The lauded chef brings unrivaled talent, unique South Pacific flavors and new culinary programming to the barefoot luxury resort
(VITI LEVU, FIJI; FEBRUARY 8, 2024) — Five-star luxury resort, Nanuku Resort Fiji, is pleased to announce the appointment of award-winning Shaun Thomson as its new Executive Chef. With an illustrious career spanning over 18 years in the hospitality industry, Chef Thomson brings a wealth of culinary expertise that will further enhance and elevate the resort’s dining experiences to be incomparable and memorable for all guests.
“We are excited to welcome Executive Chef Shaun Thomson to Nanuku Resort,” says General Manager Logan Miller. “Chef Thomson’s passion for dynamic South Pacific flavors is complemented by his impressive culinary background. We look forward to elevating our culinary programming at Nanuku with Chef Thomson’s expertise and creating unforgettable dining experiences that bring both our community and guests together.”
In his new role, Thomson will oversee the hotel’s culinary programming across Kanavata, the property’s restaurant and lounge, and destination dining sites as well as other culinary initiatives from weddings and events to gastronomic experiences and partnerships. Thomson’s culinary ethos centers around local produce and traditional techniques, reflecting the vibrant South Pacific flavors and touting simple yet elegant creations. As one of his first initiatives as Nanuku’s Executive Chef, Thomson looks forward to launching a new culinary concept inclusive of all-new menus, a new kids menu, taco tuesday, poolside pizzas, and yakitori. He will continue to expand culinary programming throughout the resort throughout 2024 and has plans to introduce a Chef’s market tour experience and a Chef’s table dinner featuring a six course rotating menu and wine pairing. Thomson is elated to bring a variety of experiences and culinary options to Nanuku drawing inspiration from local produce to seafood, allowing guests to enjoy world class food with a flare of Fijian culture.
“My passion for cooking, island life, local cuisine, and stunning natural environments led me to joining the team at Nanuku Resort,” says Executive Chef Shaun Thomson. “I look forward to elevating the culinary concept to be the best in Fiji, alongside the incredible team at Nanuku Resort. My hope is not only to create exquisite dishes, but to craft experiences that engage all the senses, leaving lasting impressions on every guest.”
Chef Thomson’s extensive culinary career has taken him all over the South Pacific; from Sydney to Melbourne, to Bali and now back to Fiji. Prior to joining Nanuku, Shaun led the culinary team as Executive Chef at the luxurious Ungasan villas in Uluwatu, Bali, including the exclusive Sundays Beach Club. Before that, he served as Head Chef at Kokomo Private Island Fiji, mentored by Chef Cory Campbell, previously of Noma and Vue du Monde fame. Thomson’s career began at the ground-breaking Lola Restaurant in Ballarat, where he earned his Chef’s hat. In 2022, Chef Thomson led the team at Bali’s Sundays Beach Club to be named one of the World’s Best Restaurants on Condé Nast Travelers Global Food Map.
In his free time, Thomson enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, ranging from ages 3 to 13.This is a full circle moment for Thomson, whose wife is from Fiji originally. Their family is thrilled to be back on the island.
