My week at an adults-only resort for couples, as a single

This luxurious, adults-only resort is packed with all kinds of couples, from doe-eyed honeymooners to older lovebirds. And me – a single.

The first thing I want to do upon entering my beachfront bure is turn to my husband and say: “Can you believe this place?”

The view, for starters — straight out to Likuliku lagoon with its turquoise water and coral reefs.

I want to jump on the enormous bed but I can’t bear to disturb perfectly placed hibiscus arrangements and a “Welcome Home” sign made of pandanus leaves.

I do have to try every seat – the lounge inside, the daybed just outside the front door and the “pool” chairs on the front lawn.

Carolyne Jasinski spent a week at the Likuliku Lagoon resort in Fiji. Picture: Carolyne Jasinski

Inside the adults-only resort. Picture: Carolyne Jasinski

Every drawer gets opened to check the minibar (tick) as well as the “his and hers” wardrobes and matching vanity spaces in the bathroom.

And then I spot the outside shower.

“This is frill seeking at its best,” I tell … no-one.

You see, I’m on my own — on assignment at Fiji’s Likuliku Lagoon adults-only resort.

The task: to see how a single woman (OK, married but alone for the purpose of this job) copes on her own at a couples’ resort.

A truly romantic setting. Picture: Carolyne Jasinski

So far I’m struggling. I need to tell someone how stunning this all is, so I post it on social media and tell the world.

That feels better.

The atmosphere all over the resort is elegant in that lovely, laid-back, Fijian style. There’s no need for marble and chandeliers to give a place that special feel.

Likuliku has lots of cane furniture (the comfortable kind) and bamboo ceilings, and everything is open and welcoming – from the beach bar where you hop off the boat transfer from Port Denarau (or helicopter or sea plane, depending on the bank balance) to the reception area and restaurant upstairs.

An idyllic island paradise. Picture: Carolyne Jasinski

An obsession to try everything on offer (and not be alone) leads me to the activities centre and a lesson in paddle boarding.

Note: Fijians are very patient.

I don’t need a partner for this – unless I fall in and need a hand to get back up again. A long, core-gripping lap of the lagoon, petrified of damaging the coral if I lose balance, and I’m back ready for a shot at kayaking.

Much better – more control and not so far to fall.

How close can I go to the exclusive overwater bures without being conspicuously nosy? Not very close, it turns out.

Some couples roll over on their comfy couches so they don’t have to look at me. Others are putting clothes back on. Oops, sorry.

Carolyne explores the views. Picture: Carolyne Jasinski

But two lovely Italian honeymooners call out for me to come closer.

If I must.

This is premium accommodation. Any overwater bures not booked are snapped up straight away by guests who can’t resist the chance to upgrade.

The honeymooners’ balcony offers prime viewing over the coral reefs below and they want to share their latest sighting. Bless them.

A glass of bubbly and an offer to stay for the afternoon would have been better but I guess that would just be intruding.

What they are madly pointing at is a stingray that looks larger than my kayak … time to move on.

On the upside, you don’t need to share. Picture: Carolyne Jasinski

The spectacular sunset. Picture: Carolyne Jasinski

Over lunch with Laisani, the operations manager, I discover that being single at Likuliku should not be an issue. The resort gets “lots” of singles – mainly people seeking solitude.

“They’re not lonely,” Laisani says. “They want to be alone.

“They just want to get away from everything. They have to come up to the restaurant for meals but other than that, some don’t ever leave their bures.

“But we do check to see if they would like company at lunch or dinner.”

Sunset drinks at Masima Bar puts the “I’m comfortable being single” theory to the test.

Couples come out of the woodwork and I am surrounded by lovebirds.

The sympathetic looks are a little awkward — one woman even asks where my partner is and if we’ve had a fight.

Not a bad place for a kip. Picture: Carolyne Jasinski

But I suck it up and enjoy the fascinating exercise in people watching; blonde, fit-looking 30-somethings; middle-aged well-to-dos; gay couples; doe-eyed honeymooners; business-types still hammering at keyboards and on conference calls; even a couple in their late-80s who are not so “loved up” but certainly still in love.

There are Australians, Europeans, but mainly Americans, all here to lap up the luxury. There are also two families with children – all over 18.

While the sun drops over the horizon, a lesson in how to make Fijian coconut ceviche (kokoda) brings us all together. Now we are one big happy group.

My few days at Likuliku are filled to the brim. I don’t have time to be lonely.

A couple enjoying their stay. Picture: Carolyne Jasinski

A massage; a walk; breakfast with the GM Steve Anstey; play time with his dog and Likuliku’s “ambassador” Coco; a visit to the local village; island hopping to check out all the different resorts and dinner with resort manager Tulia Sera.

I pretend to be marooned on Monuriki Island where Tom Hanks filmed Castaway and snorkel in some of the clearest blue waters I have ever seen.

A hike to the top of Mociu Island with environment manager Sia Rasalato reveals more than a spectacular sunrise.

He details the resort’s efforts to minimise its impact on the environment through reforestation and coral restoration programs and a unique captive breeding plan for Fiji’s critically endangered crested iguanas.

There’s plenty to do, even if you’re flying solo. Picture: Carolyne Jasinski

In between all of this, I manage to squeeze in a few blissful hours on my own. It turns out that being a single person in an adults-only resort is not a bad thing at all.

If it’s time alone you seek, that is respected. If, however, you find yourself looking for a little company, that, too, can be arranged.

You wouldn’t come here hoping to meet a new partner – unless you have eyes for someone who is already attached.

Having said that, I return home with some tough news for my husband … my heart has been stolen. I have fallen for one of the locals.

As enjoyable for singles as for couples. Picture: Carolyne Jasinski

He’s gentle and takes things slow. He has velvety skin, gorgeous to touch, and sports a David Beckham-style crest at the top of his head.

His eyes worry me a bit – darting around all the time — but he must find me irresistible because he licks his lips constantly when ever I am around.

The new love of my life is Malolo, a crested iguana.

The locals are easy to fall in love with. Picture: Carolyne Jasinski

The writer was a guest of Likuliku Lagoon Resort and Fiji Airways who fly daily to Nadi.