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.

Al and Terri took over the Resort operations in April 2006. Previously known as Susies Plantation Resort, the budget Dive Resort had been running for over 20 years. Know in the Lonely Planet and other travel guides as a budget resort offering both dormitory and private accommodation and spectacular diving. Trading as Susies, Al and Terri ran the resort and welcomed Guests while refurbishments were being completed. Demolishing much of the old buildings and structures on the resort, they added new Fijian Bures, the oceanfront Wedding bure, new horizon edge swimming pool, new dive shop and Oceanfront massage bure. In February 2007 the couple rebranded the Resort to Paradise Taveuni and further Fijian Bures were added and the main complex refurbished and extended. In September 2007 all works on the Resort were completed thus restoring peace and tranquility back to 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 Terri enjoys the pool. They both love travelling, good friends and spending time with the kids.

Jessica & Thomas Gortan

  Jessica Mandy Gortan was born in May 2004  

 in Suva. Jess loves animals of all kinds and loves to

 help Daddy feed them in the morning. A  dedicated book worm, she also loves to swim, sing

 and goes to Kindergarten.

  Thomas Allan Gortan was born in February 2005

  in Suva. Thomas loves trucks, planes, running, 

  reading books 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 Nanny - Naomi - during the day. They delight in meeting Resort Guests and especially the children that holiday in the Resort.

Zoe Trickett - Manager and Dive Instructor

  Zoe joins us from the UK, via Australia and New

 Zealand. Having  spent several years working

 with books - selling and publishing, she then  

 decided to  pursue her love of diving to become

 a Padi Scuba Instructor.

 Zoe found Paradise in June 2006. She worked

 with us for 6 months as Marine Manager and

 diving instructor – learning to love the beautiful reefs of Taveuni. After a trip back to NZ, August  2007 saw Zoe return to Paradise to resume her former role and undertake general Managerial duties.

She spends her time now both above and below the water, introducing guests to our wonderful marine animals and helping to look after the Resort.

Maikeli Lakovi - Grounds and Tour Guide

 Maileli 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 and enthusiasm about his beloved island. His favourite colour is blue and he enjoys eating Waci ( Dalo).

Manasa Tikotikoca - Dive Instructor

  Manasa is 26 years old and his family has always lived on 

 Taveuni. Manasa has worked for Paradise since 2006, starting

 off as groundsman and tractor driver he showed interest in

 watersports and diving. He is the Paradise Snorkelling Guide

 and Padi Dive Instructor.

 Manasa enjoys taking Paradise Guests diving and showing

 them the wonders of his beautiful underwater world. His favourite colour is blue and enjoys eating Chili Chicken.

Katarina (Kata)Maiwaidranu - All Rounder

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

 nearly 2 years. Starting off training in the Restaurant, 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 training in Tour Desk operations and has

 housekeeping and Restaurant skills. Kata is also our Wedding

 Coordinator and is a true all-rounder who always offers to

 help out during busy times in the Resort. Kata has 4 children

 and lives nearby, though originally from the northern area of

 Taveuni. Her favourite coulour is blue and enjoys eating fish

               & dalo.

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.

Wilson Tikotikoca - Marine department

  Wilson is 26 years old and has been working in Paradise for

 over 12 months. Starting in the construction crew helping to

 build the new Resort bures, Wilson prooved himself a

 very capable diver after completing his Dive course with Pro

 Dive Taveuni.

 As the Resort snorkeling guide and Dive Master, Wilson's favourite colour is black and he enjoys eating fish & dalo.

More Paradise Faces to come...