Likuliku Lodge;
Likuliku Lagoon Resort is celebrating another first for Fiji.
When it opened in 2007, Likuliku Lagoon Resort was the first in Fiji to offer overwater bures. Now it has added another Fiji first to its name after being accepted as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World thanks to its efforts to protect the environment, engage with its community and support cultural heritage. Located on Malola in the Mamanuca archipelago, the couples-only resort embarked on a rescue mission in 2010 when a single Fiji crested iguana was spotted on the island. The species is critically endangered and had been thought extinct on Malola. Likuliku’s management company, Ahura, began a reforestation program to restore the iguana’s dry forest habitat, eradicate cats and rats, and set up a breeding program. The resort is also involved in turtle conservation, coral and clam planting and marine protection to preserve fish stocks. Guests who book through the National Geographic Lodges website can take part in bespoke eco experiences during their stay.
PENNY HUNTER
PEARLER IDEA
Travel from one side of the country to the other in a journey that prises open Australia’s pearl industry to reveal its precious stories. Cygnet Bay Pearls north of Broome in Western Australia and Broken Bay Pearls in the Hawkesbury region north of Sydney have launched a pearl masterclass voyage. The seven-night journey begins with cocktails at Sydney’s Australian National Maritime Museum for the pearl jewellery design awards, before heading up to Broken Bay to see how akoya pearls are cultivated. Then fly to Broome, where the Shinju Matsuri pearl festival will be in full swing. Guests spend two days at Australia’s oldest pearl farm at Cygnet Bay, plus enjoy indigenous experiences and witness the dramatic tides of the Kimberley coast; $7255 a person, twin-share; August 27-September 3.
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LONG DAY’S JOURNEY
Limber up before long-haul flights at Sydney airport’s new “flexology” centre, airside in T1 international departures. Stretch Studios, an operator with branches in three states, provides passengers with personalised stretching classes daily from 6am to 10pm. Although T+I is not convinced flexology and flexologist are real words, it sounds just the ticket to increase blood circulation and decrease the risk of cramping and DVT. For domestic passengers keen to get into a Zen zone before shorter flights, Sydney airport’s T2 terminal also features a Lorna Jane Active Living Room, which includes a yoga room. Meantime, the new Qantas Perth International Transit Lounge, opened to coincide with the launch of the airline’s Dreamliner direct flights between the West Australian capital and London Heathrow, has a wellness studio for exercises and stretches in association with local spa operator Bodhi J.
SUSAN KUROSAWA
IN THE PINK
The company that makes wellington boots for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip has joined Langham Hotels to create a limited-edition version of the footwear in eye-catching pink. Hunter, which began making wellies in 1956, has created its original design in the pretty pastel hue for eight Langham Hotels around the world. The waterproof boots, which comprise 28 parts and are assembled over three days, are made of high-quality rubber rather than PVC. Celebrities spotted wearing Hunter boots — albeit in more sedate colours — include model Kate Moss and actresses Liv Tyler, Emma Watson and Reese Witherspoon. Available at Langham hotels in Sydney, Melbourne, London, New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles and Hong Kong for $295.
PENNY HUNTER
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