Words by Kalpana Sunder
If you like a laid-back vibe and seclusion, coupled with subtle luxury and well renowned Fijian warmth in an eco-friendly environment, then the adults-only Likuliku Lagoon Resort (Likuliku means calm waters), in the Mamanuca islands, will delight.
Evenings are ethereal with tiki torches illuminating sandy paths and casting reflections on the water, with the ocean breeze and the fragrance of tropical flowers setting the scene for a blissful experience. Kalpana Sunder checked in to find out more.
Hotel
Arriving at the resort, set on Malolo island, in a tranquil, turquoise lagoon with Pacific Ocean views, we were serenaded at the main reception (which is built like a Fijian canoe house) with choral singing and guitars strumming by staff dressed in traditional sulus and skirts, before gifted a seashell necklace and welcomed with a cocktail.
Small golf carts take guests to their rooms in this large property sprawling over 225 acres. Tulia Seru, the affable general manager is hands on and available at all times to check in on you and even join you for dinner, sharing stories of the property and Fijian culture.
Room
Likuliku has 45 bures (wood and straw huts) in four categories, from overwater bures perched on the edge of the lagoon’s reef, to beachfront bures with their own plunge pools, fringed by greenery and daybed pavilions, and garden beachfront bures. The rooms are large and built with traditional materials like wood and handwoven thatch, with carved wooden interiors with Fijian motifs. The over water bures have glass floors for gazing at the lagoon waters and marine life, freestanding tubs and decks with loungers.
My room was a deluxe beachfront bure with an indoor and outdoor shower, private plunge pool and view of the lagoon. I arrived to a fruit platter, a bottle of champagne, and ‘welcome home’ message in fern fronds on the bed. Each bure has a gift pack of Pure Fiji products and a sarong placed on the bed, while my room also had a mini bar, a tea and coffee station with freshly baked cookies and bottled water.
Food and drink
The menu offers a lot of fresh seafood straight from the boats, as well as tropical fruits and produce. There’s fresh coconut water and a buffet as well as cooked breakfasts like an omelette or coconut chia pudding with lots of freshly baked breads, fruit juices and towers of tropical fruit and yoghurts. At night, the candle-lit restaurant holds themed dinners like the lovo feast, where food is buried underground for a few hours to cook on hot volcanic stones.
The buffets have a good amount of local Fijian food like Kokoda, a fish ceviche made with coconut milk and lime, and Palusami, which is made with boiled Taro leaves mashed into a curry. The standout element here is the service where the chef is ready to whip up a vegetarian meal for those who don’t eat meat.
We were there for the Friday cocktail party with meke, traditional Fijian style of storytelling through dance and song, in the sleek indoor bar above the main reception area, and we enjoyed meeting the other guests from around the world.
To do
There’s plenty to do at Likuliku, from snorkelling in the surrounding waters of the lagoon, which are classified as a marine sanctuary, to taking dives in over 44 locations in the Mamanucas, taking jungle walks on the island and visiting the local Yaro village. Sustainability and conservation are a big part of the resort’s philosophy with a planting program of native trees, and a unique crested iguana breeding project.
The critically endangered Malolo island crested iguana was discovered on the island in 2010, and this led to a captive breeding programme, saving these creatures which are endemic to the island and also earned it a position on the National Geographics Unique Lodges of the world. You can also take a trip on a speedboat to Modriki island where the iconic film Castaway was filmed or have a gourmet picnic on Mociu, the deserted ‘Honeymoon Island’ which is a protected natural reserve, and only accessible to the resort guests.
You can always choose to laze at the swimming pool beside the restaurant, fringed by greenery with loungers and views of the ocean. There is also a gym and a lovely souvenir shop with Bula shirts, local cosmetics, and handicrafts. The Tatadra Spa has sea view treatment rooms, walls lined with colourful Fijian art, a rainforest facing shower and divine smelling Pure Fiji products. Unwind with therapies that have both international and indigenous Fijian and South Sea rituals.
Getting there
The resort is just 25 km from Nadi International airport. You can reach Likuliku by a speedboat ride from Port Denerau, departing Denarau Marina three times daily at 9am and 12.15pm (two hours via other islands), and 3.15pm (55 min direct to Likuliku). Transfers start at FJD$133pp each way. You can also arrive by helicopter or seaplane.
Factbox
Rates for a garden beachfront bure starts at around USD 900 per room per night including all meals, Wi-Fi and Friday cocktails.
Address: LikuLiku Lagoon resort, Malolo Island, Mamanucas, Fiji.
Phone: +(679) 672-4275
Website: likulikulagoon.com
Photography courtesy of LikuLiku Lagoon Resort
