So what does a USD50-million make-over buy you? One of the best places to eat and drink in Fiji! Newly furnished throughout all restaurants and bars, and with uninterrupted views over the Yanuca Island Coral Coast, there is a showcase of experiences on offer. Executive Chef Rudolf Kunkel and his team have created unique flavours and themes for each dining and bar concept too. More than 75 percent of all fresh produce, meat and seafood is from local villages and what is called ‘the salad bowl’ of Fiji. The ‘Kokoda’, a local Fijian dish is claimed to be the best on the island here at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort & Spa – think freshly made coconut cream and white reef fish. For the buffet breakfasts of your dreams, you have the choice of any one of three venues; Lagoon Terrace, Takali Asian Kitchen or the Golden Cowrie for an adults only brekkie.

For lunch, the Lagoon Terrace is the resort’s main engine room for a variety of a la minute and smorgasbord cravings. Or, the Beach Bar & Grill also happens to overlook the nearby lagoon and the largest inflatable water park in the South Pacific (a big sell for the kids!).

Upstairs, Golden Cowrie for an adults-only supper may entice you, and offers a great position to catch a sunset too. Italian Sous Chef Bruno Bettinazzi hand-makes the soft cheeses and pasta that are the hero of this premium dining experience.

On the other hand, Takali Aisan Kitchen (meaning the place between ocean and reef) provides a ‘fusion’ (for lack of a better word here) of Malaysian, Thai, Cantonese and Chinese influences in dishes. However the 40+ craft gins from around the world on offer may be a more of an interesting draw card to some!

From Takali, it’s a convenient step next door to the impressive Black Marlin Tropical Bar for a late night Mojito or Mai Tai. This up-market style tiki bar is a feature of the resort’s revitalisation and offers more than 100 rums from around the world, plus a live band for any dancing that’s sure to follow.

Couples may stay in one of the renovated six beachfront Reef Bures for a private retreat or at the adults-only Reef Wing with infinity pool and complimentary drinks and canapés served daily for the happiest hour of the day. Or, book an overnight spa package at the secluded CHI, The Spa for some real RnR. Families will also rejoice in upgrades to the two-bedroom Lagoon Bures nearby the huge family pool and lagoon water sports recreations. For more information, visit: shangri-la.com/yanucaisland/fijianresort. Bookings can be made through reservations.fij@shangri-la.com