Meet the Team
We are fortunate to call a beautiful place home, with one of Fiji’s most vibrant reefs just offshore. But the true heart of Viani Bay Resort and Dive Academy Fiji lies with the people who bring it to life. Our multi-skilled team comes from the surrounding bay, often working across diving, hospitality, conservation, and operations. Everyone has grown into their role through hands-on experience, in-house training, and our scholarship program.
Dive & Marine Operations
Our dive and marine operations are led by experienced PADI professionals who have spent years learning the Rainbow Reef — its timing, moods, and best moments. PADI Divemasters Meto, Joji, and Paul create dives that feel relaxed and well-judged, giving beginners confidence while allowing experienced divers the freedom they value.
Supporting them is a team of eight scuba scholars, all certified PADI Freedivers and trained snorkelling guides, progressing toward PADI Divemaster level. Together with our quartermaster, they form the backbone of day-to-day marine operations and assist across a range of water-based activities.
Our captains play a central role beyond diving — handling boats, guest transfers, provisioning, and logistics. They read the water instinctively and, as certified divers themselves, understand what matters on a dive boat.
Training and overall dive operations are overseen by Marina (PADI IDC Staff Instructor) and Jone (PADI MSDT & Advanced Freediving Instructor). Marina conducts the majority of scuba diving courses and has trained our current divemasters in-house, while Jone leads the freediving programs and maintains all dive and safety equipment.
Everyone in the team is directly involved in conservation work, from reef monitoring to coral restoration — simply part of how we live and work on the reef.
Resort Team
Food and genuine hospitality play a central role in the Viani Bay experience. The kitchen is led by Head Chef Theresa, whose cooking is frequently mentioned by guests for its flavour, creativity, and care. Working with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the meals reflect contemporary artisanal Fijian cuisine — thoughtful, generous, and reflective of our authentic approach.
Mathew is a key anchor in the daily flow of the resort, supporting guests across service and bar while quietly keeping many of the moving parts connected. Often with a camera in hand — above and below the water — he also helps capture and share daily life in Viani Bay. His presence, reliability, and attention to detail help set the tone for the guest experience.
The wider hospitality team works closely across kitchen, service, and housekeeping, taking equal pride in every detail. Without formal hospitality training, everyone has developed a high level of attentiveness — from the presentation of meals and table settings to the care taken in preparing the bures each day. During busy periods, team members naturally step into additional roles, reflecting the shared responsibility that comes with life at a small, remote resort.
Operations
Strong operational foundations keep Viani Bay running day to day. Ben, our Manager, oversees logistics and infrastructure — from engines and boats to water systems and electricity — keeping things running smoothly, especially when they are not.
Supporting him is a skilled team responsible for maintenance, construction, and grounds work. Much of their contribution remains unseen, yet it is essential to the smooth operation of both the resort and the dive centre.
Across the resort, teams naturally lend a hand beyond their primary roles when needed. Together, the operations crew provides the stability that allows guests to enjoy Viani Bay with ease.