In the early 1970s, having sold a successful cable TV
network in the Pacific Northwest, Harvard-educated Richard Evanson was 36 years
old and burned out from his fast-paced life in the United States. Evanson
sought refuge in the South Pacific, and in 1972 bought the uninhabited island of Nanuya Levu,
renaming it “Turtle
Island.”
The island however, was in not much better shape than its
new owner. Uninhabited and largely barren, decades of overgrazing, neglect, and
abuse had resulted in only 15 percent of the valleys on the 500-acre island
still supporting forest growth. Significant soil erosion was also evident, and
as a result the island’s many eco-systems (mangroves, coral reefs, and beaches)
were under threat. Native fauna were few and far between. Even though the idea
of a resort was still many years away, Evanson, who remains as one the owners
and the Managing Director, made a commitment to restoring the island to its
original state—not because he anticipated living there indefinitely, but
because he perceived it as the natural, necessary, and “right” thing to do.
As a result of this ethos and commitment, Turtle Island
is now internationally recognized as a prime example of how environmental and
cultural sustainability can be integrated into a quality tourist operation. Turtle Island
has demonstrated that a resort can achieve financial success by being a
socially and environmentally responsible operator; and that Turtle Island’s
ethos of responsible tourism is in fact fundamental to the success of the
operation.
Turtle Island in Fiji is a very exclusive resort,
and only accommodate 28 people at its 14 cottages. Each cottage is situated
facing the Blue Lagoon has a sufficient distance to ensure the privacy of the
occupants.
With an area of 500 acres (about 230 ha), Turtle Island
has 14 beaches that can be explored. Various activities at sea and on land
(such as horseback riding or mountain biking) can be performed during a
vacation there.
The island also serves the reservation of the whole island
to ensure privacy of order complete and thorough service. Prices will be
served by personal request (upon request).