Music In The Air As Plantation Reopens
Plantation Island Resort buzzed with excitement as the first visitors arrived for the reopening on Friday. The smiles of the resort’s general manager, Alex Wilson, and his 35 staff members spoke volumes of their joy to be back in business.
For the 60 visitors, locals and expatriates, it was a pleasant break from the shadow of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Plantation Island Resort closed in March after the international borders closed.
Mr Wilson said the whole idea of reopening was to let people the world over know “We are open.”
“I was going to open the resort, even if we had only two guests,” he said.
“But we were fortunate to have over 60 people come out.
“We have seven families booked to come out next weekend, and more bookings for the weekend after that.”
Food and Beverage manager Percy McIndoe said he was thrilled also to be back at work providing service to the guests.
Plantation Island Resort opens on weekends, with the Malolo Cat transferring guests to and from Port Denarau Marina in Nadi until Sunday.
Peter Foster, the Pacific Community’s director communication, and his family said they were glad with their decision to visit.
“It was an opportunity to come out and bring my family to support places like this,” he said.
“We are at an advantage.
“This is a really important part of Fiji.”
Mr Foster has lived in Fiji for the past three years. It was his first trip to the resort.
He said the visit was a chance for his family to highlight tourism in Fiji, in anticipation of visitors returning to Fiji’s shores when the borders re-open.
Mr Foster’s daughter, Isabelle, 9, stole the hearts of staff members and guests on Friday, when she played the guitar and sang a few songs.
“It’s really nice being out here away from the rain in Suva,” Isabelle, said, adding the infinity swimming pool at the resort was her favourite.