THE $50 million enhancement of facilities at Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa is aimed at taking the luxury and family holiday experience to a whole new level.
And the newly-appointed general manager of the Yanuca Island property near Cuvu, Sigatoka, is adamant that new markets will open up as the upgrades will meet the standards of the modern luxury traveller.
Francis Lee says guests can expect a whole new-look when refurbishment works are completed later this year.
“We are undergoing some major changes and from what we have seen so far from our guests is that the new improvements have been welcomed and our returnees are especially surprised by the changes that we are implementing,” he said.
“Our rooms are taking on a totally new look.
“Our Lagoon blocks have been totally renovated with the design of the rooms being completely changed and fitted with new features.”
He said the resort would also give priority to couples on honeymoon breaks.
“We’ve always been a very family oriented resort but with the new renovations we have areas where couples can get some privacy and find themselves in a bit of seclusion from the busier areas.
“We have a pool and entertainment area that is specifically for adults and so our travelling couples and parents can spend time without their children.
“There are a number of new features and our guests should expect a whole new look with new activities.”
He said the youth market was another niche area the resort wanted to entice.
“Teenagers travelling with their families tend to be pushed aside because there are activities for children and there are the ones for adults.
“So there isn’t much activities tailor made for youths so we decided to install a water themed park on our beach front.
“This will be a very exciting new inclusion to our activities and youths, especially teenagers, should find this particular feature very exciting.”
The second phase of the renovations is expected to be completed in October.
The Coral Coast attracts about 200,000 guests annually with resorts employing 2000 people, generating an annual income of $80 million to the local economy.
