Stay: Likuri Island Resort Fiji

When Kaydes and I arrived in Fiji, it wasn’t just about palm trees and sunshine. It was about the moment you realise you’ve truly stepped into a different rhythm. We touched down in Nadi from Auckland just after 11 am, feeling that post-flight mix of excitement and mild dehydration.

The trip to Likuri Island wasn’t instant. First came the land transfer, driving past the Sleeping Giant mountain range, sugarcane fields, and glimpses of village life. Our driver, Junior, was absolutely wonderful. We connected over our families living fairly close back in New Zealand – oh yeah, small world! Then came the boat ride along the Tuva River. Mangroves leaned in close, roots tangled like secret passageways I wanted to explore. Children waved excitedly from a village jetty, and we waved back just as enthusiastically.

By the time we reached the island around 2:30 pm, the day slowed to island time. When booking this resort, I knew it wasn’t a glossy, cookie-cutter resort experience, and I was glad for it.

Why Simple Feels So Good

Likuri Island isn’t about high-thread-count linens or infinity pools. The bungalows are simple, no TVs but with a/c and fans lazily whirring in the heat. The showers feel more like camping than a spa, with open sky visible above the walls. You won’t find champagne on ice or an app for ordering poolside cocktails.

But what you will find? A sense of place. The kind that’s hard to buy and impossible to fake. Here, the breeze carries the smell of sea and smoke from the firepit – a reminder of the traditional lovo earth oven feasts that bring communities together in Fiji. The sand crunches underfoot. At night, the drums call you outside before you even know where you’re going.

I’ve stayed at resorts that could be anywhere, perfectly lovely, but without flavour. Likuri’s charm is that it feels deeply, unmistakably Fijian. You don’t just stay here; you participate. And for me, that mattered far more than thread count, as I wanted Kaydes to learn and do things we wouldn’t ordinarily do.

Hands-On Fun

Days start with a schedule written up, so you pick what to do that day. But the magic is how quickly joining in feels natural. We made coconut jewellery, sanding the husk until it almost gleamed. We tried basket weaving – definitely needing help folding the fronds while watching quick, skilled hands create patterns. Those patterns became a bag, where Kaydes’ doll Ariel ‘slept’ in! We cheered hermit crabs racing to the outer circle, and Kaydes proudly wore a shell necklace as treasure all afternoon.

Another standout moment was watching Sam climb a coconut tree, kick down a few nuts, and then Pheil (I hope I’ve got that right) chop one open. In under five minutes, Kaydes was drinking fresh coconut water, straight from tree to mouth. Amazing. When was the last time you experienced something that connected you so directly to a place?

On our second evening, we watched the Legends of the Pacific fire show. I’d heard it was very well done, but wasn’t prepared for how hypnotic it would be – flames spinning against the black sky, the air alive with music and movement. The dancers embody ancient stories, sharing history through movement and fire. 2 hours flew by, and Kaydes sat spellbound, clapping instinctively, and the dancers broke into grins, high-fiving her between dances!

Island Moments

When we weren’t weaving, racing crabs, or watching dances (and joining in the group ‘Bula Dance’), we found other favourites. Kaydes loved hammocks strung between palm trees, swaying with the breeze and singing to herself. She built sandcastles outside our bungalow, decorating them with giant Fijian shells she found.

The pool was refreshingly cool, perfect for rinsing off salt and sand and teaching Kaydes to kick. The trampoline was the island’s top hit for her; we visited multiple times a day! Our bungalow neighbours showed us how to feed the fish, and we loved watching them fight for the bread, especially when Kaydes wasn’t busy popping pieces in her mouth!

The ocean was her great love. She and Ariel were inseparable from the shallows. I stayed and held onto her, partly because she can’t swim yet, partly because her recent grommets surgery means saltwater and ears aren’t the best combo. Watching her splash and squeal under the sun was worth every second.

A special treat was getting Kaydes’ hair done at the spa – three hanging braids finished with beads. The lady was amazing, patient, and chatty, making the experience fun for Kaydes. Staff often taught us Fijian words and even came down to the beach to sing farewell to everyone on our last day.

The Heartbeat of Likuri

Almost every review talks about the staff, and now I know why. They were our Fijian family. Francis took care of Kaydes while I checked in. Sam greeted us like friends and loved high-fiving Kaydes. And Pheil’s grace during basket weaving was much appreciated!

What struck me most was how easily conversations happened. Between activities, we sat with other Kiwi travellers – one from just up the road from us back home. The island has that effect: walls drop, strangers connect. This isn’t a resort where people keep to themselves. You learn names, share laughs and stories.

Counting the Cost

The accommodation on Likuri Island itself was very reasonably priced, I paid $460 NZD for our two nights. But extras add up. Food is a mandatory meal package. It’s fresh and hearty, but the price is a little steep – $96 NZD per day. Luckily, children under four eat free. Without that, our food alone would have matched our two-night stay. I guess that shows I tend to spend more on accommodation than on food, since I’m usually happy to cook or whip up simple meals like wraps when travelling. What about you? Do you prefer splurging on fancy meals or saving by preparing your own?

Transport is another factor. Bus transfers are cheaper, but I splurged on a private transfer for ease. I didn’t want to stress figuring out how to get to the island from the airport. Still, that slow boat ride along the Tuva River, past mangroves and villages, was worth every cent.

If you’re budgeting, factor these extras in early. If you’re travelling with little ones, the free-meals policy is a big win.

Real, Raw, and Unforgettable

For me, the best thing about Likuri Island was how it stayed real. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. You’re not in a generic beach bubble, you’re in Fiji, surrounded by people who live here, doing things that matter.

When I think back, I don’t picture our bungalow first. I see Kaydes swinging in a hammock, slightly wary of an island crab inching too close. I hear drums calling lunchtime and see fire sticks swirling in the dark.

If you want perfection, there are luxury resorts for that. If you want connection, you’ll find it here.

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What’s one unforgettable cultural experience you’ve had while travelling with little ones?