Hiapo Cockett's 2009 Fiji Trip
Likuliku Lagoon Resort

Likuliku is my first stop and to a potential customer, I must say this: Don’t be afraid of leaving the big city and going to a 3rd world country to a small island disconnected from the rest of the world. You will find comfort in the modern design of the bures, luxurious beds and linens, large polished stone sinks, TV’s (DVD’s only, no cable), iPod docks, phones (for service calls only), powerful air conditioning (most Fiji resorts seem to suffer weak A/C), and every detail seems brand new. This new concept may clash with those who have traveled frequently through Fiji, but for the first-timer, the average American traveler, and those seeking superb luxury service without sacrificing a contemporary design, this is your new little piece of Heaven on earth.

The beach is long and beautiful; the water is as calm as an unoccupied swimming pool. The small spa has 2 treatment rooms currently (more to be built soon), so book early and often. They have 2 bars, one adjacent to the only dinning room and another on a small island connected by a bridge to shore. We were here when all but one of the almost 50 rooms were full and there was never a crowd. The horizon edge pool faces the ocean and has several nooks and crannies than one can feel a little more private, but if you want more privacy, book a Deluxe Beachfront Bure (like mine!) which has it’s own private (deep) plunge pool on a deck with a GINORMOUS day bed under it’s own thatched roof.

Besides the friendliness of the Fijians, the dining experience deserves special notice. Many new resorts get fresh training from fantastic chefs, but often suffer within a year or so requiring repeated refresher courses. Likuliku has been open nearly 2 years and I am happy to report no such problems. Not only is everything amazingly fresh, but also each meal seemed to be better than the last with amazing creativity and presentation to match the best restaurants in the world. Augmenting your meal, dinner also features 3 or 4 musicians singing with the familiar lilting Fijian voices. If you listen carefully, you will hear not only the Fijian local songs, but a few of your favorites from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s sung in a new way! Pay particular attention to the “percussion section”: one singer pounding on a square box with a fist and a water bottle filled with course sand, all emulating a small drum set. During one of our dinners, about two dozen of the staff came together and sang several local songs. This, I promise, will be one of the highlights of your trip as the are renown for their singing voices, singing practically from birth, all in 3 or 4 part harmony, all to stir something special deep within your being.

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