Lagoon resort

Meet Shahana Kimiangatau, Founder and Owner of Shahana Jewels.

The born Fijian who now lives in Auckland, New Zealand, grew up in a multicultural home where her father was Indo-Fijian and her mother Chinese was Italian.

The pearls that make up the magnificent Shahana jewelry come from Tahiti.

Her inspiration for creating Shahana Jewels came from the women in her family, especially her mother and grandmother.

She said: “They have always encouraged me to be financially independent, to give back and to always use my voice for positive change.

“I really started to think about my business when I lost my mom to cancer.

“Crying, I wish she had done more of the things she loved, looked after herself more and put herself more first.”

“I didn’t want to have these regrets.

“I wanted to do something determined that gives me a reason to get out of bed every day.”

Career

Her family background, she says, absolutely influenced her career choices.

“I actually spent hours in jewelry stores with my mom in Fiji and New Zealand.

“We would spend hours talking to jewelers and asking them to show us the unique pieces that no one else would have if we bought them.

“Our jewelry is made entirely by women in New Zealand and India, and we are very honored to give them the opportunity to stand on their own feet.” She says she can’t wait to return to Fiji when the borders open.

“I miss my family and the food!”

Where would you take every visitor to Fiji and why?

Definitely to visit my family they are fed good food and really experience Fijian culture

What’s your favorite place in Fiji for a pie / coffee?

I love going to Gloria Jean when I’m in Fiji – mainly for their cassava cake and iced chocolate

What’s one place in Fiji at the top of your to-do list?

Would love to visit Likuliku Lagoon Resort someday.

Note: Likuliku Lagoon Resort (currently closed in light of COVID-19) is a subtle, adults-only haven of luxury exclusively for guests residing at the resort.

It is the first and only resort in Fiji with authentic bures on the water, in a natural ocean lagoon, surrounded by a protected marine sanctuary.

Feedback: [email protected]

After 26 years, the popular Bintan Lagoon Resort getaway is saying a final goodbye to visitors, a victim of the Covid-19 pandemic which has taken its toll on travel and tourism around the world.

Buralimar, head of the Bintan Tourism Board, said declining visitors and revenue from tourism caused the five-star, 450-room resort to disappear.

A July 31 report filed with the Bintan Regency Manpower Office showed that 500 employees at the complex were laid off.

The resort is located approximately 60 minutes by ferry from Singapore, at Lagoi on Bintan Island, which is part of the Indonesian Riau Archipelago.

As the resort closed for the last time, Mr Buralimar told The Straits Times yesterday that the rest of the Lagoi area resorts and hotels remain in operation serving domestic tourists.

There are about ten establishments of this type, mostly in the north of the island.

Mr Buralimar, who has a unique name, said: “There are no plans to rehire or redeploy the 500 workers who have been made redundant.

“For now, the rest of the hotels welcome Indonesian domestic tourists.

“Maybe the Bintan Lagoon Resort was suffering from having too many employees.”

The island has golf courses, nature trails and places of entertainment, many of which are connected to the various resorts.

International events like the Bintan Ironman, the Bintan Triathlon and the Tour de Bintan have been postponed this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Tour de Bintan, a cycling event, typically sees more than 1,500 international participants and twice as many visitors to the island, Buralimar said.

From the Bandar Bentan Telani ferry terminal, visitors to the island make a short drive to their hotels, after passing through security checkpoints.

However, the ferry terminal, accustomed to a large influx of tourists, has fallen silent due to travel restrictions to Indonesia.

The Jakarta Post reported last month that the pandemic had wiped out nearly US $ 6 billion (S $ 8.2 billion) of Indonesia’s tourism revenue so far this year, while more than 95% of workers in the tourism sector have been put on unpaid leave.

Buralimar said Singaporeans made up more than half of visitors to Bintan and Batam Islands, followed by Malaysians and Chinese tourists.

Without visitors, Bintan’s tourism industry has taken a hit.

“To date, around 14,000 employees (in the tourism industry) have been ordered to stop working as hotels downsize,” Buralimar added. “We are helping some of those who have been made redundant with rice and food. About 8,000 of them received ad hoc assistance.

While the outlook may seem dire, he hopes tourists will return to the island soon.

He said authorities consider safety and health protocols for Covid-19 as their top priorities.

“Our resorts in Lagoi are isolated from the general population of Bintan,” Buralimar said. “By following international health measures and guidelines, the likelihood of infection is low. These resorts also have their own ferry terminals, separate from those used by the general population.”

However, the authorities in Bintan are not rushing to open its resorts to international visitors pending the outcome of discussions between the Singaporean and Indonesian governments.

“Our position is the same as Singapore’s – we consult our government agencies and depend on their findings,” Buralimar said.

“If there is a lesson here, we need each other. Our livelihoods are all linked.”

Bintan Lagoon Resort has not responded to queries at press time.

After 26 years, the popular Bintan Lagoon Resort getaway is bidding visitors a final farewell to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has wreaked havoc on travel and tourism around the world.

Buralimar, head of the Bintan Tourism Board, said declining visitors and revenue from tourism caused the five-star, 450-room resort to disappear.

A July 31 report filed with the Bintan Regency Manpower Office showed that 500 employees at the complex were laid off.

The resort is approximately 60 minutes by ferry from Singapore at Lagoi on Bintan Island, part of Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago.

As the resort closed for the last time, Mr Buralimar told the Straits Times on August 12 that the rest of the Lagoi area resorts and hotels remained in operation serving domestic tourists.

There are about ten establishments of this type, mostly in the north of the island.

Mr Buralimar, who has a unique name, said: “There are no plans to rehire or redeploy the 500 workers who have been made redundant.

“For now, the rest of the hotels welcome Indonesian domestic tourists.

“Maybe the Bintan Lagoon Resort was suffering from having too many employees.”

The island has golf courses, nature trails and places of entertainment, many of which are connected to the various resorts.

International events like the Bintan Ironman, the Bintan Triathlon and the Tour de Bintan have been postponed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Tour de Bintan, a cycling event, typically sees more than 1,500 international participants and twice as many visitors to the island, Buralimar said.

From the Bandar Bentan Telani ferry terminal, visitors to the island make a short drive to their hotels, after passing through security checkpoints.

However, the ferry terminal, accustomed to a large influx of tourists, has fallen silent due to travel restrictions to Indonesia.

The Jakarta Post reported last month that the pandemic had wiped out nearly US $ 6 billion ($ 8.2 billion) in Indonesian tourism revenue so far this year, while more than 95% of workers in the sector tourism were put on unpaid leave.

Buralimar said Singaporeans made up more than 50% of visitors to Bintan and Batam Islands, followed by Malaysians and Chinese tourists.

Without visitors, Bintan’s tourism industry has taken a hit.

Read also: Indonesia asks Singapore to reopen its borders while Bintan is “ready to receive tourists”

“To date, around 14,000 employees have been ordered to stop work as hotels downsize,” Buralimar added. “We are helping some of those who have been made redundant with rice and other food items. About 8,000 of them received ad hoc assistance.

While the outlook may seem dire, he hopes tourists will return to the island soon.

He said authorities consider safety and health protocols for COVID-19 as their top priorities.

“Our resorts in Lagoi are isolated from the general population of Bintan,” Buralimar said.

“By following international health measures and guidelines, the likelihood of infection is low. These resorts also have their own ferry terminals, separate from those used by the general population.”

However, the authorities in Bintan are not rushing to open its resorts to international visitors pending the outcome of discussions between the Singaporean and Indonesian governments.

“Our position is the same as Singapore’s – we consult our government agencies and depend on their findings,” Buralimar said.

“If there is a lesson here, we need each other. Our livelihoods are all linked.”

The Straits Times has contacted Bintan Lagoon Resort for comment.

500 employees will lose their jobs with the announcement of the closure of the luxury Bintan Lagoon Resort in the Indonesian archipelago of Riau.

Closing after 26 years of operation, the five-star 450-room resort – which has two 18-hole golf courses – is, according to TTG Asia, ending operations that have suffered losses in the past two years as its financial situation deteriorated further during the current coronavirus pandemic.

Spread over 300 hectares of seaside gardens and comprised of 450 rooms, suites and villas, the Bintan Lagoon Resort is the largest integrated resort in Bintan Regency, on the Riau Islands.

Hailed as “a tropical lifestyle destination that offers a blend of unforgettable experiences for leisure, golf and MICE groups,” its location – a 60-minute ferry ride from Singapore – had already made it a popular destination. as a popular getaway for Singaporeans.

As the resort closes, a spokesperson for the Bintan tourism board said The times of the straits this week that the rest of the resorts and hotels in the Lagoi area remain operational serving domestic tourists.

In addition to 10 resorts on the island, Bintan offers golf courses, nature trails and entertainment venues and has hosted international events like the Bintan Ironman, Bintan Triathlon and Tour de Bintan – each of which has been postponed this year.

The Tour de Bintan, a cycling event, typically sees more than 1,500 international participants and twice as many visitors to the island, Buralimar said.

The Jakarta Post reported last month that the pandemic had wiped out nearly $ 6 billion in Indonesian tourism revenue so far this year, while more than 95% of workers in the tourism sector have been put on unpaid leave.

Images: Bintan Lagoon Resort (above) and the Woodland course designed by Ian Baker-Finch (below), courtesy of Bintan Lagoon Resort.

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July 25, 2020 – Dubai and Indonesia are the latest recipients of the WTTC Safe Travels stamp

October 3, 2019 – New Indonesian Glamping Resort Becomes Crystal Lagoons First Facility in South East Asia

February 3, 2018 – Tourism will generate 2.4 million new jobs in Indonesia

October 10, 2016 – Sustainable Tourism Destination Standard for Indonesia Gets GSTC Recognition

October 20, 2017 – Asian Golf Summit to Focus on Increasing Women’s Participation

July 28, 2016 – European and Asian Golf Tours announces a strategic alliance

May 22, 2014 – Consecutive Bintan Triathlon victories for Thanyapura boss Chris McCormack

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In an effort to increase the number of guests from Europe and the United States, the Bintan Lagoon Resort (BLR) in Indonesia has created a number of special packages tailored to the preferences of travelers in these markets.

Gerald Hendrick, senior vice president and general manager of Resort Venture and BLR, said TTG Asia that these packages have been developed with their business partners in Western markets, in order to meet the specific needs of their customers.

An example of such a package is a daily half-board program that includes the free flow of alcohol with meals, spa treatments, and an unlimited daily round of golf.

“This is one of the most sought-after packages for long-haul customers, and it’s heavily promoted by our travel business partners,” explained Hendrick.

Additionally, as the resorts are positioned as “gathering villages,” targeting families, groups of friends, honeymooners and business events, Hendrick said a full board package for a longer stay. five days / four nights long had been created.

The complete package includes access to a wide range of meals, from international cuisine and Japanese bentos, free circulation of certain alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, outdoor tours, as well as leisure activities. . A round of golf is optional.

Hendrick said this package can easily be integrated with Singapore’s Travel Business Partners’ program to create a dual destination itinerary.

He expressed confidence in the performance of the European and American travel markets this year, and said Bintan Island would appeal to those looking for a retreat with pristine coastlines, tropical jungles and unspoiled natural landscapes.

And for those who want a glamorous getaway, BLR is the perfect choice, Hendrick said. He explained, “BLR is the largest five-star resort in Bintan. Our two-story villas with private pools are perfect for families, where they can barbecue and have fun in the sun. Meanwhile, our exclusive suites, which offer top-notch service and postcard-perfect views, are the ultimate luxury and romantic getaway for couples.

MINI WONDER ISLAND
MASIMA LAGOON ISLAND BAR, LIKULIKU LAGOON RESORT, MALOLO ISLAND, FIDJI

Ultramarine mingles with deep Prussian on the gentle lapping of the Pacific waves around this most unique island lagoon bar. Extending to the comfy outdoor sofas and stools upholstered in bright colors that punctuate this aquamarine gem, the bar itself is simple but ample with eco-accented Fijian interiors, layout and ambiance. easygoing rejuvenation. Fijian cocktail mergers, world-class premium wine labels, premium single malts and white spirits create a sunset sonata for residents of this award-winning five-star luxury resort.

Our choice for this evening was a fine, medium bodied Marlborough Pinot Noir vintage from New
Zealand with Fijian treats on the palate. “Spectacular” seems like a trivial word for this popular seaside setting, with its breathtaking views over the lagoon, while the wind whispers and blows.
on a whim, hypnotizing our senses in total silence. As the colors morphed into spectral hues every minute, the sun was in no rush to go down, and we walked to the small island to applaud a wonderful theatrical closing of another beautiful day. Guitar strings, native songs and the tapping of the feet lent enchanting lights to the candlelit spots in and around the bar. Nothing came close to this Pacific paradise. Vinaka! (It’s Fijian for ‘thank you’).

IMPERIAL REFINEMENT
FALK’S BAR, HTEL BAYERISCHER HOF, MUNICH

Few exclusive bars in the world can claim some “legendary” honor even before they open. This distinguished rendezvous, housed in the legendary Hall of Mirrors of this great imperial monument, dates back to 1839, the only space intact from WWII at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. The spacious decor leaves your mouth open with admiration and admiration. Traditional meets modern futuristic, just as the stunning stucco ceiling and the interplay of changing colors at the bar draw visitors to the city.
adventurers of the night, as we settle into an alcove adorned with mirrors to immortalize a few resplendent moments. Reflecting the royalty of the Bavarian rulers and their preference for exemplary monuments, this monument is home to some of the finest champagnes, selected spirits, classic cocktails, elegant aperitifs, all savored to a distinguished opera beat, punctuated by symphonic interpretations immortal of classical music
maestros, juxtaposed with jazz tunes and even soul tunes.

THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD …
OZONE, LE RITZ-CARLTON HONG KONG, CHINA

Breathtaking views captivate your gaze of the beautiful and picturesque Victoria Harbor below and beyond, at an elevation of 490 meters, the highest floor of this grand luxury outpost. As the jewel-adorned city lives up to its global grandeur, we marvel at the dizzying heights of neon strobe psychedelia at this iconic destination – the world’s tallest bar, in the most luxurious five-star hotel. top of the world. This spectacular rooftop entertainment venue for movers and upscale shakers showcases its big-hearted shine as the hottest, trendiest, and busiest nightlife haunt in all of Hong Kong. The alluring aura of orchestrated mood lighting and strobe lights we were washed in was accompanied by select exclusive cocktails prepared by an award-winning global mixology expert and an exotic selection of Asian tapas and Japanese specialties. . DJ beats and trendy world numbers mingled with the captivating views of the city and harbor below, adding a psychedelic dimension to our cozy evening.

HIGH ALTITUDE DISTINCTION
THE LIVING ROOM, ATMOSPHERE, BURJ KHALIFA, DUBA

Dazzling and iconic downtown buildings sparkle in miniature rapture and visual opulence as the waltz of Dubai’s famous musical fountain features a veiled dancing maiden below us. At the top of the tallest tower in the world, which is part of the largest gourmet restaurant in the world, a privileged and unforgettable evening is an unforgettable memory.
End-to-end panoramic views of the sparkling Golden City add to the spectacular setting, as limited-edition Beluga caviar and vintage champagne usher in your presence. While our sparkling rose from Epernay, France found bubbling expression in our crystal flutes, we were also able to enjoy soft notes of the pianoforte lifted by the nostalgic melody of Diana Krall. Signature martinis and blue blood single malts brought together gently
whispers and smiles on the small dishes and appetizers served to us. Above the clouds, this mahogany-draped exalted pedigree bar glowed with a svelte resonance akin to a tailor-made trip to space. As we reflected on the unbroken skyline and the horizon there, we indeed felt welcome… Ahlan Wasahlan!

SERENADE BY THE SEA
BEACHCOMBER LOUNGE BAR, SUN-N-SAND, JUHU

The warm ambience and camaraderie at the Beachcomber Lounge at the Sun-n-Sand Hotel in Mumbai is gracious. The five-star luxury watering mat is adorned with a new backlit Tiger onyx bar with impressive frames of the art deco pool and the calm Arabian Sea washing over Mumbai’s iconic Juhu Beach. Interiors exude an earthy sense of sophistication with the tobacco brown marble floors softly lit by the Andromeda brown Murano glass chandelier. Spacious and plush leather armchairs create an imperial character, while the paneling behind the bar is in eucalyptus veneer. The venue is a favorite among the biggest personalities in Bollywood and TV, the big bosses of showbiz and the entertainment industry who savor the canapes and the best fiery mixes in good measure.

Sipping on the finest signature cocktails, the world’s finest wines and spirits provide a relaxing evening for bar patrons as they revel in the elongated tones of the sunset. The soft jazz pianoforte gives a relaxed, relaxed vibe amid diffused lighting and a heartwarming ambience. The pride of the Beachcomber Lounge is an exciting cocktail menu designed by renowned mixologist Dré Masso, who has been involved in the London cocktail scene for nearly two decades, working and managing bars in London and San Francisco, and has also won the prestigious title of “British Bartender of the Year” three times.
Dré’s unique cocktail menu uses unique local flavors and ingredients, included in Beachcomber Signature cocktails featuring Indian flavors synchronized with premium spirits and liquors. Famous drinks like Marvelous Mumbai Mary, which mixes typical spices like garam masala, turmeric, cilantro, paprika and cumin with mashed tomatoes and citrus vodka.

Other iconic beluga cocktails include Millionaire Martini, Mango and Rosemary Mojito, Beachcomber Crush, and Double Espresso Martini. For Mumbai’s predominantly hot and humid climate, later drenched by annual monsoons, the Beachcomber experience is a joyful mix of uplifting colorful stays.

MAGNIFICENT MONARCHIC
THE HOWDAH LOUNGE BAR, EVOLVE BACK KAMALAPURA PALACE HAMPI

At this eco-designed five-star royal luxury resort on the edge of the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, we wallowed in the regal splendor of incredibly magnificent environments adorned with a princely pomp. Personalized design and innovative zeal envelop your gaze as giant carved wooden tusks, a placid water pond, graceful palatial arches and a stimulated dimensional white elephant occupying a dramatic position behind the bar counter, create wonder and curiosity, encouraged by the wines of the world and the monarchy. inspired cocktails. The glory and prosperity of the great heritage monuments of the ancient 14th-century Vijaynagara Empire come to life in every element of this establishment.
Extra-plush handcrafted lounge chairs and sofas, mashaal shaped lighting poles
and views of an open royal courtyard and alfresco dining rooms give an air of magnificence. Choice canapes and grilled treats bring the excitement of relaxing and invigorating spirits to this singularly superlative royal destination. As we raised our glasses at precious moments, we found our conversations tinged with poignant stories about the imperial wealth, global appeal, harmony and cultural richness of the great Vijayanagara kings.

Guests of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland can admire the turquoise water of the famous lagoon from the hotel suites nestled in the lava formations.

The Blue Lagoon is located in the UNESCO Global Geopark and includes a series of pools containing geothermal seawater rich in minerals like silica and sulfur known to be good for treating skin conditions.

The original Blue Lagoon Spa, the subsequent Silica Hotel and other extensions to the Blue Lagoon facilities were designed by Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir, founding partner of Basalt architects. Sigurður orsteinsson and Italy Design Group, collaborated with Basalt Architects on the retreat at Blue Lagoon.

Over the following years, the complex was expanded to incorporate a restaurant, and in 2014, construction began on The retreat at the Blue Lagoon Iceland.

The new hotel represents the culmination of founder Grímur Sæmundsen’s vision for the Blue Lagoon as an epicenter of health and wellness.

The design of the retreat aims to take advantage of the natural beauty of the lagoon and minimize the impact of the building on its surroundings. A thorough analysis of the cracks and fissures that form this volcanic landscape informed the layout of the plan.

A degree of flexibility has also been incorporated into the design to allow the plan to adapt in response to unexpected findings during the excavation process. As a result, the building blends in perfectly with the surroundings and incorporates some of the natural features.

“We wanted lava, moss, water to be ubiquitous, resulting in an architecture woven with the natural elements,” explained the architects.

“Bare lava forms walls inside and out and covers roofs. Water surrounds, flows through and cascades, and lush moss stretches to the horizon.”

The material palette used throughout the project was chosen to complement the hues and textures of the landscape, with the site’s raw concrete, wood and lava all used to blend in with the natural surroundings.

The predominantly concrete structure includes elements that were either prefabricated or cast in place. Exposed concrete is treated to create walls with different textures and tones that evoke white silica or gray lava.

The spa and hotel’s bespoke facades and screens feature a dark gray tint and a perforated pattern that recalls the airy surface of solidified igneous rock. All the furniture in the hotel was created by B&B Italia.

The 62 suites feature a minimalist aesthetic, with floor-to-ceiling windows that draw attention to the view of the lagoon or moss-covered rocks.

Lava is used in various forms throughout the interior to form surfaces and objects that root the building in its context. These include service counters in the reception area and a chef’s table in the new Moss restaurant made from lava rock quarried on site.

A wine cellar for the restaurant is surrounded by exposed stone walls which are dramatically illuminated from below, with additional pendant lights contributing to the subdued ambience.

Dezeen recently featured a sculptural table crafted from volcanic rock by the Icelandic studio Innriinnri. Formed from basalt, the designer immersed the two slabs of the table in The Blue lagoon to allow silica to seep into the material, resulting in a white glaze on the underside of the stone.

Project credits:

Architectural design: Basalt architects
Experiment design: Italy Design Group
Interior design : Basalt Architects and Design Group Italia
Product design: Italy Design Group
Lighting design: Liska
Engineering: EFLA
Construction inspection: VSS, Verkfræðistofa Suðurnesja
General contractor : Jáverk

The huge Fijian multi-award-winning Likuliku Lagoon Resort is delighted to announce that it has been accepted as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World (NGULW) – the first and only in Fiji and one of only two in the Pacific. .

When Likuliku Lagoon Resort opened in 2007, it led the way in Fiji with the country’s first and only overwater bures / bungalows and immediately set new benchmarks in food and service.

Over the ensuing 11 years, the Resort has earned an enviable reputation for excellence while continuing to set new benchmarks not only for service and experiences, but also for environmental practices.

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

And, like all exclusive unique lodges in the world, Likuliku chooses to tread lightly – celebrating nature rather than conquering it, supporting cultural heritage and engagement with local communities, in addition to providing an authentic and essential Fijian experience. in a virgin ocean and wild environment.

“We are honored that Likuliku Lagoon Resort has been selected to join this extraordinary and prestigious collection of boutique accommodation across the world,” said Steve Anstey, Ahura Resorts, Group Managing Director.

“Becoming a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges Collection – with its esteemed worldwide reputation for hospitality, conservation and cultural experiences, was a natural fit and a step forward for us. “

Mr Anstey said: “We have always been environmentally minded as it should be when building and operating in pristine areas. During construction extraordinary care and attention was taken to protect natural resources, including our reef and forest areas which have always been designed to be a focal point of the Likuliku experience.

“Programs based on marine flora and fauna, including turtle conservation, planting of corals and clams, and consultation with the local community to install marine protected areas on reefs to improve stocks of fish, have been in place since our opening. ”

Likuliku’s environmental initiatives took a dramatic turn in 2010 when a single Fijian crested iguana “Brachylophus Vitiensis” was found in Likuliku.

Fijian crested iguana

The Fiji crested iguana is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the 2007 IUCN Red List (1), and listed in CITES Appendix I and is believed to have been extinct on the island of Malolo because there had been no sightings for over 30 years.

Like most animals on the brink of extinction, the disappearance of the Fijian iguana is largely due to the destruction of their natural habitat, which in the case of the Fijian crested iguana, is dry forest.

Through urbanization and development, the complex and diverse ecosystem of the dry forest has been drastically diminished, and with the introduction of non-native animals – including rats, cats, mongooses and goats – which eat iguanas or compete for food sources, iguanas have simply disappeared over time.

Dry forest once covered most of the islands of the Mamanuca group, but today only 1% of this ecosystem remains in the country, making it one of the most threatened on the planet.

On the island of Malolo Levu, only three percent of the dry forest remains.

Since dry forests are crucial for the survival of the Fijian crested iguana and other wildlife, Ahura Resorts has embarked on a major regeneration and restoration program.

He established the first dry forest nursery in Fiji on Likuliku Island and using a scientific method, focused on growing 12 particular species which, when planted in a 10m x 10m grid, would provide a prototype of dry forest suitable for the habitation of crested iguanas.

Over a period of four years, this reforestation initiative, coupled with a controlled program to eradicate invasive species, especially cats and rats, began to bear fruit.

Prior to this time, the iguanas found were accidental.

Suddenly they were visible in nature but still in small numbers.

This enabled the launch of a capture, tagging and release program to track and monitor iguana activity in the wild.

Additionally, Likuliku was licensed to keep and breed crested iguanas in captivity and is now caring for four breeding pairs.

Iguana hatchery

Likuliku is the only facility in the world to hatch captive iguana eggs under natural conditions, i.e. not in an egg incubator.

Fijian owner of Likuliku, Tony Whitton, said: “Being part of this extraordinary and internationally renowned global network, and being associated with the historic organization of National Geographic, is the culmination of all that has been done for our young resort company and the product is Likuliku Lagoon Resort.

“It’s a world stage like no other, and being the first and only one in Fiji is a credit to the Ahura team for creating a product worthy of this kind of attention and inclusion”

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Best known for having the only overwater bungalows in Fiji, the excellence of Likuliku Lagoon Resort goes well beyond their luxury accommodations and five-star service. Awarded numerous accolades for their exceptional hospitality, what makes this tranquil, adults-only oasis most unique is their interest in conservation. Through its various green programs and initiatives, Likuliku is leading the way in sustainable tourism while providing a purer and more authentic experience for travelers.

As a Fijian resort, Likuliku’s commitment to ecotourism stems from taboo. Most often used in association with marine life, it is a local term used to describe the responsibility of traditional owners and the community to protect their natural environment.

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In recognition of this trust that extends to the land, Likuliku Lagoon Resort has been conscientiously designed to go around a mangrove preservation site so as not to disturb this ecosystem. The buildings were constructed with locally sourced materials such as bamboo, pandanus and soga thatch. Not only does this serve to protect the environment, but it creates an ambiance that welcomes a more authentic customer experience.

This experience is accentuated by Likuliku’s farm-to-table culinary prowess, which includes the healthiest organic meals I’ve seen at any resort around the world. That’s why I like to recommend this resort to travelers allergic or sensitive to processed foods. The chefs are easy-going and flexible, which is why it’s also ideal for those following the guidelines of the paleo and AIP diets.

The secret to this fresh and fantastic cuisine is the use of local ingredients, some of which are grown in the resort’s garden. Behind the restaurant, Likuliku staff cultivate various herbs like mint, basil and dill. These are used by chefs to create savory salads and entrees that are often accompanied by shots of freshly squeezed natural tonics.

These herbs also decorate the eggs, which are cooked to perfection and served in different styles with breakfast. Guests also have access to a powerful juicer surrounded by a generous array of raw fruits and vegetables. Yet Likuliku’s breakfast star is raw honey, which the resort collects from beehives in the garden.

Bees benefit the island’s ecosystem by promoting pollination. Meanwhile, using fresh ingredients grown in the garden as well as additional ingredients from local producers, Likuliku actively supports the surrounding community while minimizing the resort’s carbon footprint.

Likuliku is so determined to uphold the ethics of the taboo that he created a position to designate a person on staff to be in charge of conservation initiatives. This is where Sia Rasalato, the group’s environmental manager, comes in, a graduate student whose experience includes various ecological projects, workshops and internships across the South Pacific.

“This is your common hibiscus,” Sia explains, as he leads me along a path that zigzags through the property, “common uses are for decoration, but also for treatment for medicinal purposes. ” Sia is keen to educate clients about the flora and fauna of the island during the nature walks that he accompanies almost daily. From the garden, Sia accompanies me to the nursery, where one of Likuliku’s most ambitious ecological projects takes place.

This is the dry reforestation project. This natural habitat once thrived in the Mamanuca Islands, an area of ​​Fiji that receives less rain. In recent centuries, they have suffered greatly from bush fires and the introduction of alien plant and animal species.

The Likuliku Dry Reforestation Project aims to restore this ecosystem, one of the most vulnerable in Fiji, by cultivating and planting its endemic trees. Launched in January 2016, the Likuliku dry reforestation project is a prototype. It is the first of its kind to be funded by a seaside resort.

Sia accompanies me to the nursery, a 10×10 meter plot located behind the complex. At the time of my visit, there were twelve different tree species. He describes how Likuliku staff collect seeds that fall from mature trees, which are then added to the resort’s seed bank. After their germination, they are taken to the nursery.

Once the seedlings are big enough, Sia bags them up and takes them out for replanting in the wild. This is a process that takes around 18-24 months, but over time it is possible that the dry forest will be restored.

“This is our hot spot for iguanas,” Sia says as we continue along one of the resort’s trails, “if you walk around at night with a torch [flashlight] and look up, you will see crested iguanas sleeping on those tree branches. He explains how the dry reforestation program has been crucial to another of the complex’s conservation projects, which is to save the crested iguana from extinction.

Sia cites Likuliku owners and staff as the driving force behind these green initiatives, which pave the way for sustainable tourism. The people who work at Likuliku are also influential in maintaining a natural setting while incorporating what is grown in the resort’s garden into fresh and delicious meal options. While guests staying at Likuliku Lagoon Resort enjoy superior service and dining, they may feel good about investing in vacations that value and fund environmental conservation.