Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort Wins Two World Travel Awards

VANUA LEVU, FIJI--(Marketwire - June 30, 2008) - Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is pleased to announce its designation as "Fiji's Leading Resort" and the first-ever winner of "Australasia's Leading Green Hotel" in the 2008 World Travel Awards at a ceremony held June 10 in Sydney, Australia. In this 15th annual tabulation of the World Travel Awards, 167,000 travel agencies and professionals from over 160 countries worldwide voted for the best in all sectors of the global travel industry.

"It is an honor to be recognized not only for the services we provide in creating an authentic and memorable Fiji experience for guests, but also for our part in supporting environmentally and socially conscious travel," said General Manager Greg Taylor. "We are thrilled to accept two prestigious World Travel Awards from our colleagues in the travel industry."

In recognition of these honors, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort invites couples to experience the resort with the Discover Paradise package, pay for five nights and stay seven nights special offer. The package is valid for accommodation in any of the resort's romantic bures: the acclaimed Villa, Point Reef, Honeymoon Point Reef, Oceanfront and Gardenview Bures. Gourmet meals, bottled nonalcoholic beverages, a wide array of complimentary resort activities, and round-trip ground transportation from the airport are included.

Daily rates start at US$608 for a Gardenview Bure to US$1033 for a Point Reef Bure and US$1071 for the Honeymoon Bure with spa tub. The resort's marquee accommodation, the 2000-sq-ft Villa, is US$2400 per day. Rates are based on double occupancy and do not include taxes. Minimum stay is three nights. The Discover Paradise package is available October 20 until December 19, 2008, and January 12 to March 31, 2009, to residents of North America.

The resort is located on the island of Vanua Levu on a former 17-acre coconut plantation overlooking Savusavu Bay. Accommodations are 25 Fijian-style, thatched-roof bures set amongst elegant palm trees. The resort's bures are designed with an environmentally sensitive eye; the structure and furnishings feature local non-endangered thatch, bamboo reeds and hardwood timbers. The Villa, designated as "Fiji's Leading Suite" in the 2007 World Travel Awards, encompasses 2,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, including a master bedroom and sunken Jacuzzi, stone waterfall, private horizon-edge pool, garden, daybed pavilion, upper and lower deck made of recycled materials, living room and kitchenette.

The resort earned the title of "Leading Green Hotel" for its environmental philosophy centered on renewal, conservation and efficiency. Begun over 12 years ago, the resort's organic garden now spans more than two acres. The resort features Fiji's first and only water reclamation plant using reclaimed materials (cut up plastic water bottles act as a water filter). To guests, however, the water plant is seen as attractive lagoons, festooned with flowers, that further enhance the visual beauty of the resort. The resort and its staff have also established a successful Giant Clam restoration program and were instrumental in establishing the world-acclaimed Namena Reef as a protected area. Guests can partake in the many environmental and cultural activities offered, such as the medicine walk, reef walk, village and market visit.

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort draws couples, families, water enthusiasts, and ecotravelers alike. For information or reservations, contact the resort at 800-246-3454, via email at info@fijiresort.com or online at www.fijiresort.com.

About Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort

Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort, recognized as one of the top resorts in Fiji, is managed by Passport Resorts, renowned in the hospitality industry for its collection of internationally acclaimed, small, luxury destinations that are operated in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Sister resorts include Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, Calif., the Hotel Hâna-Maui, Maui, Hawaii, and the new Cavallo Point - the Lodge at the Golden Gate, Sausalito, Calif. The Passport Resorts U.S. marketing and sales office is located at 921 Front Street, San Francisco.

Contact Information: For more information contact: Kate Rapson or Emily Allen Graham & Associates, Inc. krapson@graham-associates.com eallen@graham-associates.com (415) 986-7212