Suncoast Getaway Offers for Busy and Working Bees
Tucked away in the beautiful Suncoast, Rakiraki, surround by cane fields and mountains with a perfect view of the ocean, the Beehive Fiji Resort, offers town- based busy bees an affordable getaway in the countryside.
The award- winning resort is located at Wailevu Road, Nanuku, in Rakiraki and is operated by the owners Mark and Susana Hirst- Tuilau.
Mrs Hirst- Tuilau said, while the business has been impacted with loss of international tourists to the resort, the resort was sustaining itself through its local tourist market.
“The resort has always been popular with the local busy bees guests who take a vacation from their busy schedules, as well as the working bees who are guests that are on work trips around theresort,” said Mrs Hirst- Tuilau.
She said the Beehive Fiji, is home away from home for those who want to escape the concrete jungles of Suva, Nadi and Lautoka, and enjoy the serenity of our country- side homestay.
“The resort largely targets budget travellers who are looking for a close to nature and an outdoor experience at an affordable rate,” she said.
Beehive Fiji’s Fijian made certified honey is sold only in recycled bottles, and the agricultural component of the business produces herbs, fruits and vegetables using only vegetable compost.
Accomodation and meal
The resort offers room accommodation as well as camping experience.
“We have five rooms and tents available at affordable rates from as low as $ 25.
“We are flexible with our rates, and meal options for the benefit of our guests.
“There are meal options, such as resort- based catering through our restaurant, or cook your own meals at the resort kitchen or at the resort BBQ grill,” she said.
Bee tours
The resort offers; ■bee tours,
■mou■tai■ hikes,
■swimmi■g pool,
■a BBQ and
■a fireplace to toast marshmallows for a star gaze experience in the evening.
Beehive Fiji practices rural and agri- tourism as part of its wider ecotourism operation.
Importance of bee
The eco- tourism venture advocates on the importance of bees for food security, in light of challenges caused by the impacts of climate change, use of pesticides and loss of habitat and biodiversity.
“We run an agritourist place, which is said to be one of the first in the country,” said Mrs HirstTuilau.
“We also sell organic honey at the resort and through our Facebook page.”
Green business
Fiji Development Bank acting chief executive officer, Saiyad Hussain, said the resort scooped the Green Small Medium Enterprise (SME) of the year Award at the FDB 2019 National SME Awards.
“The concept green business is simply about doing business, making profits, but doing so while sustainably harnessing
opportunities that nature holds, and without harming the environment,” he said.
He said one of the winning factors for this business was:
■its approach to producing minimum waste,
■i■sti●●i■g proper waste management mechanisms,
■efficie■cy in energy use,
■recyc●i■g, and
■p●a■ti■g climate resilient crops.
Fijian made
Beehive Fiji’s Fijian made certified honey is sold only in recycled bottles, and the agricultural com
ponent of the business produces herbs, fruits and vegetables using only vegetable compost.
The SME has plans to phase to solar energy for hot water at the resort as it presently harvests trapped roof water for basic needs.
“We find this small business exemplary because its reflects a combination of strengths which include green growth and resilience,” Mr Hussain said.
“Green growth strategies can help economies and societies become more resilient, as they work to meet consumer demand. “Strategies can help mitigate
the impacts of adverse shocks caused to the business, by reducing the intensity of resource consumption, and environmental impacts,” he explained.
As the global market for green goods and services grows, Fijian businesses too should take advantage of the dual benefit of prosperity and job creation from establishing green businesses. “The bank urges small business owners to adopt green business practices such as this business,” he added.