We’ve been running Paradise Courses at Daku Resort since 2004.

Let’s introduce everyone: the owners, the staff, our teachers and our network of guests who have all become part of an ever-growing Daku family.

Daku Resort is owned by Delia and John Rothnie-Jones, who have had a house at Daku since 1990. They used to come out regularly and enjoy it as a holiday house, teaching their children to swim, sending them to the local kindergarten, getting to know neighbours, establishing friends and generally making it their second home. Then in 2004 they bought the whole place. Over the next two years they refurbished and extended it, and launched the idea of holiday study course.

Then there’s the staff: a quite exceptional group of people who will greet you with endlessly cheerful smiles, cook your meals, clean your rooms, admire your work, and even take you to the nightclub if you’ve got the stamina. Raj is our manager, quietly efficient and extraordinarily helpful.

Keni is head of guest relations, the man whose warm greeting will remain with you long after you’ve left. His wife Mereoni does the laundry and will show you how to make tapa cloth, and his kids will usually put on a dance or a sing-song during the week if they haven’t got too much schoolwork. Eileen in the kitchen is helped by Dimere and between them they produce some wonderful meals; Joshika sits on our front desk to answer your queries and book your cabs. Hazel and Maryanni whisk in and out of the bures keeping them clean. In the background you’ll see Tomi, Pete, Rupeni and Mesa in the gardens, on the boat and around and about the place.

The teachers are another essential part of the mix. We plan each course with them; although they all run to a broadly similar format, we are always tweaking things here and there to make sure they run as the teacher thinks best, and to fit in with what the guests want.

And there’s you – our guests. Over the years we’ve welcomed many different and diverse people to Paradise Courses, and have seen the deep connection that many have established with Daku Resort . Some people have been back two or even three times, and truly regard themselves as part of the Daku family.

We hope you will find a course that suits you, and come and join us.

A little over a week of absolute magic… In all my working life I have never come across a team of people who gave so much to ensure their guests had the best they could offer.
Michael Mason: Singing

You absorb yourself in the environment without the care of family and day-to-day pressures. What comes from this wonderful atmosphere is a rejuvenated approach to your art – you get into a flow and you understand what it is about art that you love so much.
Maree Coleman: Painting

I think the whole week was wonderful. Everyone had an opportunity to share and practise writing pieces and exploring how to write from the heart. I can’t think of anything you could do better. Many thanks for the wonderful opportunity to learn from your wealth of knowledge, wisdom and heart. Will think of this time for a long time to come.
Denise George: Writing

The course was the perfect chance to clear my head of work and family commitments and release the creative Muse within.  There was ample time to write, read, relax and enjoy the ambience and friendliness of Daku in the company of fellow writers. I’ll be back next year.
Jan Newland: Writing