Names: Salote and Iva-Mere
Position: Front Office Supervisor and  F&B Team Leader
Hotel: Sheraton Resort and Spa, Tokoriki Island

About two hours by boat from the Fijian mainland is Tokoriki Island, a place where lagoon-blue water meets the close-knit rhythm of daily life. This island is home to Sheraton Resort and Spa, Tokoriki Island, as well as to many of the associates who work there. The rest of the associates take a short boat ride from nearby Yanuya, a small island of about 900 residents that locals simply call “the village.”

On a recent visit, we sat down with two women from Yanuya; Salote, Front Office Supervisor, and Iva‑Mere, F&B Team Leader. Salote grew up in “the village,” while Iva-Mere married into it after falling in love with a local man she jokingly says was a very good catch. Their stories intertwine across boat rides, career promotions, wellness activities, and the strong sense of community that defines life in Tokoriki.

→ Learn About the Wide Range of Career Journeys at Marriott

For these two women, working at Marriott means more than having a job. “The village is so lucky, so blessed, so fortunate to have Marriott here,” says Salote. From being supported through a cyclone in 2024 to seeing training programs open doors for high school dropouts and single mothers, she’s witnessed firsthand what that support looks like in action.

Keep reading to learn how these two women have felt Marriott’s support during both celebrations and storms, and why they believe hospitality careers can create meaningful impact in their village and beyond.

Do you remember a moment you felt like a part of a community at Marriott?

Salote: Being involved in TakeCare and Solia Lesu activities and events. And being included in trainings such as Wellness Wednesdays, Movie nights every Tuesdays and the monthly townhall.  

Iva-Mere: I was a former staff of Amanuca Resort before it became known as Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki. When the resort changed to Sheraton I felt a sense of belonging under the Marriott umbrella. 

What is a highlight of your career?

Salote:  A moment I will cherish was being promoted as a Supervisor. Having the ability to lead and to train associates.

Iva‑Mere: When I was promoted to Team Leader in my department .

How would you describe your experience as a Marriott associate?  

Salote: I would say it has been a knowledgeable experience. Marriott provides training online and face-to-face which has helped me get to the position I am in now.    

Iva-Mere: A very beneficial experience especially being a person coming from the village.  

What are some Marriott benefits that help you in your daily routines?

Salote: We get free boat passes to the mainland and the hotel provides boats and petrol to transfer from the village to work. We also get free meals provided at work and Wi-Fi. Christmas shopping vouchers also really help the whole village with our shopping.  

Iva-Mere: We get free training and activities for our well-being, such as free medical checkups. We can then take that knowledge back to the Village. We are also provided free accommodation during wet season when it is hard to for us, the village associates, to go back home.

How has Marriott’s flexibility helped you find balance?  

Salote: It has helped me a lot and I don’t find it difficult to spend time with my family  

Iva-Mere: For me, it means less stress and spending more time with my kids and my husband.   

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