Malolo Lailai Community Trust: Purpose Beyond Paradise

When people think of Fiji, they picture swaying palms, white sand beaches and turquoise waters. But what truly makes these islands unforgettable is the warmth of the Fijian people. Their spirit of connection and generosity is what brings our resorts to life — and why Raffe Hotels & Resorts is proud to give back through the Malolo Lailai Community Trust.

Raffe Hotels & Resorts — parent company of Plantation Island Resort, Lomani Island Resort & Spa, and Fiji Gateway Hotel — created this not-for-profit initiative to support the local Mamanuca communities and beyond. Funded through guest donations, and generously matched dollar-for-dollar by Raffe Hotels & Resorts, the Trust invests in projects that make a genuine difference in the lives of those who call the islands home. Every stay with us becomes an opportunity to contribute to the communities, environments, and wellbeing that make Fiji so special.

“At Raffe Hotels & Resorts, we believe our responsibility goes beyond providing unforgettable holidays,” says Lee Pearce, CEO of Raffe Hotels & Resorts. “Through the Malolo Lailai Community Trust, we’re able to give back in a meaningful way — supporting education, health, environmental care, emergency relief, and community wellbeing across the Mamanuca communities that make Fiji so special.”

Guided by Five Pillars
The Malolo Lailai Community Trust is our way of giving back to the local Mamanuca communities. Together with our guests we support community-led projects in:

● Education
Providing resources, school improvements, and scholarships that give children and young adults the opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive.

● Health
Enhancing access to clinics, medical supplies, and programs that promote both physical and emotional wellbeing.

● Environmental Care
Protecting the natural beauty that draws visitors from around the world. This includes conservation programs, reef restoration, clean-up initiatives, and environmental education.

● Emergency Relief
Providing essential support when natural disasters, such as cyclones, impact the local Mamanuca communities. From immediate supplies to longer-term rebuilding, the Trust helps communities bounce back.

● Community Wellbeing
Backing projects that strengthen the social and cultural fabric of island life. From youth programs to community infrastructure, these initiatives create lasting impact and resilience.

A Shared Journey
Whether it’s providing school supplies, access to clean water, medical aid, or disaster recovery, the Trust’s reach is already being felt across the local Mamanuca communities. Guests who stay at any of our resorts are directly contributing to this work, turning every holiday into a shared journey of giving and connection. By experiencing Fijian culture firsthand — through traditional ceremonies, local storytelling, and heartfelt hospitality — visitors become part of the community and part of the change.

About Raffe Hotels & Resorts
The Malolo Lailai Community Trust is proudly supported by Raffe Hotels & Resorts, a family-owned Fijian company with more than 50 years of hospitality experience. Each of our three unique properties celebrates the beauty and culture of Fiji in its own way:

● Plantation Island Resort
A much-loved destination for families and groups, Plantation Island Resort is set on 553 acres of tropical gardens and surrounded by Fiji’s famous blue lagoon. Adventure, culture, and relaxation come together here, offering something for every generation.

● Lomani Island Resort & Spa
An adults-only haven, Lomani offers an intimate escape where luxury meets authenticity. With just 30 suites and bures, guests enjoy personalised service, stunning beachfront views, and the peace of a true island sanctuary.

● Fiji Gateway Hotel
Conveniently located across from Nadi International Airport, Fiji Gateway Hotel is the perfect place to start or end a Fijian holiday. With comfortable rooms, resort-style facilities, and warm local hospitality, it’s a favourite with travellers in transit.

Together, these properties — and the guests who visit them — make the work of the Malolo Lailai Community Trust possible. Every stay helps nurture the people, the environment, and the communities that make Fiji such a remarkable destination

For more information, please contact:

Raumati Barbara
Group Marketing Manager
Raffe Hotels & Resorts
P: +64 21 242 7004
E: [email protected]

Adults only holiday haven, Lomani Island Resort & Spa, is delighted to unveil its newest offering: the much-anticipated Lomani Spa—a tranquil, custom-built sanctuary nestled in the resort’s lush jungle surrounds. Infused with the healing spirit of Fiji and surrounded by swaying palms and frangipani, this bespoke retreat invites guests to truly breathe in, bliss out, and reconnect with the slower rhythm of island life.

A Purpose-built, Private Wellness Sanctuary

Just a short stroll from the guest bures, the Lomani Spa is set apart in a tranquil enclave surrounded by frangipani and swaying coconut palms. Inside the purpose-built retreat, guests will find a sauna, plunge pool, custom-built ice bath – the first of its kind in Fiji – and a shaded relaxation deck.

The new spa features six beautifully appointed treatment bures including a mix of single and double rooms, each with private outdoor showers for a deeply immersive experience in nature and comfort. After selecting treatments, guests are invited to unwind with a light, hydrating refreshment of infused water in the serene surrounds of the spa, extending their wellness journey in pure relaxation.

For more information and/or images, please contact:

Rebecca Astier
PR Consultant representing:
Raffe Hotels & Resorts
P: +61 417 667 042
E: [email protected]

Plantation Island Resort, is excited to announce the commencement of the addition of a central facilities development. Beginning in April 2025 and set to conclude by late 2026, this new phase will introduce a range of innovative dining, wellness, and leisure experiences, elevating the resort’s offerings and reinforcing its status as a premier destination for travellers seeking unforgettable Fijian escapes.

A Sneak Peek at the New and Upgraded Amenities To Come

As part of the exciting central facilities addition, Plantation Island Resort will create a range of new facilities that will enhance the guest experience. These additions reflect the resort’s commitment to continually evolving and offering unforgettable escapes for visitors. The upcoming improvements include:

• A brand-new dining venue, Baravi Mediterranean Kitchen – This restaurant will showcase Mediterranean flavours with a central focus on a traditional Italian woodfire pizza oven, creating a dynamic focal point at the heart of the space.
• Replacement of Brigham Bar – The iconic beachfront bar will be recreated in a new location with a brand-new look and enhanced offerings, promising a vibrant space to relax and enjoy the ocean views.
• A New Buffet Restaurant – The new Copra Restaurant will be reinvented, continuing to serve diverse and delicious buffet-style meals in a spacious and relaxed setting that welcomes guests to indulge in Fijian flavours.
• A New Pool – The addition of a beautifully designed lagoon style pool with toddler’s pool and waterslide will offer guests even more space to relax, swim, and enjoy the island’s tropical beauty. Whether lounging poolside or cooling off on a warm day, this new amenity will complement the resort’s already exceptional leisure offerings.
• Expanded Wellness Facilities – Opening in April 2025, Senibua Spa features six treatment rooms where guests can unwind with therapeutic treatments while enjoying the tranquil island atmosphere.
• New Accommodation Options – Due to increased demand, the resort is adding six new Beachfront Bures and three new Two-Bedroom Garden Bures. These will offer separate bedrooms, a lounge area, and modern amenities while maintaining the island’s signature charm. The Beachfront Bures will also feature an outdoor shower and patio with breathtaking lagoon views.  These are due to open in mid-2025.

In addition to the refreshed design, the guest experience will be enhanced through a more streamlined layout. Although all current services will continue as usual.

Summary

Location: Volleyball court area behind Snack bar
Timeframe: April 2025 until late 2026
Development: Work will take place 8am-5pm daily, with noise kept to a minimum
Description: Development of two new restaurants, a bar and lagoon style pool area.

Work will be conducted away from the rooms and we expect minimal impact to guests. All facilities and services will remain operational.

Relocation of Services:
Activities bure and water sports will be relocated to the beach area between Tavola and Copra restaurants. The inflatable waterpark will also be relocated to this area. 
Day tour operators will be relocated to the arrival’s jetty.
Snack bar menu is now available at Coco Hut.

For more information, please contact:

Raumati Barbara
Group Marketing Manager
Raffe Hotels & Resorts
P: +64 21 242 7004
E: [email protected]

12 March 2025 – Fiji family favourite Plantation Island Resort is proud to be the inspiration and backdrop for a brand-new children’s book, Elastic Island Adventures: Plantation Island Resort, written by acclaimed New Zealand author Karen McMillan. Published by Duckling Publishing, the book is the eighth instalment in the Elastic Island Adventures book series, bringing a new and exciting adventure to young readers aged 7 to 12.

The latest instalment in the popular Elastic Island Adventures series, which famously blends fantasy and action, follows four children—Kiri, Jed, and twins Emma and Ethan—who frequently journey on ‘elastic island’, a unique way to travel that sends them pinging across the ocean to a variety of tropical island destinations. In this story, they travel via the magical ‘elastic island’ to stunning Plantation Island Resort in Fiji in an adventure inspired by the author’s own visit and experiences as a guest at the holiday resort.

Accompanied by Blong the Cat and Heathcliff the Dog, the children encounter a runaway hermit crab named Lepani, who is terrified of plastic and dreams of being anything but a crab. Determined to help, the children embark on a heartwarming and action-packed journey to reunite Lepani with his family—while keeping him out of trouble along the way.

For more information and/or images, please contact:

Rebecca Astier
PR Consultant representing:
Raffe Hotels & Resorts
P: +61 417 667 042
E: [email protected]

It is with gratitude and pride that Raffe Hotels and Resorts celebrates receiving the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award for Training and Development 2022.

This category recognizes tourism organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to improving customer services and experiences through employee training & development. This includes a robust Training Needs Analysis, aligned training plan and consideration of the Business KPI’s and establishing ROI’s.

“While this award is appreciated as the collective effort of the leadership teams at Raffe Hotels and Resorts, it must be recognized that our Group Manager Learning, Development and Quality – Altaab Khan’s individual passion and absolute commitment to the learning and development of our people is the motivating factor in our team’s success”, acknowledges CEO, Lee Pearce.

A family-owned business operating in Fiji for over 50 years, Raffe Hotel & Resorts is passionate about “Our People”. “Through a selective recruitment framework, we employ those who are aligned with the company values and support them with the opportunity to learn, develop and thrive in their roles every day in our business”, states recipient Altaab Khan.

Raffe Hotels and Resorts supports a dedicated Learning, Capability and Quality Team. With a focus on people development and succession pathways. This philosophy is executed across all levels of the company. Where the success of our guest’s experience is a measure of the investment in our Staff.

As the inaugural recipient of this prestigious award, we wish to extend a warm congratulations to all nominees and recipients of the 2022 Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards. With a special shout out to fellow finalists, Sofitel Resort & Spa and Tanoa Hotel Group, for their commitment and investment in Fiji’s greatest asset – it’s people.

Raffe Hotels and Resorts is proud to announce that Plantation Island Resort, Lomani Island Resort and Fiji Gateway Hotel have started recycling 100% of the plastic bottles consumed at their respective property from 1 October 2019.

All three Raffe Hotels & Resorts properties are working with local partners Mission Pacific and Pleass Global Limited to ensure that all plastic bottles are sorted at each Hotel/Resort and sent to the respective recycling facility to begin the recycling process.

Mission Pacific recycles Fiji Water and Coca Cola Amatil bottles at their Lautoka facility, sending their crushed PET bottles overseas to be purchased by suppliers who use this recycled PET for polyester, fabric for t-shirts, luggage, upholstery etc.

Pleass Global Limited collect the plastic bottles that they sell, Aqua Safe Water and Vaiwai Water, to be crushed and sent to a recycling facility in Australia. At this location, they will be recycled into new Aqua Safe and Vaiwai Water bottles to be re-sold in Fiji.

“We are incredibly proud to be in a position where we can say we are recycling 100% of the plastic bottles consumed at our Hotels & Resorts” states Akshay Singh, Raffe Hotels & Resorts Group Director of Sales & Marketing. “A plastic bottle takes approximately 450 years to break down, so if it reaches the ocean it can have disastrous consequences on marine life and sea birds. Following our recent ban on plastic shopping bags and plastic straws, we have now eliminated 3 out of the top 10 contributors of marine litter at our Hotels & Resorts”.

For more information and/or images, please contact:

Lisa Costello
Group Sales Manager
Raffe Hotels & Resorts
P: +61 416 764 649
E: [email protected]

Raffe Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce that it is partnering with global NGO, Oceanic Global, to work towards eliminating all single use plastics from the operations of Plantation Island Resort, Lomani Island Resort and Fiji Gateway Hotel.

Oceanic Global, who is the official non-profit and production partner to the United Nations for this year’s World Oceans Day celebration, empowers behaviour that protects the ocean’s health and raises awareness for the devastating effects of human consumption on aquatic ecosystems. Raffe Hotels & Resorts will be working towards implementing the recommendations of The Oceanic Standard (TOC), which provides guidelines for adopting sustainable operating practices that meet both business and environmental needs.

“This is Oceanic Global’s first and only partnership in the South Pacific, which we are immensely proud to be a part of” states Director of Sales, Marketing & Strategic Development, Akshay Singh. “By systematically working through The Oceanic Standard and achieving each level of Oceanic Global’s certification, we will transform our business practices and lead the way in mainstream tourism sustainability.”

All three Raffe Hotels & Resorts properties have already been awarded Oceanic Global’s “Straw Free” badge, which certifies that each property has eliminated plastic straws from their operations and replaced them with an environmentally sustainable alternative. The next goal for Raffe Hotels & Resorts is to be awarded the “Sustainability Steward” badge.

For more information and/or images, please contact:

Lisa Costello
Group Sales Manager
Raffe Hotels & Resorts
P: +61 416 764 649
E: [email protected]

Raffe Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce that Lomani Island Resort and Fiji Gateway Hotel will be banning plastic shopping bags across both hotels from 1 April 2019. Lomani Island Resort is the leading 4-star adults only Resort in the Mamanuca Islands and Fiji Gateway Hotel is a 3.5-star transit hotel located directly across from Nadi International Airport.

This move follows Plantation Island Resort banning plastic shopping bags in October 2017. Like Plantation Island Resort, Lomani Island Resort will also provide each guest with a re-usable shopping bag to use during their holiday and each Lomani staff member will receive a re-usable shopping bag to use while they are working on Malolo Lailai Island.

“This is another key milestone in our goal to become a more environmentally friendly business” says Akshay Singh, Director of Sales, Marketing and Strategic Development for Raffe Hotels & Resorts. “The amount of plastic being found in our oceans is alarming and we can no longer be contributing to this global problem. We must show leadership in the community we live in and the environment we prosper under.”

All three Raffe Hotels & Resorts properties also banned plastic straws on 10th October 2018, offering paper straws on request only.

For more information and/or images, please contact:

Lisa Costello
Group Sales Manager
Raffe Hotels & Resorts
P: +61 416 764 649
E: [email protected]