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]

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]