Jean-Michel Cousteau Eco Resort Showcases Traditional Building

<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Michel_Cousteau" target="_blank">Jean-Michel Cousteau</a>, like his father before him, is a big name in the world of ocean exploration and environmentalism -- but many may not know that he also runs a number of beautiful eco resorts around the world, including one on the island of Vanua Levu in Fiji. The <a href="http://www.fijiresort.com/" target="_blank">Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort</a> is a gorgeous little resort on peninsula next to some amazing diving and snorkeling in a marine reserve. Traditional Fijian architecture coupled with an <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/31/obamas-expanding-the-white-house-organicgarden/" target="_blank">organic garden</a>, a plan to restore the surrounding eco system, and a community foundation that gives back to the local people are just a few of the factors that make this resort special.

The resort is located on a peninsula outside of the town of <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=Savusavu,+Fiji&amp;sll=-16.822945,179.294128&amp;sspn=0.331258,0.617294&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=Savusavu,+Northern+Division,+Fiji&amp;t=h&amp;z=13" target="_blank">Savusavu</a> on the second largest island of Fiji. Surrounding the property off the coast are beautiful <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/11/11/%e2%80%9csilent-evolution%e2%80%9d-builds-a-beautiful-coral-reef-from-statues/" target="_blank">coral reefs</a>, which have been designated as a marine reserve and are open for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/09/22/former-oil-rig-transformed-into-diving-resort/" target="_blank">snorkeling and diving</a>, but not for fishing.

The resort boasts two dining rooms, a pool, and over 20 private bures where guests stay. Clams are being cultivated right off of the resorts dock to repopulate the surrounding clam population.

The all-inclusive resort provides lots of shady nooks to rest, like this one by the pool.

Ceiling fans and natural breezes coupled with traditional architecture serve as climate control - no air conditioning is used.

Guests can check out kayaks, snorkeling gear and sailboats in order to explore the marine reserve off-shore.

Natural and local materials are used in the construction of all of the buildings. An open-air layout with large shady roofs helps keep things cool.

The reception area for the resort showcases traditional art as well as the resort's many travel and environmental awards.

The large dining room offers many plush seating options for guest to relax under.

The entrance to the organic garden is guarded by local sculptures made out of the trunk of a native tree. Sculptures like these can be seen at the entrance of every home in Fiji.

The organic garden grows some of the resort's produce, and compost from the kitchen and garden scraps are used as fertilizer.

A tree nursery grows native plants and trees, which will be planted around the resort to restore the area back to its natural state. The land was previously used as a coconut plantation.

All the resort's waste water is processed on-site and it moves through these digestors on the right. Solar hot water heaters are replacing gas water heaters as they break down.

The processed water ends its journey in these lily ponds behind the bures and is used for landscape irrigation. Tilapia live in the pond and help manage mosquitoes.

Mangroves, which were cut down by previous owners, are being restored to their natural state to minimize erosion.

Bures, or bungalows, are based on traditional Fiji architecture and include steeply-pitched thatch roofs constructed by local craftsman.

The large overhanging roof provides shade and allows hot air to rise up and out of the main room.

Inside, louvered windows allow for cross-ventilation. None of the rooms have AC or TVs, and they utilize energy efficient lighting to reduce energy use.

The traditional thatch roofs are constructed by locals, but this method is rarely used now by villagers. The resort hopes that by encouraging the method, it can help keep the knowledge and tradition alive.

Here, the dining room is moved outdoors for an evening dining experience under the stars and next to the beach.

The resort operates a community foundation that raises money to help support the local community and also employs locals from the nearby village and offers job training.