Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji Reopens Following Multi-Million-Dollar Renovation
- The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu, Fiji, has reopened following a multi-million-dollar renovation, introducing expanded family accommodations, enhanced wellness facilities, and a new culinary program led by Australian...
- The resort’s comprehensive overhaul includes the conversion of five one-bedroom oceanfront bures into two-bedroom, two-bathroom residences designed for extended families.
- To lead its revamped dining operations, the resort appointed executive chef Shaun Thomson, who brings 19 years of hospitality experience across Australia, Fiji, Bali, and the broader Asia-Pacific...
The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu, Fiji, has reopened following a multi-million-dollar renovation, introducing expanded family accommodations, enhanced wellness facilities, and a new culinary program led by Australian executive chef Shaun Thomson. According to reports from eTurboNews, the property on Vanua Levu’s southern coast welcomed guests back on April 1, 2026, positioning itself as a hub for luxury eco-tourism.
Multi-Million-Dollar Renovation Transforms Savusavu Property
The resort’s comprehensive overhaul includes the conversion of five one-bedroom oceanfront bures into two-bedroom, two-bathroom residences designed for extended families. These upgraded spaces feature indoor-outdoor living areas, extended decks with daybeds, and private alfresco dining setups. Property-wide updates span rethatched roofs for tropical durability, refinished millwork, modern lighting, and fresh linens. Interiors incorporate traditional magimagi, a woven coconut-fiber rope integral to Fijian heritage, across beams and pillars. Public spaces such as the reception, main pool, and dining areas also received refreshed furnishings and rebuilt decking, alongside resurfaced tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts.
Culinary Leadership and Local Sourcing
To lead its revamped dining operations, the resort appointed executive chef Shaun Thomson, who brings 19 years of hospitality experience across Australia, Fiji, Bali, and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Thomson previously worked at Rockpool Bar & Grill under Neil Perry, Flying Fish Fiji under Peter Kuruvita, Kokomo Private Island under Cory Campbell, and The Ungasan Clifftop Resort in Bali.
In his new role, Thomson collaborates with local farmers, fishermen, and artisan producers across the Vanua Levu region. Menus are designed around seasonal seafood, tropical fruits, native herbs, and organic vegetables.
My vision is to create dining experiences that are deeply rooted in place,
Thomson said. He added that menus reflect regional seasons with a strong emphasis on sustainability and authenticity.
Wellness and Marine Conservation Additions
The property has expanded its wellness offerings with a 900-square-foot, air-conditioned ocean-facing fitness center overlooking Savusavu Bay. The facility features yoga platforms, personal training, and marine-inspired fitness classes tailored to multi-generational travelers. These additions complement the resort’s established marine education center, which operates in tandem with its conservation programs. Guests can participate in guided reef snorkeling, coral restoration dives, and educational marine camps, maintaining the property’s focus on biodiversity protection in Savusavu Bay.
