Pacific Island Paradises

COOK ISLANDS Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa "No artist's palette could ever conceive of a more perfect, more luminescent turquoise than that of the lagoon of Aitutaki, arguably the most beautiful in the world," wrote Steve Davey in Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die (BBC Books). For the ultimate South Pacific escape, journey to 5-star, adults-only Aitutaki Lagoon Resort, an idyllic destination about which the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller wrote: "Aitutaki is an exquisite atoll" with "the most vivid lagoon colours anyone has ever seen." Listed by ISLANDS magazine as one of the World's 12 Best Private Islands, this sublime resort rests effortlessly on the secluded, private island of Motu Akitua— the Cook Islands' only private island resort and the only resort directly on Aitutaki Lagoon. Encircled by champagne-sand beaches, the resort enjoys panoramic views across the vast lagoon to the motu (small isles) beyond. Following its recent multimillion makeover this luxury 5-star resort is officially adults-only from 01 April 2014. Just 45 minutes flying time from Rarotonga, Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa offers the only overwater bungalows in the Cook Islands, a quintessentially Polynesian experience complete with direct access to the inviting waters. The resort also offers beautiful Deluxe Beachfront Bungalows, Premium Beachfront Bungalows and Beachfront Bungalows. All come complete with roofs hand-thatched with plaited kikau (coconut palm fronds), furniture made of tropical woods, spacious veranda with sunloungers, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, super-king bed, TV/DVD, CD player/ radio, mini fridge and bathrobes. The sumptuous luxury Royal Honeymoon Pool Villa Te Arau—a favourite with celebrities— offers complete privacy in a lush garden setting, an open-air spa, daybed pavilion, swimming pool and a separate kitchen/ dining pavilion. The resort offers a range of memorable dining experiences including a fire dance show at the water's edge, authentic umukai (earth-oven) feast, seafood platters and private candlelit dining on the sand under the stars. Resort guests can enjoy complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards, windsurfers, outrigger canoes, kayaks, snorkelling gear and bicycles. For couples in love there's a range of gorgeous Lagoon of Love wedding packages and a variety of venues including beach gazebos, the Flying Boat restaurant and the Oneroa Beach Chapel. Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa—heaven sent. Motu Akitua (Akitua Island), Aitutaki Lagoon COOK ISLANDS Tel: +682 31200 Fax: +682 31202  Email: info@aitutakilagoonresort.com  www.AitutakiLagoonResort.com Find us on Facebook www.paradisesonline.com  29

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