Photo by Nan Hauser,
Cetacean Scientist
The Magic, History and
Beauty of Antipodes
Antipodes is situated in a quintessential
Mediterranean Villa perched on top of
the cliff at Blackrock, and commands
spectacular 180 degree views out over
the reef and on towards the endless
blue horizon.
From the moment you enter the exotic courtyard and make
your way across the fairy-tale rustic wooden bridge spanning
lily ponds flanked by an appealing waterfall, your eyes are
irresistibly drawn towards the beckoning and truly magnificent
panoramic ocean views. Being awestruck by the sheer magic of
this unique Clifftop location, is simply unavoidable.
Antipodes’ one acre site right on top of the famous
Blackrock cliff edge is steeped in local legend and folklore,
with the local Cook Islanders believing that this very site
is where their souls will congregate after death before
leaping off the cliff, and making their way on to the next
dimension….These legends are further celebrated in the
theme of numerous stone carvings that punctuate the
lush tropical gardens and terraces. The opening of the
Restaurant has now made it possible for both locals and
visiting tourists to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of this
very special location.
From July to October every year, the humpback whales
arrive from the Antarctic region for their tropical summer
vacation. During this time they mate and the females who
have been impregnated during the previous season’s ‘love
52 • Escape Magazine
festival’, give birth. The ocean right in front of the Blackrock
cliff just beyond the reef provides a suitably deep crystal blue
sanctuary for mothers and their calves - making this area which
is directly overlooked by Antipodes, one of the best spots on
the Island to view these majestic/beautiful visitors put on their
impressive breaching and tail-slapping displays.
This Mediterranean villa was originally built some 22 years ago
as a palatial private home, and subsequent owners rented it out
to overseas tourists wanting a very spacious and private ‘home
from home’ in the tropical paradise of Rarotonga. The current
owners viewed the property some 12 years ago, and decided
that it would
be the perfect
place to develop
a specialist
upmarket
Weddings /
Events Venue
which also
features a
restaurant
and boutique
accommodation.
They were
however only
able to purchase
this property
at the end of