LUXURY

Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Fiji is well known for its seriously luxurious island offerings and Likuliku, meaning ‘Calm Waters’,
is the newest on a growing list. Phil Harrison makes a trip to discover this new resort.
The first advantage of Likuliku has to be its convenient location on Malolo Island. Unlike other
islands in the same price category that can sometime take forever to reach and cut into precious
holiday time, Likuliku is only 45 minutes away from Denarau Marina by fast cat, or 10-minutes by
plane into the neighbouring Malolo Lailai with a short 15-minute private boat transfer.
here you can choose to dine inside, or outside under the stars.
The restaurant’s beautiful use of brightly coloured fabrics and
plush cushions perfectly blends with the natural elements of
stone, wood and marble. Serious attention has been given to
the interior modeling of this property, starting with the walls
of the main complex - a clever mix of sand and finely crushed
coral that creates a stunning look and continues throughout
the resort. Another design feature I have to mention is the
ceiling of the upstairs area that is made up of hundreds of
native mangrove branches that were painstakingly bound
together into perfect rows.
With only 46 villas in total, Likuliku is able to offer guests
the privacy and exclusivity they would expect. We were in a
beachfront deluxe villa, complete with a cute little plunge pool.
The villa interior is definitely a step above some of the other
similarly priced luxury alternatives in the region and the clever,
open plan, split level layout makes it feel far more spacious
than it actually is. Think rich native wood floors, plantation
shutters and gorgeous interiors (refer Everything You Need To
Know section for more details).
Or, there is another option which is by far my favourite -
why not spoil yourself and make a grand entrance by private
seaplane or helicopter direct onto the island? If you take into
account the extra time and money the internal air component
would cost to reach properties located further away from the
mainland, the cost works out to be surprisingly effective and
very justifiable.
Developed by well-known local businessman Tony Whitton, it
is clear from the very first moment that a huge amount of time
and money has gone into creating an extraordinary property.
The resort fans across a picture perfect sheltered lagoon and
arrival by water is quite novel as it is via a tiny man-made island
(also home to the super cool Masima bar). Warmly welcomed
with a song, cool towel and cocktail, perhaps first impressions
do count as we are informed we could order a drink from
as early as 8am in the morning or until when the last guest
decides to leave. (Note to self: ensure I don’t make opening
time, at least not every day). Immediately to the right was my
first glimpse of a rare treat and the first for Fiji - Likuliku’s 10
over-water villas! These are proving so popular one can’t help
but wonder why it hasn’t been done before.
Back on land, the main reception area is positioned right in
the centre of the resort. Designed in the shape of a giant Fijian
canoe with a striking pitched roof, it is also home to another
ingenious idea of Likuliku’s - an air-conditioned transit lounge/
library complete with changing facilities. How clever is that?
It’s perfect for if you arrive early and jaded and your villa isn’t
quite ready.
But let’s keep moving onto my next favourite thing. Upstairs
from the reception is the Dua Tale cocktail bar and wine
lounge, surely one of most stylish little bars in the Pacific. I
loved the mood lighting and rustic chic design and with my
nightly pre-dinner drinks and best view in the house, it was
just what the doctor ordered. Also found on the upper level
On the food front, the cuisine here is undoubtedly some of
the best I have sampled in Fiji. Dining is mostly à la carte,
apart from the traditional Lovo barbeque, which I thought
was outstanding. It’s not really your typical backyard Barbie
with choices like Moreton Bay bugs, lobster, mud crabs, tuna,
prawns, lamb and imported steaks… all cooked to order.
We had only been on the island for two hours and already
life was feeling pretty tough with all the decisions of what
to have cooked up next! The menu changes daily and has
a real focus on fresh, locally caught seafood and the best
available imported produce. Apart from the quality, the overall
presentation also scored highly with me and demonstrated
the benefit of having a skilled chef in the kitchen rather than
just a glorified cook that is so often the case, and the downfall
of some otherwise very good properties.
If you want to work off some of your overindulgences, there
is a surprisingly well-equipped and air conditioned gym.
Or alternatively, try the wealth of, shall we say, much more
enjoyable activities on offer, like the water sports. As the
island is surrounded by a fringing reef, it is ideal for snorkelling
right off the beach. Or you may want to try the diving. There
is also a selection of island hopping tours available - a great
way to explore the many beautiful islands of the Mamanauca
group, especially because Likuliku is so well positioned and
these other islands are all very close. For those that are only
interested in using the muscles in their wrists as they reapply
sun block, sip a cocktail or flip a page in their books, head for
the stone tiled infinity pool. Or if a little pampering is in order,
book yourself in for a treatment at the Tatadra Spa. The spa
is a rather nice way to end another perfect day in this little
piece of paradise. So for that extra special tropical break with
the one you love, make sure Likuliku is top of your short list.
I promise, it won’t disappoint!
Room cost:
From approx NZ$920 per villa per
night, including all meals
Reservations: For bookings or enquiries please call
Mondo Travel on 0800 955 655.
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