Turtle Island is the South Sea’s paradise of exotic rainforests, tree covered hills, historic coconut plantations and gardens of tropical fruits and vegetables. Richard Evanson has created a fantasy that constantly challenges him and the broader Turtle family to enhance the splendour of nature’s best. He has overseen the planting of hundreds of thousands of trees, mostly indigenous, as well as many Honduras Mahogany, to supplement the Island’s rich biodiversity.

A road, built with care, winds around the Island, providing access to remote beaches, the two reservoirs, and the hilltops. There are many parts of the journey taken by guests around the Island which provide magnificent vistas of both the Island and its neighbours.

Richard’s visionary zeal, rigorous attention to detail and uncompromising philosophy, together with a truly committed team of indigenous Fijian ‘family’ drawn mainly from neighbouring islands have enabled him to make his dream a reality.

Paradise Shared
Richard felt that to continue enjoying his island while sharing his dream with others, he had to retain the intimacy and bring out the best of the native lifestyle. The Fijians are a warm, loving, caring people - perhaps the friendliest on earth. In their culture, everyone shares the success and bounty of another. Family, friendships, and community are greatly valued.

Traditionally, a village did not have many visitors, so when a visitor did arrive, it was a very special event. Today, the Fijians are still eager to extend a warm welcome and share their hospitality. On Turtle, the Turtle family members take their duties very seriously, devoting their time and energy to the happiness and comfort of their guests.

Because the number of guests is small (no more than 14 couples at any one time) and the duration of their stay longer than at many other Fijian resorts, the natural, hospitable tendencies of the Fijians are very evident. For example, some time ago a man lost his ring while horseback riding. A Turtle team member scoured the island until he found the missing ring and returned it to the visitor.

"The island is very special to me..." says Richard, "...and I want it to be the same for my guests...people who truly enjoy exploring other cultures...the company of others...relaxing, escaping, becoming good friends."

Richard's island guests are couples who can communicate and enjoy each other's company and humor. It is thus highly desirable that guests are English speaking which allows for complete interaction with staff and fellow guests, which is an important ingredient of Turtle Island. This way, when everyone sits down to dinner, all can share stories and conversation. Meal-time becomes a gathering of friends.

The smallness of the group allows guests maximum use of the facilities and the opportunity to savor all the privacy and seclusion that Turtle Island has to offer. Guests get to know the island community and enjoy the warm feeling of being a part of the family. The Turtle team responds with unequaled service based on genuine care and friendship. Everyone is on first-name terms.

Stay a while... and relax!
It is important to Richard that guests experience the unique aspects of Turtle Island - the tranquility and serenity. There is a minimum stay of six nights which allows you to experience all aspects of Turtle Island - time to relax, explore the island, make friends among fellow guests and become part of the Turtle family.

The relaxing pace on Turtle Island owes much to the prepayment policy created, to free each guest from all economic decisions. All meals, drinks and activities, including scuba diving and deep-sea fishing are included in your all-inclusive tariff. The policy is all-inclusive for a very important reason.

Once you arrive, you are transported out of a money-oriented society into another world. No bills to sign, no checks to cash, no monetary considerations whatsoever. No concern as to who will pick up the tab or buy the next round of drinks. A fundamental relaxation occurs.

It has taken more than two decades to build and preserve the environment that Richard envisioned. The result is a truly unique resort so traditional to the Fijian culture that it is no exaggeration when he explains, "True to Fijian tradition, on Turtle we live for the moment... not for yesterday or tomorrow, but for now.

"Our aim is to provide you with your most enjoyable holiday ever. Be assured that you will receive unparalleled personal attention from our Fijian staff. From the many guests who return and become like members of our Turtle family, we know you'll find your stay unforgettable."
Vinaka (thank you) for your interest in Turtle Island!

Richard & Milika Evanson