1. Fiji has a long history of attracting international visitors and even Hollywood personalities. How do you see that legacy today?
Fiji and its “Bula!” spirit have had a connection with Hollywood and international celebrities for decades. Raymond Burr, the actor from Perry Mason, owned the Fiji Orchid Hotel and the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Koro Island, Fiji’s 6th largest island – famous for turtle calling, also attracted personalities such as Clint Eastwood, Lauren Hutton, Burt Reynolds and Jim Nabors, along with wealthy socialites who would come here for boat parties and holidays.
Fiji was already blossoming as a tropical destination in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. In many ways, people today compare Fiji now to what Hawaii was during that golden era.
The 1987 coup significantly disrupted that trajectory because it scared the international community. But Fiji has rebuilt itself considerably, reconnecting with international investors and visitors while continuing to preserve the customs and cultures that make this country so unique.
2. What makes Fiji different as an investment destination?
I am not simply selling real estate. I am emphasizing and promoting the “Vanua” (the land) the “Vuvale” (the Fijian family) and “Maroroya” (the respect that comes with being part of this community).
Whether investors come to Fiji from the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia or elsewhere, these principles are foundational. If you come to the Fiji Islands, you have to respect the people, the land and the environment. You have to understand that Fiji is a lifestyle choice, not just a tropical investment destination.
Fiji doesn't want investors simply for investment's sake. It wants individuals and institutions who understand and respect these values and who will help preserve this legacy for future generations.
Unlike America where there are private title and escrow companies handling each transaction, Fiji continues to follow the Torrens Legal system (very common in all former British Commonwealth countries), where title is guaranteed by government and escrow (the property conveyancing process) is handled by local solicitors (lawyers).
3. How important is cultural respect for international investors?
It is absolutely critical. Participating in and performing a customary sevu-sevu and kava ceremony, (meeting the chief) is not only a memorable experience, but it is a sign of respect to the traditional iTaukei land owners and community.
This is not unique to Fiji. Similar traditions exist throughout the Pacific and in indigenous communities around the world. The principle is simple: you are coming into somebody else's home, so you have to respect the people who were here before you.
In addition to the local Itaukei community, Fiji is unique in that over a third of its population are direct decedents of the girmitiyas, Indo-Fijians who came to FIJI, in the early 1900s as sugar cane famers. A profession that is still at the heart of the Indo-Fijian community.
4. How does Professionals Fiji Real Estate help international investors navigate the market?
We work very closely with Investment Fiji, Tourism Fiji, Film Fiji, the Ministry of Lands, the Register of Titles, the Immigration Department, and with the Deputy Prime Ministers and the PM himself, in order to help facilitate and improve foreign investment in Fiji. Every ministry and department has a role to play, making sure that new investors to Fiji have a good experience and understand the process, laws and procedures based on the industry and sector they have committed to.
My philosophy is that we are not simply a real estate company. We are also a local concierge consultancy and experts in trade and investment throughout Fiji and the greater South Pacific region. We want to manage expectations for investors to ensure we deliver optimal results. There is something called “Fiji Time,” a transaction that might take a month or two in Los Angeles could take longer here. But ultimately, everyone has the same objective: a successful transaction and a profitable investment.
We have a lot of helpful information on our website, ProfessionalsFIJI.com to help guide our global clients, whether they are looking for holiday suggestions, or small to large scale investments.
5. What opportunities exist for foreigners looking to purchase property in Fiji?
Yes, non-residents (foreigners) can buy properties in Fiji, and can also often qualify for and obtain financing here as well. Another huge selling point for buying property in Fiji, is that there are NO PROPERTY TAXES! For people in California who are subject to these huge fees, purchasing a primary residence, holiday home or rental income property in Fiji is extremely attractive, especially for long-term family estate planning and retaining a fabulous tropical lifestyle legacy investment for generations of family and friends to enjoy.
It is important for people to know that there are different categories of land ownership in Fiji, including: Freehold Title (what we often call “fee simple” or “forever ownership”), as well as Crown (government) Land Leases, and the majority of titles in Fiji being Native Land Leases.
Freehold land represents a small percentage of the country's land supply, with no land lease payments, so it tends to command higher prices. A much larger proportion is Native Land Lease, where the land is owned by local iTaukei communities and administered through the iTaukei Land Trust Board.
The system is designed to provide a framework in which both the landowners and the lessees understand their rights and responsibilities and to provide written clarity to all parties.
6. Which parts of Fiji do you believe offer the greatest opportunities for international buyers?
Like all real estate investments, it depends on what you're looking for. For example, Denarau Island is extremely convenient and offers a high-end lifestyle, with major international resort-hotels, a championship golf course, a bustling marina and port, several waterfront restaurants and easy access to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands. If you want luxury and convenience, Denarau is an excellent choice. It is also where our main real estate office is located.
California has a lot of surfers.
Fiji is known around the world as one of the top surfing destinations, regularly hosting with World Surf League with epic breaks at Cloudbreak, Frigates, and other iconic destinations which attract beginners to advanced surfers from all over the world. Momi and Waidroka Bay (both on the main island) as well as the Mamanuca Islands, seem to be the areas of choice for these adventurous boarders.
For people looking for nature and freehold land and development opportunities, Taveuni Island is extraordinary. A large part of the island is natural reserve, and it is one of the greenest and most spectacular places I have ever seen, with waterfalls, a natural rock waterslide, world-class bird watching, and a much quieter and slower pace, admired by all who visit.
Savusavu is another major opportunity in the Northern Division, on Fiji’s second largest island of Vanua Levu, particularly for yacht owners, scuba divers, fishing enthusiasts and people looking for an established expatriate community. I often describe Savusavu as the Marina Del Rey of Fiji, especially with the stunning Nawi Island and superyacht marina overlooking Savusavu Town.
Then you have the “Coral Coast” and Sigatoka areas along the south central part of the main island of Viti Levu, with beautiful ocean views, and easy access to Nadi Town in the West, and Suva (Fiji’s capital city) to the East, along Queens Highway.
Momi, Lautoka, Ba and Rakiraki on the Western side of Fiji’s main island offer opportunities in commercial agriculture, forestry, holiday homes, and larger land holdings, with a higher concentration of freehold-titled properties.
Whether you are looking for a full-time residence, holiday home, rental (AirBnB) income property, existing small to large resort hotel opportunities, undeveloped blocks of land, a commercial building, lifestyle business, or your very own private island – (yes, we sell those also!) with 333 islands, we will surely be able to find investors what they are looking for in Fiji.
7. Why is Taveuni particularly interesting for international investors?
Taveuni is magical. It is known as Fiji's Garden Island and offers extraordinary natural beauty, waterfalls and unique flora.
There is also significant affordable freehold land there, especially in the master-planned Taveuni Estates community and golf course. You can find these land blocks with stunning ocean views at prices that would be difficult to imagine in California.
But Taveuni isn't for everyone. Many properties are “off-grid” requiring solar power and rainwater harvesting (or boreholes) for fresh water. It is a different lifestyle, but for the right person, that is precisely the attraction.
8. What makes Savusavu attractive to American and international buyers?
Savusavu has one of Fiji's two super yacht marinas and a strong community of Americans, Canadians and Europeans. If you're a yacht owner, fisherman, diver or simply someone who loves the outdoors, it is an exceptional place.
It also has an extraordinary connection with diving. Between Vanua Levu and Taveuni is the Somosomo Strait, home to the Rainbow Reef.
Fiji is the soft-coral diving capital of the world, and the Somosomo Strait is one of the world's truly iconic diving destinations, often rated #1 in the world!
People can snorkel with manta rays and dive with large bull sharks without cages in several places in Fiji. For someone reading the Los Angeles Times who loves diving, surfing or boating, these are experiences that can completely change the way they look at Fiji.
9. Beyond tourism and residential real estate, what other investment opportunities do you see?
In addition to implementing more sustainable building practices and attracting more technical and engineering experts in the real estate industry, there are enormous opportunities in commercial agriculture export, including ginger, turmeric, cacao, coffee, rice, coconuts, mangoes and pineapples.
Forestry and fisheries are also important here in Fiji. There are large areas of land suitable for commercial agriculture and forestry, particularly in the Northern Division.
Healthcare is another major opportunity, especially retirement communities, long-term care and medical tourism. Dental and medical procedures in Fiji are a tiny fraction of what you’d pay in California.
With some of the best nurses and care providers in the world, I believe Fiji could develop (with foreign investment assistance) some continuing-care retirement communities, similar to successful models in the United States. You could have active seniors, independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, dementia care and hospice within one integrated community.
That could be transformative not only for Fiji, but for the entire South Pacific. Why not live out your golden years in Fiji paradise at a fraction of the price?
10. Why do you think Fiji could become an attractive retirement destination for Americans?
We have excellent caregivers, a beautiful environment and an English-speaking population. As previously mentioned, healthcare and eldercare are areas where Fiji could really benefit from international investment and expertise.
Imagine someone retiring somewhere with beautiful beaches, sunshine and a strong community, while still having access to professional healthcare and support.
There are also people who don't necessarily want to retire completely. They may be experienced doctors, nurses, architects, engineers, educators or business professionals who want to continue contributing by sharing their knowledge and expertise with eager Fijians.
Fiji can benefit enormously from this intellectual capital, not just the financial capital.
11. What about digital nomads and professionals who can work remotely?
Digital nomads are an extremely important and growing demographic. People can now work from almost anywhere.
I would love to see more technology companies bring their capital investment to Fiji, not simply call centers, but coding, artificial intelligence, engineering and technology solutions.
Imagine bringing people from Silicon Valley to Fiji and having them educate local communities in AI and technology. They could help solve local problems involving renewable energy, water management, agriculture or infrastructure development.
12. How important is the connection between Fiji and the United States, particularly California?
California is one of the world's largest economies, and there are huge connections between California and Fiji through tourism, aviation, sports, entertainment, technology and the Fijian diaspora.
There are significant Fijian communities in places such as Sacramento (Bay Area), Carson and Southern California. Fiji Airways' connections to North America are therefore extremely important because they are not only bringing tourists, but they are also bringing people home.
I would like this article to encourage and attract NEW visitors and investors to this incredible island nation.
When you arrive in Fiji, you constantly hear “welcome home.” That is the concept of Vuvale: you become part of the Fijian family. Fiji has the friendliest and happiest people on Earth!
13. What message would you give to Los Angeles Times readers considering Fiji?
Come and explore Fiji! My team and I will help you with your planning by offering suggestions and local recommendations based on your budget, goals and expectations.
Are you coming because you love surfing? Because you want to dive with manta rays? Because you want to explore 333 islands? Because you want a holiday home? Because you want to retire? Because you want to invest in agriculture or hospitality? Because you want to bring your business or intellectual capital somewhere new? There are so many reasons to visit and invest in the Fiji Islands.
“Why just come and play when you can invest and stay?”
That is my tagline because I don't believe Fiji should only be a holiday destination. It can be a place where people build a life and manifest additional opportunities, memories and prosperity.
14. What advice would you give international investors before they enter the Fijian market?
Come with an open heart and an open mind. The key is building relationships. Fiji is a small country, and information travels very quickly. We call it the “coconut wireless.”
If you build trust and treat people properly, you can go a long way. My team and I will refer you to the right people and give you guidance as you embark on this exciting international adventure.
15. You often talk about building bridges between Fiji and international investors. What does that mean to you?
I see myself as a bridge builder. I'm connecting eager overseas investors with like-minded locals in Fiji to generate positive and mutually beneficial outcomes.
The objective isn't to overwhelm Fiji with international capital. It is to attract good-hearted partners who share the same values and goals.
Sustainable capital investment from LA Times readers can help create jobs, develop communities and leave something behind for future generations.
16. What role can the Los Angeles market play in Fiji's future?
The Los Angeles market is particularly interesting because of its sophistication and diversity. Prior to moving to Fiji, I lived in Marina Del Rey and Santa Monica while managing my own real estate team. I also ran for State Assembly and State Senate, so helping people is something I cherish.
There are people in California who have capital, experience and expertise in technology, entertainment, healthcare, real estate, agriculture, sports and many other sectors, who would do very well in Fiji.
There are also Hollywood professionals and online influencers who can bring their transferable skills to Fiji's growing film and television industry. Productions such as Survivor, Love Island and other international projects have already demonstrated success in setting up productions here in Fiji over a long time.
Fiji is a place where people don't simply invest money. Foreign investors from California can bring their expertise, their social and professionals networks and their entrepreneurial spirit to create tangible impact, high-paying jobs, and international work experience for aspiring Fijians in many growing employment sectors.
17. What is your long-term vision for Professionals Fiji Real Estate?
My goal is to scale what we've learned in Fiji throughout the South Pacific. We are well on our way to becoming the number one real estate, trade and investment advisory firm in this area of the world.
We have demonstrated that international investment can be done properly in Fiji, by respecting local customs and regulations, in a collaborative approach with key local stakeholders, ultimately delivering mutually beneficial outcomes. As we grow and expand, we will continue to deliver results for our local communities and our overseas investors.
Fiji is the heart of the South Pacific. It has the infrastructure, the connectivity, the experience and the human capital to continue serving as the regional hub of the South Pacific. I look forward to meeting many of your LA Times readers here in Fiji.
18. Finally, what does Fiji mean to you personally after seven years in the country?
Fiji captured my heart.
Every day I am here, I learn something new and meet somebody who inspires me. The people have an incredible ability to smile, laugh, welcome visitors, and to find happiness in things that many of us overlook.
I came here thinking I might change things. Instead, Fiji changed me. It is a special place.
As former US Ambassador to Fiji, Joseph Cella once told me, “Fiji is the jewel in the crown of the South Pacific”, but its greatest asset isn't the beaches or the real estate. It is the people.
And if we can bring the right people here, those who respect the culture, the environment and the community, I believe Fiji can become even more prosperous without losing the very qualities that make it so special.
Vinaka vakalevu and Sota Tale!
