A first in Fiji – one of only two in the Pacific

Fijian owned and multi award-winning Likuliku Lagoon Resort, is to announce that they have 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.

When Likuliku Lagoon Resort opened in 2007, it blazed a trail for Fiji with the country’s first and only over-water bure bungalows and immediately set new benchmarks for cuisine and service.

In the 11 years since, the resort has garnered an enviable reputation for excellence while continuing to set more benchmarks for not only service and experiences but in environmental practices.

National Geographic Unique Lodges has exacting and uncompromising standards, and to be accepted into their portfolio of lodges is a testament to the excellence that Likuliku has achieved.

And, like all of the exclusive Unique Lodges of the World, Likuliku chooses to tread lightly — celebrating nature rather than conquering it, supporting cultural heritage and engagement with local communities, in addition to offering an authentic, quintessential Fijian experience in pristine ocean and wilderness surroundings.

“We are honoured that Likuliku Lagoon Resort has been selected to join this extraordinary and prestigious collection of boutique accommodation around the world,” said 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. During construction, extraordinary care and attention was taken to protect the natural resources including our reef and forest areas which were always intended to be a focal point of the Likuliku experience.

“Programmes based on marine flora and fauna including turtle conservation, coral and clam planting, and consultation with the local community to install marine protection areas on reefs in order improve fish stocks, have been in place since we opened,” Anstey said.

Likuliku’s Fijian owner, Tony Whitton said: “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”.

Likuliku’s environmental initiatives took a dramatic turn in 2010 when a single Fiji Crested Iguana (Brachylophus Vitiensis) was found at Likuliku.

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

SOURCE: FIJI TIMES/PACNEWS