Island Breeze on Nukubalavu Road in Savusavu is still open for business.

Owner, Costa Argyrous, said they were able to promote local rates to encourage internal traffic flow from Viti Levu.

The luxury villa features a two-bedroom and two-bathroom villa by the sea, and a three-bedroom garden view apartment.

Island Breeze is a waterfront property that overlooks the Koro Sea.

Main house

“We are happy to say, that with the help from the organisation and Savusavu Tourism Association, we are in a better position to offer the main house,” Mr Argyrous said.

He said the totally self-contained house with four bedrooms and two bathrooms can sleep up to 12 people for the following rates; –

• $200 per night for up to four guests, extra guests are charged $50 each night.
• A one-off cleaning fee of $70 is charged upon booking, while a few water activities such as kayak, canoe and snorkelling gear are offered free of charge.

Mr Aygyrous said guests were recommended to bring reef shoes to explore the reef of the Koro Sea at one’s doorstep.

The offer was valid for June but could be extended depending on the status of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Challenges

Island Breeze has been in business over the past three years.

Mr Argyrous said employing and training locals was high on his agenda.

“Like all resorts and guest homes, we have been hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

He said initially they had cancellations right through to July 2020 and had to lay off many employees and various tradespeople.

“We could not just close our doors and wait for the market to pick up as we had swimming pools, gardens, and maintenance to keep up with,” he said.

“It was tough.

“No income but continuing expenses, especially electricity,  made the bottom line look pretty bad.”

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