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Crown Beach Resort, RarotongaLittle Polynesian, RarotongaHibiscus flower, AitutakiSnorkelling in AitutakiRarotonga Beach Bungalows, RarotongaLocal girls, AitutakiRarotonga Beach BungalowsFacing a wide, tranquil white-sand beach,Rarotonga Beach Bungalows are located onRarotonga’s southern coast. Each bungalow looksonto the turquoise lagoon which boasts one ofthe most sheltered snorkelling areas on the islandand is home to a protected marine wildlife areawhere tropical fish and coral abound. Each one ofthe five elevated bungalows is surrounded bywhite sand and areca palms and is built to atraditional design. Decorated with coconut palms,local cloth and woven bamboo, the interiorsreflect the local style. Although there is norestaurant at the property, the excellent Paw PawPatch restaurant is just a few minutes’ walk awayand there is also a small lounge, morning coffeebar and library.The needle on the cross-island trek, RarotongaAitutakiThis atoll, first settled by Melanesian sailors around800 BC, is one of the most beautiful in the SouthPacific. The gently sloping island looks out over amassive, shimmering turquoise lagoon fringed bya ribbon of islets and a glorious ring of coral.Though just 200 kilometres north of Rarotonga,this low coral island is completely different in feelwith cruises, sailing and snorkelling expeditionsfocused on the sheltered lagoon. Bone fishing is aspecial attraction and there is superb diving onthe sheer outer reefs. For most visitors it is thepristine, white-sand beaches that are the majordraw, offering a wonderful opportunity to relaxin a place where time has little meaning.Are Tamanu Beach Village,AitutakiSet on a long stretch of powder-white beachright on Aitutaki’s expansive lagoon, Are TamanuBeach Village is an intimate family-run resortoffering warm and friendly Cook Islands hospitality.Are Tamanu means ‘house of the mahogany tree’and the ‘village’ is the result of two small resortsmerging together, which means guests have achoice of pools and bars while here. The 12spacious Tamanu Polynesian Bungalows havewooden floors, traditional thatched roofs, fullkitchen facilities and an outdoor decking areaperfect for enjoying the sunsets over the lagoon.Alternatively, stay in one of the lovely ManeaSuites, which are very spacious and ideal forcouples or families and come with lagoon views ora beachfront location. In addition, there are twofreshwater swimming pools, the Te Vaka Bar andGrill and a poolside bar.Pacific Resort, AitutakiThrow away your watch, sit back and relax at thisbeautiful resort where just 30 guest bungalows,suites and villas nestle in the shade of tropicalforest. One of the most luxurious hotels in theCook Islands, Pacific Resort offers Polynesianarchitecture, colonial furnishings and fine food andwine in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. Allaccommodation is air-conditioned and each suiteor villa has a large veranda within steps of a longwhite-sand beach washed by the waters of asheltered lagoon.Pacific Resort, Aitutakiwww.audleytravel.com/southpacific l 01993 838 830 l The South Pacific 75