LIKULIKU LAGOON RESORT FIJI
It is clear from the moment of arrival that a huge amount of time and money has gone into creating an extraordinary property. The Resort fans across a picture-perfect lagoon and arrival by water is via a tiny man-made island (also home to the super cool Masima Bar). We were warmly welcomed with a song, cool towel and cocktail.
Immediately my first glimpse of a rare treat, and a first for Fiji - 10 over-water bures! These are proving so popular one can’t help but wonder why it hasn’t been done before. With only 45 bures in total, Likuliku is able to offer guests privacy and exclusivity and is the ultimate couples’ haven. We were lucky to be staying in both a Deluxe Beachfront Bure, complete with a cute little plunge pool and then moved to Bure No.1 a beautiful over-water bure.
The Deluxe Beachfront Bure interior is definitely a step above some of the other similarly priced 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. Having our own private plunge pool right on the sand provided the perfect chill-out location to soak up the stunning ocean views and simply relax.
The view from our private Over-Water Bure was stunning! With our own deck to relax and sunbathe with steps down to the clear blue water, just perfect for a quick dip to cool off or a snorkel around the lagoon. The gorgeous interior was cleverly laid out to make the most of the view but to also provide maximum privacy. Again the rich native-wood floors and plantation shutters were used in the over-water bures. A glass floor under the coffee table and a stunning stand-alone bath tub by an the window means no matter where you are you get the best view.
The cuisine here is undoubtedly some of the finest I have sampled in Fiji. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, dining at the resort’s Fijiana Restaurant is a true culinary experience with a daily-changing minidegustation menu. We enjoyed the stunning lagoon views, from our intimate table for two and were impressed by the menu’s focus on locally caught seafood and the best imported produce. We also liked the infusion of the diverse cultures that shape the South Pacific, keenly represented by a fresh modern take in the Pacific-Indo and Fijian-Chinese dishes. On Friday nights, a traditional Lovo and South Pacific barbeque is served, which I thought was outstanding. It’s a far cry from your typical backyard barbie, with choices like Moreton Bay bugs, lobster, mud crabs, tuna, prawns, lamb and imported steaks, all cooked to order.
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Apart from the quality, the overall presentation also scored highly with me and demonstrated the benefit of having a skilled and passionate Executive Chef in the kitchen.
If you want to work off some of your overindulgences, there is a surprisingly well-equipped gym. Or alternatively, try the wealth of water sports on offer.
As the island is surrounded by a fringing reef, it is ideal for snorkelling right off the beach. If you are a diving enthusiast you can choose to be transported just minutes away to the Malolo Barrier Reef by specialist dive experts. There is also a selection of island hopping tours available – a great way to explore the many beautiful islands of the Mamanuca group. Likuliku enjoys many international accolades as one of the most romantic islands in the world and it is easy to see why. This is a luxurious sanctuary that delivers privacy, beauty, island friendliness, style and pure bliss in bucket loads.