Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands 2022 Destination Planner 2022 | Page 92

INDEPENDENT RAIL ITINERARIES / Australia FEATURED PARTNERS / Cook Islands Muri Lagoon, Rarotonga | David Kirkland The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium Sanctuary Rarotonga - on the beach (Adults only) Cook Islands Kick back and enjoy a completely relaxing and refreshing tropical island holiday at this iconic resort. The Rarotongan is Rarotonga’s most Rarotongan resort, situated on a kilometre-long stretch of a picture-perfect white sandy beach. Rarotonga is the vibrant centre of the Cook Islands which are dominated by high mountain peaks, lush rainforest and palm-fringed shoreline. Enjoy a wealth of complimentary activities – hand feed the friendly reef fish or snorkel straight off the resort’s Aroa Beach in the crystal clear blue waters of Aroa Lagoon Marine Sanctuary. Head out for a stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking adventure. Learn to husk a coconut, dance the hula, make a lei, weave a sunhat from coconut palm or play the ukulele and island log drums. The restaurant and bar are right beside the water, perfect for that long cool cocktail with stunning views of the sun setting across the lagoon. There are a range of room, suite and villa options to select from. 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. Rarotonga is only 32 kilometres in circumference so getting around is easy! 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. Immerse yourself in culture while enjoying relaxation time and the sandy beaches and lagoons. 6 Day Rarotonga Discovery Hotel Muri Beachcomber - Rarotonga Here at Sanctuary Rarotonga - on The Beach, the beach and lagoon are practically yours, offering you space and privacy to reconnect with your special someone. Enjoy some luscious fresh tropical fruits for breakfast, then take a few steps and slip into the clean, clear waters of Aroa Lagoon for a refreshing morning dip. Chase that with a delicious lunch beside the Sanctuary's secluded pool, then relax in the warm sunshine with a book and a cool drink from the unique swim-up bar. The Aroa Lagoon Marine Sanctuary also offers you Rarotonga’s best snorkelling, or view the colourful fishes from atop your complimentary stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Afterwards, ease back with a traditional massage at the resort’s SpaPolynesia. By evening, dine on some beach gourmet cuisine at the Bluewater Grill, then take a stroll hand-in-hand on the moonlit sands under a twinkling sky. Hotel Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort 13 Day Cook Island Discovery Highlights (included): Highlights (included): • Morning Safari 4WD tour • Rarotonga Lagoon Cruise • Te Vara Nui Cultural Centre with overwater night show and dinner. Day 1: Rarotonga Day 2: Rarotonga touring Day 3: Te Vara Nui Cultural Centre Day 4: Rarotonga at leisure Day 5: Cruise touring Day 6: Depart Rarotonga Package includes: 5 nights of hotel accommodation, return airport transfers, tropical breakfast daily, sightseeing and attractions as noted above. Pricing from. $899 • Morning Safari 4WD tour • Rarotonga progressive dinner • Rarotonga Lagoon Cruise • Te Vara Nui Cultural Centre with overwater night show and dinner • Aitutaki Lagoon Cruise Day 1: Rarotonga Day 2: Rarotonga touring Day 3: Te Vara Nui Cultural Centre Day 4: Rarotonga at leisure Day 5: Progressive dining Day 6: Rarotonga at leisure Day 7: Rarotonga cruising Day 8/9: Rarotonga at leisure Day 10: Rarotonga – Aitutaki Day 11: Aitutaki cruising Day 12: Aitutaki at leisure Day 13: Depart Rarotonga Pricing is per person, double occupancy Muri Beachcomber is an intimate property perfectly located on the white sandy shores of beautiful Muri Lagoon, in the heart of Muri Village. It is an owner-managed resort with a long-standing team of friendly, welcoming staff focused on delivering exceptional customer service. Stylish rooms with separate air-conditioned bedrooms, spacious living/dining area, well-equipped kitchen and modern bathrooms are included. The Seaview units and Watergarden Villas are perfect for couples seeking a peaceful retreat. Poolside Garden units are ideal for families seeking quality time together. Relax by the pool, or explore the area on bike, paddleboard or kayak and snorkel in the lagoon. Wi-Fi, laundry, lounge, BBQ's and airport transfers are available. Find a daily breakfast pack and welcome flower on arrival. Shops, ATM, pharmacy, café's and restaurants are within very easy walking distance. Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort is the only resort in the Cook Islands to offer overwater bungalows, set directly upon world-famous Aitutaki Lagoon. Marvel at the jaw-dropping views of water the colour of the most brilliant turquoise. The ultimate luxury is privacy; immerse yourself in the rhythms of nature, the tides, the sun, the moon, and the incredible canopy of trillions of twinkling stars. Hotel Hotel Package includes: 12 nights of hotel accommodation, return airport transfers, tropical breakfast daily, flights between Rarotonga and Aitutaki, sightseeing and attractions as noted above. Pricing from. Experience the incredible charm of your own thatched bungalow, enjoy some complimentary stand-up paddleboarding, hand feed the reef fish or kayak to a nearby deserted island for a picnic. Deeply relax with a spa massage, celebrate your good fortune with a cool sunset cocktail and a private candlelit dinner on the beach. This is a blissful and unique romantic escape. $2999 Pricing is per person, double occupancy Punanga Nui Market, Rarotonga | Cook Islands Tourism 90 Snorkelling Aitutaki | David Kirkland/Cook Islands Tourism ANDERSON VACATIONS Lagoon Cruise, Aitutak | Cook Islands Tourism www.andersonvacations.ca 91