Fiji Airways and BSP Life-owned Richmond Ltd have collaborated on a $230 million hotel investment project, Vatu Talei, planning to open its doors by the end of 2026. The general manager of Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Vincent Macquet, confirmed the news during an interview at the 60th Anniversary of the Sofitel global brand. Vatu Talei, a 190-room luxury hotel, is expected to be a significant addition to the luxury hotel sector in Fiji. Designs for the hotel are complete, and ground works are set to begin in roughly two months, marking the last phase of construction. The Vatu Talei project aims to set a new record for hotel construction time in Fiji, expecting to complete the project under a three-year bid. In addition, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa underwent a full refurbishment, costing $45 million dollars, funded by BSP Life and Fiji Airways.
