Return to Paradise Resort Wins Competitions

Return to Paradise Resort is celebrating after a double win at the Independence Celebration competitions.

The first was the Return to Paradise Fiafia Group which won first place in the Mauluulu competition. After over two and a half years of no international guests and no performances, the Return to Paradise Fiafia Group was reformed and has only been performing since August. To win first place is a huge honour and has been of great excitement.  The Group is made up of staff from the Resort and the Salamumu Punavai Youth Group, which worked together to create a winning performance.

The Mauluulu performance was just a glimpse of the full programme that resort guests get to see every Wednesday during the Fiafia Night, which culminates with a spectacular Fire Knife dance. The winning Fiafia group is led by Lomitusi Naseri and Kim Tauese and their amazingly talented choreographer and costume designer Samoa Va’a Saena.

“Our Fiafia group has made us very proud,” says Resort Assistant General Manager Melanie Toailoa.

“It is a collaboration between the Resort and the Salamumu Punavai youth group and they have reached a very high standard which shows what standards can be achieved when we work together.” 

The second win was the Return to Paradise Maeva Group which took out the String Band competition. This was their third competition win for this amazingly talented group. Last year they also took out the top prize in the TV3 National String Band Competition. Maeva Group performs an inspiring show for guests every Saturday night at the Resort. 

“This win shows their talent and their commitment  to excellence,” says Toailoa. “We can guarantee that guests will enjoy an amazing night’s entertainment every time they perform”, she added.