COOK ISLANDS RESORTS

COOK ISLANDS RESORTS

The islands are divided naturally into two groups. The eight islands of the southern Cooks include the destinations of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. The Cook Island group was named after Captain James Cook, who sighted the Manua atoll (Hervey Island) in 1773.. The ill fated Captain William Bligh sighted Aitutaki in 1789, and mutineer Fletcher Christian, Rarotonga, on the same boat (the Bounty), shortly after the famous mutiny on April 28.1789. Aitutaki is the second most visited of the magical Cook Islands and is recommended as a "must see"extension to your Rarotonga holidays.

Atiu is a fascinating island riddled with caves and surrounded with raised coral cliffs and white sand beaches. Mangaia is the southernmost island of the Cook group and is also surrounded by coral cliffs with an interior of several swamps and a small lake. Limestone and volcanic samples on the island date back eighteen million years.

Mauke has beautiful white beaches with the reef close to the island, so the lagoon is shallow. Subterranean caves are found in the interior with easy access from the road encircling the island.

WEDDINGS

WEDDINGS
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The lazy coconut trees, sound of lapping water, the warm golden white sand, the orange sun slowly sinking below the horizon, the sky with its yellow-pink-orange-red-purple lining calms the nerves as the words "Brian, do you take Amanda to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have, to hold..." echoes in the cool salty breeze.

Heaven has that effect on people, or so they say. And where is heaven? the Cook Islands, of course. Rarotonga for the wedding ceremony, Aitutaki for the honeymoon, no other combination comes close.

Beaches - Rarotonga has several idyllic spots. Striking red-orange sunset beaches along Vaimaanga and Rutaki, or, dreamy protecting beaches on the islets in Muri lagoon. The choice is difficult.

Several major resorts and some tour operators offer several types of packages for both weddings and renewal of vows.

The simplest of packages consists of a beach ceremony, garlands of flowers, an arch of tropical flowers, sparkling champagne, planting a coconut tree and dinner.

To which one can add local ukelele entertainers, pulsating drums and exotic dancers, a traditional platform (paata) on which to be carried (a right reserved only to traditional chiefs) and other little island touches.

Often couples come alone. A wedding video and photographs normally allow couples to share their special moment with friends and family back home. Mana Productions produces wedding videos either at the request of the couple, or through a package offered by the major resorts and tour operators.

For that honeymoon, stay in Rarotonga, else if the budget allows, fly over to Aitutaki where the largest, most beautiful lagoon in the Pacific is. The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort offers bungalows directly on the beach of a secluded island.