Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji: Staying in the honeymoon bure on Valentine's Day - by myself

The setting could not have been more romantic.

A warm ocean breeze was drifting through the wooden shutters, the water lapping at the shore in the distance. My private oceanfront bure - the traditional thatched roof accommodation in Fiji - was a honeymoon suite at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu.

This tropical oasis was spacious and dreamy with a private plunge pool on the deck, two sun loungers next to it, towels folded with a neatly placed frangipani; matching robes hung inside the wardrobe. I had barely settled in when one of the staff arrived at the doorstep to offer a welcoming foot massage. It was the perfect place to spend Valentine’s Day.

There was just one minor inconvenience. I was alone in the bure.

Now, before your heart breaks thinking this is some Sex and the City he-left-me-at-the-altar type storyline, don’t worry. There was no tragedy preceding this trip. But this is simply life as a travel writer - beautiful, romantic experiences most couples would only dream of having - but for one.

I didn’t mind it at all. If there’s one place to spend a romantic trip for one, it would definitely be in Fiji.

The resort is situated in Savusavu, which is on Fiji’s second-biggest island Vanua Levu. You can and a host from the resort will pick you up at the airport.

The five-star luxury eco resort overlooks Savusavu Bay. The original resort here, which used to have Australian owners, was renamed in 1995 and renovated to bring it up to a more environmentally friendly standard.

There are 25 bures and it has its own dive centre – after all, the resort is named after the son of the great ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau. It’s worth noting nothing carries the Cousteau name without sustainability being front of mind.

The resort feels like a mini tropical village. The lobby merges into the open-air restaurant and bar, overlooking the pool, with views out to Savusavu Bay, with its own private beach and jetty.

Pathways through manicured tropical gardens dotted with towering palm trees guide you to each bure. At the far end of the property lies the resort’s organic garden, which aims to supply 30-40% of all herbs, fruit and vegetables used in the restaurant. The resort also has its own water treatment systems.

Ah yes, my honeymoon suite. It has everything you need for two people - two daybeds, two sun loungers, a double vanity in the bathroom and a large walk-in shower. If there’s just one of you - well consider yourself lucky with all that space.

This bure is located at the far end of the resort, about a five-minute walk from reception, so it felt private and quiet, apart from a bit of nocturnal wildlife and the dawn chorus of birds.

The living area was furnished with daybeds, a coffee table and chairs, with doors opening out to a private deck. The upper level leads to the bathroom and bedroom, where another set of doors open to the deck and private plunge pool. Down towards the beach, there’s a hammock under the trees.

The wooden shutters allow the breeze coming through, and you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the ocean and wake to the birds. There are insect screens all around, but close the doors at night to prevent mozzies or other leggy visitors crawling in. You are in the tropics, after all.

Massage and beauty therapists will soothe your stress away at the day spa, and if you have kids, send them to the Bula Club where there’s a nanny for each child, and a kids swimming pool and play areas.

Adults have use of the pool outside the restaurant, as well as daily yoga classes, use of watersport equipment such as Hobie Cat sail boats and snorkelling gear.

There are different activities each night as well as live entertainment by the Bula Boys band. On certain nights you can learn – and sample – the traditional Fijian underground feast, the lovo, or participate in a kava ceremony.

Because the resort focuses on seasonal produce, the menu changes each night. You’ll be well-fed here with tropical-inspired breakfasts, lunch and dinner – no two nights are the same and each evening meal feels like a special feast designed just for you. All non-alcoholic beverages, espresso and tea are included.

Fiji, in particular Savusavu, is considered the soft coral capital of the world. There’s an abundance of dive sites to suit all levels of experience, but one of the country’s most famous is a short boat ride away - the Namena Marine Reserve. Hand on heart, this was the best, most colourful diving I have done in my life, like I was diving in a confetti of fish.

The resort’s PADI five-star dive centre offers trips from total beginners to experienced divers. Lead by in-house marine biologist Johnny Singh and dive manager Geoff Koroi, you’re in the best hands possible.

On my first night, a group of performers from the local village came in and danced and sang for us with vigour. A beautiful glimpse into Fijian culture and their passionate musical abilities.

The scuba diving.

The mildly complicated lighting panels in my bure.

A luxury stay while caring for the environment which places high value on traditional Fijian hospitality.

Fiji Airways flies direct to Nadi from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch daily, with connecting flights available to Savusavu. See:

Nightly rates from FJ$2110 (NZ$1532) for a garden view bure for 2 adults and 2 children. Six-night dive packages available from FJD$4220 per adult. See:

Flying generates carbon emissions. To reduce your impact, consider other ways of travelling, amalgamate your trips, and when you need to fly, consider offsetting emissions.