Plantation Island Resort Announces Major Central Facilities Addition: New dining, wellness, rooms and leisure amenities are set to elevate the guest experience Fiji. Plantation Island Resort, one of Fiji’s most beloved destinations, is excited to announce the commencement of the addition of a central facilities development, set to begin in April 2025 and conclude by late 2026. This new phase will introduce a range of innovative dining, wellness, and leisure experiences, elevate the resort’s offerings and reinforce its status as a premier destination for Travellers seeking unforgettable Fijian escapes.
What’s Coming Next at Plantation Island Resort
“The upcoming central facilities addition is a testament to our commitment to continually enhance the Plantation Island Resort experience,” said Lee Pearce, CEO of Raffe Hotels & Resorts. “This development strikes the perfect balance between modern amenities and the authentic Fijian spirit that our guests cherish, making it a destination where every moment feels special.”
Rodney Samuels, who oversees the property onsite as General Manager of Plantation Island Resort, added, “With these upgrades, we’re ensuring that guests continue to experience worldclass hospitality in a setting that reflects our rich cultural heritage and evolving needs. For many travellers, Plantation Island Resort is like a second home. So, with that in mind, each enhancement is designed with care to reflect the vibrant cultural heritage of Fiji, in a truly authentic setting, that we hope will appeal to both new visitors and the many generations of return guests we look forward to hosting each year.”
A Sneak Peek at the New and Upgraded Amenities To Come
As part of the exciting central facilities addition, Plantation Island Resort will create a range of new facilities that will enhance the guest experience. These additions reflect the resort’s commitment to continually evolving and offering unforgettable escapes for visitors. The upcoming improvements include:
- A brand-new dining venue, Baravi Mediterranean Kitchen – This restaurant will showcase Mediterranean flavours with a central focus on a traditional Italian woodfire pizza oven, creating a dynamic focal point at the heart of the space.
- Replacement of Brigham Bar – The iconic beachfront bar will be recreated in a new location with a brand-new look and enhanced offerings, promising a vibrant space to relax and enjoy the ocean views.
- A New Buffet Restaurant – The new Copra Restaurant will be reinvented, continuing to serve diverse and delicious buffet-style meals in a spacious and relaxed setting that welcomes guests to indulge in Fijian flavours.
- Expanded Wellness Facilities – Set to open in April 2025, Senibua Spa will feature six treatment rooms offering a range of luxurious services that have been designed by Debra Sadranu of Nama Fiji. Guests can unwind with therapeutic treatments while enjoying the tranquil island atmosphere.
- New Accommodation Options – Due to increased demand, the resort is adding six new Beachfront Bures and three new Two-Bedroom Garden Bures. These will offer separate bedrooms, a lounge area, and modern amenities while maintaining the island’s signature charm. The Beachfront Bures will also feature an outdoor shower and patio with breathtaking lagoon views. These are due to open in mid-2025.
- A New Pool – The addition of a beautifully designed lagoon style pool with toddler’s pool and waterslide will offer guests even more space to relax, swim, and enjoy the island’s tropical beauty. Whether lounging poolside or cooling off on a warm day, this new amenity will complement the resort’s already exceptional leisure offerings.
Reimagining the Dining Experience
The design concept for Baravi Mediterranean Kitchen, Copra Restaurant, and Brigham Bar has been created in collaboration with Australian interior designer firm Aspect APM, and local Suva based architects, Architects Pacific Ltd; and draws inspiration from traditional Fijian arts and crafts, translated into a modern context. Each space features unique design elements that reflect its theme while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic across the resort. With a focus on local craftsmanship, these dining venues will celebrate Fijian culture through patterns, natural materials, and a harmonious colour palette.
- Copra Restaurant: Inspired by coconut plantations, Copra Restaurant uses natural tones, earthy textures, and soft neutrals to create a calming atmosphere. The buffet area features green tiles, timber, and stone accents, highlighting local crafts. Coconut-inspired materials tie the space together, seamlessly connecting with the bar and surrounding areas.
- Baravi Mediterranean Kitchen: Baravi features striking suspended lighting and flagstone pathways that connect seating areas with the beach and pool. Booth seating with varied finishes creates distinct zones, while red and terracotta accents, woven textures, and pottery evoke a Mediterranean spirit with a local touch.
- Brigham Bar: Drawing from the nautical history of the Brigham shipwreck, Brigham Bar uses dark blues and rich wood tones to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. This maritime-inspired space is the perfect spot to unwind with a drink while enjoying sunset views over the lagoon.
Each space will maintain a unique identity through its design, while the repeated use of natural materials, textures, and colours ensures a unified and immersive guest experience across the resort. In addition to the refreshed design, the guest experience will be enhanced through a more streamlined layout. Although all current services will continue as usual, the water sports activities will be moved to the area between Tavola and Copra Restaurants; and the day tour and off-site excursions will depart from the jetty at the Tavola area. This adjustment will optimise guest circulation, ensuring easier access to exciting adventures, and provide a smoother flow throughout the resort for an even more enjoyable stay.
Stage One in Review: The Upgrades Shaping a New Era
In recent years, Plantation Island Resort has undergone a series of exciting upgrades. These improvements have enhanced the resort’s offerings, providing guests with more rooms, more dining, and more amenities and experiences to enjoy during their stay. Among the completed upgrades is the Tavola precinct which includes 40 new Beachfront Hotel Rooms, the introduction of a Retail Arcade, featuring a mini mart, bottle shop, hairdressing salon, and the popular BataBata Milkbar, known for its delicious ice cream and sweet treats. The resort’s dining options have also expanded with the opening of a la carte Tavola Restaurant & Bar and Bowl, a fresh poke concept salad bar, offering healthy and vibrant meals for guests.
The Tavola pool area has been reimagined as a prime relaxation space, now featuring additional seating and daybeds for a more comfortable and leisurely atmosphere. Families and thrillseekers alike now also enjoy the Jungle Water Park, which launched off Plantation Island Resort’s beachfront in 2024, complete with slides, trampolines, and a Tarzan swing for an action packed adventure.
Mr Pearce added, “As the central facilities addition development begins, Plantation Island Resort will continue to offer even more unforgettable experiences for our guests. The upcoming enhancements will further elevate the guest experience, whether for those seeking relaxation, exploration, or reconnection, all while preserving our signature warmth and charm.”
To ensure minimal disruption during construction, the development will be carefully managed and is located some distance away from guest accommodation and leisure areas. Key activity areas, such as the day tour and off-site experiences bures, the Activities Bure—where guests can access snorkelling equipment, lifejackets, and kayaks—and the inflatable water park will be relocated to ensure uninterrupted fun and adventure.
For more information on the resort, visit https://www.plantationisland.com/
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About Raffe Hotels & Resorts: Raffe Hotels & Resorts is a family-owned business operating in Fiji for more than 50 years. The Group prides itself on providing memorable holiday experiences at its trio of independent Fijian properties – family favourite, Plantation Island Resort; couples-only destination, Lomani Island Resort & Spa; and the ultraconvenient Fiji Gateway Hotel. The Raffe reputation for excellent service and value continues to attract visitors from around the globe. The Group remains deeply committed to community and focusses on practices that reflect its passion for sustainability and continual improvement. Visit www.raffehotels.com for more information.
REFERENCES: This guide is based on over a decade of research and firsthand experience living in Fiji. It incorporates extensive knowledge gained through long-term residence and ongoing engagement with the region. Images and text have been sourced from official references, which are acknowledged below, to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
FOOTNOTES: Additional details, clarifications, or sources referenced in this article are included as Footnotes below the text when applicable; otherwise, no Footnotes are provided.