Faces of Paradise

It's not just the beauty of the island, stunningly appointed new bures and facilities, sensational diving and a multitude of adventures - it's getting to know the people of Paradise. Paradise Resort Guests agree and by popular demand we offer some inside information on the faces of Paradise...

It all begins when you arrive...

'You are greeted like a much loved relative not seen for a while,

with genuine big smiles, open hearts and warmth

I have never experienced before - from all the staff.'
Anna Glen, Paradise Guest from Australia

Allan & Terri Gortan - Owners

Allan and Terri Gortan are the owners of Paradise Taveuni. Purchasing the freehold 5 acre property in April 2006, Allan and Terri have been managing the Resort since take over.

Allan is a Chef by trade and Terri has always worked in the hospitality industry. Moving to Fiji in 2000 to live and work,

they adopted their two children Jessica and Thomas from Suva in 2004 and 2005, they soon purchased the tropical 5 acre property that is now Paradise.

With Paradise Taveuni completed and all facilities and new bures now upgraded, Al and Terri concentrate their combined roles on the Resort operations, Guest services and promoting the Resort to the international market.

When they are not working, Al enjoys windsurfing and diving. Terri enjoys the pool and the Spa. They both love travelling, good friends and spending time with the kids.

Jessica & Thomas Gortan

  Jessica Gortan was born in May 2004 in Suva. Jess loves

  animals of all kinds and to help Daddy feed them in the

  morning. A dedicated book worm, she also enjoys swimming,

  singing, and going to Kindergarten.

  Thomas Gortan was born in February 2005 in Suva. Tom loves

  trucks, planes, running, reading books, hearing stories of

  dinasours and playing with Daddy.

  The children have always lived within a Resort situation and

  are doted on by all Resort staff and Guests. Occaisionally

  allowed to visit the Resort area, the children spend their days

  within the spacious family house and grounds located to the back of the 5 acre property. They love to swim at the nearby beach and go for walks. They are cared for and loved by their Fijian Nannys - Naomi, Tima, Sera & Use. They delight in meeting Resort Guests and especially the children that holiday in the Resort.

Katarina (Kata) Maiwaidranu - All Rounder

  Kata is 32 years old and has been working in Paradise for 2 years. Starting

  as Restaurant trainee, she was soon promoted to office work answering

  phones and helping the owners. Kata now looks after the important job of

  staff issues. Kata is also trained in Tour Desk operations, housekeeping and

  Restaurant skills. Kata is also our Wedding Coodinator and is a true all-

  rounder who always offers to help during busy times in the Resort. Kata has

  4 children and lives in the nearby village, though originally from the northern

  area of Taveuni.

Meke Warriors

        Maikeli                       Illisoni                           Archie                      Joe

Maikeli Lakovi - Grounds and Tour Guide

Maikeli is 34 years old and has lived on Taveuni his whole life. He lives nearby with his wife Nau, a Paradise kitchenhand, and their child. Working in Paradise since April 2006, Maikeli works in the grounds department supervising other staff and ensuring the grounds are well looked after at all times. Maikeli also fills in as Resort Tour Guide with much passion, knowledge and enthusiasm about his beloved island.

Illisoni Manueli - Marine Department

Illisoni - known as Toutou - is a 20 year old local Taveuni boy and is one of the Resort PADI Dive Masters. He enjoys taking Resort Guests diving and showing them the beauty of the underwatrer world. Toutou also performs with his family on Fiji night for our Guests entertainment. Toutou has been working in Paradise for 2 years

Archie Taylor - Grounds and Tour Guide

Archie has been with the Resort from the start for nearly 3 years. Archie is an all rounder who works in the grounds department and is one of Paradise's Tour and Snorkel guides. Archie is from Navakawau Village, the warrior village on the southern most tip of Taveuni.

Joe Waqa - Fiji Night Performer

Joe is a Fiji night Meke performer who also helps out in the Dive shop

when busy. Joe is married to Perina, the Resort Tour Desk operator and

they have 1 small son.

Joe Manueli - Maintenence Department

Joe, pictured right, has been with Paradise for over 2 years, starting in the construction team and now in the maintainence department as a handy man. Joe and his 4 sons also perform every Fiji Night. Joe arranges and trains the meke teams ensuring a professional, yet authentic performance for Resort Guests.

The Kitchen Team

  The Resort employs 6 Fijian ladies to work  

  in the busy resort kitchen. Olive and

  Makareta are missing from this photo. Allan,

  continuously trains the ladies on the ever

  changing menu items - preparation, presentation

  and cooking techniques. Kalisi is kitchen hand,

  Selai works lunch, Miri works dinner shifts as

                                                                       well as being a Spa Therapist and Wedding

 Kalisi        Selai      Allan        Miri        Sisi     serenader. Sisi is the evening kitchen hand and                                                                           dances on Fiji night with the Meke performers.

Amy - Resort Parrot

Amy is a Taveuni Musk Parrot and one of our most photographed staff members in Paradise.

Amy and her siblings, Elvis and Priscilla, George and Morgan, were hand raised in Paradise by the owners and the grounds staff. Their staple is porridge (oatmeal) and local fruits. The birds are free to fly around the resort and surrounding areas and they are not caged. They choose to live in the resort grounds as they are well fed and live in safety. You will no doubt experience a visit from our resort pets at some time during your stay and Amy is particularly fond of breakfast toast, shiny earrings and beads.

More Paradise Faces to come...