The Fresh Faces of Nanuku Resort, Fiji

(May 2022) Pacific Harbour, Fiji. Nanuku Resort, the world-class tropical oasis set along the coast of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu is proud to announce the appointment of key personnel into its impressive hospitality fold. The multi-award-winning resort welcomes California based Stu Luchs as North America Sales Manager who will oversee all aspects of the resort’s business development within the United States and Canada. Luchs brings to his role a passion for luxury properties and a deep commitment to his clientele. He has previously worked with firms including Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji, Dunton Life Properties and Ted Turner Expeditions. Under Luchs namesake hospitality consulting company, The Luchs Group, he combines commercial expertise with advocacy for the environment – recently earning a certificate in sustainability from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Nanuku Resort has recruited highly regarded Misiwata Namali to the pivotal role of Head Chef. Namali began his career as chef de partie at Fiji’s Shangri-La Resort, honing his skills as a pastry chef and sous chef prior to attaining executive chef stature. Namali’s impressive resume spans a number of high-profile resorts across Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Vanuatu. His passion for cooking, combined with his love for internationally-inspired Pacific Rim cuisine – curated with Nanuku’s fresh, organic and seasonal produce – will continue to propel the resort’s impressive culinary reputation. 

Marine Scientist Kelly-Dawn Bentley re-joins Nanuku Resort in her new role as Sustainability Manager. A Fijian national, Bentley holds a Bachelor of Science and Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Science from the University of the South Pacific. Nanuku’s deep commitment to ‘responsible luxury’ has earned the resort several sustainability awards, making Bentley’s role key to the brand’s ethos and core values. Known for her work with Nanuku’s coral planting, reef conservation, mangrove tree planting and shore protection, Bentley will take an active role launching and coordinating targeted initiatives. Not only improving the local marine ecosystem but also maintaining the resort’s minimal environmental footprint, and enhancing the livelihood of resort staff and local communities.

Announcing the new appointments, General Manager Logan Miller says, ‘This marks an exciting time for Nanuku Resort. As we continue our deep-seated focus on sustainability, our newest team members enable us to escalate our commitment across all touch points, both on and off resort. Stu Luchs, Misiwata Namali and Kelly-Dawn Bentley bring a wealth of experience in their respective fields, adding even more strength to Nanuku’s highly skilled and spirited personnel’.