|
|
Aitutaki – a slice of heaven on earth!
Deep in the South Pacific the most beautiful lagoon in the world awaits visitors seeking paradise in the South Seas
By: John Nielsen
Have you ever dreamt of visiting one of those island paradises you always see in a chocolate bar or Malibu advertisement?
|
  |
If yes then Aitutaki - part of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific - is your next dream destination for a tropical holiday.
Aitutaki, www.aitutaki.com, is just 45 minutes' flight from capital island of the Cook Islands, Rarotonga (and Rarotonga is four hours' flight from Auckland or Christchurch and six hours from Los Angeles).
Aitutaki has a special sense of magic and tranquillity. The island’s stunning 17 square mile lagoon is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful, with crystal clear turquoise waters, pure white sandy beaches and a coral atoll.
This is a dream visit for any scuba diver or keen snorkeler. The waters are filled with tropical fish in every color of the rainbow - as your head looks down you stop and smile over the sheer beauty below.
Captain Blyth, on the HMS Bounty, was credited with the first European discovery of Aitutaki in 1789, but local tribes have been found here since AD 900. It is amazing to think that Blyth did not stay on.
If he were here today I am sure his choice would have been one of the most iconic luxury resorts in the South Pacific, the elegant 27-room Pacific Resort Aitutaki. It is located on the western part of the island with all beach bungalows facing the lagoon and it beautifully blends in with the tropical forest that surrounds the resort. As you dine in the restaurant you look out towards the lagoon and see the stunning colors that make the dining experience a treat. Breakfast is a la carte, a tall glass of refreshing tropical fruit juice awaits you along with expertly cooked coconut pancakes or just freshly brewed coffee and crunchy toast. This is a perfect way to take in the morning after a walk along
|
the beach for a slight bit of exercise! I would then head for the beach and explore the many wonders.
As part of the holiday it is a must to spend a day on the lagoon. Let the boats take you around the islands and see and feel the magic of the white sand and deep blue waters. As I walked along the famous “shark island”, from CBS' Survivor TV series, created by Mark Burnett and Charlie Parsons, I appreciated what everyone here must have encountered by being part of the reality show. But unlike the “survivors” I savored exotic dishes such as grilled tuna with coconut and pawpaw salads. My eyes gaze over the horizon of this paradise, but what a pleasure it was to return to the resort and sip a long drink pool side looking at the sunset.
It is not only the lagoon that offers beautiful sights. Why not join a game fishing crew and venture outside the lagoon and you will soon be busy catching seriously big fish such as tuna, blue marlin and sharks? If you are lucky you might be enjoying the catch for lunch!
Must I leave? Oh well, with the picture forever of Aitutaki and the soft sounds of the local music in my mind, my lips will always smile when I see that advertisement and make me think back on Aitutaki!
Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Sign up for Confidential Newsletter
Send this article to a friend
View other Around the World Articles
|
| | | |   | | Wines of SonomaThe problem is that if you ask 13 Sonoma County locals what winery people should know, you'l... more
By: Tina Luster |
| | |
|
| | | | Sign up for the Free WOW Confidential Newsletter |  |
Advertisement | |
BACK
