They aren't butlers. They aren't a concierge service. They don't have a "specialty", like consulting on what type of sunscreen is best. But they do have a smile. And they can respond to guests' needs in a moments notice, because they are there to make the Turtle Island experience as wonderful and enriching as possible. They are known as Bure Mamas.

As an award-winning, world famous resort, in the remote Yasawa Islands in Fiji, Turtle Island has taken the concept of service to a new unique level. Our most recent initiative is to institute a program where each couple on the island has a dedicated House or "Bure Mama," who looks after that couple while they are spending their vacation at the pristine island resort.

The moment guests arrive at the island they are introduced to their Bure Mama. The Bure Mama ensures that guests have everything they need, and makes the bure as much like the guests’ home as possible during the course of their stay. The Bure Mama is responsible for laundry and housekeeping, as well as a multitude of other services. They are encouraged to accompany guests on their island tours, go with them to set up their picnic on a private beach, and perhaps return at the end of the picnic to help them pack up. If the guest wishes, the Bure Mamas will participate in a snorkelling activity, providing assistance and knowledge on marine resource identification.

Bure Mamas are also given a digital camera to capture images of their couple (with their consent), so that they can provide a "Memory Book" full of pictures and personal touches. This is a particularly special task for the Bure Mamas, as they grow quite close to their couples and want them to have the most beautiful memories possible of their stay on Turtle Island. It is also a great service for the guest, to return home with an actual photo album already completed!

The new relationships that have been created between the Fijian staff and Turtle Island guests, has been enriching for both parties involved. Many guests cite the highlight of their stay as having been able to establish a close relationship with their new Fijian friend. In turn, the new service has also had a significant impact on the staff involved, with the Bure Mamas reporting enhanced job satisfaction through the relationship building they have undertaken with guests.