Accor to operate Mamanucas resort

The Mamanuca Islands in Fiji will welcome their first Mercure hotel this year, with the Accor Group set to take over management of Walu Beach Resort on Malolo Island on 29 February.

Walu Beach will be rebranded as Mercure Resort Malolo Island following an extensive refurbishment and expansion that is due to be completed by December.

This beachfront resort currently consists of 20 bures, a swimming pool and three food and beverage options. The refurbishment will incorporate all guest rooms, dining and public areas and will include the addition of 45 new rooms, bringing the total to 65 rooms.

The transformation will bring the three star resort to the international standards of the Mercure brand, joining Accor’s network of 762 other Mercure hotels and resorts in 52 countries.

Accor Vice President New Zealand & Fiji, Paul Richardson says the management appointment of Walu Beach Resort is an important addition to the network, particularly because of the popularity of the Mamanuca island group as a tourist destination. It also complements Mercure Hotel Nadi, as it means that we can provide our guests with a total mainland and island solution with the assurance of our international 3 star standard, a solution that is especially helpful in coordinating with international flights.

“Accor is eager to expand our network in Fiji and bringing Walu Beach Resort into the fold means we can offer visitors an excellent value for money resort in a superb location.”

“Malolo Island in the Mamanuca group of islands is a very popular destination because it offers the quintessential Fijian experience: swaying palm trees, warm sandy beaches, ocean views – a true tropical escape. It will be wonderful to combine these beautiful natural assets with the upgraded Mercure services and facilities.”

Accor currently operates three other hotels in the Fiji Islands: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, on Denarau Island, Novotel Nadi (previously Mocambo) and Mercure Hotel Nadi.

Walu Beach Resort’s bures are just steps from the beach and are set amongst tall palm trees and lush gardens. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities including snorkeling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing, volleyball, fishing, sailing and waterskiing. Massage and beauty treatments are also available. Access to the resort is via a simple and scenic boat trip from Denarau Marina, which runs three times daily.

Walu Beach Resort will join Accor’s expansive global network of more than 4,000 hotels in nearly 100 countries with extensive expansion ongoing throughout the world.

An opening rate will be available once Accor takes over management officially on 29 February 2008.

A Report by The Mole