Fiji’s Luxurious Likuliku Lagoon Resort Re-Opens This Spring
Fiji’s Stunning LikuLiku Lagoon Resort
Fiji, located in the middle of the azure waters of the South Pacific Ocean is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes along with rich culture and friendly people. This enchanting locale has been called the “soft coral capital of the world” for it’s underwater treasures. If you’re looking to get away from it all and relax in style at a secluded, adult-only tropical oasis, Likuliku Lagoon Resort, located in the beautiful Mamanuca Islands should be at the top of your list.
Over Water Bungalow at Likuliku Lagoon Resort
This Fijian owned jewel, a wilderness island retreat set amidst a pristine locale with a natural turquoise lagoon surrounded by a protected marine sanctuary – is a perfect synthesis of understated luxury and natures’ splendor. Here you’ll find lush tropical vegetation, warm shimmering water and picturesque white sand beach. Likuliku makes an idyllic getaway for couples, friends and singles alike.
Bathroom Retreat, Likiliku Lagoon Resort
Glamorous Sanctuaries
Accommodations include gorgeous over water bungalows that sit directly above the coral reef. Stylish interiors crafted with natural materials and authentic native accents feature glass floor-panels for gazing at the living aquarium below, freestanding tubs that call out for indulgent soaks and generous decks offering scenic vistas. After morning coffee on the lounger strewn deck of my overwater bungalow, down my private ladder to the water below to snorkel with turtles and fish–what a way to start the day!
Snorkeling Beneath Overwater Bungalows, Likuliku Lagoon Resort
The beach bungalows set right on the sand, are spacious and glamorous with traditional architecture and elements. These cozy cocoons with impeccably designed Fijian interiors, many with private plunge pools, feature decks for lolling with daybeds that make private retreats, indoor, and outdoor showers in private courtyards, gardens and sea views.
Beachfront Bungalow, Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Beachfront Bungalow Interior, Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Gourmet Dining
Fijiana Restaurant, Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Photography: Maxine Albert
Before arriving in Fiji, Master Chef Gregory Llewellyn worked at restaurants by Alain Ducasse and Daniel Boulud in New York and opened acclaimed Hartsyard in Sydney, among others. His creative gourmet cuisine is nothing short of spectacular. Each beautifully plated dish is so flavorful – it dances on your palate. Chef crafts an impressive menu showcasing local seafood, tropical fruits and premium products that take you on a culinary journey reflecting the diverse cultures of the South Pacific.
Sashimi At Fijiana Restaurant, Photography: Maxine Albert
Guests dine alfresco at atmospheric Fijiana Restaurant with live music and beautiful views over Likuliku Lagoon. Dishes are surprisingly light with a tasty amuse bouche and a chilled tropical drink served in a shot glass at lunch and dinner. Some of the outstanding dishes with ingredients sourced from the resort’s garden, include: crab omelette, papaya relish; eggs royale, smoked salmon, dill, salmon caviar; and honeymoon cakes with honeycomb, blueberry, and macadamia streusel for breakfast.
Fijiana Restaurant, Likuliku Lagoon Resort
For lunch: Local reef fish, coconut miti; handmade reginette pasta, buffalo mozzarella, lemon pangrattatto; lamb, harissa, labneh; yellow fin tuna, sigatoka pineapple; and Likuliku sashimi.
Lobster at Fijiana Restaurant
Duck, purple cabbage; Australia’s finest Cape Grim sirloin charcoal roasted, taro leaf; diver scallops, asparagus, yuzu butter; Tasmanian salmon, fennel, amaranth, purslane, coconut, turmeric, kaffir lime; and Australian South Coast Oysters, roasted kombu oil with bush lemon do star turns for dinner. And oh those yummy desserts.
Coconut Sorbet at Fijiana Restaurant
Poolside dining includes a selection of Italian pizza from the wood-fired oven and offers a more casual option during the day.
Infinity Pool, Photography: Maxine Albert
Sunset Cocktails
Oceanfront Masima Island Bar, with a selection of lounge chairs and secluded tables overlooking the lagoon is the perfect spot for catching the golden, magenta Fijian sunset. And the crafted cocktails made with coconut and other tropical delights are fantastic.
Sunset, Masima Bar
Activities For Everyone
Whether you’re looking for an activity-rich getaway or a more serene, relaxing escape, you’ll find it here. Aqua lovers like yours truly can luxuriate in the crystal clear water of Likuliku Lagoon or take a dip in the stylish infinity pool with lots of loungers for lazing and views out to the sea. The thrill of seeing bioluminescent planktons during a guided night snorkel was something else.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Island hopping by boat, taking in the beauty and stopping at Monu Riki where Tom Hank’s ‘Castaway’ was filmed and snorkeling amid the spectacular underwater kingdom of vivid coral and colorful fish of all shapes and sizes, was pure magic. The birds chirping above seemed to be saying – this is paradise for us too. Other offerings include a sunset cruise, dolphin safari and a range of water sports, such as stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and windsurfing.
Back on land, you can take beach strolls, nature walks through the verdant forested landscape, go bird watching, visit the iguana sanctuary, take a garden tour, enjoy a traditional fire and dance ceremony by talented locals, witness a kava ritual, attend a storytelling circle; and more. Fashionistas will love the boutique, where a selection of absolutely beautiful and well-made kaftans, sarongs, dresses and island wear by Fijian designers, awaits. Treat yourself to some well deserved pampering at Tatadra Spa. You deserve it!
Fijian Treatment, Tatadra Spa
Fijian Designers, Photography: Maxine Albert
Memorable Village Visit
A visit to Yaro Village, the home of many who work at the resort, not only was a great experience of the local culture – it was a highlight of my trip. The warm friendly people welcomed me with big smiles saying ‘Bula, Bula’ – hello in Fiji. You really feel the sense of community and camaraderie: kids playing together, men just back from fishing carrying their catch, women sitting in a group conversing while making crafts, some of the villagers gathering under the protective shade of the tall trees, talking, laughing, even the dogs looked happy running freely & playing together. I saw where the evening storytelling circle took place, a tradition handed down through generations - simple living, happy people – a good lesson to remember.
Welcome ‘Bula’ - The Friendly Water Sports Team
The Re-Vamp
Likuliku closed Feb.1 for a major refurbishment set to open May 1st. The revamp includes: A refurbishment and refresh of all Bures including adding private plunge pools to 11 beachfront bures; completing environmentally-friendly synthetic roof thatching on Beachfront and Deluxe Beachfront bures; refurbishing the pool; adding Saluwaki Restaurant with Pan-Asian cuisine highlighting local ingredients from the land and sea; and the new Na Vanua Conservation Hub in conjunction with the Ahura Resorts Conservation Foundation to preserve and protect the local environment and traditions. Na Vanua will be a journey of discovery where guests can participate in interesting activities involving conservation projects at the resort and throughout the island. likulikulagoon.com
Dusk, Likuliku Lagoon Resort
How To Go:
Fiji Airways’ brand new nonstop service between Dallas Fort Worth and Fiji that launched last December makes it easier than ever to travel to the beautiful locale. This first ever-direct service operates Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Dallas will be the fifth North American destination serviced by the airline, along with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Vancouver. The carrier’s new membership in oneworld Alliance, allows guests with American Airlines AAdvantage® and Alaska Airlines Mileage PlanTM members to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles traveling on Fiji Airways.
FiJi Airways Business Class, Photography: Maxine Albert
Business Class service which makes a difference on long flights, offers spacious leather Collins Aerospace Super Diamond, fully lie-flat seats with plush duvets, 17- inch personal entertainment screens, generous storage space and 3-course dining with fine wine, cocktails and liqueurs. With all the comforts provided, it’s easy to drift off to dreamland and wake up refreshed in the Land of Happiness.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort