Page 22 - Fiji Traveller Issue 3

Macuata’s sustainability pioneers

Nukubati - Great Sea Reef

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti biological significance.
Vokai recounts that when her parents first set up the resort,
When your parents are passionate about the environment and "There was no infrastructure on the island—no electricity, water,
you are surrounded by unspoiled scenery, it is easy to appreciate or phone signal towers. There was only one small wooden boat
what the land, the ocean, and its custodians have to offer. to transport goods and people across to the island and back;
Lara Meliki Vokai was born into the hospitality industry; her the Internet did not exist then, so there was no means of free
family's business, Nukubati - Great Sea Reef off Vanua Levu, is marketing, no vehicle to take you to the jetty or up to town, and
a self-sustaining resort offering an authentic Fijian experience. no shops to buy supplies from.”
“Growing up in Vanua Levu was humbling, specifically where Her parents realised that the only affordable way to set up their
we grew up on the coast of Macuata. It was, and still is, an resort was to become as self-sufficient as possible.
undeveloped part of Fiji, and not much has changed in the 32 Nukubati - Great Sea Reef is fully solar powered, and
years I have been around,” she shares. rainwater is harvested and UV filtered, so it is safe to drink. The
Spread over 32 acres, Nukubati is completely off the grid; a resort also grows or sources all of its food locally, and the Vokais
perfect destination for visitors who want to relinquish control make it their aim to employ staff and management from their
over their electronic devices and immerse themselves in the local communities.
natural environment and the ocean. "They built a bio-waste septic system, planted trees and
"Watching my parents build a self-sufficient resort and, at gardens so they had more vegetation and food on the island,
the same time, protecting and improving the biodiversity of the and hired staff from the local villages so that they could start
environment on the island, was extremely educational,” Vokai forming close relationships with their community," Vokai says of
says. her parent’s early efforts.
“I now look at everything in life with that same lens, having From the resort, guests can snorkel off the beach, wade on
total respect and love for the natural environment.” the rock flats during low tide and learn about the local coastal
Vokai manages the resort with her husband, Leone, who also mangrove ecosystem and all the food that can be gleaned
runs his own scuba diving and spearfishing business called the there. Other attractions include massages and a locally-driven,
Great Sea Reef Divers. He takes guests snorkelling, diving and delicious menu.
fishing at the reef that gives his business it’s name, ‘Cakaulevu’. Guests are encouraged to take coastal nature walks, and
It is the third longest barrier reef in the world and a place of can also visit villages, enjoy tatavu (traditional Fijian BBQs)

22