Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Sustainable Vacation Experience

This article is the final part of a three-part series on Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. View the first post here and the second post here .

Resorts around the world are starting to really step up to do their part in taking care of the environment. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is a great example of doing just that. In fact, this place is probably one of the most renowned eco-friendly family resorts in the South Pacific. The resort claims they have been doing this many years before it became popular.

In our first post on Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we briefly mentioned that this family-friendly resort is leading the way for sustainable practices, and this post will elaborate on this subject.

Through the use of natural products, sustainable fishing, reef preservation, and more, the environmentally and socially responsible resort sets up a good example of giving back to the surrounding areas.

Food and Beverage Offerings

The resort upholds sustainable fishing and agricultural practices, that is, reef fish, farmed prawns, and other threatened species should not be used in any seafood menus. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort grows organic fruit and vegetables in their garden. “Edible landscaping,” as the resort calls it, supplies the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus with tropical fruits, including pineapple, mango, papaya, coconut, and guava, along with veggies, herbs, and spices. Coconut-husk filters are used to irrigate the gardens!

To take care of the organic garden, the staff use traditional Fijian agricultural methods in addition to sustainable practices learned from international crop experts.

Natural Products

Guests are provided cotton products and hand-sewn items made from natural products. These products used at the resort assist in preserving the environment.

Educational Experience

You can learn about the medicinal values of plants and herbs by taking a resort-guided medicine walk around the property. The 17-acre property has much to showcase from traditional healing touch to plants’ positive effects on the body. The tour introduces 24 specimens that provide natural cures.

Mangrove Reforestation Program

As we mentioned in a previous post , we love naturalist and marine biologist Johnny Singh. He delights crowds with his vast knowledge of everything under the water. Not only can you sit in on a number of educational presentations by Johnny, but also you can participate in a mangrove reforestation program, which has been developed by the marine biologist. Mangroves were removed 25 years ago when the resort was a coconut plantation. Back in the day, mangroves were thought to cause shoreline erosion, but actually they help prevent it. Guests can trek to the beach with Johnny to plant baby mangroves, which will also help the island filter pollutants and get nutrients from the runoff. This is all done to help keep the water clean.

Water Reclamation Program

The resort makes use of a water reclamation plant, which is often used in sustainable landscaping irrigation. Reclaimed or recycled water is former wastewater treated to remove solids and impurities. The purpose of these processes is sustainability and water conservation, rather than discharging the treated water to the ocean.

Reef Preservation

Jean-Michel Cousteau plays a key part in establishing reef preservation, as the front of the resort is now designated a marine reserve. Together, the resort and the local community manage a program to preserve the natural habitat for sustainable fishing. The program also contributes to the health of the coral reef.

 Meet Johnny our Marine Biologist.

A coral farm was created at the resort for coral that may have broken off naturally from the parent colony. If not for this farm, the coral would have little to no chance of surviving.

Accommodation Construction

During the construction of the accommodations or bures, the resort took fine care of the way in which they were constructed to best use the natural resources. Timber from certified forests is used for the construction of the bures. Solar panels were installed on water heaters for some of the bures. The bures were also built using traditional Fijian materials, which reduce the environmental impact and remove the need for air conditioners.

Other practices the resort regularly undertakes include composting of kitchen waste, recycling of glass and plastic, and using nontoxic chemicals in laundry.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort continually seeks new ways to reduce its carbon footprint while providing guests with an enriching luxury experience. No wonder the property has won various awards and accolades in this area. While you are planning your spring break or summer family trip for next year, consider a resort that gives back to the community in every way possible while allowing guests to enjoy an enriching luxurious experience.