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Bryce stressed a desire to “make a difference” within the Fijian community. So much so that he has encouraged one member of his staff who showed management ability to leave home and further his career by seeking employment with the newest Fijian resort, Likuliku Lagoon Resort on Malolo Island, a 20 minute helicopter ride from Nadi. Knowing this to be our next destination upon our departure, when the Qamea staff, including Bryce, joined together on the beach to sing us “wishes for a safe journey and a quick return”, we were also reminded to bring greetings and best wishes to their aspiring associate. Tony Whitton is Managing Director of Ahura Resorts and the developer of the Likuliku Lagoon Resort. His mother Rosie gave her name to Fiji’s oldest and best known travel service, Rosie’s Holidays. Over a lunch of sushi, in a Japanese restaurant near his office in Nadi, we discussed Fijian politics and the unique business agreement behind the Likuliku property. This joint venture goes further than any other in that the island band, aside from being provided employment opportunities, actually has a small ownership position in the project with an option for more. Tony stressed that the reason the project was able to move forward as well as it has is the trust the community had for him and his family. The newly opened Likuliku Lagoon Resort is the only Fijian resort with a select number of bures built on stilts over the water similar to those often pictured in Tahiti. From the window of the helicopter, we found this modern “couple’s only” luxury resort spectacularly picturesque. 18 Good Life Connoisseur | Winter 2008
An Island Hoppers helicopter is used to carry tourists to various destinations within the group of small islands, and is just minutes from Nadi. Looking out from the resort landing pad, you can see amongst the islands in view, the one chosen as the setting for Tom Hanks’ movie Castaway. With more than twice the number of bures, divided into three different luxury categories, the flavour of this resort is much different from the close-knit community atmosphere found at Qamea. Staffing in Qamea was principally locals. Likuliku has been able to attract Fijians trained in other resorts to take on management roles. Steve Ansley, the Australian general manager who describes the building process as being a five-year labour of love, takes great pride in boasting that his resort is the only one with an Australian head chef. The resulting food presentation is outstanding. Unlike Qamea, where the smaller number of guests tended to socialize at the bar prior to the one seating offered for evening meals, here at Likuliku reservations are required in the elegant dining room, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. The view of the bures on stilts in front of the setting sun makes for a romantic ending to a stress-free day. Again, water sports are the dominant activity, if you can get up the energy to move from the comfort of your personal plunge pool. The lagoon the resort sits on boasts corral reefs and lots of colourful fish life and, of course, there are lots of opportunities for water excursions to snorkel on numerous reefs in the surrounding area. Naturally, the resort has the prerequisite spa as well. www.GoodLifeConnoisseur.com