Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Islands Destination Planner 2017 | Page 158

Cook Islands

156

INTRODUCING
THE COOK ISLANDS / South Pacific Islands
Cook Islands
Meet the friendly locals and relax by the blue lagoons and white-sand beaches . Fun , relaxation , and aquatic pastimes including diving and snorkelling are all part of a Cook Islands ’ tropical holiday .
The Cook Islands are situated in the heart of Polynesia and are comprised of 15 islands scattered over the Pacific Ocean . The largest of these islands is Rarotonga , site of the capital city Avarua , known for its white-coral churches . At Avarua ’ s Saturday market you can find treasures from beautifully printed sarongs to black pearls , and often traditional Polynesian drummers and dancers perform .
The Cook Islands ’ stunning blue lagoons and extensive reefs make it a popular scuba-diving destination , offering wafer-thin cays , wide spread atolls , and white-sand beaches . Enjoy a relaxing slow pace , friendly people , dancing , hiking , snorkelling , caving and lazing in the resorts . Home to an abundance of exotic flora and fauna , pristine white beaches , lush green volcanic mountains and some of the most spectacular crystal water in the world , a holiday to the Cook Islands is an experience of a lifetime .
Palm Grove
Set in the enchanting area of Vaimaanga on the stunning southern coast , Palm Grove enjoys the tranquillity of one of the best locations on Rarotonga . 22 individual bungalows are scattered over five acres of landscaped beachfront and garden property . Bungalows are available in studio to three-bed layouts and feature king-size beds , air-conditioning , full kitchen facilities , and private patio / balcony . Property amenities include an on-site restaurant and bar , swimming pool , guest BBQ area , tour desk , guest laundry , and motorbike rentals . Welcome to Palm Grove , your private piece of paradise ! Stay 7 Pay 6 price guide : $$$
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa
Slip off your watch , your shoes and your cares at the Cook Islands ' signature resort , The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa . Relax on Aroa Beach beside the crystal blue lagoon on Rarotonga ’ s southwest coast with all-day sun and sizzling sunsets . Discover Rarotonga ’ s best snorkelling in the Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve at any tide , and enjoy free stand-up paddleboarding , fish feeding , hula and ukulele . You can even go on a Night Snorkelling Tour ! The Rarotongan is Rarotonga ' s most Rarotongan resort . Here you ’ ll soak up the special magic of the Cook Islands in the South Seas .
6 Day Discover Rarotonga
Rarotonga is the vibrant centre of the Cook Islands , which are dominated by high mountain peaks , lush rainforest and a palm-fringed shoreline . Submerge yourself into the vibrant culture of song , dance and age-old traditions that is so much a part of the Cook Islands way of life . For a small island paradise , Rarotonga offers an impressive range of accommodation , dining and activity options . Choose from a resort-style holiday with the convenience of everything on-site to a small romantic property or opt for self-catering facilities , which are ideal for families .
The island is only 32 kilometres in circumference so getting around is easy ! Scooters are a popular way to see the island , and with only two main roads you can ’ t get lost . Stop for a swim , shop at the small craft stores dotted around the island or walk into a café for a cool drink and a bite to eat .
Accommodation : Palm Grove . 26 bungalows set over two hectares of landscaped gardens on the stunning southern coast , Palm Cove offers studio to 3-bedroom layouts to choose from .
Pricing from . $ 649 Pricing is per person , double occupancy
Accommodation : Sunset Resort . This lovely boutique property is located on the western beaches of Rarotonga , offering 35 spacious self-catering apartments either on the beachfront or with garden views .
Pricing from . $ 785 Pricing is per person , double occupancy
Accommodation : Muri Beachcomber . With its absolute beachfront location on one of Rarotonga ’ s premier beaches , Muri Beach , this resort offers a wide variety of rooms with well-equipped kitchens and your own verandah .
Pricing from . $ 749 Pricing is per person , double occupancy
Accommodation : Royale Takitumu . This intimate resort is located directly on the pristine Titikaveka Lagoon . The ten exclusive , free-standing thatched-roof villas all offer breathtaking views of the palm-fringed sandy beach and lagoon .
Pricing from . $ 1360 Pricing is per person , double occupancy
Accommodation : Sea Change Villas . This award-winning luxurious retreat nestled by its own secluded white sandy beach offers a tranquil stay for couples in one of the nine spacious villages – each with its own private pool .
Pricing from . $ 1340 Pricing is per person , double occupancy
Accommodation : Crown Beach Resort . Sitting on the sheltered , sunset coast of Rarotonga , this is a full-service luxury boutique resort with 36 stand-alone villas set in two hectares of lush tropical gardens .
Pricing from . $ 1295 Pricing is per person , double occupancy
Accommodation : Pacific Resort . This resort is nestled discreetly on the white sands of Muri Beach , known as Rarotonga ’ s most spectacular lagoon .
Pricing from . $ 1149 Pricing is per person , double occupancy
All packages include : 5 nights of accommodation , lagoon cruise , return airport transfers , breakfast daily .
price guide : $$$$
ANDERSON VACATIONS From prices for accommodation are ‘ per room ’ and sightseeing are ‘ per person ’.