Tropica Island Resort

A Hidden Paradise in the Mamanucas… A Transformative Journey Begins Another Chapter

Who could have thought that a Fiji holiday in 2009 would eventually set in motion a chain of events that completely changed the lives of an Australian couple? Now, 15 years later, the dawn of a new era unfolds.

Well, it did for Rob and Sue Cecconi. Following their experience at the Walu Beach Resort on Malolo Island in the Mamanucas, it was right then when they knew that they had discovered a slice of paradise. Two years later, their long-held dream of owning a property in their beloved Fiji was realised when the resort was available for sale.

The property already had all the prerequisite holiday essentials: beautiful turquoise blue waters, white sandy beaches, and perfectly placed palm trees. However, the resort desperately needed an extensive upgrade before being officially opened and rebranded as Tropica Island Resort in 2013.

The resort offers the perfect Pacific Islands getaway for couples celebrating special occasions such as babymoons, vow renewals or the never-out-of-fashion, all-time classic, ‘romantic adventure and rejuvenation’. Tropica is an intimate, adults only boutique resort that offers 24 stylishly appointed rooms (7 Sanctuary Pool Suites, 6 Beachfront Bures, 10 Beachfront Pool Bures and 1 Deluxe Pool Bure).

Over the years, the property faced some near existential challenges. It remained largely unscathed despite the ferocity of TC Winston in 2016, and it withstood any problematic   deterioration from the COVID 19 pandemic lockdown in 2020. Undeterred by these challenges, Tropica has again recently underwent a major renovation which is a symbol of the couple’s commitment and passion towards the resort.

This renovation work included 2 new bars, kitchen upgrade, retiling of all swimming pools, Palmex roof thatching (still in progress), 30 metre pontoons/marina and landscaping. During this time, the resort had effectively retained all its staff, with a soft opening held on March 4^th, 2024. In the days ahead, further upgrades will also be applied to the restaurant, reception, public areas, and rooms.

The couple is delighted with the outcome and their entrepreneurial journey thus far. Once the roof thatching and marina are completed, Tropica will be in its heyday, like a brand-new resort!

Building On a Dream: Financial Solutions for a Sustainable Resort

Tourism remains as Fiji’s major foreign earner. The Fiji Development Bank is honoured to support Rob and Sue Cecconi’s vision of delivering an unmatched ‘Fiji Experience’ to our guests. Our collaboration involves providing a tailored financial solution to assist with the recent upgrades at Tropica Island Resort.

Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8, which emphasises ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth,’ Tropica’s operation contributes impressively to the local economy by employing over 70 staff members. In our ongoing commitment to support businesses that reinvest in the community and generate employment, the Bank looks forward to continuing its partnership with Tropica.

The Bank extends our best wishes and good luck to them as they commence operations at their beautifully refurbished resort.