Peace – Hard Work – and a Little Magimagi!

Tadrai  Island  Resort,  Fiji’s  newest  luxury  Resort  in  the  Mamanuca  Islands,  showcases  outstanding examples of traditional Fijian handicrafts. Since opening in September this year, the Resort has won enthusiastic praise for its idyllic setting, tropical island barefoot luxury and uniquely Fijian signature.

 Meticulous attention to detail in the 100mt square villas is reflected in a selection of original artworks and décor depicting the island’s historic past.  The blend of natural materials and native handicrafts, including intricately woven magimagi (coconut fibre) lends authenticity and appeal to the creature comforts of modern design.

 Magimagi (pronounced mungi-mungi) is made from pounded, sun-dried, woven coconut husks. The fibres are rolled on the thigh (the equivalent of spinning) and braided into cord before being plaited, usually by the men during long gossip sessions!  One of the most attractive features of magimagi is the retention of its natural earth colour, although it can also be dyed black. It is interesting to note that magimagi was originally used prior to the advent of synthetic string or nails and was the most common material used for fastening, lashing and wrapping.

 A mutually rewarding partnership forged between Fiji’s Tourism Industry and skilled artisan provides a vital link in preserving traditional handicrafts and art forms rarely taught nor valued in the modern village. At age just 31, local craftsman employed on Tadrai, Rusi Taubale has turned his company, Peaceful Magimagi into a success story.  Rusi and his extended family members have captured a niche market in high-quality work, specialising in weaving intricate patterns depicting traditional motifs and designs. Guests of the Resort are able to purchase sasa (Fijian brooms) featuring finely woven ornamental magimagi handles as souvenirs of the weaver’s craft.

 

“Tadrai’s magimagi ‘signature’ underpins the Resort’s design philosophy” said Managing Director Aaron McGrath, “and represents an aesthetic appreciation of natural materials combined with a refined sense of style and luxury.” Tadrai has set a new benchmark in luxury accommodation and service in Fiji.  The exclusive, all-inclusive Resort is the perfect destination for honeymooners or for that romantic get-away!

 

Introducing our Head Chef

Tadrai Island Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Chad Arthur as their Head Chef.  Chef Chad will be joining the Tadrai team from his current position as Head Chef at Wahoo – Peregian Beach.

Chef Chad’s love of food was cemented at the tender age of 13 when he left school to pursue a chef’s apprenticeship.  Since this time he has worked alongside a handful of highly regarded chefs both in Australia and South Africa, and counts the esteemed Chef George Jardine as an invaluable mentor.  During his time as an apprentice chef at Kingfisher Bay Resort, Chad won the Gold Medal at the Tourism Training’s Sunshine Coast “Salon Culinaire” competition for the Senior Apprentice category.

Chad’s previous career highlights in Australia  include; Chef de Partie at Sheraton Mirage on the Gold Coast, Sous Chef at Barzura in Sydney, Chef de Partie at Aromas at Noosa Heads, Chef de Partie at Berardo’s at Noosa Heads and most recently Head Chef at Wahoo Kitchen ~ Peregian Beach.  Chad also worked a Sous Chef at Jardine Restaurant in Capetown ~ South Africa.

Commenting on his new role at Tadrai, Chad says “I am excited and really looking forward to working with the team at Tadrai.  It is an honour to be involved with Fiji’s newest 5 star, luxury. boutique resort and implementing their new mouth watering menu in the stunning setting at Selena Cove.  I look forward to bringing and sharing my extensive, successful experience gained from working in first-class hotels and fine dining restaurants with the kitchen team.”

Aaron McGrath, Tadrai Island Resort’s Managing Director, says “It is fantastic that Chef Chad is joining the Tadrai Island Resort team and we very much look forward to having him on board.  His vast experience at in a number of esteemed establishments is something which will no doubt enhance our cuisine offering to our guests.”

 Tadrai Island Resort has been created specifically for couples to savour the peace and tranquillity of a stunning palm-fringed cove and four private beaches.  Not only is this sanctuary Fiji’s newest 5 star resort, it is also the first fully all inclusive, luxury, adults only retreat in the whole of the Mamanuca Island Group.

 With only 5 deluxe villas, exclusivity and the ultimate in individual service are guaranteed.  Each villa is beachfront, elegantly designed in Fijian style and complete with its own private plunge pool, giving you space to unwind in privacy.  Attended by your personal butler throughout your stay, you can be assured your every need will be met, leaving you to relax without a care.  Private in room dining and secluded picnics can be arranged, although the shared experience of dining in the signature restaurant, where Pacific Rim cuisine is prepared from the freshest of ingredients, particularly local seafood, is not to be missed.

 The lavish services of the Alfresco Spa are available for those seeking a higher level of pampering, with the opportunity to be treated in your villa, should you wish.  Additionally, for those days when you feel more energetic and want to do more than stroll along the beautiful shoreline or swim in the pool, there are a variety of activities and excursions available, which can be tailored to your individual interests

Open For Business

The luxurious Tadrai Island Resort – Fiji, has undertaken its soft opening welcoming their first guests to the all inclusive, five star, couples only resort.

Guests were immediately impressed with the idyllic setting of Selena Cove and the personalised service and attention to detail Tadrai will benchmark.

“From the moment we arrived we were totally captivated by the natural beauty of the surroundings. The idyllic location and amazing level of luxury in the villas, combined with genuine five star service is something we haven’t experienced elsewhere” enthused the Resort’s first visitors.

Whilst the finishing touches remain to be added, the Resort’s Managing Director, Aaron McGrath is enthusiastic about the final product.

“Tadrai is looking amazing.  The property delivers an eco-aware, refined and natural sense of ‘intelligent’ luxury in the amount of consideration given to the environment. I am very proud to be officially welcoming our first guests on 1^st September. The Resort is everything we anticipated from the concept stage and so much more.  We look forward to marketing the property to a discerning, international clientele. ”

Resort Features:

Luxurious Deluxe Villa’s ~ With only 5 deluxe villas, exclusivity, privacy and the ultimate in personalised service is guaranteed.  Each beachfront Fijian-style villa features ultra modern interior, complete with plunge pool.  Your personal butler will attend to your every need throughout your stay.

Dining ~Choices include In Room Dining on your private deck, the “Na Vatu” Signature Restaurant, secluded picnics at any of the island’s magical locations. Or sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular view from the Rock Pool Bar and elevated sundeck.

The Wai Siliva Alfresco Spa (Fj Sparkling Waters) Perched in a secluded private cove, our unique Spa induces a profound sense of calm and connection with the natural environment. Private in villa treatments are also available.

Personalised activities ~ for those days when you wish to do more than simply become Lost in Paradise, we offer a variety of activities and excursions tailored to your individual interests.

 For further information visit www.tadrai.com

Appoints a Resort Manager

Tadrai Island Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Beckett as Resort Manager. Simon will be joining the Tadrai Management team from his current Resort Manager role at Sonaisali Island Resort, Fiji.

Simon brings to Tadrai 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry where he has gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise from working in roles from Front Office and Rooms Division Management to his previous role as Resort Manager at Sonaisali Island Resort, Fiji.

Prior to Sonaisali, Simon gained valuable experience working in hospitality for the Ritz Carlton and Sheraton on the Park in Sydney. Simon was then a member of the pre-opening team for Four Points by Sheraton, Port Macquarie and Surfair Resort, Queensland and was Front Office Manager at Sheraton Noosa before taking on his most challenging role of Resort Manager for Samurai Beach Resort in Port Stephens.

Simon is currently completing his Bachelor of Business degree in Hotel and Resort Management, which has a strong focus on tourism research through Southern Cross University.

Simon is looking forward to bringing his knowledge and skills to Tadrai, where he will help to achieve a level of customer service which exceeds anything ever seen before in the Mamanuca’s.

“This is an exciting opportunity for me to be involved in opening Fiji’s newest 5 star luxury hotel and I am proud to be brining a new level of customer service never before seen to the Mamanuca’s.” Explains Simon.

“Tadrai will be the epitome of luxury and style that will cater to every guest wants and needs as well as providing a truly interactive experience married with the latest technology.” Simon continues.

Tadrai Island Resort has been created specifically for couples to savour the peace and tranquillity of a stunning palm-fringed cove and four private beaches. Not only is this sanctuary Fiji’s newest 5 star resort, it is also the first fully all inclusive, luxury, adults only retreat in the whole of the Mamanuca Island Group.

With only 5 deluxe villas, exclusivity and the ultimate in individual service are guaranteed. Each villa is beachfront, elegantly designed in Fijian style and complete with its own private plunge pool, giving you space to unwind in privacy. Attended by your personal butler throughout your stay, you can be assured your every need will be met, leaving you to relax without a care. Private in room dining and secluded picnics can be arranged, although the shared experience of dining in the signature restaurant, where Pacific Rim cuisine is prepared from the freshest of ingredients, particularly local seafood, is not to be missed.

The lavish services of the Alfresco Spa are available for those seeking a higher level of pampering, with the opportunity to be treated in your villa, should you wish. Additionally, for those days when you feel more energetic and want to do more than stroll along the beautiful shoreline or swim in the pool, there are a variety of activities and excursions available, which can be tailored to your individual interests.

Aaron McGrath, Tadrai Island Resort’s Managing Director, says “I am delighted that Simon has joined the Tadrai team and his pre-opening skills have been of great assistance to us. Simon will be reporting directly to myself and will be very focused on all operational & guest services areas. Simon will have a high level of guest relations contact, ensuring that excellent quality assurance processes are delivered by our team to our customers, and will oversee a small and dedicated team of staff. ”

The Ultimate in Luxury

The luxurious Tadrai Island Resort – Fiji will be officially open on September 1 and will be the Mamanuca Island’s only all inclusive, five star, couples only resort. Some may even mistake it for the most romantic place on earth!

Tadrai Island Resort is located on the northern side of the exclusive and idyllic Mana Island in the Mamanuca Island Group of Fiji. The resort has been designed by award winning architectural firm TropicX Design Studio with interiors by renowned Australian designer Meryl Hare.

“We are very excited to be able to offer clients a new luxury 5 star resort in the Mamanuca Islands. We are particularly excited that we have the first truly all inclusive resort for our customers in this part of Fiji.”

“We want Tadrai Island Resort to be seen as the ultimate paradise for guests, who will experience a level of Fijian service and hospitality not yet seen in the Mamanucas. It is a very exciting time.” Explains Managing Director, Mr Aaron McGrath.

This beautiful resort consists of five elegantly designed ultra deluxe villas all located on a serene, secluded cove with exclusive access to Selena Beach, just one of four magnificent white sand beaches that form part of Tadrai Island Resort.

All beachfront villa’s are 100sqm in size and feature their own outdoor plunge pools, private decks with day beds, personal butler service, king beds, indoor/outdoor showers, complimentary high speed wireless internet and ipads, ipod/iphone docking stations, air conditioning and ceiling fans, flat screen LCD TV’s, cable/satellite TV, DVD Library, in-house movies, personal wine coolers, larger stone bathtubs, in room safe, IDD telephone, and espresso/coffee machines and tea making facilities.

Situated at Selena Cove in the resorts main complex is the signature restaurant, Na Vatu. A stunning indoor/outdoor restaurant overlooking the magnificent pool area and directly out over the Pacific Ocean. The restaurants menu showcases the finest of fresh ingredients, with an emphasis on local seafood, affording guests the unique opportunity to experience the clean, crisp flavours of Pacific Rim cuisine.

Guests can also indulge in in-villa dining, where they can enjoy any dish featured on the restaurants menu, or request a special dish of their own, in the privacy of their own villa. For true romantics a picnic for two can also be organised at any of the resort’s wonderfully secluded locations.

Also found in the resort’s central facility is Tadrai’s Bar, the perfect place to indulge in a cocktail or two, the resorts large fresh water pool and a guest lounge and library.

All resort activities and excursions can be tailored to individual guests and include sea kayaking, hobie catamaran sailing, handline fishing, reef snorkeling, various diving tours. Alfresco Spa services are also available for those seeking a higher level of pampering, with the opportunity for guests to be treated in their villa, if they wish. 

As Tadrai will be strictly adults only, this resort is the perfect location for couples, weddings, honeymooners or for that romantic getaway.

Tabu – Endorsing the Wisdom of the Ancients

Tadrai Island Resort, the Mamanucas newest super de-luxe Resort development, has shown it takes sustainability seriously and is upholding the local custom and tradition by implementing The current Fijian “tabu”, or prohibition against fishing the reefs around Mana island.

 “While Tadrai makes the most of the delicious seafood available it’s not at the expense the environment. We want Guests to experience the bounty of our unspoiled reefs first hand – not just on their plate,” says the Tadrai Island Resort’s Australian born Resort Manager, Simon Beckett. 

 “The exclusion area is well sign posted and is energetically monitored by local villagers who have already reported the return to habitat of some fish species not seen in decades, including snappers, groupers, sweetlips and emperors and especially Jordan tuskfish.” He continues.

 Although the ancient tradition of tabu is normally observed as a mark of respect following the death of a Chief, government and local authorities have cleverly adapted the practice to benefit modern marine conservation programmes.

 The regulation covers the area around the entire foreshore of ManaIslandfrom the high water mark to the edge of the reef and was initiated by the mataqali and approved by the Turaga Tui Lawa, Ratu Sevanaia Lalabalavu. The “tabu” has been in place since June 2010 and is to remain in force for a further three years. 

Traditionally, the tabu lasted for a period of 100 days – to allow sufficient time for fish stocks to replenish in readiness for the ritual “One Hundred Nights” Feast. 

 Modern Resort developments, in partnership with government and stakeholders, are at the forefront in recognising the importance of conserving vulnerable and endangered habitats.  The Mamanuca Environmental Society (MES) leads this conservation and is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation with objectives initiated by its members to address environmental issues specific to the region.

 The Mana tabu on the other hand, demonstrates what can be achieved at the all-important grass-roots level.  The initiative capitalises on the link between traditional values and environmental aspirations, and derives maximum value from community support.  Perhaps best of all – the overall effect is educative, sustainable – and cost effective.

 And the Winners Are – All of Us!

 “Everyone deserves to experience the dream ….. at least once in a lifetime”

Paradise Found

Tadrai Island Resort will set a new benchmark in luxury travel. Discerning guests who expect the best will appreciate the relaxed ambience and modern style of this remote island paradise, where deceptively simple design and contemporary spaces offer a fresh
approach to the ultimate Fijian getaway.”

Blendng Fiji’s natural surrounds with lavish finishes were key to luxury resort Tadrai’s sumptuous interiors, created byaward-winning designers Hare + Klein.

“We worked closely with the architect and our client to meet their brief of a seamless indoor-outdoor space that offers guests a unique and authentic experience. The traditional thatched-roof villas are scattered along the coastline, tucked away in the island’s foliage to create privacy and cohesion with their natural surrounds.” Said Meryl Hare, Hare + Klein, Director.

The resort’s methodology was to construct a remote island escape with an emphasis on privacy and rustic luxury. The design of Tadrai is purposely casual and intimate. The indoor-outdoor aspect creates a natural connection between the interior and exterior spaces.

For example, internal timber flooring adjoins timber decking to provide a feeling of
consistency and space; the detailed joinery of each villa’s entertainment unit is continued outside in the design of the comfortable sun beds; and each ensuite is open to the outside elements, creating the ultimate indoor-outdoor experience. All aspects of the Resort have been designed with the natural environment in mind.

Comfort and practicality are also emphasised in the custom-made soft furnishings, created by multi award-winning furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue. Natural linen
provides a relaxed finish, and the colour palette contains neutral hues with bursts of vibrance to reflect the azure waters of the surrounding ocean. The final outcome is a set of lavish interiors that are perfectly placed against the spectacular backdrop of Mana Island.

“Everyone deserves to experience the dream ….. at least once in a lifetime”