The Philp family converged in Vuda, Lautoka earlier this month for a weeklong reunion filled with laughter, joy, and precious memories. Relatives traveled from Seattle, Singapore, New Zealand, Sydney, and Hobart, Tasmania, to participate in the festivities held in Fiji.
Anthony Colin Philp Sr, affectionately known as Colin Philp, a prominent businessman, remarked that this was the first time their weeklong gathering took place in Fiji. More than 40 family members attended, making it a truly unforgettable event.
“It’s fantastic to have the younger generation here—many of them visiting Fiji for the first time,” said Mr. Philp Sr, 79.
“Some family members hadn’t seen each other in 15, 20, or even 25 years. It has been an extraordinary reunion.”
Born on November 4, 1947, in Hobart, Tasmania, Mr. Philp Sr has deep ties to Fiji. In 1949, his father Colin Philp, along with uncles Barry and David—both naval architects—settled in Fiji.
They acquired a charming old plantation homestead and constructed the Beachcomber Hotel (now the Pearl Resort) in Pacific Harbour.
Between 1950 and 1952, the property was leased to MGM Studios for the filming of “His Majesty O’Keefe.”
“I first came to Fiji when I was just three years old,” Mr. Philp Sr recalled.
“Since then, we’ve been coming back on and off.”
He returned permanently in 1965, and in 1967, he established Tradewinds Marine, which managed water sports at the original Tradewinds Hotel. His company still operates yacht shops across Fiji. His uncle Barry later built the Mocambo Hotel (now Novotel) in Nadi and the Reef Lodge Hotel, while his father constructed the Tradewinds Hotel in Lami.
“Our commercial interests have always been widespread and significant,” he noted.
The Philp family’s legacy of investment continues to support the Fijian economy. They have proudly represented Fiji at international surfing competitions, including the Olympics, with Tony Philp Jr achieving notable success as a top-ranked athlete.
“There’s something truly magical about Fiji. Living in Lami back then was wonderful. We lived right on the foreshore, and developing the Tradewinds Hotel was a major project,” he shared.
After a brief period at the University of Hawaii studying hotel management, Mr. Philp Sr returned to manage the Tradewinds Hotel and worked with Travelodge.
He also introduced Pizza Hut to Fiji, ventured into boat building, and co-founded the Hot Bread Kitchen with Tiko Eastgate and Mere Samisoni.