Build it and they'll come
The two-story platform is made from mahogany, raintree and pine woods.
Luke Thompson
Designed by Fiji-based architect Lisa Philp, the floating restaurant was constructed using three different types of local wood: mahogany, raintree and treated pine.
The two-story structure sits atop two pontoons, while sun shades protect guests from the intense rays and solar panels power the entire operation.
"We wanted people to be able to move easily in and out of the water, to have some dry areas, and also plenty of shade," says Wachtel.
"The over-water structure allows guests to access the reef in a way that's not possible if we were to have just set up on land."
The most complicated part of the process wasn't in the restaurant's construction, but in the building of relationships with various local stakeholders.
"Here in Fiji, there is the government and then there are the land owners, the indigenous custodians of any area. Gaining their support is crucial to being able to operate everywhere in Fiji," explains Wachtel.
The hardest part was about six months after opening.
"We encountered a lot of hurdles," he adds. "I needed to move to Fiji and take over the operation, because my first business partner, who was the original manager, didn't get it right."