Our Story

In Fiji, land does not simply change hands — it chooses its guardians. When plans to settle on Taveuni did not work out, we were offered the opportunity to build on two acres of land in Viani Bay through Jone’s family connections. The land is not for sale, and being entrusted with it shaped everything that followed. What initially felt like a challenge — no road access and complex logistics — soon revealed itself as a rare gift. Viani Bay sits at the heart of the Rainbow Reef, a true sweet spot both above and below the surface.

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After Cyclone Winston, building materials were difficult to source and supplies arrived slowly, if at all. We built with what was available around us — using vesi timber for structural elements and coconut materials for walls and details. Even basics like nails, cement, or roofing iron were often unavailable in the right size or quantity, requiring patience, improvisation, and support from the wider community. In those early days, we lived in a tent, danced in the rain, and collected water in pots and buckets until a reliable water supply became possible.

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From the beginning, conservation and community were not separate ideas but part of everyday life. We welcomed day divers and visiting yachts while slowly building what would become our boutique eco-retreat, learning as we went and growing through relationships rather than scale. Since opening in 2017, this approach has shaped everything we do — from hands-on reef protection and scholarship programs to the way we host our guests. It was recognised early on with a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award in our first year and continues to guide how we live, dive, and work in Viani Bay today.