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Joye Restaurant Group executive chef Jeff Murray tries a dish prepared by Musket Cove Island Resort executive sous chef Kelepi Lalawailevu and Matamanoa Island Resort executive sous chef Sanjay Dutt. Picture: REPEKA NASIKO

THE exclusive Matamanoa Island Resort is an island getaway that only a few could experience annually. Nestled in the Mamanuca Group, the resort is synonymous for providing an escape for couples and adults looking to enjoy a quiet and relaxing experience.

For this very reason, Matamanoa Island Resort was home to a group of about 60 restaurant managers and employees from Canada and the United States for three nights.

The employees from North American Joey Restaurant Group made up of 24 restaurants travelled to the exclusive resort with regional executive chef Jeff Murray.

As a treat by the resort staff, Mr Murray was hosted to a Fijian culinary experience prepared by various executive chefs from Musket Cove Resort, Treasure Island, Mana Island Resort and Matamanoa Island Resort.

He said the samples of uniquely Fijian dishes were a great touch to their holiday.

Matamanoa Island Resort sales and marketing executive director says the resort wanted to invite local chefs to showcase their talents to the North American restaurant chain executive chef.

“We have a lot of great local chefs and when we found out that we had an executive chef of this restaurant chain we thought it was a great opportunity to bring them over and let them meet and cook for Jeff,” she said.

“It is also a great opportunity for Jeff to see the Fijian local cuisine and what we have to offer.”

Matamanoa New Zealand sales manager Melanie Nicol said the whole resort was booked by the Joey Restaurant Group.

“It’s great to have them come over and experience what we have to offer,” she said.

“We have 10 beachfront villas that come with their own private plunge pools and an outdoor shower and these villas are on north beach.

“Then we have our 24 beachfront bure on Sunrise Beach and 13 resort rooms on the sunrise side of the island. “All of the bure and rooms have a clear view of the beach and the ocean.

“Our spa is another feature that we are very proud of and again offers a great view from the spa beds.”

She says although the resort offers a tranquil environment for ultimate relaxation, outdoor activities were also available for the adventurous spirit.

“We have our Deep Blue team run by Trevor and Emma Neal.

“Our dive centre is equipped with the latest dive equipment, most of it Scubapro which is all fully serviced and in excellent condition.

“The dive team currently consists of three local instructors, two divemasters, three dive boat captains.

“Our instructors are qualified to teach all PADI courses from introductory dives through to divemaster and a huge list of specialty courses.

We also offer Tec Diving introduction and courses. “Trevor Neal or Trev has just recently acquired Certification of PADI Course Director and is currently the only one if Fiji with these credentials.”

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