PARADISE FOUND
Richard Evanson, an American, purchased Turtle Island in 1972.  He sought escape in the South Pacific, away from the stresses of the Western Civilization.  Fiji seemed about as far away as he could go.  It's charm, beauty, and the friendliness of its people was infectious, and Richard stayed. He purchased Turtle Island, intent on retreating from the world and became a resident of Fiji.
 

The ensuing years have worked their own mana (magic) in Richard's life. The ardous task of rejuvenating the island and building a home brought a new lifestyle, a new philosophy... a revamped definition of personal fulfillment and success.  Preserving the natural order and beauty of his tropical home became a single-minded quest.

PARADISE PRESERVED
Turtle Island is a South Seas paradise of exotic trees, shrubs and flowers - a garden of tropical fruits and vegetables.  Richard has created a fantasy that constantly challenges him to enhance the splendor of nature's best. He has planted thousands of trees, many of them Honduras Mahogany, to supplement the island's own.  His visionary zeal, rigorous attention to detail and uncompromising philosophy have enabled him to make his dream a reality.

A road, built with care through the underbrush to preserve the natural environment, circles the island.  Other paths built primarily to access the reservoir, provide guests with picturesque views of the island.

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 island is very special to me," comments 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."

Traditionally, a village did not have many visitors, so one's arrival was a very special event. Today, the Fijians are still eager to extend a warm welcome and share their hospitality. On Turtle, staff 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.

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 staff and enjoy the warm feeling of being a part of the family.  The staff responds with unequalled service based on genuine care and friendship. Everyone, including the staff, is on a first name basis.

STAY AWHILE.... 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.  A shorter visit hardly allows enough time to rest from the stress of travel and enjoy the holiday.

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 tarrif. The fee 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 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 unparrelled 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.

OUR STAFF - THE FIJIAN PEOPLE
We will remember your name. We will welcome you into our lives. We will teach you our songs. We will show you our gentle ways. We will laugh together. And you will know why many call us the planet's guardians of joy.  Unchanged and unaffected by modern technology, Fijians are taught from an early age that family and friends are the most important things in life.  They will spoil you with their hospitality or, if you prefer, leave you to savor your solitude.

THE FIJIAN CULTURE
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.  From this warm and ancient culture comes a new sense of community and a nurturing, teaching, fun loving staff with a great South Pacific sense of humor. You'll find them eager to share their musical heritage, explain the sea life and coral, demonstrate the medicinal uses of trees and plants found in the forest, teach you to windsurf or take you fishing.  The Fijian culture is filled with a wealth of colorful ceremonies, rituals and beliefs. In a traditional village house, fire is considered a symbol of life. A fire in the hearth smokes out mosquitoes, adds warmth, cooks food and drives the evil spirits away.