AAA

VACATION ENHANCING TOURS One of the larest atolls in the world drapes like a necklace gently dropped on the surface of the South Pacifics Ocean, a ribbon of coral encircling a luminous jade lagoon rife with some of the planet's best diving. Two hundred and forty motu—the biggest no more than three feet above sea level—float over 110 oceanic miles, where the villages of Avatoru and Tiputa ocerlook the "Peaceful" and "Wild Oceans." The former is where the businesses, hotels, shops, and airport are; a handful of roads, coral churches, craft centers, restaurants, and boutiques connect it to the administrative heart of the latter. About 100 narrow passages, or hoa, divide it all, with 150-foot visibility making any of them phenomenal snorkeling sites. The fossilized coral formations of L'ile aux Recifs Beach, and Papiro Point and the Mahuta area are must-sees. Dolphin watching from Tiputa Pass is simply spellbinding. A bird sanctuary in the center of this lovely chain of sand; pearl farms; and the revered Blue Lagoon Beach add to the bewitching nature of this miraculous atoll, where the delights are as infinite as "The Endless Lagoon." RANGIROA The Endless Lagoon Blue Lagoon Full-Day Tour with Motu Picnic Discover a lagoon within a lagoon only one enthralling hour from Rangiroa. Here, you'll feed tropical fish, watch for birds, explore surrounding islands, and go snorkeling before sitting down for a charming picnic and seeing this destination's sharks. Consult your travel agent for more details on these and other tours. S O U T H PA C I F I C O C E A N Tiputa Fenua Roa Avatoru Otepipi Pink Sands Tevaro Avatoru Pass The Blue Lagoon Tiputa Pass R A N G I R O A 0 10 miles 0 7 km Claim your private pocket of paradise by making your Rangiroa tour arrangements ahead of time. HOTEL KIA ORA RESORT & SPA OOO ½ On the northwest loop of Rangiroa, 60 bungalows set the tone for a relaxing and exotic vacation. Villas with private pools stand among the tropical vegetation; Beach Bungalows with Jacuzzis ® and Beach Deluxe with Pool rooms are spread along a white-sand beach, while overwater bungalows overlook a stunningly blue sky blended into the turquoise lagoon. 1 KIA ORA SAUVAGE OOO ½ A one-hour cruise from the Kia Ora down to the southern coast of Rangiroa takes you to the Avearahi motu, where the Kia Ora Sauvage provides a microcasm of paradise. As soon as you land, the legend of Robinson Crusoe comes to life in a setting of five traditional bungalows nestled amid the coconut and palm trees. 2 Rangiroa | 51 2 1

• Cover