Our Goals
Working Towards our Goals
At Vakanananu Retreat, we redefine the concept of a resort by offering a one-of-a-kind off-grid experience on Taveuni. Our commitment to sustainability goes hand in hand with providing exceptional service and a remarkable experience for our guests.
Recognised for our dedication to sustainability, we have been awarded the highest accolade of GOLD accreditation by the esteemed Green Tourism program. As a Travel Sustainable resort listed on Booking.com (Level 3), we are constantly seeking ways to improve and contribute to a greener future.
Our unwavering commitment to sustainability guides our every endeavour, ensuring a harmonious blend of eco-conscious practices and exceptional service. We deeply value our surrounding environment, actively engage with local communities, and empower our guests and staff to embrace our principles of mindful living.
Energy
At Vakanananu Retreat, we take great pride in our commitment to sustainability. We are delighted to share that our resort operates entirely on solar energy, allowing us to minimize our impact on the local and global environment. Through efficient energy management, we continuously strive to reduce our consumption and promote a greener future.
Water
We take responsibility for our water usage and prioritize conservation. Through our rainwater harvesting system, we are able to sustainably provide water for our entire property. By educating both our staff and guests about the importance of water conservation, we strive to create a culture of mindfulness and appreciation - every drop is precious!
Waste
At Vakanananu Retreat, waste management is a top priority as we strive to minimize our environmental footprint. Through careful practices, we have significantly reduced our waste output and prioritize recycling whenever feasible. We are committed to continually improving our waste management strategies and exploring innovative approaches to achieve even better results.
Food
We take pride in our commitment to organic and sustainable food practices. Our property features an organic garden and by growing our own food, we can ensure its quality and minimize food waste. In line with our sustainable approach, we offer meals based on the availability of ingredients each day, avoiding over-purchasing and unnecessary waste. Our culinary offerings predominantly consist of vegetarian dishes, complemented by locally caught fish and occasionally organic meat sourced from our island.
Communities
Social and economic sustainability are integral to our business philosophy. We take pride in supporting our local communities by exclusively employing builders, contractors, and staff from nearby villages. We encourage a culture of self-sufficiency by facilitating the trade of fruits and vegetables grown by our staff in their own homes. By fostering a symbiotic relationship with our surroundings, we strive to be a positive force within the community rather than a burden.
Suppliers
Despite the challenges of living on a small island with limited purchasing options, we prioritize selecting environmentally friendly goods and services. We make conscious decisions to support sustainable practices whenever possible. Whether it's sourcing eco-friendly products or making thoughtful purchasing decisions, we always consider the environmental implications and strive to make responsible choices.
Accessibility Guidelines
- Vakanananu Retreat is in a very rural setting on a small maritime island in Fiji. There is car access to each villa and concrete pathways between buildings.
- The main entrance to each villa has 10 steps. There is no lift and no ramp.
- There is level access in each villa connecting the outside veranda, living area, kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms. Both villas have walk in showers.
- All doorways are a minimum of 750mm.
- The bedrooms all have non-allergic bedding.
- Most staff have disability awareness training.
- We are committed to non-discrimination against our staff or guests based on factors such as disability, gender, age, race, religion, and any other characteristic.
- Staff are available 24 hours a day (there is always a Manager on-site).
- We have an emergency evacuation procedure for all visitors and buildings.
- The access to the Restaurant has 3 steps.
- Staff are always on hand to assist.
- We cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, low fat, low sugar and will always be happy to talk to guests regarding specific dietary requirements.
- The resort is established as a quiet and peaceful environment specifically for the wellbeing of our guests.
- Yoga mats are provided in both villas.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables (mainly from our own garden) are available every day.
- We are a family run resort and will always endeavour to cater for our guests needs – it is always best to speak to us directly if you have any questions.