Home Travel News

FIJI: Luxe Likuliku resort joins Nat Geo Unique Lodges of the world

Fijian owned and multi-award-winning Likuliku Lagoon Resort has been accepted as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World (NGULW) - the first and only one in Fiji and one of only two in the Pacific.

Fijian owned and multi-award-winning Likuliku Lagoon Resort has been accepted as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World (NGULW) – the first and only one in Fiji and one of only two in the Pacific.

The resort which opened in 2007 has blazed a trail for Fiji with the country’s first and only overwater bures/bungalows and immediately set new benchmarks for cuisine and service.

In the 11 years since the ‘tread lightly’ focussed Resort has built an enviable reputation for service excellence and environmental practices.

The fact that National Geographic Unique Lodges has tough uncompromising standards, is a testament to the excellence that Likuliku has achieved in being accepted into their portfolio of 61 Lodges globally.

likuliku-karryon

“We are honoured that Likuliku Lagoon Resort has been selected to join this extraordinary and prestigious collection of boutique accommodation around the world,” says Steve Anstey, Ahura Resorts, Group General Manager.

“Becoming a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges collection, with its esteemed global reputation in hospitality and conservation and cultural experiences, was a natural fit and step forward for us. We have always been environmentally focused as one needs to be when building and operating in pristine locations.”

Steve Anstey, Ahura Resorts, Group General Manager.

During construction, extraordinary care and attention were taken by Likuliku to protect the natural resources including the reef and forest areas which were always intended to be a focal point of the Likuliku experience.

likuliku-karryon2

Programs based on marine flora and fauna including turtle conservation, coral and clam planting, and consultation with the local community to install marine protected areas on reefs in order improve fish stocks, have been in place since the resort opened”.

Likuliku’s environmental initiatives took a dramatic turn in 2010 when a single ‘critically endangered’ Fiji Crested Iguana was found at Likuliku. Thought to be extinct on the island of Malolo, there had been no sightings for over 30 years.

karryon-fiji-wikipedia

The Fiji Crested Iguana. Pic: Wikipedia

Like most animals on the brink of extinction, the demise of the Fiji Iguana has been largely due to the destruction of their natural habitat, which in the case of the Fiji Crested Iguana, is Dry Forest.

Through urbanisation and development, the complex and diverse Dry Forest ecosystem has been radically diminished and along with the introduction of non-native animals – including rats, cats, mongoose and goats – which consume either the Iguanas or compete for their food sources, the Iguanas have over time simply disappeared.

On Malolo Levu Island only 3% of Dry Forest remains. Since Dry Forests are crucial to the survival of the Fiji Crested Iguana and other wildlife, Ahura Resorts embarked on a major regeneration and restoration program.

dryforest-karryon-likuliku

Pic: Mamanuca Environment Society

It established the first Dry Forest Nursery in Fiji on the island at Likuliku and using a scientific method, focused on growing 12 particular species that, once planted in a 10m x 10m grid, would provide a prototype Dry Forest suitable for Crested Iguana habitation.

Over a period of 4 years, this reforestation initiative in combination with a controlled program of invasive species eradication – particularly cats and rats, began to bear fruit. Leading up to this time, the Iguanas found were serendipitous. Suddenly they were visible in the wild but still in low numbers.

This enabled the start of a catch, tag and release program whereby Iguana activity could be tracked and monitored in the wild. In addition, Likuliku was granted a permit to hold and breed Crested Iguanas in captivity and today cares for 4 breeding pairs. Likuliku is the only facility in the world to hatch Iguana eggs in captivity under natural conditions ie not in an egg incubator.

likuliku-karryon3

Likuliku Lagoon Resort

Likuliku’s Fijian owner, Tony Whitton adds, “To become part of this extraordinary and internationally renowned worldwide network and being associated with the significantly historical organisation that is National Geographic, is a culmination of all that has been achieved for our young resort company and the product that is Likuliku Lagoon Resort. This a global stage like no other, and to be the first and only in Fiji is a credit to the Ahura Team on creating a product worthy of this type of attention and inclusion”.

Guests who book their experiences at the Likuliku Lagoon Resort through National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World will also enjoy exclusive, specially-designed eco experiences.

 

Find out more:

www.nationalgeographiclodges.com
www.likulikulagoon.com

Have you stayed at Likuliku before? Share your thoughts below.