COOK ISLANDS 40 COOK ISLANDS. Palmerston AITUTAKI. Manuae. Takutea Mitiaro. Atiu Mauke RAROTONGA. Mangaia. Amuri. Ureia AITUTAKI. Arutanga.

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1 40 COOK ISLANDS Amuri Ureia Arutanga AITUTAKI Vaipae COOK ISLANDS Tautu Palmerston AITUTAKI Manuae Takutea Mitiaro Avarua Atiu Mauke Arorangi Matavera RAROTONGA RAROTONGA Aroa Vaimaanga Titikaveka Muri Mangaia Photos (left to right): Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa map not to scale

2 COOK ISLANDS 41 Nestled in the heart of the Pacifi c, northeast of New Zealand are the Cook Islands. Named after British navigator Captain James Cook who arrived in 1773, the Cook Islands are a collection of 15 coral atolls and volcanic islands. The beauty and charm of the Cook Islands is matched only by the warmth and spontaneous hospitality of the locals. Culture is expressed through music and dance, and the islanders take great pride in traditional songs, Sunday hymns and the distinctive crafts which exist in their dayto-day lives. Unspoiled by tourism, there are no high-rise hotels, making an ideal retreat for those seeking an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Here you ll fi nd tranquility; there are no traffi c lights or chain restaurants, and no buildings taller than the tallest palm tree in the entire Cook Islands. Leave the crowds behind and enjoy a unique island escape. RAROTONGA Rarotonga is the main island and international gateway to the Cook Islands. It is compact in size, yet boasts white sand beaches and a high mountainous interior, lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls encircled by a protective reef and palm fringed shores. Just 20 miles around, Rarotonga is easy to explore using the Island Bus or rent a bike, car, or jeep. There are a variety of other ways to spend your days: fi shing, snorkeling, scuba diving or hiking during the day and then at night enjoy an island show. There are a variety of excellent accommodations to choose, from self-catering to boutique resorts. AITUTAKI Just over 160 miles north and a 45-minute flight from Rarotonga, Aitutaki beckons honeymooners and romantics of all ages. The island is famous for its brilliant clear turquoise lagoon and white sand beaches. The lagoon is a source of legends, seafood and a place where visitors can picnic on its motu (small islets) and snorkel. Aitutaki locals are renowned as the supreme entertainers of the Cook Islands, with a particular skill in a drum dance with swirling traditional costumes and swaying hips an event not to be missed.

3 42 COOK ISLANDS Crown Beach Resort & Spa Located on the sheltered sunset coast of Rarotonga in fi ve acres of gardens, Crown Beach Resort is a secluded haven for couples. All villas and suites are free standing, located beachfront, in the lush gardens or in the courtyard with many featuring a private jacuzzi or swimming pool. Crown Beach is a perfect location to relax on the white sandy beach, swim and snorkel in the turquoise lagoon, enjoy the beautiful waterfall mineral pool and spectacular sunsets or indulge in a rejuvenating massage at Spa Ariki. Situated close to great restaurants, cultural sites, the golf course and only 15 minutes from the main town of Avarua, there is plenty of choice for guests to do as much or as little as they like. Dining on site at Crown Beach Resort is some of the fi nest in Rarotonga, housing the Windjammer Restaurant & Bar, popular with both visitors and locals. simple { pleasures} Restaurants 2 Te Vakaroa Villas Set right on Muri Beach, Te Vakaroa Villlas is a secluded haven set in beautiful tropical gardens with unsurpassed views across Muri Lagoon and beyond the reef to the south Pacifi c Ocean. Perfect for couples and honeymooners, the six contemporary villas offer fully appointed kitchens, super king beds, luxury linens and private patios providing the ultimate in luxury and privacy. A short walk along the beach will take you to some of the best restaurants in Rarotonga. Muri Lagoon is a playground for many different water activities including snorkeling, kayaking, kite surfing and swimming. Te Vakaroa Villas provide complimentary use of kayaks and snorkeling equipment for those who want to pull themselves away from their luxurious villa. island { villas }

4 COOK ISLANDS 43 Muri Beach Club Hotel Muri Beach Club Hotel is a magical setting for couples in an enviable location right on an exotic white sandy beach overlooking Muri Lagoon. This boutique property has amazing views of the lagoon and offshore island (motu) which guests can swim or snorkel to and also offers guests a swimming pool, day bed, Cocktail Lagoon Lounge and Restaurant & Bar. Muri lagoon is sheltered for swimming and snorkeling, other activities available within the lagoon include windsurfi ng, kayaking, canoeing, kite surfi ng, sailing and glass bottom boat lagoon tours. The Beauty and Spa offers guests the ultimate in pampering and relaxation with a soothing massage to cleanse your body or refresh your soul. Guests choose from beachfront rooms with private balcony and stunning views across the lagoon, or superior pool view rooms and garden rooms surrounded by lush tropical gardens. boutique { retreat}

5 44 COOK ISLANDS Sea Change Villas An ideal resort for honeymooners and couples who seek a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Beachfront villas overlook the crystalline waters and white sand beach just steps away. Lagoon view villas are nestled amongst fruit trees and gardens looking to the tropical lagoon with an aquarium full of fi sh. Fresh water swimming pools provided in all villas are surrounded by large private decks and tropical gardens ensuring complete privacy whilst relaxing in peaceful surroundings. Each villa includes full kitchen, TV with home theater system, king size beds, air conditioning and spacious bathrooms. Also for guest use are kayaks, bicycles and snorkeling equipment, along with satellite TV, ipod/mp3 docking stations and wireless internet. Sea Change is about rest and relaxation in fabulous private surroundings blending seamlessly into a stunning piece of South Pacifi c paradise. island { villas } Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa On the stunning south east coast of Rarotonga, Te Manava is a secluded tropical hideaway set on Muri Lagoon, one of the most revered beaches along this stretch of coast simply because of its beautiful white sand. The shallow, sheltered lagoon is ideally suited for snorkeling and other watersports. Guests at Te Manava have a choice of 1, 2 or 3-bedroom villas located either beachfront or in the garden each with its own private pool and the option to personalize their stay by selecting either self-catering or add services. The comprehensive menu of a la carte guest services ranges from daily housekeeping through to a 5-course private dining prepared by a personal executive chef. The onsite spa includes a number of ways to relax and revitalize with a luxurious massage in a tranquil water garden setting. Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa is also just a 15 minute stroll along the beach from the Pacifi c Resort where guests can enjoy the use of facilities and entertainment, including Island night on Fridays with a traditional Umu cooked food (ground oven) and an exciting Island show. island { villas }

6 COOK ISLANDS 45 Little Polynesian Shoes are optional at this elegantly, romantic little island resort located on a white sandy unspoiled Titikaveka beach on the southern tip of Rarotonga. The crystal-clear lagoon is a snorkelers paradise and haven to a myriad of tropical fi sh. The Little Polynesian is ideal for couples and honeymooners looking for an intimate hideaway offering peace and tranquility combined with friendly personalized service. The resort oozes Polynesian charm, and is hidden within the foliage of palms and lush tropical gardens with just 14 bungalows and rooms. It is constructed using traditional Cook Island style design in conjunction with modern comforts and island accents. Beach bungalows have a private gazebo and daybed overlooking the beach, outdoor showers and jacuzzi. Garden rooms also have outdoor shower and jacuzzi as well as a mini kitchen. The resort bistro is set right on the beach and offers a great combination of island and Mediterranean inspired cuisine including fresh seafood. deluxe { resort}

7 46 COOK ISLANDS Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa AITUTAKI, COOK ISLANDS Located on a private island, this is the only resort in the Cook Islands with overwater bungalows, with direct access to the lagoon and stunning views across one of the prettiest lagoons in the Cook Islands. Traditional style thatched bungalows are positioned beachfront or in the garden, just a short walk to the beach. Fresh, innovative cuisine is available at the Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill with a quintessential island style sand floor and views across the lagoon or the Bounty Restaurant. Island night is held on certain nights including a lively show of Cook Islands culture, singing, drumming and dancing. For the ultimate romantic evening, guests can also arrange private candlelit dining overlooking the lagoon. Activities include: sea kayaking, tennis, mountain biking, snorkeling and more. Spa Polynesia has a range of spa therapies including pamper packages that combine the healing touch a relaxing aromatherapy massage, facials, body wraps, healing reflexology, manicures and pedicures. This is an oasis of relaxation with the option of special treatments available on the beach or by the pool. { luxury resort } Restaurants 2

8 COOK ISLANDS 47 Pacific Resort Aitutaki AITUTAKI, COOK ISLANDS This secluded boutique island resort is surrounded by the crystal clear turquoise waters of Aitutaki lagoon. Guests here enjoy the sophistication of delicious cuisine, attentive service and modern facilities. With just 27 luxurious absolute beachfront bungalows, suites and villas, all enjoy panoramic ocean views and are gorgeously appointed in an eclectic blend of colonial timber furnishings combined with authentic Polynesian style. Beachfront villas are split level perched on spectacular black volcanic rock with an outdoor staircase meandering down to the sandy beach. Dining at the signature Rapae Bay Restaurant offers an excellent menu from sumptuous breakfasts, to an enticing array of fresh seafood and local produce. There is also a beachfront bar and island night with a dynamic display of local song and dance accompanied by skilled island drummers, guitar and ukulele combined with a sumptuous buffet feast. Guests can trek to the island s highest point, join daily cultural activities, amble on the lagoon in kayaks or snorkel amazing reefs, take a lagoon or island cruise, scuba dive, or join a deep sea big game fishing run for marlin, tuna or wahoo. { boutique retreat } Restaurants 2