EVT announced as the future operator of a new Rydges Resort in Fiji 

The future Rydges Wailoaloa will be developed by owners Hari Punja & Sons Limited on the beach front at Wailoaloa Beach and contain a cultural village, along with plans for 258 rooms and suites, including swim up rooms, extensive recreation facilities, spa, event and conferencing spaces, multiple food and beverage outlets and Fiji’s largest swimming pool. 

The hotel development is expected to take up to two years and upon completion, will be managed by Rydges, bringing their extensive regional experience and ‘refreshingly local’ brand to Fiji. 

Norman Arundel, Director of Hotels & Resorts at EVT said, “This partnership is an exciting development for Rydges and continues EVT Hotels & Resorts strategic focus on brand expansion, in both local and targeted international markets. Fiji is a beautiful country with a rich heritage, a holiday climate and picturesque ocean views. We look forward to bringing our refreshingly local philosophy and extensive hotel management experience to the Fijian hospitality sector.” 

The resort will be true to the Rydges brand positioning of ‘refreshing local’ and to interpret this, the EVT design team will collaborate with interior designers to reflect by textures and tones that are naturally Fijian. 

Hari Punja Group of Companies Chairman, Hari Punja spoke of the accommodation shortage in Fiji, and the role Rydges Wailoaloa will play in assisting this shortfall, as well as injecting a significant economic boost into Fiji’s construction and tourism industries. 

Rydges Wailoaloa is due to open in late 2026, subject to development approvals and timelines. It will join the 43 Rydges Hotels & Resorts currently operating across Australia and New Zealand.