I have been involved with roasting coffee in Fiji for over 12 years now, and have many stories this one of my favorites….
Roughly 7 years ago I was invited to Laucala Island during its construction, to discuss supplying the island’s new resort with coffee as well as tea. I have been self employed for over forty years and have never had a sales experience quite like this.
To get out to Laucala Island I boarded a twin otter aircraft at Nandi airport and flew out to Taveuni which takes about 90 minutes of magnificent ocean views. On arrival at Taveuni I was politely informed that due to low tide the boat was unable to pick me up, but there was a taxi available and waiting. The taxi ride took me through the most beautiful and abundant rainforests to an awaiting Island long boat. I don’t know about you but, riding through a jungle in a taxi is something that I had never expected to do.
It was there at Laucala Island that I met with Thomas & Maja Kilgore the new manager couple of the soon to be opened resort to discuss the coffee warehouse supplying Laucala Island with a range of coffee blends and teas to be used within the resort.
After our meeting had concluded I was invited to partake in lunch before I left. I accepted Thomas hospitality and I am very glad that I did. As we walked down to the beach I was amazed by the number of building crews that where involved from all over the world.We arrived at the beach where a hanger was set up to produce lunch for the staff and the workers that were getting the resort ready for official opening. Lunch was a tropical island buffet set up every day to feed the eclectic collection of staff and crew. My meal on the beach amongst the islands workers was by far one of the best and most memorable meals I have ever had in my life, and it was then that I knew that this was going to be a resort to surpass others.
After lunch it was back to the Long boat to the taxi waiting to take me to the plane at Taveuni and back to Nandi.
It was while sitting at Raffles Gateway and sipping my coffee that I contemplated my trip to Laucala Island that day, and the unique experience that it delivered was definitely one to remember and we have been fortunate enough to be able to supply Laucala Island since.
For more information on Laucala when planning your next holiday or to see why you should add it to your bucket list please visit www.laucala.com
