Awesome Adventures Rebrands to Yasawa Adventures Fiji
The Yasawa Islands are entering a new chapter, with the South Sea Cruises Group announcing its acquisition of Mai Sunset Beach Resort on Naviti Island. The move marks the Group’s official entry into land based resort operations in the Yasawas and signals a long term commitment to a region it helped open to tourism more than 25 years ago.
For many in Fiji’s tourism industry, this feels like a natural evolution. South Sea Cruises Group has long connected travellers to the outer islands by sea. Now, it will also welcome them ashore.
A New Chapter for Mai Sunset Beach Resort
Set on a sweeping sandy beach stretching approximately 1.5 kilometres, Mai Sunset Beach Resort has until now operated as an intimate ten room beachfront property. From 1 April 2026, guests will return to a refreshed and expanded resort following redevelopment works designed to enhance both capacity and guest experience.
According to Group CEO Brad Rutherford, the vision is clear. The resort will be positioned as a relaxed yet fun, mid range beachfront escape that delivers an authentic Yasawa experience, supported by the operational expertise and distribution strength of the wider Group.
The redevelopment includes:
• Doubling accommodation capacity with the addition of private Beachfront Tents, Garden Bures and a new shared accommodation option
• Upgraded communal spaces including a new office and boutique, massage and yoga deck, and watersports bure
• Enhanced food and beverage offerings
• Infrastructure improvements to support long term sustainability
• A vibrant new brand identity, website and social media presence
While fully owned by South Sea Cruises Group, the resort will operate as a separate entity under Sunset at Wituturu Pte Ltd, with contracts and invoicing reflecting that structure.
Sustainability at the Core
From reopening, Mai Sunset Beach Resort will place sustainability and community engagement at the centre of its operations. More than half of the opening team is expected to be employed and trained from the traditional landowning mataqali, bringing cultural authenticity and strengthening local economic participation.
The property operates entirely on solar power and sources its own fresh water from an onsite well, with UV treatment for safe use throughout the resort, including a complimentary drinking station for guests.
Just offshore, nama grows naturally in the shallows. Also known as sea grapes or green caviar, this highly regarded traditional delicacy will be sustainably harvested in partnership with traditional landowners and featured in unique menu offerings rarely found elsewhere in the region.
Experiences that Define the Yasawas
Guests can expect a curated mix of iconic Yasawa experiences and moments designed to connect them more deeply to place.
Seasonal manta ray swims, traditional village visits, and marine adventures remain firm favourites. At the same time, sunrise and sunset experiences will showcase the dramatic beauty of the surrounding seascape. With such an expansive beachfront, visitors can choose private serenity or join in regular watersports and group activities.
Importantly, the resort integrates seamlessly with the Group’s existing marine transport network. Daily services by South Sea Cruises and South Sea Cats already link the Yasawa Islands with the mainland, opening up new opportunities for travel trade partners. These include commissionable accommodation options, streamlined vessel transfers, expanded island hopping itineraries, and enhanced packaging for both FIT and group travel.
Bookings for the resort are now open ahead of its April 2026 reopening. Further details are available at www.maisunset.com
A Name Change for an Icon
In parallel with the acquisition announcement, the Group has confirmed that Awesome Adventures Fiji has officially rebranded as Yasawa Adventures Fiji.
The new name puts the spotlight firmly on the Yasawa Islands, reflecting the brand’s continued focus on freedom, flexibility and unforgettable island hopping experiences. While the name has changed, the core promise remains the same.
The rebrand aligns with evolving traveller demographics and reinforces a commitment to the region that spans more than 25 years. For many visitors, island hopping in the Yasawas has long been synonymous with this brand. Now, the identity more clearly reflects the destination at its heart.
Together, the acquisition of Mai Sunset Beach Resort and the rebranding to Yasawa Adventures Fiji represent a strategic strengthening of South Sea Cruises Group’s footprint in the Yasawas. Sea and shore are now connected under one integrated vision.
For Fiji’s tourism sector, it is a reminder that the Yasawas remain not just iconic, but continually evolving.
More information can be found at www.yasawafiji.com
Editorially curated by EXPLORE Fiji. Information and images courtesy of South Sea Cruises Group.
#SouthSeaCruisesGroup #YasawaIslands #MaiSunsetBeachResort #YasawaAdventuresFiji #FijiTourism #TourismIndustryNews #EXPLOREFiji #NavitiIsland #FijiTravelTrade
