TUCKED away in a secluded spot in Pacific Harbour, Yatu Lau Lagoon Resort offers a tranquil escape ideal for families and friends.
Surrounded by natural beauty, it’s the perfect destination for relaxation and quality time, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Yatu Lau Lagoon Resort also features a private beach and direct beachfront access.
Guests can enjoy relaxing by the pool with breathtaking views or indulge in the spa and wellness center, making it an ideal spot for rest and rejuvenation in a serene and scenic setting.
The Yatu Lau Lagoon Resort has been fully operational since February of last year, offering about a year and a half of service.
In that time, it has become known for its peaceful atmosphere and excellent amenities.
A highlight of the resort is the Magiti Restaurant, a must-visit for both guests and visitors.
The restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes, featuring both traditional Fijian cuisine and popular Western platters.
This blend of local and international flavours provides a rich dining experience that complements the resort’s relaxing environment, making it a memorable destination for food lovers and vacationers alike. Near the poolside, guests can enjoy freshly made pizzas from a firewood oven, prepared by chef Tavaita Tavabulabula.
With over 10 years of experience, Chef Tavaita has worked in various places and says she loves the journey her culinary career has taken her on, sharing her passion through every dish.
Originally from Lutu Village in Naitasiri, she shared that her experience working at various resorts has also allowed her to meet people from diverse backgrounds.
She emphasised, what sets Magiti Restaurant apart, is their commitment to freshness — they bake their own pastries, bread, and burger buns, offering a unique and homemade touch rarely found in other resorts.
“I believe this is why we are quite different from other resorts — is that we make our own bread and pastries and most people travel all the way here just to buy it,” she said.
Chef Tavaita shared that Magiti Restaurant also hosts a special ‘Fine Dining’ event every three months, which is promoted through social media to attract local visitors.
“Due to the resort’s secluded location, many people are unaware of it, so events like these help attract and draw in more guests.
The Fine Dining evenings, along with special buffets, play a crucial role in sustaining the business during quieter periods with fewer check-ins.”
Chef Tavaita said these events not only offer a unique culinary experience but also serve as an effective strategy to connect with the local community and keep the resort vibrant and active year-round.
She noted that Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays were the restaurant’s busiest days, with many diners coming in for family breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
“Most guests like coming here to dine on weekends and that is when we’re the busiest.” At the start of the year, Chef Tavaita said, when guest numbers are low, Yatu Lau Lagoon Resort introduced free-entry Kava Barrels every Saturday.
She said this initiative was created by the management team to attract more visitors and keep the resort lively during the slower season.
“Every Saturday, the resort hosts poolside entertainment with live bands, $12 barbeque servings, and $10 basins of kava.”
Chef Tavaita said kava is a popular draw for Fijians, and the weekly Kava Barrels consistently attracted large local crowds to the resort.
She shared that due to the resort’s secluded location, many guests visited the restaurant simply to enjoy a peaceful, quiet meal away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
While some book overnight stays, many just stop by for a relaxing dining experience before heading back.
Yatu Lau Lagoon Resort is an ideal getaway for relaxation and unwinding, offering a peaceful escape from busy city life.
Tavaita Tavabulabula in front of the firewood oven at the resort in Pacific Harbour.
Pictures: ANASEINI DIMATE
Left: Tavaita makes pizza – ready for the firewood oven.
Food and beverage waiter Demesi Jone Bau by the
poolside.
