| According
to Mr Louis Gerard Saliot, the development
of the Natadola Marine Resort is unlike any other tourism
project ever undertaken in Fiji. The project will lay the
foundation for a model of sustainable and sensible tourism
development model that involves continual consultation with
the traditional landowners before the decision-making is
finalised.
It is not just the scale and scope of
the Natadola project that stand outs – it is also
the close collaboration with the people of Sanasana, the
landowners, which makes Natadola Marine Resort an exceptional
story. Also adding to the project’s uniqueness is
the extensive environmental and archaeological studies that
have been undertaken to ensure that the development seamlessly
integrates with the natural landscape and protected cultural
heritage sites.
Natadola Marine Resort is a joint effort
between Natadola Land Holdings, of which FNPF Investments
Limited owns 51 percent, and Euro Asia Management Group
(EAMG) through Hotel Property Pacific Ltd.
Sprawled over 638 hectares (1576 acres)
of awe-inspiring landscape, the resort will have a wide
range of facilities. Natadola Marine Resort will function
as both a theme destination resort, because of its variety
of attractions and activities, and also as a staging area
for excursions to other parts of the country.
The development was not an overnight
triumph. It has been a difficult
road getting Natadola Marine Resort off the ground. The
area’s potential was realised in 1994 when Frenchman
Louis Gerard Saliot, owner of APRIL Development, first visited
the area.
Gerard Saliot, who has had a long affi
liation with the hospitality industry, immediately saw the
possibilities of an outstanding tourism development on what
was then mostly barren land.
Today, after overcoming many hurdles,
Saliot’s “vision” for Natadola has finally
taken flight. The first stage of the project, the building
of the InterContinental Hotel, due to be completed late
next year, and the development of the 18-hole championship
golf course designed by Vijay Singh, are well underway.
A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR EVERYONE
Asia Pacific Resort International (APRIL
Development) is a specialist developer of resorts, hotels,
golf and residential estate projects. Headed by French developer
Louis Gerard Saliot, the APRIL Development team including
Keni Dakuidreketi as Project Director, Berenado Vunibobo
as Director of APRIL and Hotel Property Pacific Limited
and Ratu Isoa Gavidi, as Chief Executive Offi cer for Natadola
Land Holdings Limited who’s participation ensures
that local perspectives and voices are always measured and
accounted for.
Fiji National Provident Fund, a compulsory
superannuation scheme, has an investment arm FNPF Investments
Limited (FIL). FIL’s aim is to invest in projects
that will bring good returns for its members. These members
being the workers of the country.
FNPF Investments Limited believes strongly
that Natadola Marine Resort project satisfies FIL’s
objective of providing strong and secure returns to its
members through diversifying its investment portfolio.
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Message
from the Developer
It is not often that one gets to
work on a visionary project; not just mine but that
of many. For you see, The Natadola Marine Resort is
unique. The site, with all its natural attributes,
is wellpositioned to be amongst the world’s
most magnificent.
I’m excited to be living
my vision alongside many passionate professionals
who bring with them strong expertise and experience.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental
Hotels and Resort, IMG and three-time major championship
winner, Vijay Singh are just some of those who have
demonstrated their confidence in this project by their
investment, endorsement and involvement.
The Natadola Marine Resort is
an important trend setter in Fiji’s growing
Tourism product range. We have conscientiously emphasized
environment preservation as we explore every minute
detail during the planning process. Nothing is taken
for granted, no stone is left unturned and certainly,
no quality is compromised. Even as you read this,
the Mater Plan for Natadola is being brought to life
by a team of consultants and partners. Yatule Beach
Resort is already in operation.
InterContinental Hotel and Natadola
Golf & Ocean Club are on track for delivery in
2008 with Four Seasons Resort, Residential Estate
planned for opening a year thereafter.
Well-planned and well-managed,
this project is one that has all the critical Ingredients
for success. I’d like to invite you to be a
part of this success that will not only be commercially
rewarding but will all also make valuable contribution
to the economic and social landscape of Fiji.
Louis Gerard Saliot
CEO & President |
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