Renowned Resort Operator Expands to the South Pacific

Auberge Resorts Collection, owner and operator of boutique luxury hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs, announced today plans to manage Nanuku Resort and Spa, an ultra-luxury boutique resort that opened in March on Fiji's main island of Viti Levu, and rebrand it Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji. The resort is owned by Bixby Bridge Capital, a Chicago-based real estate investment firm. Nanuku, the newest and most luxurious hospitality offering in Fiji, is acclaimed for its blend of contemporary luxury and traditional Fijian culture, its sense of outdoor adventure and highly personalized service.

"We are delighted to bring the Auberge brand to the Fiji Islands," said Craig T. Reid, President and Chief Executive Officer, Auberge Resorts Collection. "This gem of a South Sea resort embraces all of the Auberge hallmarks: sensational locale, exceptional service and cuisine and guest experiences that inspire a sense of discovery. It is a natural partnership and an exciting addition to the Auberge Resorts Collection portfolio."

A sanctuary for relaxation and discovery set on two of the island's best beaches, Nanuku offers 18 Balinese-style suite and villa accommodations furnished with relaxed contemporary and Fijian decor and featuring expansive decks, private plunge pools and ocean views. Nanuku's Club House is the private hub for resort guests and boasts beautifully landscaped gardens and sea views through a colonnade of handcrafted Fijian decorated posts. The chic Lomana Spa and Wellness Centre includes a fitness center (with personal trainer on standby), a hair salon, the Lailai Children's Club, and a guest library. Guests may learn skills from local artisans in the Cakava Creative Workshop, from grass skirt weaving to tapa printing. The Kanavata Restaurant and Lounge Bar looks out across an infinity pool to an azure lagoon framed by coconut palms. The Sunset Deck is located poolside, and the Wai Pool Bar serves tropical drinks (including the resort's legendary Nanuku caprioskas) infused with local ingredients.

The resort's "Villa Mamas" (the term nods to the easy-going Fijian culture) provide thoughtful care for each guest, serving as a hybrid between a housekeeper and butler. Every family has a dedicated nanny. Attentive staff extends to the property's food and beverage outlets, where guests may opt for a pre-arranged gourmet picnic on the beach or an alfresco barbeque by the pool. Each evening, the executive chef prepares a three-course menu crafted from the freshest of local and imported produce, resulting in a fabulous fusion of international and Fijian dishes.

Pacific Harbour is known as the Adventure Capital of Fiji, where world-class surfing and fishing are just a few feet from the villas' doorsteps. Guests of Nanuku are privy to a host of activities from stand-up river rafting to hiking through the rainforest. One of the many adventures available at Nanuku is a waterfall hike, where guests may experience Fiji's lush interior with a medicine man, who points out tidbits on the various local plants and traditional food-gathering techniques.

Nanuku's Vunikau (Treehouse) Residence is perched atop a volcanic outcrop and overlooks the tranquil Beqa Lagoon. Made up of four suites, the Vunikau Residence is comprised of the Penthouse Suite and three Vunikau Suites, which can be used exclusively or on a stand-alone basis. Each Vunikau Suite is separately keyed and has private access off a shared breezeway.

Plans for Nanuku include a limited number of private beachfront residences that will be developed and offered for purchase. Each Nanuku Ocean Estates residence will be oriented toward the shore to capture ocean breezes and panoramic views. This is a rare opportunity in Fiji, where just 9 percent of the land is available for private residential ownership. When designed and constructed to Auberge standards, the villas may be included in Nanuku's rental program and Auberge Resorts' home-exchange program.

Nanuku offers its own private airstrip and is a 20-minute scenic flight from Nadi Airport. Upon landing, guests are transferred by private car to the resort a few minutes away.