It’s a short plane ride across the South Pacific for an island getaway on Malolo Island, Fiji.
It’s a place where you are welcomed by the Fijian charm the locals are known for, crystal clear waters and groves of tropical palms – the smell of fresh seafood fills the air.
From Nadi International Airport, take a ‘fast’ 40 minute boat ride to the dreamy Likuliku Lagoon destination, and quickly realise there’s more to this luxe resort than meets the tourists eye- like their conservation program.
Likuliku (meaning calm waters) is an adults only and ultra luxurious island resort, armed with an environmental team specifically engaged to adopt clean and green practises-to preserve the island, the local village and its people.
The resort is located in a pristine, natural landscape and is part responsible for the coral reef rejuvenation, water filtration and solar power for the village and guests, along with preservation of the Islands iguana-an endangered species. Word has it, there was only one Iguana left on Malolo Island, then the Likuliku team developed the breeding program, spotted another and presto the iguana population lives to fight another day.
Likuliku is home to one of Fiji’s first overwater bungalows, spacious and sustainable in design with the pristine environment in mind.
The rooms are styled with local artists wares and delightfully invite the outside in. Relax on the expansive deck, with a sunset cocktail in-hand, as swarms of tropical fish and a baby shark swimming on by outside the door – mmmm there’s a song in that.
An active coral rejuvenation scheme has been implemented by the resort’s conservation team, inspired by the success of the Maldives program.
The scheme is partly funded by Mars Confectioner. A chocolate company collaborating with a coral reef? Yep makes sense to me.
Large steel and sand encrusted webs are delicately placed on the ocean floor to entice the coral to rejuvenate and in turn-multiply, similar to garden beds on land.
Along with supporting an education centre, solar power and a water filtration plant in the neighbouring village of Yaro, the resort-is leading the way in sustainable tourism from the sea up. The active coral nurseries and thriving iguana sanctuary, add to the beauty of the vast dry forest that covers the Island.
Before heading back to the mainland after our stay we take a short boat trip to visit the village of Yaro and immerse in the culture, meeting the friendly community and admiring their local handicrafts along the way. We support local and buy beaded jewellery gifts and a set of coconut cups, ideal for our kava ceremony that evening.
Checking out of Likuliku Lagoon Resort, the committed team encourage guests (in a gentle, Fijian way) to pledge support for their growing iguana population or you can buy a coral web to add to the sea garden floor, we opt for the latter.
As the sun sets on Malolo Island, we reflect on time spent snorkelling straight off our bure deck, Fijian fire feasts by the beach and pop-up picnics on secluded islands- a knowing that the Likuliku team are taking responsibility for preserving the region into the future.
EAT-
FIJIANA RESTUARANT
SALUWAKI RESTAURANT
SOLIS RESTUARANT DENARUA ISLAND
PLAY-
MOCIU PRIVATE ISLAND PICNIC
TATADRA SPA
STAY-
SOFITEL FIJI RESORT
LIKULIKU LAGOON RESORT
