About us
Taveuni - The Garden Island of Fiji
The Fiji Islands consist of 330 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 Taveuni Fiji
Traditional Fijian Bures in Paradise
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. Recently the new Oceanfront Reef Room has been the newest addition to the Resort, giving the Resort 10 bures and 1 room, accommodating 22 – 33 Guest
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, jet skiing, 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 22 guests, ensuring visitors enjoy a secluded and personalised stay in Paradise. The Resort caters to couples, single travellers, families and small boutique groups.
Horizon edge pool
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. Check our Trip Adviser site for reveiws form our Guests. By popular demand we offer some inside information on the faces of Paradise...
Happy Paradise staff
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
Paradise 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 on site owner/operators year round. 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.
Living in 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 and wind surfing. Terri enjoys the pool and the Spa. They both love travelling, good friends and spending time with the kids.
A message from Allan & Terri…
We want to let you know about the BEST holiday destination around. Paradise Taveuni is our resort and it has the best of everything – great weather, excellent food, luxury bures, spectacular ocean views and water sports and the friendliest people in the world looking after you. Not only will you fall in love with Taveuni, you will fall in love with the people and their culture.
Traditional Fijian Bures in Paradise.
We built the 10 Fijian Bures with the Fijian architecture in mind and you will find thatched bure roofs with intricately woven ceilings. The local village of Vuna supplied the manpower and know-how for these, ensuring the bures are cool with plenty of airflow though the wooden louvers and stay cool with tiled floors throughout. With king beds in all private bedrooms, spacious lounge and modern bathroom, we did not forget the Fiji essential – out door shower in a private tropical Garden. All Oceanfront Bures also have a Jacuzzi – perfect for Honeymooners or those who just want to relax. Each bure has a sun deck complete with Fiji Daybed to enjoy a good book or have an afternoon nap.
Relax in a hammock
There is so much on offer – scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, fishing, jet skiing, boat trips, hiking tours, cultural walks, Waterfall day trips, village visits, rainforest hikes, mountain treks, wild boar hunting, horse riding, bird watching and of course there is the Oceanfront Spa, designed to relax and rejuvenate you. Don’t forget the countless deck chairs and hammocks for your enjoyment.
You will also experience ‘Fiji night’ during your stay which is a cultural day and night dedicated to the people of this island. Weave a basket with Maikeli, our local guide, which later we use to put the Fijian Feast in when it is taken from the ground. See our grounds team prepare the lovo (earth oven) and wrap the fresh meats and local vegetables and place them on the hot stones. This is then covered with leaves to lock in the heat to smoke and steam the food. During the day you can learn to speak Fijian, learn to tie your Sulu (colourful cloth) and later watch as we take the food from the lovo, were it is placed into the kitchen for service to your table. Join us for the Fijian Feast with our Guests and Managers on a long family table and get to know each other. During dinner, Maikelli will show you how to slice flesh from a coconut and tell you interesting facts about the preparation of the food.
Village smiles on Fiji night
After dinner you are invited to the Paradise Meke (dance) performance by our local staff and nearby villagers. This lively presentation gives you an insight into the culture of the Taveuni people. Family and friends of our will join you for the performance, singing and dancing. A Kava ceremony follows and you are again invited to try this local drink – if you dare.
The food is another highlight of your stay as Allan is an internationally trained Chef and insists that the menus include fresh, local, mostly organic produce. Incorporating the local styles of cooking into his more traditional methods has proved rewarding and Paradise is known to have one of the best Restaurants in the South Pacific. Dietary requirements are catered to and Allan will design a dish to meet your specifications, should you wish. Don’t forget about our Indulgent Seafood dinner! A 4 course seafood delight featuring fresh Taveuni Lobster for your main course.
We know that your holiday in Paradise will be one of the best times you have had and once you discover the beauty of the land and it’s people, you will return again and again. We look forward to welcoming you to our Paradise. Vinaka Vakalevu, Allan & Terri.
Jessica and Thomas Gortan - Resort kids
Jessica Gortan was born in May 2004 in Suva and was adopted by Allan and Terri at just 5 weeks old. Jess loves animals of all kinds and to help Daddy feed them in the morning. A dedicated book worm, she also enjoys swimming, snorkeling. learning and playing with her dolls.
Thomas Gortan was born in February 2005 in Suva and was adopted by Allan and Terri at just 2 weeks old. Tom loves trucks, planes, running, reading books, hearing stories of dinasours, riding his bike 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, Ana and Sia. They delight in meeting Resort Guests and especially the children that holiday in the Resort. The children are excited about starting their home-schooling with new Kiwi Teacher, Morgan.
The Paradise Team
Manager Luke
Uncle Luke, Manager on Duty. Luke Middleton has been a Manager in Paradise for the last 2 years and is an important part of the Paradise Team. As a Manager, he is busy with meeting and greeting Guests and Guest services as well as day-to-day behind the scenes operations. Luke is Australian born, enjoys kayaking, facebooking and likes to get back to the ‘real world’ every now and then.
Liti, Manager on Duty. Litiana Bolobolo is a trainee Manager and is trained in all areas of the Resort. Liti’s strength is Food and Beverage and she oversee’s this busy department with the help of the other Managers. Liti has grown up in southern Taveuni and still lives nearby with her husband and 2 young children.
Kesa, Manager on Duty. Kesaia Matangi is also a trainee Manager who began as our Reservations clerk. Proving herself reliable and responsible, Kesa is now our trainee Manager. She is newly married and lives at our staff house nearby. Kesa is originally from Suva.
Kata smiles
Kata has been working in Paradise for over 3 years. Katarina Bosco is a true all- rounder who always offers to help during busy times in the Resort. Kata currently works in the Food and Beverage department and as a massage therapist in the Paradise Spa, but she is also trained in tour desk operations, Wedding services, Housekeeping duties and office duties. Kata has 4 children and lives in the nearby village, though originally from the northern area of Taveuni.
Maikeli, Tour Desk Attendant and Tour Guide. Maikeli Lakovi is 38 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 has worked in the grounds department and recently been promoted to Tour Desk Attendant and Tour Guide due to his popularity and passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for his beloved island. Maikeli also performs in our weekly Fiji Night Meke and Kava Ceremony.
Joe, Handy Man in the Maintenance Team. Joe Manuelli has been with Paradise for over 4 years, starting in the construction team and now in the maintainence department as a handy man. Joe, his sons and nephews also perform every Fiji Night. Joe arranges and trains his Meke team ensuring a professional, yet authentic performance for Resort Guests.
