A larger percentage of Americans gravitate towards the Hidden Paradise, and for longer stays, ahead of Australia and New Zealand families, The Wall Street Journal has reported.

In an article titled ‘A Fijian Island That Turns Visitors Into Expatriates‘, Tom Downey described Savusavu as a high-end harbour town that gathered a yachting crowd.

Downey’s story followed his visit to the North, where he met with the Hunters, owners and operators of J Hunter Pearls, and Jim Valentine, a botanist with a garden focused on rare palm tree varieties.

Home to a yachting crowd, Savusavu comprised an ambitious entrepreneurs and visitors who – like another smaller yachting community on the mainland – would rather keep the place a tightly held secret.

Downey’s story, a highlight in Tourism Fiji’s most recent newsletter, said Savusavu had a “paradise found” quality.

Some concerns that threatened the paradise life, included the influx of visitors and foreign residents, rumors of new plane flights, and plans for hotel construction, Downey said.

“Savusavu’s properties are, so far, all smaller, independent hotels, not chains,” he said.

The untouched Northern hideaway is likened to Hawaii a hundred years ago.

He quotes leading business woman and wife of Justin Hunter, of J Hunter Pearls, “Everyone is always panicking about things changing here. But then here we are, at the same table at the same time at sun- set, drinking and talking with the exact same people we’ve been doing this with for years.”

Surf n’ Turf restaurant and The Copra Shed Marina were part of his highlights, for a bite.

Surf n’Turf restaurant is run by Fijian Chef, Vijendra Kumar, who uses his long-established contacts as well his own fishing boat to obtain some of Fiji’s freshest seafood.

“The Copra Shed Marina, where most international yachts dock, contains one of the town’s best bars, the Savusavu Yacht Club,” Downey said.

“Just down the road is the old- school Planters Club, where Copra merchants once convened.

“It also allows visitors to become temporary members.”

Story By: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj