OmCx5uxxAKuNrpXKRtM2c
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.

D1Z4QR_WyZYAGzffGfZCqNLpaj72L2zLCsnqmczQmFE
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.

1-g1jVl2AIV6PJicyzjaryRxksTkmv7h1muDNjdUx3U
While I’m sorry for my stay to be ending, I felt that tonight’s entertainment was a highlight that won’t be forgotten.

ATTO1XDn2zX_OCdDeHk50VtoklShhjqyi1N78t2ie9I
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.

Day 2 at Jean-Michael Cousteau Resort in Fiji

Day 2 at Jean-Michel Cousteau resort started with waking up to the sounds of morning rain against the thatched roof of our bure.

IMG_4475
The room was still cozy so I made some local Fijian coffee with the coffee maker in the room and read for a bit before heading over to the main bure for breakfast.

IMG_4474
The staff is so personable here, they make sure you never go more than a few minutes without being asked if you need anything. I ordered a Flat White (my favorite Australian morning beverage) and the spicy omelette which was one of the featured specials.

Processed with VSCOcam with f3 preset
The rain continued intermittently throughout the morning, but that did not stop much activity. Guests were enjoying swimming in the pool and many of the other activities the resort has going on each day.

IMG_4465
My husband and I chatted with Bart, the hotel’s operations director who told us that the rain was supposed to let up in the late morning and clear up by lunch. He suggested we take a trip to the resort’s private island during the afternoon.

IMG_4464
After a light (and delicious) lunch of lamb and soup, Gabby from the activities center loaded us up on one of the resort’s boats for the 5 minute ride to the island.

IMG_4472
The boat ride was beautiful and fun and few hours spent on the private island were an unforgettable highlight of the trip.

IMG_4470
The island has a kayak for two, bathroom facilities, a beach hut with a table, and two chairs located at the exact point where high tide hits. Gabby left us with a color full of Fiji Gold Beer and water, an emergency medical kit, and a two-way radio so we could contact him if we wanted to be picked up earlier than the designated time we set a few hours later.

IMG_4467
My only regret was forgetting to bring my snorkel gear– the island is surrounded by crystal clear water and would have been an excellent place to snorkel.

IMG_4471
It was fun to frolic on a truly private beach, and when the sun got too strong to cool off in the beach hut with a cold Fiji Gold.

When we left the island I understood why guests like to book it for a special picnic lunch or a romantic dinner.

IMG_4468
My afternoon on the private island is one I’ll never forget.

Once Gabby returned and got us back to the resort, it was time to drink a young green coconut. We had light snacks in the bar before heading back to our bure for the night.