A warm welcome of mellifluous Fijian songs and fresh flower wreaths set the tone for a relaxing but indulgent stay at the award-winning Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji.

There are 25 spacious thatched one- and two-bedroom bures, most overlooking the tranquil waters of Savusavu Bay on Vanua Levu Island.

The resort is renown for its expert dive shop, directed by the son of scuba-pioneer Jacques Cousteau, and its commitment to protecting the ecology of the marine world. As well as a variety of world-class dive sites, the resort boasts 15 snorkelling sites with a resident marine biologist leading daily expeditions. Other activities include sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, deep sea fishing, tennis, volleyball and private picnics on the resorts private islet.

At the beachside day spa, internationally-trained specialists offer a range of healing, soothing and relaxation treatments using beautiful pure virgin coconut oil spa products created by respected local company Nui Health Fiji.

The resort’s Fijian-Chinese chef Raymond Lee creates inspired culinary masterpieces with produce grown in the resort’s own organic garden. Fresh fish is also a specialty, although the resort does not serve reef fish as part of its forward-thinking sustainability policy.

Families are not forgotten. All children under the age of five have a dedicated nanny from 9am to 9pm while children up to the age of 13 are paired with a buddy (with a ratio of one buddy for a maximum of five children). Kids also have free access to the Bula Club and their own pool.