Richard Evanson

BORN OF VOLCANIC FIRE AND FRIENDSHIP...

PARADISE FOUND

Richard Evanson, an American, purchased Turtle Island in 1972.  He studied at Harvard Business School after earning an Engineering degree at the University of Washington.  Upon graduating with honors in Business Administration, Richard returned to the west coast to make his fortune.  He found professional success in the newly emerging world of cable television, but his achievements required sacrifices that led to personal disappointments, alcoholism and divorce.

He sought escape in the South Pacific, away from the stresses of the Western Civilization.  Fiji seemed about as far away as he could go.  It's charm, beauty, and the friendliness of its people was infectious, and Richard stayed.  He purchased Turtle Island, intent on retreating from the world and became a resident of Fiji.

Before long Richard met and hired Joe Naisali, who was just 17 years old when he began working for Richard in 1972.  Imagine the astonishment of this young Fijian when he arrived at Turtle to be greeted by an eccentric American, equipped with just a tent, a storage shed and a generator chugging away to power a lone refrigerator, standing among the coconut palms and filled exclusively with beer.  That was the year of Typhoon BeBe.  The violent storm blew away the tent, demolished the shed and downed the banyan tree which had provided shelter for the two men.  Richard and Joe escaped injury by crawling in the safety of its roots to wait for the storm to pass.

The ensuing years have worked their own mana (magic) in Richard's life.  He has turned from an overweight indulger into a trim marathoner with energy pouring from a revitalized source of strength and purpose.  The arduous task of rejuvenating the island and building a home brought a new lifestyle, a new philosophy... a revamped definition of personal fulfillment and success.  Preserving the natural order and beauty of his tropical home became a single-minded quest.

PARADISE PRESERVED

Turtle is a South Seas paradise of exotic trees, shrubs and flowers - a garden of tropical fruits and vegetables.  Richard has created a fantasy that constantly challenges him to enhance the splendor of nature's best.  He has planted thousands of trees, many of them Honduras Mahogany, to supplement the island's own.

A road, built with care through the underbrush to preserve the natural environment, circles the island.  Other paths built primarily to access the reservoir, provide guests with picturesque views of the island.

His visionary zeal, rigorous attention to detail and uncompromising philosophy have enabled him to make his dream a reality.

PARADISE SHARED

Richard felt that to continue enjoying his island while sharing his dream with others, he had to retain the intimacy and bring out the best of the native lifestyle.  The Fijians are a warm, loving, caring people - perhaps the friendliest on earth.  In their culture, everyone shares the success and bounty of another.  Family, friendships, and community are greatly valued.

Traditionally, a village did not have many visitors, so when a visitor did arrive, it was a very special event.  Today, the Fijians are still eager to extend a warm welcome and share their hospitality.  On Turtle, staff members take their duties very seriously, devoting their time and energy to the happiness and comfort of their guests.  Because the number of guests is small (no more than 14 couples at any one time) and the duration of their stay longer than at many other Fijian resorts, the natural, hospitable tendencies of the Fijians are very evident.  For example, some time ago a man lost his ring while horseback riding.  A staff member scoured the island until he found the missing ring and returned it to the visitor.

"The island is very special to me..." says Richard, "...and I want it to be the same for my guests...people who truly enjoy exploring other cultures...the company of others...relaxing, escaping, becoming good friends."

 
What better way to get to know your guests than by hosting a small dinner party? 

Richard's island guests are couples who can communicate and enjoy each other's company and humor.  It is thus highly desirable that guests be English speaking which allows for complete interaction with staff and fellow guests, which is an important ingredient of Turtle Island.  This way, when everyone sits down to dinner, all can share stories and conversation.  Meal-time becomes a gathering of friends.

The smallness of the group allows guests maximum use of the facilities and the opportunity to savor all the privacy and seclusion that Turtle Island has to offer.  Guests get to know the staff and enjoy the warm feeling of being a part of the family.  The staff responds with unequalled service based on genuine care and friendship.  Everyone, including the staff, is on a first name basis.

STAY A WHILE.... AND RELAX!

It is important to Richard that guests experience the unique aspects of Turtle Island - the tranquility and serenity.  There is a minimum stay of six nights which allows you to experience all aspects of Turtle Island - time to relax, explore the island, make friends among fellow guests and become part of the Turtle family. 

The relaxing pace on Turtle Island owes much to the prepayment policy created, to free each guest from all economic decisions.  All meals, drinks and activities, including scuba diving and deep-sea fishing are included in your all-inclusive tariff.  The policy is all-inclusive for a very important reason. 
 
Once you arrive, you are transported out of a money-oriented society into another world.  No bills to sign, no checks to cash, no monetary considerations whatsoever.  No concern as to who will pick up the tab or buy the next round of drinks.  A fundamental relaxation occurs.

It has taken more than two decades to build and preserve the environment that Richard envisioned.  The result is a truly unique resort so traditional to the Fijian culture that it is no exaggeration when he explains, "True to Fijian tradition, on Turtle we live for the moment....not for yesterday or tomorrow, but for now."

Our aim is to provide you with your most enjoyable holiday ever.  Be assured that you will receive unparalleled personal attention from our Fijian staff.  From the many guests who return and become like members of our Turtle family, we know you'll find your stay unforgettable.

Vinaka (thank you) for your interest in Turtle Island!