Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji
By Shay Harrington
Likuliku Lagoon Resort is located on Malolo Island in the Mamanucas island group. Upon arrival, your travel agent can arrange a transfer from Nadi by high-speed catamaran, private speedboat charter, seaplane, ferry or helicopter.
If you go by ferry, you can arrive at the marina early and enjoy breakfast and stroll around the shopping area. The ferry takes about 2 hours to get to as it makes various stops to other island resorts (but the views are great and it’s a lovely ride). Likuliku is the last stop on the trip, so on your return it will only take an hour back to Denarau. Upon arrival, the boat will tender and you’ll take a small fast boat about 5 minutes to the resort.
Upon arrival at the hotel dock, you are greeted by guitar and song! You’ll be escorted to the pier bar for a drink and check-in, followed by a short tour and overview of the property.
Likuliku is a romantic, charming and luxurious adults-only resort. The service is wonderful and friendly. There are two bars and one restaurant. The restaurant menu changes daily and the food is fantastic. Musicians play guitar and sing during meals. Dinner reservations are suggested but not required, especially for special tables. Once a week, the resort hosts a traditional Lovo BBQ. The pool is perfect, quiet and tropical. The spa was small but excellent. I would especially recommend the Couples Twilight Tadra treatment – an exclusive evening for two in the spa with 120 minutes of a foot scrub, couples’ massage, milk bath, champagne and canapes.
Likuliku was the first resort in Fiji to offer overwater bungalows. They are far from the rest of the resort so expect longer walks, but you can always call for a buggy! The bungalows are romantic and secluded.
There are 10 overwater bures which are large, exotic and just steps from the beach. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor space. Your private outdoor area has a patio and daybed set amongst the lush green trees and includes an outdoor shower. The Deluxe Beachfront bures have private plunge pools.
Activities can be booked upon arrival. Snorkeling is complimentary and each guest is taken to the activity center for snorkel gear to keep for the duration of their stay. Snorkeling at the resort reef is divine; very much like watching an episode of National Geographic! Kayaks and other non-motorized water sports are also complimentary. Snorkeling is best in the early morning or late afternoon when the tide is in. When the tide goes out, they ask you to stay off the reef for its protection, however, there’s still plenty of beach to enjoy.
There are various other experiences available to purchase such as visiting Mociu private island (also known as Honeymoon Island), jet skiing, island-hopping, Monuriki island tour (the island from the movie Castaway), fishing and other water sports, as well as a village trip. SCUBA Diving is also especially good in the area.