PHOTOS: © NANUKU RESORT FIJI , © ERICA ALLEN
Nanuku Resort Fiji recently said bula to its new executive chef, Shaun Thomson, who brings more than 18 years of experience in the hospitality and culinary industry. In his new role, he oversees all the hotel’s culinary programming, including at Kanavata, the property’s restaurant and lounge. Thomson looks forward to introducing new menus, new kids’ menus, and concepts like Taco Tuesday and poolside pizzas.
Fresh and seasonal is the name of the game at Kanavata, where produce, fresh-caught fish, and tropical fruits and vegetables sourced locally shine on the menu. Innovative cocktails also highlight the fresh, local and seasonal.
Thomson’s culinary career has taken him all over the South Pacific, from Sydney and Melbourne to Bali and back to Fiji, and to various luxury hotels and resorts. His wife, with whom he shares four children, is from Fiji, so this new appointment marks a full circle moment for the family.
WHICH FOOD IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? AND ON THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SPECTRUM, WHAT IS ONE INGREDIENT OR FOOD YOU HATE TO USE?
My wife’s “Meaty Bone Sui,” Fijian soup with cassava, lemon, chili and light soy sauce. And, on the opposite end, I hate to use durian.
WHAT DISHES WOULD YOU SERVE AT A PRIVATE DINNER PARTY?
I would showcase what is fresh and sourced local to the area such as sea urchin, raw beef, freshwater prawns, local fruit, coconut, chili, PakaPaka (snapper), kai mussel, moca (local spinach), bush lemon emulsion, local fruit cocktail and texture of coconut.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEAL YOU EVER PREPARED ON YOUR OWN?
Lasagna
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IN ONE DISH, WHICH DISH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Mudcrab, corn, lemon emulsion, fermented chili, soft herbs, caviar and Champagne vinaigrette: This dish shows different techniques, simplicity and looks elegant on the plate while it showcases beautiful, fresh produce and defines me as a chef.
WHICH CULINARY TREND WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISAPPEAR?
Plant-based chicken, beef and eggs
NANUKU RESORT, FIJI
11 Nanuku Drive Pacific Harbour, Fiji
tel 679 345 2100
nanukuresort.com
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedAirlines
Apr 30, 2025LOT Polish Airlines Unveils Redesigned Polonez Business Lounge
LOT Polish Airlines recently completed the renovation of its Polonez Business Lounge at Warsaw Chopin Airport. Its color scheme of deep navy blue, copper tones and amber aligns with the carrier’s Dreamliner cabin retrofit project and the newly opened LOT Business Lounge in Chicago.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
April 2025
Apr 30, 2025Breathe in the View and Sip in the Moment in Puerto Vallarta
Mindful drinking with an eye on wellness can mean ordering a zero-proof or low ABV cocktail instead of one that’s boozy and stirred, or slowly savoring one glass of wine instead of tossing back two or three. But sometimes, where you’re sipping a beverage can have just as much of a positive effect on your mind, body and spirit as what’s in your glass.
Daily
Apr 30, 2025Get a Sneak Peek at New TEMPO Hotel in Brazil’s Santa Catarina
London-based architectural firm Foster + Partners revealed the design for TEMPO Hotel and Residences, scheduled to open in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. The hotel project is designed to capture the best views of Praia Brava, a spectacular beach with mountain views frequented by surfers. The project is being developed by MUZE real estate development group, committed to creating timeless and artistic spaces that transform everyday life.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 30, 2025Relais Villa Porta Review
Tucked into a Lake Maggiore enclave overlooking the Gulf of Colmegna, Relais Villa Porta is an idyllic place to take in a side of the Italian Lakes region that’s different from buzzy Lake Como during high season. In 1820, it was built as a hunting lodge, and by the end of the century, was transformed into an inn by Leopoldo Casnedi. Over time, the surrounding parkland was further enhanced with rare plants collected by Pietro Porta, its second owner and botanist, as well as regular guests wanting to support his efforts. This ensured the inn would ultimately sit pretty within a 10,000-square-meter park surrounding the main villa, a 19th-century Liberty-style greenhouse and original Villa Porta mosaic.
eFlyer Lead
Apr 30, 2025Spain, Portugal Suffer Widespread Blackout
On April 28, around 12:30 p.m. (CEST), a massive power outage swept across Spain and Portugal, bringing the countries to a standstill and disrupting airport and train service. Spain remained in a state of emergency for April 28 and 29, but more than 99 percent of energy demand in Spain had been restored, while all power was restored in Portugal.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
Daily
Apr 30, 2025Guesthouse Lake Tahoe Debuts This Spring
Guesthouse, a collection of new, members-only rental houses combining the comforts of a rental home with the amenities of a boutique hotel, announced the opening date of its inaugural property. Guesthouse Lake Tahoe, set to open this spring, is now available for booking for travelers visiting Northern California’s Truckee-Tahoe.
ShareThis