About us
The Fiji Islands consist of over 300 islands spread over 7,000 square kilometers, Taveuni being the third largest, known as the Garden Island because of the luxurious plant growth due to rich volcanic soil. Paradise Taveuni is found on the flat south end behind the mountains protected from the wind, ensuring calm, clear waters year round.
Paradise Taveuni is located some 40 kilometers from the Matei Airport and a scenic 1 hour rainforest and coconut plantation drive will you in this unique Fiji Island Resort. Perfectly positioned on 5 acres of oceanfront land with deep-water frontage and an extinct volcano behind (900 metres high) as a dramatic background, this Fiji resort was rebuilt in 2006/07.
Previously trading as Susies Plantation Resort for over 20 years, reconstruction of the property began in 2006 when the new owners, Allan & Terri Gortan, purchased the secluded, oceanfront Fijian paradise.
Paradise Family
With resort managing experience both in Fiji and Australia, Allan & Terri understand the importance of offering a genuine Fijian experience to their Guests. Wanting to mirror the natural beauty of this oceanfront paradise in the accommodation and the facilities, the owners visualised a reflection of the Fijian architecture, the people and their values and created Paradise Taveuni.
Paradise Taveuni Fiji
The Fiji resort is now completed with 10 traditional 
Fijian Bures, new restaurant and bar, tour desk, Pro Dive Taveuni on site, gift shop and oceanfront Wedding Bure.
The new horizon edge swimming pool offers a refreshing alternative to the crystal waters of Paradise and Pro Dive Taveuni is available for on request diving from the Full Service dive shop.
Allan & Terri believe in offering their Guests a large selection of adventures and activities available on request. Horse riding, kayaking, snorkelling, swimming, hiking, guided tours, waterfall trips, rainforest tours, relaxing spa services and plenty of hammocks and poolside deck chairs to choose from.
The Resort’s maximum capacity is 20 guests, ensuring visitors enjoy a secluded and personalised stay in Paradise. The Resort caters to couples, single travellers, families and small boutique groups.
Paradise Taveuni has 24 hour generator power and a steady water source from a community supply. The water is fresh and great tasting. No need for bottled water in Paradise!
Paradise Taveuni is a romanatic, remote and secluded getaway. The nearest facilities are 30 minutes drive north. If you require a special something, we can arrange it for you prior to your arrival to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
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 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 is also trained in Tour Desk operations, housekeeping and Restaurant skills. Kata 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 Departmet
Illisoni – known as Toutou – is a 20 year old local Taveuni boy. Toutou performs with his family on Fiji night for our Guests entertainment.
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 Dive shop 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.
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.
Allan continuously trains the staff on the ever
changing menu items – preparation, presentation
and cooking techniques. Kalisi is kitchen hand,
Selai works lunch, Miri works dinner shifts
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.
