Escape Magazine ESCAPE 29 | Page 81

A I T U TA K I • CO O K I S L A N D S Tamanu Beach Tamanu Beach CASUAL LUXURY an aqua lagoon in which three volcanic and twelve small coral islands nestle. A small island is known locally as a motu. The best thing about Aitutaki is undoubtedly its lagoon. They have taxis here, but rather than those normally found on land, these are small fast boats equipped with outboard motors. They can take you to your own private island where you can spend the day snorkeling, sunbathing or having a picnic, and then pick you up after several restful, sun-filled hours. “one of the places to visit while you are still on this earth” There are also numerous lagoon tours, which last almost an entire day. Lunch, refreshments, snorkeling gear, and towels are always provided and nearly all tour operators can pick you up from the airport, or your hotel. Possibly the most well-known is Air Rarotonga’s day tour onboard Titi-ai-Tonga, a large double hulled vessel that cruises languidly in the lagoon. Sit down meals are served by friendly staff, and after snorkeling in the lagoon visitors are taken to One Foot Island (Tapuaetai). Takurua Island Night EVERY THURSDAY RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL Ph. 31 810 Magazine • 81 W W W.TA M A N Escape U B E AC H . CO M