Plantation Island Resort Welcomes New Executive Chef

Plantation Island Resort has announced the appointment of internationally experienced Executive Chef Fahdrul Abd Malek, marking another exciting milestone in the resort’s ongoing investment in enhancing the guest experience.

Bringing more than 25 years of culinary leadership across luxury hotels and award-winning restaurants throughout Malaysia and the Maldives, Chef Malek joins the Plantation Island Resort team at a time of significant transformation, with the resort continuing to invest in new accommodation, dining venues and guest facilities through to 2027. Known for his calm leadership style, innovative menu development and passion for mentoring culinary teams, Fahdrul has already begun leaving his mark on the resort’s dining experiences. Guests can expect refreshed menus across the popular Copra Restaurant themed buffet nights, with a greater emphasis on fresh ingredients, authentic flavours and interactive dining experiences that celebrate both Fijian hospitality and international cuisine.

Beyond the refreshed buffet experience, Fahdrul will oversee one of the most diverse food and beverage operations in Fiji’s resort market. Plantation Island Resort now offers six unique dining venues, ranging from the signature Black Coral grill with interactive hot stone dining experience, all day dining at Tavola Restaurant, Copra Restaurant buffet experiences and beachfront pizzas, fresh and healthy fare at Bowl, poolside dining, and an ice cream milk bar for sweet treats. Together, the collection caters to every occasion – from quick family lunches and sunset cocktails to leisurely dinners celebrating local flavours and international favourites – ensuring guests have a variety of culinary experiences throughout their stay.

Plantation Island Resort General Manager Rodney Samuels said, “Fahdrul’s appointment reflected the resort’s continued commitment to elevating every aspect of the guest experience. Food plays such an important role in creating lasting holiday memories, and we’re delighted to welcome someone of Fahdrul’s calibre to Plantation Island Resort.

“As we continue investing in the future of the resort, we’re equally focused on ensuring our dining experiences evolve alongside our facilities. Fahdrul brings exceptional international experience, fresh ideas and a genuine passion for developing people, which we’re already seeing reflected in the exciting enhancements to our menus.”

Originally from Malaysia, Chef Malek has forged an impressive culinary career across some of Asia’s leading luxury hotels and resorts, including The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Hilton Hanoi Opera, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, The Andaman Langkawi and the iconic Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang.

With expertise spanning Asian, Continental and Western cuisines, he is recognised for creating memorable dining experiences while leading large, high-performing kitchen teams. His extensive background includes menu development, large-scale banquet operations, culinary innovation, quality assurance and the seamless management of complex kitchen operations.

Chef Malek said he was excited to join one of Fiji’s best-loved family resorts at such an exciting time in its journey.

“Plantation Island Resort already has an incredible reputation for creating memorable holidays, and I’m looking forward to building on that through exceptional dining experiences,” Chef Malek said.

“We’ve already introduced some exciting changes to our Copra buffet themes, and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop menus that showcase fresh local produce, international favourites and flavours that guests will remember long after they’ve returned home.”

The appointment comes as Plantation Island Resort continues its staged redevelopment program, which has seen the introduction of new accommodation, retail outlets, a spa, dining concepts and family facilities since 2025, with further enhancements – including additional restaurants, a new pool precinct and expanded guest experiences – scheduled for completion in 2027.

For more information, please contact:

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

Raffe Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the completion of the new accommodation wing at Fiji Gateway Hotel, along with an expanded dining facility, marking a major milestone in the hotel’s evolution to better serve travellers visiting Fiji. The expansion introduces 47 modern new rooms and suites and doubles the hotel’s restaurant capacity, providing enhanced comfort, choice, and convenience for all guests.

Situated directly opposite Nadi International Airport, Fiji Gateway Hotel has long been recognised as a convenient and welcoming base for travellers, whether they’re beginning a Fiji holiday adventure, on business, or simply breaking up a long flight. The hotel combines its practical location with the relaxed tropical comfort that distinguishes Fiji’s hospitality, offering an ideal gateway to the islands of Fiji and beyond.

A significant expansion for Nadi’s gateway hotel

The development designed by Fiji based company Architects Pacific, features 44 Deluxe Rooms, which are made up of 24 Deluxe King Rooms with a king bed and a single sofa bed, ideal for couples and business travellers; and 20 Deluxe Twin Rooms with 2 queen beds, offering increased flexibility for families and group travellers. Additionally, three Two-Bedroom Suites with two queen beds provide generous space for families and extended stays. With these additions, the hotel’s total room inventory has increased from 95 to 135, ensuring travellers have more choice and flexibility while maintaining the welcoming, tropical ambience Fiji Gateway Hotel is known for.

Design inspired by Fiji, delivered with contemporary ease

The interiors of the new accommodation wing have been thoughtfully conceived by acclaimed New Zealand design studio Furnz Group, drawing inspiration from Fiji’s natural beauty through a fresh, contemporary lens. Honouring the hotel’s heritage, the design reinterprets classic forms and materials with a lighter, more relaxed feel, creating an understated and modern aesthetic throughout the guest spaces.

This approach is expressed through softened timber tones, organic textures, and a calming, nature-inspired palette that reflects the surrounding tropical environment. Layered with tactile fabrics and clean-lined furnishings, each room has been carefully curated to feel both comfortable and inviting, balancing functionality with effortless style. Handcrafted details, including locally made wall hangings and woven baskets, introduce authenticity and a strong sense of place, grounding the interiors in Fijian culture. These thoughtful touches create spaces that feel warm, genuine, and quietly refined.

Each room also features bespoke pieces developed in collaboration with Rise Beyond the Reef, a Fijian non-profit organisation supporting rural Indigenous women and their families. This partnership not only enriches the guest experience with meaningful cultural storytelling but also directly contributes to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship and the empowerment of local communities.

Landscaped pathways seamlessly connect the new wing to existing facilities, including two swimming pools, a tennis court and spa services, enhancing flow and accessibility across the property.

To complement the accommodation expansion, the hotel has also expanded Palm Court Restaurant, effectively doubling its capacity to meet the needs of guests. The upgraded dining facilities now include a new indoor dining room, offering additional space while maintaining the relaxed, open-air dining experience guests already know and love. Whether enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner, visitors can choose between indoor comfort and open-air ambience, making mealtimes as enjoyable and convenient as the rest of their stay.

Lee Pearce, CEO of RAFFE Hotels & Resorts, said: “Fiji Gateway Hotel has consistently operated at high occupancy, and with surging visitor numbers, we recognised the need to expand our accommodation and dining offerings. These new rooms and the additional restaurant space allow us to provide more choice and comfort for our guests, while ensuring they continue to enjoy the warm hospitality and tropical charm that Fiji Gateway is known for.”

Fiji Gateway Hotel has been a favourite among travellers for over 50 years, celebrated for its unique combination of convenience and tropical tranquillity. Guests enjoy easy access to Nadi International Airport, and local attractions, as well as a full suite of facilities, including complimentary 24/7 airport shuttle service, outdoor pools with a water slide and shaded loungers, a tennis court, gym facilities, spa services, a café, bar and now expanded dining options.

From travellers arriving early and stopping in for breakfast straight off international flights, to those in transit to Australia, New Zealand and beyond, the hotel accommodates a diverse and ever-changing mix of visitors. The hotel is also a popular choice for pre- and post-island stays for guests heading to Fiji’s outer islands, as well as a convenient dining destination for visitors from nearby properties. Whether planning an island adventure, relaxing by the pool, or stopping over on a long journey, Fiji Gateway Hotel remains the ideal base for experiencing the best of Fiji

For more information, please contact:

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