26 Jan 2015
Fiji fund converts bungalows into beachfront resort
BY Helen Andrews
The Yatule Resort and Spa at Natadola Beach soft-opened last week, after the beachfront property in Fiji was rebranded and refurbished by owner Fiji National Provident Fund Investments, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF).
Originally built in 2005 to serve as accommodation for consultants and contractors involved in building the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa next-door, the property was then turned into bungalow-style accommodation and opened as a beachfront resort.
The FNPF spent FJD$2m (US0.9m, €0.8m, £0.6m) on upgrading the facility to include a new spa, in addition to other leisure offerings. Details of the spa have not yet been released. A total of 36 beachfront and pool-view villas were built too.
Sashi Singh, FNPF board director told fijisun.com.fj: “The newly renovated resort was a critical part of the fund’s investment rehabilitation... and the fund will take necessary measures to ensure that members’ funds invested in the resort are fully recovered.”
The resort will be operated by Tour Managers Fiji, a locally-owned destination management company that offers a wide range of transport services and facilities to conferences, groups and incentive markets.
“We congratulate Tour Managers for taking up the challenge of being a local operator and for bringing a unique approach in hotel operation to the table that will boost employment for our local Fijian nationals. Economic activities planned will feed into the economy and bring a totally new experience to the tourism industry,” added Singh.
According to the facility’s Facebook page, the resort now features a new pool and bar, as well as conference and meeting areas, plus wedding and event venues. A range of sea and land-based activities will also be on offer.
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