What is it? The Pacific Resort Aitutaki is a luxury, 27-room boutique property, with beach-front bungalows, suites and villas on the western side of Aitutaki, the second-most visited of the idyllic Cook Islands. The development won the World's Leading Boutique Island Resort category at the World Travel Awards in 2008, 2009 and last year. And it is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection.
What's the theme? Thatched roofs blend into a lush landscape of tropical gardens, with water-lily ponds and volcanic rock features. Common areas - including the two restaurants and the main reception - have a laid-back open-air tropical luxe design, with polished timber flooring and columned walkways.
And the rooms? The bungalows, suites and villas have polished timber floors and carved timber furniture. All have access to Aitutaki's lagoon, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. You only have to walk out of your room onto the beach, pull on your snorkel and wade in to be swimming among an array of fish and coral. Suites have sundecks, daybeds and walled outdoor shower areas. Top of the range are the three split-level beachfront villas, which each have an enormous sundeck with panoramic views of the lagoon and a staircase that leads down to the beach.
What is there to do? Swim, snorkel, laze on a hammock or enjoy a Polynesian massage in the hotel's spa. Hire a scooter and explore the island or kayak to a secluded cove. A must-do activity is a boat tour to remote snorkelling spots and motus (islets). Fishing is also popular. Trips with a fishing guide leave at dawn and bring back your catch for the chef to prepare, so that by lunch time, you can be tucking into fish and chips or sushi.
What about the food? Naturally, there's plenty of fresh fish on the menu. Organic pork, tropical fruit, vegetables and herbs are sourced from local farmers. Menus range from eggs, sausages and sourdough pancakes for breakfast to kahlua pork and spring lamb rack served in the Rapae Bay Restaurant, overlooking the lagoon and beach. The Polynesian buffet feast on Friday evenings, called Island Nights, is a treat, as are the lively dancing, drumming and singing shows by local performers. Next to the pool, the Black Rock Cafe is the spot in which to sit back and sip a tropical cocktail while watching the sun set over the lagoon.
