Vatu Talei, a $230million hotel investment project by Fiji Airways and BSP Life-owned Richmond Ltd, is set to open towards the end of 2026.
This was confirmed by Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa general manager Vincent Macquet during an interview at the 60th Anniversary of the Sofitel global brand earlier this week.
Mr Macquet said the 190-room luxury Vatu Talei hotel would be an asset in the luxury segment within the Fijian hotel landscape.
“As we speak now, we got Vatu Talei (The Jewel) being built and will set a benchmark.
“We are currently on time, the project is supposed to be delivered towards the end of 2026,” he said.
“And we are very confident that we have got the resources to actually deliver a new addition to the Fijian hospitality landscape.”
Mr Macquet said the design of the hotel had been completed.
“We are into the last phase of our piling before we start the ground works in about two month’s time.
“It will be the latest hotel in Fiji and also hotels in Fiji have taken a lot of time over the years to open.
“But the new Vatu Talei project is expected to open on a record time which is under a three years’ bid.
“We have refurbished Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa. During the COVID-19 lockdown our ownership which comprises BSP Life and Fiji Airways was strong enough to come into $45 million dollars to refurbish the entire hotel.”
