From the gently circling helicopter, the waters below are so still, almost like a picture postcard. We can immediately understand why Likuliku’s name is perfect, for it means calm waters and the graduation of colours from indigo to azure to the palest blue are breathtaking.
"Bula, Welcome Home" is spelt out on the bed in flowers as we arrive at our luxury beachfront Bure. There's modern amenities for our use, including an i-pod, TV and DVD, but it's the gorgeous private plunge pool overlooking the sparkling water, which immediately grabs our full attention. Next to it is a covered day bed, just steps from the sand, with lush foliage on each side offering secluded privacy.
Each day at 4pm there's a delivery of homemade cookies (and ice for our gin and tonics!) to enjoy as we prepare for our romantic evenings which always begin with cocktails at the outdoor bar, where sublime sunsets delight us night after night.
The white-clothed tables in the restaurant are cleverly designed across an indoor/outdoor multi-tiered terrace so that each couple feels that they have "the best table in the house". The food is extraordinary, with Australian chef Brett Kryskow, formerly of Sydney's ‘Bathers Pavilion', at the helm.
From Australian beef to succulent seafood, it's five star dining all the way. Our gastronomic journey begins each night with an ‘amuse bouche', a delicate ‘taste for the palette' before a heavenly three course meal. With all food included in the overall Likuliku price, you only have to think about which wine you'd like to choose to accompany your meal.
During the daytime, market umbrellas create a casual yet elegant environment in the restaurant and a gourmet breakfast tempts each day. The delicate crab omelette and smoked salmon corn fritters become our personal favourites, and we love the strong Fijian coffee! The staff have flowers tucked behind their ears, and offer unfailingly lovely service, with their wide smiles and sparkling eyes enhancing the dining experience.
Our days are spent by the pool, relaxing and reading or occasionally snorkelling with the colourful fish just off-shore. On many occasions we indulged with relaxing and romantic couples massages at The Spa which was tucked away at one end of the resort and overlooking the water.
One of the most beautiful parts of the resort is the central pool, which is graduated and landscaped into a series of smaller pools linking together on alternating levels, culminating in one large infinity pool overlooking the ocean. The pool has been built around the coconut palms which have been cleverly maintained within the landscaping, and cast dappled shadows on various points of the pool, offering shade from the hot Fijian sun.
And each night as the sun begins to make it’s journey to the horizon, we toast our vows with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and afterwards take a stroll hand in hand along the beach to dinner.
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