Pacific Resort Aitutaki (old)

Allow time to slow down on the **paradise island of Aitutaki. **There’s no rush, no schedules and no crowds on this dreamy dot in the ocean that takes just 15 minutes to drive from top to bottom. Surrounded by the clearest blue lagoon you’ll ever see, Aitutaki is all about relaxing on the white-sand beaches, snorkelling through colourful coral and tropical fish – or maybe a shipwreck – hiking to the top of Maungapu peak for amazing views over the sapphire lagoon and chilling out at ultra-cool island bars and cafes. We recommend Tauono’s (try the coconut cake), Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill which serves fresh seafood with 180-degree ocean views and the Coconut Shack where you can dance the night away.

What You’ll Love

The location – Step straight onto the beach or into the lagoon

Perched on the edge of the ocean, this beachfront property has one of the world’s most beautiful beaches and lagoons right on its doorstep and you can explore it all at your leisure with complimentary bike, kayak and snorkel use. On this tiny island, you’re never too far from any of the island’s attractions which include beautiful beaches, hiking trails and jetties where you can jump on a boat to one of the surrounding 22 paradise islands including the tiny Tapuaetai, also known as one-foot island.

How to get there – A direct flight from Sydney

Getting to the Cook Islands is easy with direct flights to Rarotonga departing Sydney every Friday with Air New Zealand. Alternatively, flights depart Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with a stopover in Auckland. From Rarotonga, Aitutaki Island is just a 45-minute flight away with** return airport transfers included **once you land on the island.

The Resort - The World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort

Pacific Resort Aitutaki has recently been named the** ‘World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort’, the ‘World’s Leading Boutique Resort’ and the ‘World’s Leading Resort 2017’ **in the World Travel Awards 2017. Enjoy a Coconut Nu on arrival at this award-winning property comprised of just 27 breathtaking rooms right on the crystal clear waters of Aitutaki Lagoon.

Your Room – A bottle of wine included

Slip easily into island mode with a bottle of wine on arrival to welcome you into your room. Stay in a 62sqm Premium Beachfront Bungalow showcasing spacious interiors brought to life with traditional Polynesian décor. Each bungalow features either king or twin beds, an en-suite bathroom, TV, air-conditioning, and a private balcony facing the beach with daybed and handy beachside shower.

Upgrade: For even more tropical luxury, upgrade to a huge 88sqm Ultimate Beachfront Bungalow with a beach-facing sundeck and serene private courtyard with open-air shower.

**Bonus: **Stay for seven nights and enjoy a NZ$50 spa credit to use towards any spa service including massages, facials and body scrubs.

The Food – Daily breakfasts and two dinners included

Start each day in paradise with your included daily a la carte breakfasts featuring delicious freshly-cooked Western and Asian delights including fresh fruits, eggs cooked to order, pancakes, seafood, pastries and more.

You’ll also get to enjoy **two three-course dinners **at Rapae Bay Restaurant where you can enjoy dishes such as Cook Islands-style raw fish and Hawaiian-style ahi poke, Araura lobster salad with a light rouille Waldorf salad, Wagyu beef tenderloin with a puree of local rukau, and brown sugar pavlova with passionfruit.