Date post: | 15-Apr-2017 |
Category: |
Travel |
Upload: | sarah-wrightson |
View: | 160 times |
Download: | 0 times |
14 April 2014, Travel DigesT
Halfway between New Zealand and
Hawaii lies the Cook Islands – made
up of 15 islands scattered across
2.2 million square kilometres of
South Pacific Ocean. Once a mighty volcanic
pyramid, now worn down by time and
streams to peaks and ridges, the lush green
Rarotonga is the capital and hub of the Cook
Islands. This is where you can discover the
great outdoors by fishing, snorkelling, diving,
paddling or simply swimming.
Playing in ParaDiseExploring the famous Muri Lagoon on a
cruise is a must when visiting the Cook
Islands and Koka Lagoon Cruises can show
you a fun day out. Located right on Muri
Beach on the eastern side of the island, their
cruises depart daily except for Saturdays and
transfers can be arranged to and from
accommodation. Cruising the crystal clear
waters of Muri lagoon, you can enjoy the
marine reserve from the comfort of a glass
bottom boat. The talented crew entertains
onboard, singing along with a ukulele, while
you enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Stopping at snorkelling spots, you swim
through coral gardens viewing tropical fish,
giant clams and stonefish enclosures. At
Koromiri Island you are served a delicious
fish, hot off the BBQ, followed by an
impressive coconut tree climbing
demonstration by Captain Awesome. You
can also learn coconut husking, pareu tying
and weaving. The cruises are small, creating
an intimate experience and a percentage of
all sales are donated to marine conservation.
After all that physical activity, a soothing
massage at Spa Ariki at Crown Beach Resort
is just what I need to revive my senses and
rejuvenate my body! This peaceful sanctuary
also offers therapeutic spas and facials. Their
qualified spa therapists ensure you walk out
sparkling and feeling lifted, ready to enjoy
the rest of your holiday.
The outer waters of Rarotonga can be
enjoyed aboard the 58-foot yacht SV
Southern Cross. Departing from Avarua
Harbour, Sail Rarotonga takes you on a
romantic sunset sail cruise around the
western side of the island to see the most
spectacular sunset, enjoying a glass of wine
and delicious homemade nibbles. Between
July and October, you can capture majestic
After months of planning the biggest day of her life, all
saraH WeeKswanted to do
on honeymoon was relax in
the sun, enjoy some cocktails
and swim – with newlywed
husband Craig Wrightson.
Coconuts formed into a heart shape on the beach at Sea Change Villas.
eartfelt heaven in the Cook Islands
TD April 2014.indd 14 3/11/14 10:32 AM
15Travel DigesT, April 2014
humpback whales – a great sight to see! If
you’re feeling confident, you can ride the
waves at the bow of the boat.
For a unique and authentic experience of
the Cook Island culture, The Lost Village at
Highland Paradise, is a cultural and spiritual
feast of local entertainment. Located at an
authentic historical site in a 150-year-old
mountain village, this attraction features a
restored marae and traditional buildings.
Sunset cultural nights are held on
Wednesdays and Fridays and this includes
round trip transport to and from your
accommodation, as well as expert guides,
a village cultural immersion, marae visit, a
tapu lifting, warrior welcome, cocktail,
underground oven (umu), topped off with
a stage show – telling the story of their
ancient heritage through singing, dancing
and drumming.
Rarotonga is full of adventure and Raro
Mountain Safari Tours provide 4WD tours
through Avatiu Valley and surrounding
mountains, offering great views of The
Needle (Te Rua Manga) as well as up to
Hospital Hill. It’s a really great way to see the
island as the trucks give access to areas
most vehicles couldn’t go. Venturing off the
beaten track, your tour guide shows you the
real Rarotonga, educating you on historical
sites, whilst adding their own sense of local
humour – just don’t forget to hold onto your
seat! You’ll enjoy sensational views of the
lagoon and sweeping valleys and after your
adventure, feast on a tropical lunch down by
the lagoon.
FeasTing in ParaDiseSet in a lush tropical setting in Muri, next
door to Manea Beach Resort, is Flame Tree
Restaurant. The restaurant offers both indoor
and outdoor dining on a large covered deck
overlooking a stream full of fish, koura
(freshwater crayfish) and eels – the largest
and oldest resident of which is Papa Tuna.
Ika Mata is a popular local dish served at this
restaurant – yellow fin tuna marinated in
lemon and lime juice, coconut cream,
tomato, cucumber and capsicum – fresh and
flavoursome. Their signature cocktail, The
Flame, is also worth a try. Made of fresh
pawpaw blended with vodka, Cruzan coconut
rum and peach schnapps, it’s delicious!
Tamarind House is a beautifully restored
heritage colonial house set on 2.5 acres of
lawns sweeping down to the beach. You feel
a sense of nostalgia here, in a truly unique
tropical setting. Named after the Tamarind
COOK ISLANDS
TD April 2014.indd 15 3/11/14 10:32 AM
16 April 2014, Travel DigesT
COOK ISLANDS
tree, which once grew in the gardens of
Tamarind House until destroyed in a storm,
the restaurant has a rich history. Boasting
beachfront views, this restaurant is perfect
for a romantic dinner, watching the sunset
and offers a great selection of tasty and
fresh food.
A newcomer to Rarotonga’s dining scene,
Saltwater Cafe is a great beachside cafe
where you can enjoy a casual breakfast or
lunch with a great view. Owned and operated
by an Australian family who moved to the
Cook Islands after falling in love with the
island on holiday, they serve a variety of
interesting food including Thai, Mexican and
Indian. My husband orders mahi mahi fish
steak, a popular local dish and I try
something different – octopus curry.
Who would think you’d find an Italian
restaurant on a Pacific Island? And a good
one at that! Windjammer Restaurant at
Crown Beach Resort is an affordable fine
dining restaurant presenting authentic Italian
cuisine, complete with an intimate candle-lit
setting. Their impressive menu transported
us instantly from the Cook Islands back to
Italy. A highlight for me was the homemade
potato dumpling, eggplants, ricotta cheese in
a light tomato sauce and their chocolate
fondant dessert with gooey soft centre,
served with vanilla ice cream!
Coco-Latte is a cute little cafe offering a
fresh healthy menu from salads and protein
smoothies, to made-to-order sandwiches.
Their popular breakfasts feature cooked taro
leaf, much like spinach – tasty and
nutritious! Even if you’re not hungry, you
should at least visit this cafe to try their
famous Uncle Mark’s Nuts, a whole coconut
filled with a nutty flavoured milkshake – so
refreshing on a hot day and delicious.
slumber in ParaDiseRight on the edge of Muri Lagoon is
Manea Beach Villas, self-contained bach-
style accommodation. Being right on the
beachfront means you can lay on your private
deck complete with outdoor seating and BBQ
and gaze at the vibrant turquoise lagoon, only
a few metres away. Awaking to this view is
quite a treat! Their small and intimate
accommodation offers all the amenities you
need and their friendly staff makes you feel
right at home. There are just eight villas and
you can enjoy complimentary snorkelling and
kayak equipment to explore the motus (small
islands) in the lagoon, plus a beachfront
swimming pool.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury
accommodation, Sea Change Villas is one of
the top places to stay on the island. Situated
on the southern side of Rarotonga, this
unspoilt and serene private pool hideaway
retreat of nine luxury, one and two bedroom
villas is beautifully nestled among palm trees
and hibiscus flowers. Imagine a secluded
white sandy beach, turquoise seas and blue
skies as far as the eye can see – this is the
stuff dreams are made of, but it’s all real!
Each spacious villa has a home theatre
system, kitchen, four-poster king bed, large
bathroom with double-headed shower
designed for two, air conditioning and ceiling
fans along with your own private courtyard
and fresh water swimming pool. Ideal for a
romantic honeymoon, we’re lucky enough to
stay in one of their beachfront luxury villas
with two private decks including sun
loungers, tables and chairs with direct access
to the beach! Complimentary bikes and sea
kayaks are also available to use during your
stay. With a secluded location, wonderful
professional and friendly staff who go the
extra mile and one of the best beds we’ve
ever slept in, it’s the perfect place for anyone
looking for something extra special.
Flying To ParaDiseAir Rarotonga is the official airline of the
Cook Islands and operates inter-island and
international scheduled passenger, charter
and cargo services. Flying to nine out of the
15 Cook Islands, one of which is Aitutaki, a
small atoll with undoubtedly the most
spectacular lagoon in the world! Their friendly
staff welcomes you to fly with them and
discover the South Pacific’s best-kept secret.
Only a 45-minute flight from Rarotonga, we
depart paradise only to discover heaven on
earth as we glimpse Aitutaki from a distance
through our plane’s window – wow!
aiTuTaKi Whether you’re visiting the beautiful
Aitutaki for a day or few nights (the longer,
the better!), a cruise in their lagoon is an
absolute must. On a full day lagoon cruise
with Bishop’s Cruises, you’ll enjoy
breathtaking views, turtle spotting and
snorkelling turquoise waters seeing brightly
coloured tropical fish and giant clams. The
cruise drops you off at the famous Heaven
Sand Bar where you can wade through
shallow waters to the attraction of the lagoon,
Onefoot Island. A delicious BBQ lunch is
served under a hideaway hut, exclusive to
Bishop’s Cruises and the rest of the afternoon
is spent relaxing, swimming and soaking up
the sun. You need to take your passport as
you can get it stamped at the smallest,
uninhabited post office in the world as a
souvenir to remember your day. The crew are
very entertaining and knowledgeable about
the history and legends of Aitutaki.
Aitutaki (right) is a 45-minute flight from
Rarotonga.
Bishop’s Cruises (left) glides through turquoise waters and past white sandy beaches
TD April 2014.indd 16 3/11/14 10:32 AM
17Travel DigesT, April 2014
COOK ISLANDS
The Cook Islands’ iconic signature resort, The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, has just launched a brand-new concept for the Cook Islands – all-inclusive wedding packages. The resort’s new DREAMTIME wedding package is inclusive of: Aruru ‘Haven of Love’ sunset beach wedding ceremony plus lavish reception buffet dinner and three-hour beverage package for 30 guests, plus use of Latitude 21-30 private nightclub for after-party (no 10.30pm curfew, standard island-wide), plus five nights in a Beachfront Suite for the bride and groom with daily tropical breakfast at adjacent 4.5-star adults-only sister resort, Sanctuary Rarotonga-on the beach – all for only $5,999! The package is commissionable, and is based on a minimum of ten rooms staying for five nights.
New ALL-INCLUSIVE Wedding Packages at The Rarotongan
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, Aroa Beach & Lagoon Marine Reserve, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Phone +682-25800 Email: [email protected] www.therarotongan.com
TD April 2014.indd 17 3/11/14 10:32 AM
18 April 2014, Travel DigesT
A perfect way to finish your cruise is at
the Samade on the Beach restaurant and bar.
The Polynesian-inspired restaurant and bar
has stunning views and is located on the
lagoon’s edge. Dinner is prepared with fresh
and locally sourced ingredients – their fish is
melt-in-the-mouth and cocktails are sweet
and tasty.
After all that adventure, you can
experience pure relaxation and indulgence at
Tiare Spa at Pacific Resort Aitutaki – the
perfect place to treat yourself to a massage.
Their beachfront location creates an ambience
that will let you relax and unwind and their
signature massage is designed to promote
wellbeing by increasing blood circulation and
lymphatic flow. Eliminating aches and pains,
you’ll enjoy a feeling of total relaxation.
Located on the western coast of Aitutaki
is Tamanu Beach Resort, which has stunning
sunset views from their 22 bungalows set in
lush tropical gardens. There are also
self-contained studio rooms and one-
bedroom lagoon view rooms on the water’s
edge – a stone’s throw from the gorgeous
blue lagoon. Located on a private, white sand
beach, guests can swim, snorkel and kayak
the crystal clear lagoon. There are also
two freshwater swimming pools, a
beachfront bar, restaurant and gift shop.
For a truly unique Polynesian experience,
the Island Fire performance of song, dance
and fire dancing is held every Thursday.
After a few nights staying at this luxurious
accommodation, you won’t want to leave.
But as the locals say, you’re always
welcome to return to paradise!
Raro Mountain Safari Tours, Avatiu Valley.
✈
COOK ISLANDS
TD April 2014.indd 18 3/11/14 10:32 AM