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The Cook Islands
S
Penihyn
pread over an area equal to
twenty-five percent of the
USA the fifteen islands that make
up the Cook Island Nation offer
everything you expect from your
South Pacific paradise.
Rakahanga
Manihiki
Pukapuka
N
Nassau
The Polynesians were the first to settle in the islands in
1500BC, they were conquered two centuries later by a joint
force from the islands of Tahiti and Samoa. Captain Cook
sighted the Manuae atoll in 1773 and returned again in
1777 to discover the islands of Palmerston, Takutea,
Mangaia and Atiu. Aitutaki and Rarotonga were both
discovered by Captain Bligh in 1789, the year of the ‘Mutiny
on The Bounty’, although the discovery of Rarotonga is
officially credited to Captain Goodenough in 1814.
Suwarrow
Cook Islands
Rarotonga Island
34
Rarotonga, is the main island, being home of the
international airport and seat of government. Rarotonga is
known as a high island and was formed from a longdormant underwater volcano. On Rarotonga you can join a
mountain trek across the island (there is no road!) or
explore the marine life in the reef. Or you can take an
island tour and visit the neat villages and picturesque
beaches that are spread around the island.
Aitutaki Islands
Aitutaki is located 300 miles to the north of Rarotonga
and features spectacular lagoons, that were created
when the volcano’s central peak fell into the sea. The
island is well worth a visit for its natural beauty and
tranquillity. Day trips by air can include an island tour and
lagoon cruise. Lunch is included and prepared while you
relax, explore the coral or hand feed the fish. As a special
treat, take a trip to one of the uninhabited motus for that
genuine feeling of ‘alone’.
Atoll Islands
The Northern islands of Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Penrhyn
and Suwarrow are 700 miles from Rarotonga. These palm
clad motus are surrounded by crystal clear lagoon waters
which are usually teaming with tropical fish that most of
us have only seen in books or aquariums! You might even
come across a pearl oyster.
The five remaining outer islands, which are accessible by
air, step you back in time. Explore the caves of Atiu, visit
Mangaia, probably the oldest of the Pacific Islands, taste
the Itiki (eel), the delicacy of the flat island of Mitiaro and
see the distinct interior of the Oliveta Church at
Kimiangatau village on Mauke. Through thousands of
years of geological development, Aitu, Mauke, Mitiaro
and Mangaia are now islands with central hills
surrounded by rings of dead coral. These islands have
small reef holes for bathing and sea caves for exploring,
as well as the usual idyllic beaches. These islands are an
hour’s flight from Rarotonga.
Manuae, Takutea and
Palmerston Islands are atolls
and accessible only by sea, and
are rarely visited by tourists.
35
Palmerston
Aitutaki
Manuae
Takutea
The variety of restaurants is
extensive, from cuisine gourmet
eating to the island style cafes – the
choice is yours, but a traditional feast
Umukai, cooked in underground ovens, is a
special experience. Shopping ranges from duty
free everything to island made souvenirs for that really
special gift or memento, and of course, there are always
cultured black pearls for that extra special gift.
Mitiaro
Mauke
Atiu
Rarotonga
Mangaia
The Cook Islands will leave you wanting more, so a return
visit is assured.
Our Thoughts
The Cook Islanders are very friendly and welcoming. The
islands offer one of the best value destinations in the
Pacific. The island’s tourism development has been mainly
geared to the requirement of vacationers from New
Zealand and Australia, which has resulted in a good
mixture of three star accommodation which are all well
appointed and provide good value. On the main island of
Rarotonga there is a wide range of dining options very
well priced. The hotels we offer on the main island all
have beaches but they tend to be a little small. The island
offers a very quiet and restful environment. They are so
conscious of maintaining the balance with nature that
they have banned certain noise pollutants such as water
jetskis! Getting around the island is mainly by scooter. A
drive around the island using the only coastal road will
take less than an hour, and guess what – there are no
traffic lights! Aitutaki island is still very underdeveloped.
Although there are a number of accommodation options
they are all very small. The Cook Islands offer a very low
key and relaxed environment plus they offer great value
for your money, and are a perfect location in which to get
away from it all.
LOCAL CURRENCY
LOCAL TIME
VISA
DEPARTURE TAX
New Zealand Dollar (NZ$)
GMT –10
No visa required for a stay of up to 31 days.
NZ$ 25
Where to stay in
the Cook Islands
Although there is a large selection of accommodation to choose
from in the Cook Islands, the range of quality is in our opinion
limited. Based on a UK grading comparison there are currently no
four star hotel/resort in the Cook Islands. There are a number of
hotels that rate as an overall four star experience and some of the
individual room categories can be rated as four star, but the
hotel’s general facilities may not live up to a European four star
rating. We recommend that you consider your choice of hotel very
carefully as in many cases your expectation will be greater than
the hotels ability to delivery.
Accommodation is available on a number of the Cook Island’s
southern group of islands, but currently only Rarotonga and
Aitutaki have a range of hotels that will accommodate all tastes.
The accommodation on the other islands are very basic and in
some cases very, very basic.
Many of the hotels are designed for self-catering, this is because
the Cook Island’s main visitor market is New Zealand, and New
Zealanders are big on self catering holidays. However do not be
put off by this as most hotels have a restaurant on site or there is
one close by.
The hotels and resorts we have included in this brochure are just a
small selection of what is available, so if you have a specific property
in mind that we have not included please give call us, as we will be
happy to book any hotel of your choice in the Cook Islands.
Wherever you elect to stay you can be assured that your visit to
the Cook Islands will be a happy and memorable one.
The Cook Islands
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The Edgewater
Resort
Plus
The Edgewater Resort is the largest hotel on the island of
Raratonga, located just 5 minutes from the airport on the south
west side of the island.
36
Set amidst tropical gardens fronted by the lagoon and a white
sand beach, the Edgewater Resort’s two and three story
accommodation provides garden view, fan-cooled
or air-conditioned, sea view rooms. All feature refrigerator,
balcony, TV/VCR and tea/coffee making facilities. In addition to
the main accommodation the hotel offers some of the best
superior rooms to be found on Rarotonga, with twenty seven
new Beachfront deluxe suites and nine VIP deluxe suites, with
their own jacuzzis.
The resort features bars, two restaurants, a large swimming
pool, tennis and squash courts. There is a golf course nearby
and a full range of watersports are available. Island picnics are
an alternative for those wishing a more relaxed stay!
The Pacific Resort
& Villas
This first class resort is located on Muri Lagoon, set
in magnificent well kept tropical gardens including a
picturesque meandering stream surrounded by waving
palms. The resort fronts onto Muri beach – Rarotonga’s finest,
and is sheltered by several offshore islands, making this an ideal
location for windsurfing, snorkelling or other water activities most
of which are free. And for the less active you can relax on the
beach or around the freshwater swimming pool.
The resort’s two restaurants overlook the beach and lagoon
affording great views to go with the fine cuisine. The
accommodation consists of 61 intimate, beautifully designed one
and two bed suites and villas. Each suite is fan cooled plus most
rooms also offer air-conditioning. All offer a spacious lounge area,
separate bathroom, a full kitchen and a patio with garden or beach
views. The two storey, two bed villas have extra luxuries, including
TV/video, hi-fi system and washing machine. The garden units are
near the pool, set well back from the lagoon while the beach-front
rooms are adjacent to the restaurant. All accommodation has its
own patio/balcony
37
In the evening you can enjoy Island Cocktail Parties or one of
the resort’s regular cultural shows.
For our current prices and booking conditions please refer
to the price insert supplied with this brochure
For tailor made holiday prices, please call our reservations centre on
01293 567722
Rarotonga
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Page 38
Rarotongan Sunset
The Rarotongan Sunset is an intimate, friendly self catering hotel
with 20 units. Situated on a white sandy beach, The Rarotongan
Sunset hotel is located on the north west coast of Rarotonga.
The accommodation comprises of 11 intimate garden studios and
9 beachfront units, all beautifully furnished with its own kitchen,
dining area, bathroom, ceiling fan, television, telephone and
hairdryer.
Relax by the freshwater pool while enjoying a cocktail at the
Birdcage bar and for those nights when you do not want to cook,
there are a number of restaurants and bars are within easy walking
distance of the resort. The Sunset is a very friendly location from
which to explore the island or just layback and relax and as the
name implies the views of the sunsets are spectacular.
38
Rarotonga Island
Lagoon Lodges & Villas
If you are looking for a self-catering experience for your stay in
the Cook Islands, then you will not be disappointed with the
Lagoon Lodges and Villas. Situated 5 miles form the airport on
the Southwest corner of the island just across from the beach, the
resort is set in lush tropical gardens that include two swimming
pools and tennis courts.
The accommodation is offered in twenty one bungalows and villas
sleeping from one to six persons, they all come with a fully
equipped kitchen, fridge/freezer, separate bathroom/shower,
dining/lounge area, hairdryer, air circulation fan and direct dialling
telephone. There is a guest laundry and BBQ area, as well as an
on-site café and bar which is available for breakfast. The local
shops and restaurants are only just a short walk away.
39
There are many self catering properties to choose from in the Cook
Islands, all of which will provide you with an enjoyable stay, we
feel that the Lagoon Lodges & Villas are in the top three for
delivering the very best in great value self catering holidays in the
Cook Islands.
“If we do not feature the
hotel of your choice”
– simply call us, and we
will be happy to quote you.
Did She Really?
– 38 –
Beautiful Sunsets!
Rarotonga
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Manuia Beach
Page 40
Palm Grove
Plus
Plus
The Manuia Beach is a small boutique hotel
set on a small palm fringed beach front
location on the western side of the island. The
hotel offers a very special experience tailored
for the adult market, children under 12 year
are not permitted.
40
There are 20 rooms, 6 beach front and 14
tropical garden rooms, which are built in ten,
two room bungalow units, the rooms feature an
island décor but may in our opinion be a little
spartan. The rooms offer king-size beds,
refrigerators, hairdryer, tea/coffee making
facilities, IDD telephone and private bathroom
with shower.
One of the hotel’s main features is the beach
side pool, which is surrounded by beautiful
flower and shrubs offering a great location to
just lay back and relax and soak up the sun’s
rays. Its most unique feature is the beach-side
sand floored restaurant and bar which features
local and international dishes and is open from
7am till late!
Twice weekly there is a beach barbecue
featuring live music with a floor show. And for
the active, the hotel offers free snorkelling
equipment and can arrange the full range of
water activities, except jetskis and water skiing
which currently are not permitted in the Cook
Islands.
“If we do not feature the
hotel of your choice”
– simply call us, and we
will be happy to quote you.
Situated on the island’s south coast in the
village of Vaimaanga the resort is built either
side of the quiet coastal road. The reception,
restaurant/bar and swimming pool along with
6 garden studio rooms are situated in well
maintained gardens on the island side of the
road. Across the road, situated right on the
beach are 8 large deluxe beachfront
bungalows.
The garden studios rooms offer one queen-size
and one single bed, shower/WC, a full kitchen,
ceiling fan, radio, telephone and a garden view
patio. The beach bungalows offer a king-sized
bed or two single beds, a full kitchen including
a microwave, ceiling fan, hairdryer, radio,
telephone and a patio overlooking the beach.
The Palm Grove accepts children, but does not
allow children under 5 years of age in the
beach bungalows.
41
In addition to the garden studio and beachfront
bungalows, the Palm Grove has two homes for
larger parties who wish to stay together. There
is a 1 bedroom bungalow, which sleeps up to
four, and a 3 bedroom house, which sleeps up
to six.
The restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner.
The hotel offers complementary snorkelling
equipment, reef shoes and canoes, and there is
a TV lounge if you get ‘BOX’ withdrawal
symptoms. There are also motor bikes and
bicycles available for rent by the hour or day
so that you can go exploring!
Manuia Beach
We feel that the Palm Grove offers exceptional
value for those clients looking for a beach front
location. Its friendly laid back atmosphere
compliments the peace and tranquillity of the
area and will provide you with a perfect
location from which to enjoy all that Rarotonga
has to offer.
For our current prices and booking conditions please refer
to the price insert supplied with this brochure
For tailor made holiday prices, please call our reservations centre on
01293 567722
Palm Grove
Manuia Beach
Rarotonga
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Crown Beach Resort
43
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The resort offers three types of accommodation – twelve one and
two bedroom villas, which are situated in the gardens and eight
deluxe Beachfront Ocean view villas. All the villas are nonsmoking, and offer air conditioning, ceiling fans, fully
equipped kitchen and private bathrooms with shower. They
are well appointed with tiled floors, the decorations provide a
light and airy feel.
IDEAL
42
The Crown Beach is one of the island’s newest properties, and
ranks in the island top five properties. Built in four and a half
acres of lush tropical gardens, between the island’s coastal road
and a beautiful white sand beach, the Crown Beach offers a
superb environment from which to enjoy all the wonders of the
Cook islands. The resort facilities include a swimming pool set in
the gardens surrounded by the villas, and the Cabana Beach Bar
located between the pool and the beach which provides a great
location from which to enjoy the spectacular sunsets.
The resort’s restaurant, the Windjammer, is one of the best
restaurants on the island and offers both local and international
cuisine.
The Crown Beach is a very special resort affording a relaxing
experience with style but not stuffy, one of the Cook Island’s
special experiences.
“If we do not feature the
hotel of your choice”
– simply call us, and we
will be happy to quote you.
For our current prices and booking conditions please refer
to the price insert supplied with this brochure
For tailor made holiday prices, please call our reservations centre on
01293 567722
Rarotonga
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Aitutaki Pearl Resort
Pacific Resort
Plus
Situated on the stunningly beautiful island of Aitutaki, which is
just a short 50 minute flight north of Rarotonga.
Pacific Resort Aitutaki
The hotel offer four categories of accommodation to select from;
Lagoon view, Beachfront bungalows, Beachfront suites and
Beachfront villas. All the rooms are very well appointed with
private bathrooms, air conditioning, coffee/tea maker and
balconies. Please note that there are only two lagoon view
rooms, so their availability is going to be very limited.
The resort has a lovely three level restaurant overlooking
the lagoon and the resort’s infinity swimming pool.
45
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Game fishing, hobie cat sailing, windsurfing, kayaking,
snorkelling and scuba diving are all available for the sports
minded and for those who want to relax in the sun, why not laze
around the pool or soothe away the pressures of the outside world
on the resort’s beautiful unspoiled private white sandy beach.
Delight in doing it all... or in doing nothing, the Aitutaki is ideal for
those people who want to leave the hustle and bustle behind.
Aitutaki Island
IDEAL
44
The Aitutaki Pearl Resort offers 28 island style bungalows with
either a garden or lagoon view, plus five deluxe oceanfront
bungalows and seven overwater bungalows. Each bungalow has
air-conditioning as well as a ceiling fan, private shower,
refrigerator, tea/coffee making facilities, telephone, hairdryer and a
private sun deck. They are very comfortable but a little dated in
their furnishing design. There is one restaurant and the resort
offers daily complimentary continental breakfast. The
beach bar is located on the lagoon and offers wonderful
panoramic views, a great place to sip that well earned
cocktail after a hard day in the sun!
The Pacific Resort Aitutaki is The Cook Islands’ newest resort
hotel, opened in October 2002. The resort is the sister hotel to the
Pacific Resort on Rarotonga. The development of the hotel has
been very carefully planned to ensure that it is in harmony with its
natural surroundings, a great use of wood and stone has been
made to create a natural feel for the buildings and the surrounding
areas. The resort is set in 17 acres of beautifully landscaped
gardens with a private white sand beach of 650 metres.
Not only is the hotel the newest in the Cook Islands but
we also believe it’s the best. The visitor is afforded a
sophistication and elegance that is not found at any other
resort in the Cook Islands. So if your length of stay in the
Cooks will allow, a trip to Aitutaki and a stay at The Pacific
Resort is a must.
Aitutaki
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Page 46
A
nother attractive and interesting side of the Cook Islands is to be
found on the outer islands of Mangaia and Atiu in the Cook’s
Southern group.These islands way of life have remained virtually
unchanged in thousands of years, with the exception of the building materials
used to construct their homes and the design of the clothes the islanders wear.
46
There is no tourist infrastructure on the outer islands and only a couple of very basic hotels to
stay at, but the experience of the visit is in our opinion well worth the sort term lack of
creature comforts. So if you would like to get a real feel for the Cook Islands may we suggest
that you consider a visit to Mangaia and Atiu.
47
Mangaia
is a short 50 minute flight east south east of Rarotonga, the island is over 22
million years old and has been created out of a number of seabed volcanic eruptions which
have resulted in the original island being push further up above the sea level so you find
yourself walking over a pre historic coral reef (called Makatea) which is half a mile inland
from the coast!
The island is very quiet and the villagers live the same life style that their ancestors have for
many thousands of years. During your stay a visit to the caves where one of the tribes lived
for many years while they were at war with a neighbouring village tribe. And a walk in the
forest to see the Woodpecker which is unique to Mangaia.
Atiu
is again a 50-minute flight from Rarotonga, but this time North, Northeast. It is very
similar to Mangaia in its history and culture but is much flatter than Mangaia although it does
have some deep valleys. It also has a Makatea ridge and its unique bird species, the Kopeka
which are small birds that nest deep inside very dark caves and navigate their way through the
caves by echo sounding, which is a truly remarkable event to witness, even if you are not an
bird watcher.
Mangaia/Aitu
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Page 48
The Kingdom
of Tonga
food as well as for practical and decorative weaving. Parts of
the Kingdom are still forested and hibiscus, calophyllum and
hernandia (the children use its fruit as marbles) are some of
the most common plants and trees. Over 40 species of bird,
inhabit the islands but there are few land animals and more
than a few people will be pleased to learn – that there is not
much in the way of anything that creeps or crawls, apart from
the very cute gekos that scamper about at dusk.
Fonualie
Toku
Vava'u
N
Late
J
ust west of the international
dateline, the Tongan archipelago
covers over 700,000 square kilometres
of the Pacific Ocean with a total of 170
islands, it is made up of four main
groups of islands, the principal island
being Tongatapu where the nation’s
capitol, Nuku’alofa and the main
international airport are located. Less
than 40 of the islands are populated
so as you can imagine, there is plenty
of space for you to experience total
freedom in Tonga.
48
Unlike most of its neighbours Tonga has never been under
foreign rule, the Kingdom of Tonga is a fully functional
monarchy, not simply a ceremonial one. Its people are very
proud of their independence and heritage which, they say, can
be traced back to the Gods of ancient Polynesian. If people
Kao
Ha'ano
Foa
Tofua
Voleva
Lifuka
Uiha
If you would like to get back to the basics of life, then visit
the timelessly unspolit Kingdom of Tonga. You will find it a
truly wonderful experience.
International
Dateline
Our Thoughts
Tongatapu
'Eua
know the name of no other Tongan, they invariably know that
of Queen Salote, and recall the coronation of Elizabeth II, when
she rode through the pouring rain in an open carriage rather
than show disrespect to England’s Queen by covering herself.
Tonga has been very cautious in developing tourism as it
feared the loss of its traditions. Fortunately they have
managed to facilitate the outside world’s interest in their
island nation and retain their dignity, It is a joy to see that
they make no attempt to adopt the fast-track lifestyle of their
visitors. Modern Tonga offers a wonderful blend of centuries
of Polynesian cultural history with the breathtaking scenery of
their South Pacific Island paradise.
Coconut palms, the niu, are widespread with its fruit being an
essential element to the economic culture both as a source of
LOCAL CURRENCY
Pa’anga
Although Tonga has some wonderful beaches, they are
mainly located on the smaller islands of the Haiapai group
which are located half way between the main islands of
Tongatapu in the south and Vavaiu in the north. The Kingdom
of Tonga is similar to Vanuatu, in that the island’s culture has
changed very little over the centuries apart from the day to
day dress code. If you like sailing then Tonga is the place for
you, yacht chartering is a very popular way of experiencing
the Tonga islands as there are plenty of deserted ones for
you to anchor off.
Plus you will see the islands the way Cook and the other
18th Century explorers did, as nothing has changed. The
accommodation in Tonga is clean but basic. There are no four
star hotels and by European standards the majority of them
would be two plus, however we believe that Tonga is for
those travellers who are looking to experience the culture of
the South Pacific and get away from everything. There are no
TV’s! so take lots of books. The food served at the hotels we
offer is very good and will not disappoint you!
LOCAL TIME
VISA
DEPARTURE TAX
GMT +13
No visa required.
T$ 15
The recently renovated International Dateline is Tonga’s largest
hotel. Situated on Nuku’alofa’s waterfront and just a few minutes
walk from the centre of the capital Nuku’alofa. So if you are
making just a short stopover in Tonga, then the International
Dateline is an ideal base from which to discover the sights and
culture of Tonga.
Enjoy a cool refreshing dip in the swimming pool after a day
exploring Tonga, then dine on delicious international and local
dishes served in the hotel’s A La Carte restaurant. Floorshows are
performed most evenings.
Rooms are air-conditioned and provide refrigerators, tea/coffee
making facilities and private bathroom. Some of the rooms have
inter-connecting doors, ideal for families.The hotel is designed to
cater for one or two night stays but not for extended stays.
Fafa Island Resort
If you’ve ever dreamed of a holiday on your own secluded south
sea island with deserted beaches and turquoise blue waters then,
Fafa is the place for you. You can become Robinson Crusoe, but
still enjoy the comforts of a first class resort. Fafa is noted for the
quality of its seafood cuisine and good wine list. The resort is
situated on its own coral atoll of some seven hectares located off
the coast from Nuku’alofa, and reached by the resort own boat.
Apart from relaxing on one of the fine sandy beaches or dozing in
a hammock in the shade, Fafa offers a variety of activities. Water
sports such as paddle boats, windsurfing and snorkelling are
available, however no petrol-based water sports are
permitted around the island.
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It is thought that the islands were first inhabited between 1500
and 1300 BC, the first recorded European visitors were Dutch
navigators who arrived in 1616, followed by Captain Cook in the
‘Endeavour’ in 1773 (he missed the islands in an earlier voyage!)
But the most beautiful parts of Tonga escaped him as he
believed that many of the islands did not have good anchorage.
Something that today’s mariner do not have to worry about.
Tonga’s second largest island is Vava’u, which lies to the north
of Nuku’alofa, with an abundance of beautiful white sand
beaches protected by colourful coral reefs. Excellent cruising
and sailing conditions are found along the eastern edge of
Vava’u which is protected from winds and ocean swells by a
string of outer islands and reefs. Swimming, snorkelling and
reef viewing are superb. For the novice and the experienced
anglers they will find the fishing superb, why not try for a
barracuda or marlin! A must to visit are the mystical blue-lit
cavern of Mariners Cave on the island of Nuapapu.
Tonga
Guest numbers are limited to only 24 per night. The
accommodation is in thatch-roofed fales intricately
made in the traditional Tonga Way – there are six
rustic village fales and four well appointed bungalows.
All have private facilities, the beach bungalows even have
hot showers within their enclosed courtyards. The rooms are
cooled by the ocean breezes, the bar and restaurant are open air.
A Fafa Island holiday is a real South Pacific experience ideal for
lovers, both young and old. Where the only thing warmer than the
sun, are the staff’s smiles.
IDEAL
6637 TP Pacific Brochure v10
For our current prices and booking conditions please refer
to the price insert supplied with this brochure
For tailor made holiday prices, please call our reservations centre on
01293 567722
Tonga
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The Royal Sunset
Island Resort
50
The Royal Sunset Resort is a true back to
nature paradise set in eight acres of tropical
garden on Atata Island is just seven miles
offshore from Nuku’alofa, Tonga’s capital.
Reached by the hotel’s own launch, which
also provides regular runs into town for
shopping trips. This natural resort offers you
the ideal location to get away from it all, a
true ‘sand between the toes’ atmosphere in
island style.
The island waters abound with fish – which
provides the basis of the restaurant’s fresh
fish menu. With over 100 acres, the island
offers a great deal to experience. You can visit
the village and plantation areas, and on
Sundays you can visit the church, where you
can experience an island service.
The accommodation is in 26 fales (cottages),
situated right on the beach. Each unit has a
separate bedroom with a double bed, plus two
divan beds in the lounge, kitchen facilities
with refrigerator, private facilities, an outdoor
deck area and an overhead ceiling fan. The
cottages are built of wood and may be a little
dark but they are comfortable and clean but
are not deluxe.
Nightly entertainment is provided, and all the
usual water sports activities are available for
the enthusiast, or you can just chill out and
relax under the Pacific sun.
Page 50
Paradise Hotel
Located on Tonga’s less developed northern
island of Vava’u, just a short one hour flight
from Nuku’alofa. The Paradise Hotel is situated
on the waterfront overlooking Refuge Harbour,
one of Tonga’s most beautiful natural harbours.
The hotel does not have its own beach, but can
arrange picnics to deserted beaches on nearby
islands, where you can relax all by yourselves.
It offers 45 air conditioned units that are
arranged throughout the extensive tropical
gardens, each with two double beds, lounge
area, refrigerator, tea/coffee making facilities,
large bathrooms with shower and bath and a
private balcony with views of the harbour. The
rooms are large but for our taste the decor is a
little too dull.
51
The hotel’s restaurant serves freshly caught
seafood, as well as international cuisine with a
wine cellar which is the pride and joy of the
owner! Relax with a long cool drink at the Port
of Refuge poolside bar whilst watching a
magnificent sunset and being serenaded by the
local band. Entertainment around the pool is
available most nights of the week.
The full range of water sports, including wind
surfing and water skiing are available and for
those of you keen to scuba dive, professional
dive guides will take you to shipwrecks,
underwater caverns and virgin coral reefs
where the marine life is truly magnificent.
Vava’u is the ideal place to go sailing or
fishing, however we do not recommend a stay
in Vava’u for those who just want to sunbathe.
The resort is ideal for those who want to get
right away from it all, and do not need others
to entertain them there are no radios or TV’s
so take plenty of books.
For our current prices and booking conditions please refer
to the price insert supplied with this brochure
For tailor made holiday prices, please call our reservations centre on
01293 567722
Tonga/Vava’u
6637 TP Pacific Brochure v10
7/30/03
5:16 PM
Page 52
The Mounu Island Resort
The Mounu Island Resort is located thirty minutes by boat from
Neiafu harbour. Set on six and a half acres of coral island fringed
by white coral sands and anchored amidst a spectacular coral
reef, the Mounu Island Resort will match every expectation that
you have ever had of your ‘away from it all desert island’. The
resort is connected to the outside world only by radio, there are
no phones!
The resort only has three (they are building 3 more soon!) Fales
(bungalows), built right on the water’s edge with stunning views of
the surrounding islands. The architecture of the fales is based on
the original Tonga design, combining coconut pole structure with a
shingle roof. Each fale offers a choice of double or twin beds,
toilet, shower and private sundeck, and during the season you can
sip your morning tea and watch the Humpback Whales at morning
play just yards from the beach.
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The resort’s ‘Moby Dick’ restaurant and bar is situated
on the water’s edge at the western end of the island,
the perfect location for a pre-dinner drink and to view
a stunning tropical sunset. The restaurant serves lunch
and dinner, but your breakfast will be served on your
bungalow’s private sundeck! For the active you can try game
fishing, snorkeling, canoeing and in the season swimming with the
Humpbacks. A stay at the Mounu Island Resort will be a truly
unique and special experience and one that will be very exclusive!
Vava’u’s
Outer Islands
T
here are many well kept secrets in the South Pacific and the outer islands of
Tonga’s northern principal island of Vava’u are among them.The area is
very popular for the sailing enthusiast because of its many deserted islands, but it has
never been promoted in the British market as an extended stay destination.This is
possibly because until recently there had not been the quality of accommodation that
would appeal to anyone other than the ‘back-packing brigade’.
The real piece de resistance is that during the five months
from July to November you can experience a world exclusive
of swimming with Humpback Whales. During this time they
migrate from Antarctica to give birth and breed, and because
the area is so sparsely populated there is no restriction on
entering the water with these magnificent mammals, which
we believe must be the most exhilarating ‘Optional Tour’
experience available anywhere in the world!
For our current prices and booking conditions please refer
to the price insert supplied with this brochure
For tailor made holiday prices, please call our reservations centre on
01293 567722
Tonga/Vava’u
6637 TP Pacific Brochure v10
7/30/03
5:16 PM
Page 54
Aggie Grey’s
Plus
Founded in 1933, Aggie Grey’s overlooks Apia
harbour, just a 10 minute stroll into the town
and has become a South Pacific legend. During
the Second World War, American servicemen
stationed in Samoa visited Aggie’s as a club
and, over the years, the hotel’s warm and
friendly atmosphere has made it an island
retreat for some famous personalities – Gary
Cooper, William Holden, Marlon Brando,
Raymond Burr and our own Robert Morley.
A new building, opened in 1990, now stands on
the original site, blending modern and
traditional architecture. The Grey family admit
that their rooms are not of the five star
category but they are roomy, air-conditioned
and comfortable. Each room has a refrigerator,
tea and coffee making facilities, private
bathroom, ironing board and iron and the hot
water is hot.
The hotel features 2 restaurants, 2 bars, a
swimming pool, safe deposit boxes, laundry
service and tour desk. Complimentary
afternoon tea is served to guests or you can
pick a banana from the ripening bunches that
hang over the verandas. Nearby you will find,
shops, restaurants, banks and nightlife.
Matareva Beach – Upolu
54
Samoa
Manase
The two main islands, Upolu and Savaii, account for 96%
of Samoa’s 2,934 sq.km. land mass, while seven smaller
islands make up the remainder. Most of the coastline is
protected by coral reef, ideal for swimming, snorkelling or
diving. The capital, and the only town in Samoa, is Apia
where you will also find the international airport, both
located on Upolu. As is Villa Vailima, the last home of the
late Robert Louis Stevenson, known by the Samoans as
Tusitala – the Teller of Tales, who loved this country so
much that he chose it as his last resting place. The villa
was the residence of the Head of State but more recently
has become a museum.
LOCAL CURRENCY
Samoan Dollar or Tala (WS$)
LOCAL TIME
GMT –11
VISA
Now run by Aggie Grey’s son, Alan, with his
wife and daughter, traditions have continued
and he says ‘where past traditions are adapted
to make the future worthwhile’– watch your
waiter carefully, you may later see him turn
into a fire dancer.
Savai'i
Si'utu
Tuasivi
Safotulafai
Salelologa
W
ith more than 2500 hours of
sunshine each year and a
sea temperature that rarely falls below
75˚F, the volcanic islands of Samoa
bids you ‘Talofa Lava’ or ‘Welcome’ to
the heart of Polynesian. Independent
since 1962, but proudly preserving its
age old culture, each villages still has
their Chief or Matai, and lying east of
the International Dateline, Samoa will
be the last country to see the old day
out and the first country to see the
new one in!
N
Asau
Taga
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Apai
Faleolo
Apolima
Fusi
Samoa
Upolu
Falelatai
Samusu
Lotofaga
Upolu's scenic north east coast has spectacular sights such
as the Falefa Falls and the natural spring water cave of
Puila. The numerous sandy beaches, lagoons and coves are
delightful for swimming. On the island’s south west coast,
you will find the dramatic waterfalls of Sapo’ago, Fuipisia
and Tiavi or you can laze on the Lefaga Bay’s secluded
beach which was the location for the Gary Cooper film
‘Return to Paradise’.
Savaii lies to the west of Upolu and is just a short flight
away or one and a half hours by ferry and offers an easier
and more gentle pace than even her sister island. Although
it is the larger island, it is less developed and less
populated, dotted with secluded beaches and clear
lagoons. You can visit for just a day or spend longer
exploring this unspoilt island.
A number of restaurants throughout the islands cater to all
tastes – European, Eastern, seafood and local dishes are
all available. To build up the appetite you can snorkel, take
a day cruise, go diving, try deep sea fishing for ‘the big
one’ or gaze through the bottom of a glass bottom boat.
However you decide to fill your time, you will find that the
people of these islands treat you with the warmth and
courtesy of a friend rather than a visitor.
Poutasi
Vaigalu
Our Thoughts
If known at all by Europeans, it will be for its reputation
of producing great rugby players! There are as many
Samoans living overseas as there are living in Samoa, but
this is a factor of economics and not environment as the
island is one of the most beautiful in all of the Pacific.
The first thing that will strike you is how friendly the
Samoans are, the other is that they bury their relatives in
the front garden! An ancient custom that still continues
to this day. The islands are hardly touched by tourism so
the lifestyle, like most Pacific islands, is slow and laid
back. The hotels that we feature are very comfortable and
will not disappoint. The beach resorts we feature are
among the best the South Pacific has to offer and will
meet all your expectations. The dining choices in Samoa
are very good, but at the resort hotels you will be limited
to the hotel’s restaurant. There is very little to do in
Samoa so if you are looking for a relaxing time in the sun
but do not want to feel guilty about coming all this way
and doing nothing, then Samoa is the place for you.
For our current prices and booking conditions please refer
to the price insert supplied with this brochure
For tailor made holiday prices, please call our reservations centre on
01293 567722
DEPARTURE TAX
No Visa required for a stay of up to 30 days
Passports must be valid for 6 months after you return
S$20.
Samoa/Upolu