Page 20 - Pacifia Paradises - 2020

AITUTAKI LAGOON PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT
— Cook Islands —
(ADULTS ONLY)

“No artist’s palette could ever conceive of a more perfect, Overwater Bungalows, Deluxe Beachfront Bungalows, Premium
more luminescent turquoise than that of the lagoon of Beachfront Bungalows and Beachfront Bungalows. Each comes
Aitutaki, arguably the most beautiful in the world”, wrote complete with delightful open-air showers, roofs hand-thatched with
Steve Davey in Unforgettable Places to See Before You plaited kikau (coconut palm fronds), furniture made of tropical woods,
AITUTAKI Die (BBC Books). spacious veranda with sunloungers, air-conditioning, resort-wide
Wi-Fi, super-king bed, TV, clock/radio, mini-fridge and bathrobes.
The sumptuous luxury Royal Honeymoon Pool Villa Princess Te Arau,
For the ultimate South Pacific escape, the boutique adults-only
Aitutaki, the second most visited island in the Cook stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and scuba diving and beneath bungalow resort, Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort, was voted in a favourite with celebrities, offers complete privacy in a lush garden
Islands group, is geologically part volcanic and part atoll. the blue surface is a world of sea creatures that will leave you the prestigious Condè Nast Traveler Readers Poll as one of the top 25 setting, an open-air spa, daybed pavilion, swimming pool and a
fascinated. There’s also the elusive fighting bonefish which is resorts in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, a wonderful separate kitchen/dining pavilion.
Just 220 kilometres north and an easy 45-minute flight from favoured by anglers. accolade for this idyllic resort destination. Listed by Islands magazine
Rarotonga, its lagoon is considered one of the most magnificient as one of the World’s 12 Best Private Islands, this sublime resort The resort offers a range of memorable dining experiences including
in the world. To reach the summit of Maungapu, take a leisurely half-hour a fire dance show at the water’s edge, authentic umukai (earth-oven)
walk to the west side of the island. At its peak you’ll discover a rests effortlessly on the secluded, private island of Motu Akitua, the feast, seafood platters and private candlelit dining on the sand under
Local legend claims that its highest hill, Maungapu, is said to be breathtaking view of Aitutaki. The shopping and business district is Cook Islands’ only private island resort and the only resort directly on a canopy of twinkling stars. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of
the top of Rarotonga’s Raemaru mountain that was chopped off between Amuri and Ureia and also clustered near the wharf Aitutaki Lagoon. stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkelling gear and bicycles.
and brought back by victorious Aitutaki warriors. at Arutanga.
Encircled by champagne-sand beaches, the resort enjoys panoramic For couples in love dreaming of saying “I do” on an exotic South Seas
Polynesian myth holds that beautiful Aitutaki is a giant fish Aitutaki offers a range of accommodation for any budget and views across the vast lagoon to the motu (small isles) beyond.
tethered to the seabed by a vine from the air. The light turquoise there are a few restaurants and cafés on the island for your dining Following its recent multi-million makeover, this luxury five-star private island, Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort now offers the
lagoon looks like a huge pale oyster against the vivid blue ocean. pleasure. Live entertainment can be found at hotels or local resort is now adults-only for guests aged 16 and over. new Over The Moon Wedding Package for only NZ$3999. Imagine
exchanging your vows on the champagne sands of Sunset Beach
Captain Bligh discovered Aitutaki in 1789, only 17 days before the watering holes. on Akitua Private Island against a backdrop of some of the bluest
notorious mutiny on the Bounty. Christian missionaries followed Be sure to book a full-day lagoon cruise. There will be plenty of Just a 45-minute flight from Rarotonga, Aitutaki Lagoon Private water on earth as the tropical sun plays on the surface of the lagoon.
which meant it was the first island in the Cook Islands to receive snorkelling opportunities and you can even hand feed schools of Island Resort offers the only overwater bungalows in the Cook Heaven sent.
Christianity. tropical fish and see giant clams up close. Some operators offer Islands, a quintessentially Polynesian experience. Select from
Today the people live in villages along the coastline and island snorkelling gear and towels and serve a barbecue lunch when you Akitua Private Island, Aitutaki Lagoon COOK ISLANDS
interior. Most roads are tar sealed and transport is mainly by arrive on an island. Tel: +682 31200 Email: [email protected] www.AitutakiLagoonResort.com
motor scooter, although bicycles and cars are also used to get A cultural day tour is an opportunity to discover, and interact
people around. with a culture that was hidden for 200 years as a result of the

The low rolling hills of the island are flanked by banana influence of the new culture that was adopted in 1821. Punarei
plantations and coconut groves. Culture Village offers visitors the experience of engaging in
some cultural practices such as making umukai, sharing
A triangular barrier reef seems to catch the exquisite turquoise stories of the ancient past and visiting sacred and scenic sites.
Aitutaki lagoon like a giant fishhook. The crystal clear water in
the lagoon is ideal for sailing, swimming, snorkelling, kitesurfing,

18 Cook Islands www.paradises.com Cook Islands