Imagine being in a state of intense happiness and bliss!

That’s what you will find when you’re onboard Seventh Heaven Fiji.

This newly-launched pontoon is a $4 million floating bar and restaurant.

As the name the suggests, you could be soaking up the sun in total happiness.

Sipping on pina colada, a chapman perhaps, or jumping off the plank into the Mamanuca’s endless turquoise waters against the clear blue skies.

Your approximate six-hour stay is on every tourist’s and traveller’s to do- list in Fiji.

As you get onboard the pontoon which leaves around 9:30am daily from Port Denarau, you will, almost immediately, be welcomed with the traditional Bula Maleya tunes to set the tone for your journey.

The man behind this new bucket list adventure is Eddy Rotteveel, a Kiwi, who had been travelling to Fiji for holiday and found something missing to his experience.

For 25 years, Mr Rotteveel and his family were frequent holidaymakers to Fiji at some of the finest resorts.

A floating restaurant and bar was the idea after a conversation with a like-minded group.

For six years, Seventh Heaven Fiji had been in the making. “We are very proud that it is finally here floating and serving tourists and local people,” Mr Rotteveel said.

“We opened on Friday and it has been going really well.”

“The name Seventh Heaven was just a perfect fit.”

“We were sitting around with a group of people and we suggested the name!”

“Fiji is paradise and therefore it should be called Seventh Heaven Fiji.”

Facilities on Seventh Heaven includes a an international bar and restaurant. Photos: Nicolette Chambers

Beginnings
The construction took close to five years with the entire structure assembled and manufactured in Fiji.

Between 20 to 25 staff will be serving you depending on the number of guests, of which can accommodate up to 200 guests.

15 staff are situated at the yard, offices and the booth in Port Denarau.

The opening on Friday saw a promising 65 guests onboard.

“All the staff we have here are absolutely wonderful in their chosen profession,” he said.

“Whether it’s from the bar staff to the chefs, the kitchen staff, the masseuse, everyone knows and they have got each other’s backs and they chip-in where it’s needed.”

Seventh Heaven Fiji has already received a lot of bookings including from various groups, Mr Rotteveel added.

Facilities on Seventh Heaven includes infinity beds and sun loungers. Photos: Nicolette Chambers

Mr Rotteveel said Seventh Heaven Fiji was about four and a half times bigger than Cloud 9.

“Cloud 9 is very successful and it operates a very good business,” he said.

“We focus on families too.”

“We really want to bring in the Fijian culture into Seventh Heaven.”

For trips, Mr Rotteveel said they were looking at expanding their one-day trip to two a day.

“We are working with local stakeholders so that they can provide transport from their local resorts to Seventh Heaven,” he said.

Seventh Heaven anchors up from its floating spot at around 3pm the afternoon and heads back to Port Denarau.

Birthday girls, Ashlin Singh and Grace Taylor onboard Seventh Heaven Fiji. Photo: Nicolette Chambers

Onboard on Saturday was Grace Taylor from Sydney, Australia, who was celebrating her 14th birthday.

Ms Taylor said she had the most fabulous time with her family who were in the country for a one-week holiday.

Also celebrating her birthday was Ashlin Singh.

She was surprised by her fiancé, Krish Chand and her sister-in-law, Swastika on the day trip.

“I didn’t know where I was going, I just heard it was opening but I had no idea I was coming here,” said Ms Singh.

“This is a really nice place and I highly recommend it to everyone.”

Somehwere in the Mamanucas…Seventh Heaven Fiji owner, Eddy Rotteveel (back left), with guests and staff members onboard the floating bar and restaurant includes an international bar and restaurant with infinity beds and sun loungers. Photo: Nicolette Chambers

FACILITIES:
– Two large decks of Infinity Beds,
– Sun Loungers
– Gift shop
– Fully functional kitchen,
– A bar,
– Massage rooms,
– Six bathrooms, showers
– The entire facility is solar powered which the team is very proud of.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
– Local price $190 adults– inclusive of $40 Food & Beverage (F&B) voucher; $120 for children aged between 10 and 16 – inclusive of $20 F&B voucher.

– International guests –FJ$225 adults – inclusive of $40 F&B voucher; FJ$139 for children aged between 10 and 16 years– inclusive of $20 of F&B voucher.

Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj