TANOA Plaza Hotel is setting a remarkable example in sustainability and collaboration by unveiling its innovative backyard garden, transforming underutilized spaces into a vibrant center of creativity and produce cultivation. Drawing inspiration from Fiji’s rich agricultural heritage, the hotel has turned neglected areas into flourishing gardens that supply fresh ingredients directly to its kitchen.
The garden features an array of plants, including lettuce, long beans, passion fruit, and chillies, carefully cultivated along the poolside fences. What began as a modest initiative has evolved into a significant project, contributing to the creation of new menu items and significantly enhancing the dining experience for hotel guests.
This ‘garden to table’ initiative not only improves the culinary offerings but also promotes teamwork and wellness among staff members. The expanding garden now includes Meyer lemons, purple Mexican chillies, kumquat limes, and cabbages, illustrating the hotel’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovative collaboration.
General Manager Mere Rakoroi expressed great pride in the project, stating that it serves as a testament to the potential for sustainability and creativity to thrive, even in limited spaces. She highlighted the initiative’s role in strengthening team cohesion and enriching guest experiences.
Rakoroi remarked, “It’s incredible to see our team come together to grow fresh produce that benefits our kitchen while also fostering pride, wellness, and teamwork across the hotel. Our garden may be small, but its impact is truly big.”
By undertaking projects like the backyard garden, TANOA Plaza Hotel demonstrates its commitment to sustainability while also positively affecting the local community. “Every seed planted and every harvest shared reflect our dedication to nurturing both the environment and our community,” the hotel noted, emphasizing how such initiatives can yield positive results for all involved. This project represents a hopeful vision of the fruitful possibilities that arise when sustainability and creativity intersect.