MALOLO LAILAI, FIJI – Raffe Hotels & Resorts, the group behind Plantation Island Resort, Lomani Island Resort & Spa, and Fiji Gateway Hotel, has launched the Malolo Lailai Community Trust — a new initiative supporting and empowering surrounding communities in the region.
Plantation Island Resort is located on the Community Fund’s namesake island of Malolo Lailai in the Mamanuca Islands, located just 20 kilometres west of Nadi on Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu.
The new Trust will benefit local communities by extending an opportunity to apply for funding through a formal application process and grant system, with funding focused on five key pillars: Education, Health, Environmental Care, Emergency Relief and Community Wellbeing.
The mission of the Trust is to deliver targeted support where it’s needed most, building long-term resilience and fostering genuine, community-led partnerships. The initiative also reflects Raffe Hotels & Resorts’ deep respect for Fijian culture and tradition, and its promise to honour and uplift its people, from the community to the workplace.
Formalising a Legacy of Giving
Our guests often ask how they can give back to the communities that make their time in Fiji so special. Their generosity has genuinely inspired us, and it’s one of the key reasons we established the trust.
For years, our guests and staff have found ways to give back — from donating school supplies and installing solar power to assisting after cyclones and other weather events. The new Malolo Lailai Community Trust will now bring structure and sustainability to that generosity, ensuring support is delivered in a way that’s equitable, transparent, and genuinely led by the needs of our local communities. Ultimately, it’s about creating meaningful, lasting partnerships and helping to build stronger futures for the villages that welcome us so warmly. Lee Pearce, CEO of Raffe Hotels & Resorts
Guests at all three Raffe properties are invited to participate via a small, voluntary donation added to their bill (between one and ten dollars per stay). Each hotel will then match guest contributions dollar for dollar, effectively doubling the value of each donation. These pooled funds will be distributed through a transparent grant system, and guests will receive periodic updates on how their donations are being used — ensuring every stay gives back in a meaningful way.
Past Projects and Community Impact
While this is the first time a formal charitable structure has been introduced, Raffe Hotels & Resorts has a long and active history of supporting its neighbouring communities. Initiatives to date have focused on education, environmental restoration, health, and empowerment, with many led by the team at Plantation Island Resort.
Highlights include:
- Coral Reef Restoration: In partnership with the University of the South Pacific and Corals for Conservation, the resort has restored coral habitats, introduced bleaching-resistant corals, removed Crown of Thorns starfish, and reintroduced giant clams — supported by two full-time marine biologists and extensive guest and student education programs. In addition, Raffe Hotels & Resorts collaborates with Corals 4 Conservation on the UNESCO endorsed BULA Reef Coral Nursery project.
- School Transformation: Plantation Island Resort’s general managers have served on the local school board since 2018, and the resort has also supported the installation of solar panels, new teacher accommodation, a fully equipped school library, and donated 25,000 books from Libraries of Adelaide. With this kind of support, the school’s pass rate has already shown signs of improvement, up almost 10% year on year.
- Support for Women and Elders: The resort provides regular food and linen donations to a local aged care facility and partners with the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre to assist women escaping domestic violence. Guests also donate clothing and essentials for women starting over.
- Youth Development & Employment: Through monthly environmental education visits, a learning hub for early school leavers, and a female-focused vocational training program, the resort has supported dozens of young people into employment, with 64 program participants and 20 permanent hires.
- Environmental Stewardship: Ongoing initiatives include island clean-ups every 4–6 weeks, mangrove planting, sustainable farming to support food security, and youth-led environmental education programs.
These projects have already touched lives and created change,
said Pearce. Now, with the Trust in place, we can grow those efforts, scale them sustainably, and ensure local communities remain at the heart of every decision.
A New Chapter, Empowering Communities One Project at a Time
Community leaders are encouraged to apply for funding to support initiatives in 2026 that align with the Trust’s five core pillars. This could include solar power for schools, infrastructure repairs, disaster recovery efforts, or programs that support health and wellbeing.
This marks an important new chapter in our journey of community partnership,
added Pearce. With every stay, guests become part of something bigger — something that contributes directly to the health, education and wellbeing of the people who make Fiji the place we all love. Together, we can ensure this support is not only meaningful, but sustainable for generations to come.
For more information visit raffehotels.com/malolo-lailai-community-trust-purpose-beyond-paradise/
About Raffe Hotels & Resorts
Raffe Hotels & Resorts is a family-owned business operating in Fiji for more than 50 years. The Group prides itself on providing memorable holiday experiences at its trio of independent Fijian properties – family favourite, Plantation Island Resort; couples-only destination, Lomani Island Resort & Spa; and the ultra-convenient Fiji Gateway Hotel. The Raffe reputation for excellent service and value continues to attract visitors from around the globe. The Group remains deeply committed to the community and focuses on practices that reflect its passion for sustainability and continual improvement. Visit www.raffehotels.com for more information.
