Lodge Eyes $50k this December

All these efforts are to cover a near $1.5 million infrastructure damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016. Around 70 per cent of what the business earns go towards the reconstruction of damaged properties.

Tailevu’s Natalei Eco-lodge and Tours aims to rake in $50,000 by the end of the year. While it has only earned about $50,000 so far, its executive members were confident that their target of $100,000 this year would be achieved.

Director, Josefa Bau said the Eco-lodge was fully booked by locals, for this festive season.

“The bookings have jumped up dramatically. This means more revenue,” he said. “I’ve run this place for decades and I’m confident that when we round up our repair works, this place is going to be filled up.” Dubbed as the most relaxing and laid back environment, the business is owned and operated by the people of Nataleira.

The Dawasamu-based lodge opened in 2001, hosts groups and events for retreats with six accommodation units spread along the beach.

It is popular for Dolphin sightings. To spend a night at the eco-lodge costs $150 for those traveling in groups and $285 for a family including two adults and two children.

These prices come with a full three course meal prepared by the women of Nataleira village in the province.

All these efforts are to cover a near $1.5 million infrastructure damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016.

Around 70 per cent of what the business earns go towards the reconstruction of damaged properties, according to Mr Bau. “It has been a real struggle straight after TC Winston and then COVID-19. A lot of the money that comes into the business goes back to the reconstruction of the bures, building of the boats and repairing the engines,” he said.

“We are trying to put all our priorities first.”

A recent help from the Government and the United Nations Development Programme helped repair a section of the lodge facing the sea.

The UNDP paid $12,002, while the Government and other stakeholders funded other components. The most recent repairs cost $40,510.

2023 plan

Mr Bau said they have a master plan to ensure their survival in the long run.

In the first six months, they would be carrying out phase one of the plan which includes building bures on the beachfront. “The pool, bar and restaurant are also in this phase,” he said.

Mr Bau said they were not losing hope and expected more revenue once repair works were completed.

And newly Photos: Josefa Babitu Director, Josefa Bau, in front of a bure expected to be completed early next year. Inset: A beachfront bure opened conference room.