TWO of Fiji’s exotic island resorts situated in the Mamanuca Group have been named as top resorts in Australia and the South Pacific in an internationally-renowned travel magazine.
Malolo Island Resort and Likuliku Lagoon Resort, both under the Ahura Resorts group, took out the number one and two spots in the annual USA Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards 2017.
The recent accolade by the multi award-winning resorts has also added to their prestigious awards list.
The two luxurious resorts scored slightly above other holiday destinations in the region such as The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, Namale Resort and Spa on Vanua Levu and The Brando in Tetiaroa, French Polynesia.
Ahura Group general manager Steve Anstey said the recognition from Conde Nast readers was a significant one which included their loyal guests who voted the family resort Malolo Island Resort and luxury adults-only Likuliku Lagoon Resort into the two top positions this year.
“The Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards have long been regarded as a leading, worldwide authority as far as travel awards go,” Mr Anstey said in a statement.
“It is generally much sought after to be included in this list, so the fact that our two wonderfully diverse products offering two unique experiences, to two totally different markets, should come in neck and neck, is truly extraordinary.”
Mr Anstey said they continued to be humbled and amazed in being recognised in such a way.
“It is a wonderful achievement and a testament to the quality of the products we have and the consistent delivery of our promise to our guests,” he said.
“Thank you to our incredible staff and of course, to all our valued guests for their continued support.”
Ahura Fijian owner and managing director Tony Whitton added that the recognition was big news, not only for both of their resort teams, but for Fiji as a destination.
“That we have Fiji Resort experiences continually being counted among some of the best in the world and holding their own with other famous hotel and resort brands — some of whom are giants in the industry,” Mr Whitton said.
“We believe we have firmly established and filled a niche in Fiji on all things Fijian, from traditional Fijian architecture and experiences, to service delivery and unique product offerings — including Fiji’s first and only authentic over-water bure in a natural, ocean lagoon.
“We thank past guests, Conde Nast Readers and the travel industry at large for this incredible accolade.”
More than 300,000 travellers took part in the 30th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey setting yet another new record submitting millions of ratings and more than 100,000 comments to help create a list of winning favourites.
The breadth of the top-rated experiences was impressive, from elegant castles in the Irish countryside to tented safari camps trailing the Great Migration across the Serengeti. Chosen were tiny private islands in the tropics, small culture rich cities in Europe, and Intimate River cruises.
