“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
That’s exactly what the luxurious Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort (JMC) in the secluded paradise of Savusavu, Fiji has been doing since it’s inception.
If it ever was a possibility that one hotel could take action on sustainability & change the world, then the JMC Resort is what that looks like.
The Jean-Michel Cousteau, or JMC as it’s affectionately named, was the first of it’s kind. Pioneers in eco-tourism, they created a template and set the benchmark for what it meant to be an eco-resort. A benchmark many resorts still aim for today.
JMC Founder, Jean-Michel Cousteau and his dedicated team of conservations have designed & operated the five-star resort to accomplish two things.
Reduce human impact and create lasting positive environmental & community change.
If we were logical, the future would be bleak, indeed. But we are more than logical. We are human beings, and we have faith, and we have hope, and we can work.
Jacques Cousteau, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s biological father
Inspired by the words & influence of his legendary father, also a conservationist, JMC set out to change the world through hospitality, experience & educational luxury.
Here’s what you can expect when you stay at the 5-star 25-villa traditional Fijian Resort.
1. They Make Every Drop Count
Jean-Michel has a love of water that runs deeper & wider than the ocean. As the son of a conservationist, he learned at a young age to be intentional and thoughtful with consumption & waste.
That’s why JMC implemented the first water reclamation process in Fiji. They recycle the guests’ toothbrush-soap-shower grey water and use it for garden irrigation at the resort. This requires less energy and reuses all water consumption twice.
2. Community Counts
Guest & community wellness is a pivotal focus at JMC. From scheduled yoga to doTerra infusers in guest rooms, Fijian Herbal Tonics, and the local Plant Specialist available for consultation – your health & wellness is essential to the staff at JMC.
It doesn’t stop there though, as their level of care and attention to wellbeing, extends to the resort staff, too.
They encourage a sense of belonging & community through shared activities such as coastal walks, beach cleanups, weekly sports games, & grassroots presentations aimed to inspire, educate & empower.
3. They’re Conserving the Corals
Jean-Michel Cousteau’s took his first dive at seven. Since then his love of the ocean has infiltrated every aspect of his life. A marine conservationist, JMC has perfectly married exploration with education.
How? through his on-site dive school, sea excursions, and coral farm program. The JMC even has their own in-house marine biologist, Johnny who offers up educational talks, reef flat walks, and underwater excursions to guests.
A brief look at their dining menu might make you think there’s no reef fish in the area. On the contrary, there’s actually plenty more fish in the sea because they’re not fishing them into extinction.
Don’t worry though, they’ll happily offer you an array of other equally delicious produce. Honestly, you probably won’t have a hankering for fish if you’ve been in the ocean with them that same day.
4. Their Eco Roots Run Deep
If you want to kick start your clean eating habit, JMC has something special for you. Imagine this. You wake up in your amazing bure, you step out onto the balcony of your bure, your breakfast is arriving. The waitress smiles placing your meal down on your table.
As you take your first bite, she proceeds to educate you on your meal.
“30% of what we make here on this island is cultivated from the resorts own organic gardens not far from your bure. The remaining 69% comes from local farmers to support the local economy and community, whilst 1% comes directly from edible native plants that you too could as you explore the island.” Idyllic isn’t it?
Well, actually it’s a reality at JMC. This approach to food is a win-win. Whilst it offers positive change to the locals and their surroundings, it offers you a truly refreshing and clean meal. We’re drooling, too.
5. Rebuilding Better Futures
After JMC was hit by Cyclone Winston’s devasting blow in 2016, they closed their doors for 6 months. During this time they renovated their resort & implemented an action plan to safeguard the island from future disasters.
This included on-going mangrove restoration on the island to entice more fish and protect the coastal line from continued erosion.
The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is a leader in eco-tourism. They evolve, adapt and grow as the world & climate changes.
Three-time winners of the Leading Green Hotel awards, their commitment to the planet is a benchmark we should all strive to achieve.
Merci Jean-Michel Cousteau, for all you have done and continue to do!
Find out more: www.fijiresort.com
How can you travel to change the world?
Congratulations! By reading this post and taking some of these insights on board, you’ve already made a difference.
Now you can easily create your impact by sharing your new-found knowledge with other friends who you think would also be interested.
Ultimately, responsible travel comes down to common sense – stay curious, keep yourself up-to-date with the challenges at hand and make yourself accountable for your actions on your travels.