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 Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa. A 45-minute flight from Rarotonga transports you to this idyllic destination just west of Tahiti, 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, the sublime Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa 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 to die for across the vast lagoon to the motu (small isles) beyond. Local crafts people built the resort using traditional materials such as plaited kikau (coconut palm leaves) for the roofs and local artefacts carved from island hardwoods. Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa offers the only over water bungalows in the Cook Islands, a quintessentially Polynesian experience complete with thatched roofs, pandanus-lined walls, beautiful appointments and a delightful open-air shower with direct access to the inviting lagoon waters. The resort's 36 bungalows include Deluxe Beachfront, new Premium Beachfront Bungalows complete with open-air showers, Beachfront, and of course, the exclusive Overwater Bungalows. All come complete with thatched roofs, tropical furniture, air- conditioning, spacious private verandah with sun loungers, super- king bed, TV/DVD, CD player/radio, mini fridge and bathrobes. The sumptuous new luxury Royal Honeymoon Pool Villa Te Arau offers an open-air spa, daybed pavilion, swimming pool and separate dining/kitchen 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 Aitutaki's only dedicated wedding venue, the stunning Oneroa Beach Chapel. Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa. Exotic, unique and unforgettable. Tel: +682 31203 Fax: +682 31202 Email: info@aitutakilagoonresort.com www.AitutakiLagoonResort.com Motu Akitua (Akitua Island), Aitutaki Lagoon, COOK ISLANDS www.paradisesonline.com 27

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