The Cook Islands

6637 TP Pacific Brochure v10 7/30/03 5:14 PM Page 34 The Cook Islands

pread over an area equal to Penihyn twenty-five percent of the S Rakahanga USA the fifteen islands that make Manihiki up the Cook Island Nation offer Pukapuka everything you expect from your South Pacific paradise. Nassau N 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 Suwarrow 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. Cook Islands Rarotonga Island Rarotonga, is the main island, being home of the international airport and seat of government. Rarotonga is hour’s flight from Rarotonga. known as a high island and was formed from a long- Manuae, Takutea and 34 dormant underwater volcano. On Rarotonga you can join a Palmerston Islands are atolls 35 Palmerston mountain trek across the island (there is no road!) or and accessible only by sea, and explore the marine life in the reef. Or you can take an are rarely visited by tourists. Aitutaki island tour and visit the neat villages and picturesque Manuae beaches that are spread around the island. The variety of restaurants is Mitiaro Takutea extensive, from cuisine gourmet Aitutaki Islands Atiu Mauke eating to the island style cafes – the Aitutaki is located 300 miles to the north of Rarotonga choice is yours, but a traditional feast Where to stay in and features spectacular lagoons, that were created Umukai, cooked in underground ovens, is a Rarotonga when the volcano’s central peak fell into the sea. The special experience. Shopping ranges from duty Mangaia the Cook Islands island is well worth a visit for its natural beauty and free everything to island made souvenirs for that really tranquillity. Day trips by air can include an island tour and special gift or memento, and of course, there are always Although there is a large selection of accommodation to choose from in the Cook Islands, the range of quality is in our opinion lagoon cruise. Lunch is included and prepared while you cultured black pearls for that extra special gift. limited. Based on a UK grading comparison there are currently no relax, explore the coral or hand feed the fish. As a special The Cook Islands will leave you wanting more, so a return four star hotel/resort in the Cook Islands. There are a number of treat, take a trip to one of the uninhabited motus for that visit is assured. hotels that rate as an overall four star experience and some of the genuine feeling of ‘alone’. individual room categories can be rated as four star, but the Atoll Islands Our Thoughts hotel’s general facilities may not live up to a European four star The Cook Islanders are very friendly and welcoming. The conscious of maintaining the balance with nature that rating. We recommend that you consider your choice of hotel very The Northern islands of Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Penrhyn islands offer one of the best value destinations in the they have banned certain noise pollutants such as water carefully as in many cases your expectation will be greater than and Suwarrow are 700 miles from Rarotonga. These palm Pacific. The island’s tourism development has been mainly jetskis! Getting around the island is mainly by scooter. A the hotels ability to delivery. clad motus are surrounded by crystal clear lagoon waters geared to the requirement of vacationers from New drive around the island using the only coastal road will Accommodation is available on a number of the Cook Island’s which are usually teaming with tropical fish that most of Zealand and Australia, which has resulted in a good take less than an hour, and guess what – there are no southern group of islands, but currently only Rarotonga and Aitutaki have a range of hotels that will accommodate all tastes. us have only seen in books or aquariums! You might even mixture of three star accommodation which are all well traffic lights! Aitutaki island is still very underdeveloped. The accommodation on the other islands are very basic and in come across a pearl oyster. appointed and provide good value. On the main island of Although there are a number of accommodation options some cases very, very basic. The five remaining outer islands, which are accessible by Rarotonga there is a wide range of dining options very they are all very small. The Cook Islands offer a very low Many of the hotels are designed for self-catering, this is because air, step you back in time. Explore the caves of Atiu, visit well priced. The hotels we offer on the main island all key and relaxed environment plus they offer great value the Cook Island’s main visitor market is New Zealand, and New have beaches but they tend to be a little small. The island for your money, and are a perfect location in which to get Mangaia, probably the oldest of the Pacific Islands, taste Zealanders are big on self catering holidays. However do not be the Itiki (eel), the delicacy of the flat island of Mitiaro and offers a very quiet and restful environment. They are so away from it all. put off by this as most hotels have a restaurant on site or there is see the distinct interior of the Oliveta Church at one close by. Kimiangatau village on Mauke. Through thousands of The hotels and resorts we have included in this brochure are just a years of geological development, Aitu, Mauke, Mitiaro small selection of what is available, so if you have a specific property and Mangaia are now islands with central hills LOCAL CURRENCY LOCAL TIME VISA DEPARTURE TAX in mind that we have not included please give call us, as we will be surrounded by rings of dead coral. These islands have happy to book any hotel of your choice in the Cook Islands. New Zealand Dollar (NZ$) GMTNo visa–10 required for a stay of up to 31 days.NZ$ 25 small reef holes for bathing and sea caves for exploring, Wherever you elect to stay you can be assured that your visit to as well as the usual idyllic beaches. These islands are an the Cook Islands will be a happy and memorable one. The Cook Islands 6637 TP Pacific Brochure v10 7/30/03 5:15 PM Page 36

The Pacific Resort The Edgewater & Villas Resort This first class resort is located on Muri Lagoon, set Plus in magnificent well kept tropical gardens including a picturesque meandering stream surrounded by waving The Edgewater Resort is the largest hotel on the island of palms. The resort fronts onto Muri beach – Rarotonga’s finest, Raratonga, located just 5 minutes from the airport on the south and is sheltered by several offshore islands, making this an ideal west side of the island. location for windsurfing, snorkelling or other water activities most Set amidst tropical gardens fronted by the lagoon and a white of which are free. And for the less active you can relax on the sand beach, the Edgewater Resort’s two and three story beach or around the freshwater swimming pool. 36 accommodation provides garden view, fan-cooled The resort’s two restaurants overlook the beach and lagoon 37 or air-conditioned, sea view rooms. All feature refrigerator, affording great views to go with the fine cuisine. The balcony, TV/VCR and tea/coffee making facilities. In addition to accommodation consists of 61 intimate, beautifully designed one the main accommodation the hotel offers some of the best and two bed suites and villas. Each suite is fan cooled plus most superior rooms to be found on Rarotonga, with twenty seven rooms also offer air-conditioning. All offer a spacious lounge area, new Beachfront deluxe suites and nine VIP deluxe suites, with separate bathroom, a full kitchen and a patio with garden or beach their own jacuzzis. views. The two storey, two bed villas have extra luxuries, including The resort features bars, two restaurants, a large swimming TV/video, hi-fi system and washing machine. The garden units are pool, tennis and squash courts. There is a golf course nearby near the pool, set well back from the lagoon while the beach-front and a full range of watersports are available. Island picnics are rooms are adjacent to the restaurant. All accommodation has its an alternative for those wishing a more relaxed stay! own patio/balcony 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 6637 TP Pacific Brochure v10 7/30/03 5:15 PM Page 38

Rarotongan Sunset Lagoon Lodges & Villas

The Rarotongan Sunset is an intimate, friendly self catering hotel If you are looking for a self-catering experience for your stay in with 20 units. Situated on a white sandy beach, The Rarotongan the Cook Islands, then you will not be disappointed with the Sunset hotel is located on the north west coast of Rarotonga. Lagoon Lodges and Villas. Situated 5 miles form the airport on the Southwest corner of the island just across from the beach, the The accommodation comprises of 11 intimate garden studios and resort is set in lush tropical gardens that include two swimming 9 beachfront units, all beautifully furnished with its own kitchen, pools and tennis courts. dining area, bathroom, ceiling fan, television, telephone and hairdryer. The accommodation is offered in twenty one bungalows and villas sleeping from one to six persons, they all come with a fully Relax by the freshwater pool while enjoying a cocktail at the equipped kitchen, fridge/freezer, separate bathroom/shower, Birdcage bar and for those nights when you do not want to cook, 38 dining/lounge area, hairdryer, air circulation fan and direct dialling 39 Rarotonga Island there are a number of restaurants and bars are within easy walking telephone. There is a guest laundry and BBQ area, as well as an distance of the resort. The Sunset is a very friendly location from on-site café and bar which is available for breakfast. The local which to explore the island or just layback and relax and as the shops and restaurants are only just a short walk away. name implies the views of the sunsets are spectacular. 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? Beautiful Sunsets!

– 38 – Rarotonga 6637 TP Pacific Brochure v10 7/30/03 5:15 PM Page 40

Manuia Beach Palm Grove Plus Plus The Manuia Beach is a small boutique hotel Situated on the island’s south coast in the set on a small palm fringed beach front village of Vaimaanga the resort is built either location on the western side of the island. The side of the quiet coastal road. The reception, hotel offers a very special experience tailored restaurant/bar and swimming pool along with for the adult market, children under 12 year 6 garden studio rooms are situated in well are not permitted. maintained gardens on the island side of the road. Across the road, situated right on the There are 20 rooms, 6 beach front and 14 beach are 8 large deluxe beachfront tropical garden rooms, which are built in ten, bungalows. two room bungalow units, the rooms feature an island décor but may in our opinion be a little The garden studios rooms offer one queen-size spartan. The rooms offer king-size beds, and one single bed, shower/WC, a full kitchen, refrigerators, hairdryer, tea/coffee making ceiling fan, radio, telephone and a garden view 40 facilities, IDD telephone and private bathroom patio. The beach bungalows offer a king-sized 41 with shower. bed or two single beds, a full kitchen including a microwave, ceiling fan, hairdryer, radio, One of the hotel’s main features is the beach telephone and a patio overlooking the beach. side pool, which is surrounded by beautiful The Palm Grove accepts children, but does not flower and shrubs offering a great location to allow children under 5 years of age in the just lay back and relax and soak up the sun’s beach bungalows. rays. Its most unique feature is the beach-side sand floored restaurant and bar which features In addition to the garden studio and beachfront local and international dishes and is open from bungalows, the Palm Grove has two homes for 7am till late! larger parties who wish to stay together. There is a 1 bedroom bungalow, which sleeps up to Twice weekly there is a beach barbecue four, and a 3 bedroom house, which sleeps up featuring live music with a floor show. And for to six. the active, the hotel offers free snorkelling equipment and can arrange the full range of The restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner. water activities, except jetskis and water skiing The hotel offers complementary snorkelling which currently are not permitted in the Cook equipment, reef shoes and canoes, and there is Islands. a TV lounge if you get ‘BOX’ withdrawal Manuia Beach symptoms. There are also motor bikes and bicycles available for rent by the hour or day so that you can go exploring! “If we do not feature the We feel that the Palm Grove offers exceptional value for those clients looking for a beach front hotel of your choice” location. Its friendly laid back atmosphere compliments the peace and tranquillity of the – simply call us, and we area and will provide you with a perfect will be happy to quote you. 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 RarotongaManuia Beach 6637 TP Pacific Brochure v10 7/30/03 5:15 PM Page 42

Crown Beach Resort

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 42 location from which to enjoy the spectacular sunsets. 43 The resort’s restaurant, the Windjammer, is one of the best restaurants on the island and offers both local and international cuisine.

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 non- ONE H YM L O smoking, and offer air conditioning, ceiling fans, fully A O

E N

equipped kitchen and private bathrooms with shower. They D I are well appointed with tiled floors, the decorations provide a light and airy feel.

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.

Aitutaki Pearl Resort Pacific Resort Plus Situated on the stunningly beautiful island of Aitutaki, which is The Pacific Resort Aitutaki is The Cook Islands’ newest resort just a short 50 minute flight north of Rarotonga. hotel, opened in October 2002. The resort is the sister hotel to the The Aitutaki Pearl Resort offers 28 island style bungalows with Pacific Resort on Rarotonga. The development of the hotel has either a garden or lagoon view, plus five deluxe oceanfront been very carefully planned to ensure that it is in harmony with its bungalows and seven overwater bungalows. Each bungalow has natural surroundings, a great use of wood and stone has been air-conditioning as well as a ceiling fan, private shower, made to create a natural feel for the buildings and the surrounding refrigerator, tea/coffee making facilities, telephone, hairdryer and a areas. The resort is set in 17 acres of beautifully landscaped private sun deck. They are very comfortable but a little dated in gardens with a private white sand beach of 650 metres. 44 their furnishing design. There is one restaurant and the resort The hotel offer four categories of accommodation to select from; 45 offers daily complimentary continental breakfast. The Aitutaki Island Lagoon view, Beachfront bungalows, Beachfront suites and beach bar is located on the lagoon and offers wonderful Beachfront villas. All the rooms are very well appointed with panoramic views, a great place to sip that well earned private bathrooms, air conditioning, coffee/tea maker and cocktail after a hard day in the sun! Pacific Resort Aitutaki balconies. Please note that there are only two lagoon view Game fishing, hobie cat sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, rooms, so their availability is going to be very limited. ONE H YM snorkelling and scuba diving are all available for the sports L O The resort has a lovely three level restaurant overlooking A O

E minded and for those who want to relax in the sun, why not laze N

the lagoon and the resort’s infinity swimming pool. D around the pool or soothe away the pressures of the outside world I on the resort’s beautiful unspoiled private white sandy beach. Not only is the hotel the newest in the Cook Islands but Delight in doing it all... or in doing nothing, the Aitutaki is ideal for we also believe it’s the best. The visitor is afforded a those people who want to leave the hustle and bustle behind. 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 6637 TP Pacific Brochure v10 7/30/03 5:15 PM Page 46

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 A 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.

There is no tourist infrastructure on the outer islands and only a couple of very basic hotels to 46 stay at, but the experience of the visit is in our opinion well worth the sort term lack of 47 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.

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 6637 TP Pacific Brochure v10 7/30/03 5:16 PM Page 48 The Kingdom food as well as for practical and decorative weaving. Parts of Fonualie Toku 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, Vava'u inhabit the islands but there are few land animals and more than a few people will be pleased to learn – that there is not of Tonga Late N much in the way of anything that creeps or crawls, apart from the very cute gekos that scamper about at dusk. Tonga’s second largest island is Vava’u, which lies to the north ust west of the international Tonga of Nuku’alofa, with an abundance of beautiful white sand dateline, the Tongan archipelago beaches protected by colourful coral reefs. Excellent cruising J and sailing conditions are found along the eastern edge of covers over 700,000 square kilometres Vava’u which is protected from winds and ocean swells by a Kao Ha'ano of the Pacific Ocean with a total of 170 Tofua Foa string of outer islands and reefs. Swimming, snorkelling and Voleva Lifuka reef viewing are superb. For the novice and the experienced Uiha islands, it is made up of four main anglers they will find the fishing superb, why not try for a groups of islands, the principal island barracuda or marlin! A must to visit are the mystical blue-lit cavern of Mariners Cave on the island of Nuapapu. International Fafa Island Resort being Tongatapu where the nation’s If you would like to get back to the basics of life, then visit capitol, Nuku’alofa and the main the timelessly unspolit Kingdom of Tonga. You will find it a truly wonderful experience. Dateline international airport are located. Less If you’ve ever dreamed of a holiday on your own secluded south than 40 of the islands are populated Tongatapu Our Thoughts sea island with deserted beaches and turquoise blue waters then, so as you can imagine, there is plenty Although Tonga has some wonderful beaches, they are The recently renovated International Dateline is Tonga’s largest Fafa is the place for you. You can become Robinson Crusoe, but mainly located on the smaller islands of the Haiapai group hotel. Situated on Nuku’alofa’s waterfront and just a few minutes still enjoy the comforts of a first class resort. Fafa is noted for the 'Eua of space for you to experience total which are located half way between the main islands of walk from the centre of the capital Nuku’alofa. So if you are quality of its seafood cuisine and good wine list. The resort is Tongatapu in the south and Vavaiu in the north. The Kingdom freedom in Tonga. making just a short stopover in Tonga, then the International situated on its own coral atoll of some seven hectares located off of Tonga is similar to Vanuatu, in that the island’s culture has know the name of no other Tongan, they invariably know that Dateline is an ideal base from which to discover the sights and the coast from Nuku’alofa, and reached by the resort own boat. changed very little over the centuries apart from the day to It is thought that the islands were first inhabited between 1500 of Queen Salote, and recall the coronation of Elizabeth II, when day dress code. If you like sailing then Tonga is the place for culture of Tonga. Apart from relaxing on one of the fine sandy beaches or dozing in and 1300 BC, the first recorded European visitors were Dutch she rode through the pouring rain in an open carriage rather 48 you, yacht chartering is a very popular way of experiencing a hammock in the shade, Fafa offers a variety of activities. Water 49 navigators who arrived in 1616, followed by Captain Cook in the than show disrespect to England’s Queen by covering herself. Enjoy a cool refreshing dip in the swimming pool after a day ‘Endeavour’ in 1773 (he missed the islands in an earlier voyage!) the Tonga islands as there are plenty of deserted ones for exploring Tonga, then dine on delicious international and local sports such as paddle boats, windsurfing and snorkelling are Tonga has been very cautious in developing tourism as it you to anchor off. But the most beautiful parts of Tonga escaped him as he dishes served in the hotel’s A La Carte restaurant. Floorshows are available, however no petrol-based water sports are feared the loss of its traditions. Fortunately they have believed that many of the islands did not have good anchorage. Plus you will see the islands the way Cook and the other performed most evenings. permitted around the island. managed to facilitate the outside world’s interest in their ONEY Something that today’s mariner do not have to worry about. H M 18th Century explorers did, as nothing has changed. The L Guest numbers are limited to only 24 per night. The O island nation and retain their dignity, It is a joy to see that Rooms are air-conditioned and provide refrigerators, tea/coffee A O accommodation in Tonga is clean but basic. There are no four E

Unlike most of its neighbours Tonga has never been under N they make no attempt to adopt the fast-track lifestyle of their accommodation is in thatch-roofed fales intricately D

star hotels and by European standards the majority of them making facilities and private bathroom. Some of the rooms have I foreign rule, the Kingdom of Tonga is a fully functional visitors. Modern Tonga offers a wonderful blend of centuries made in the traditional Tonga Way – there are six would be two plus, however we believe that Tonga is for inter-connecting doors, ideal for families.The hotel is designed to monarchy, not simply a ceremonial one. Its people are very of Polynesian cultural history with the breathtaking scenery of those travellers who are looking to experience the culture of cater for one or two night stays but not for extended stays. rustic village fales and four well appointed bungalows. proud of their independence and heritage which, they say, can their South Pacific Island paradise. All have private facilities, the beach bungalows even have be traced back to the Gods of ancient Polynesian. If people the South Pacific and get away from everything. There are no Coconut palms, the niu, are widespread with its fruit being an TV’s! so take lots of books. The food served at the hotels we hot showers within their enclosed courtyards. The rooms are essential element to the economic culture both as a source of offer is very good and will not disappoint you! 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 LOCAL CURRENCY LOCAL TIME VISA DEPARTURE TAX sun, are the staff’s smiles.

Pa’anga GMT +13No visa required. T$ 15

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 6637 TP Pacific Brochure v10 7/30/03 5:16 PM Page 50

The Royal Sunset Paradise Hotel Island Resort 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 The Royal Sunset Resort is a true back to on the waterfront overlooking Refuge Harbour, nature paradise set in eight acres of tropical one of Tonga’s most beautiful natural harbours. garden on Atata Island is just seven miles The hotel does not have its own beach, but can offshore from Nuku’alofa, Tonga’s capital. arrange picnics to deserted beaches on nearby Reached by the hotel’s own launch, which islands, where you can relax all by yourselves. also provides regular runs into town for shopping trips. This natural resort offers you It offers 45 air conditioned units that are the ideal location to get away from it all, a arranged throughout the extensive tropical true ‘sand between the toes’ atmosphere in gardens, each with two double beds, lounge island style. area, refrigerator, tea/coffee making facilities, 50 large bathrooms with shower and bath and a 51 The island waters abound with fish – which private balcony with views of the harbour. The provides the basis of the restaurant’s fresh rooms are large but for our taste the decor is a fish menu. With over 100 acres, the island little too dull. offers a great deal to experience. You can visit the village and plantation areas, and on The hotel’s restaurant serves freshly caught Sundays you can visit the church, where you seafood, as well as international cuisine with a can experience an island service. wine cellar which is the pride and joy of the owner! Relax with a long cool drink at the Port The accommodation is in 26 fales (cottages), of Refuge poolside bar whilst watching a situated right on the beach. Each unit has a magnificent sunset and being serenaded by the separate bedroom with a double bed, plus two local band. Entertainment around the pool is divan beds in the lounge, kitchen facilities available most nights of the week. with refrigerator, private facilities, an outdoor deck area and an overhead ceiling fan. The The full range of water sports, including wind cottages are built of wood and may be a little surfing and water skiing are available and for dark but they are comfortable and clean but those of you keen to scuba dive, professional are not deluxe. dive guides will take you to shipwrecks, underwater caverns and virgin coral reefs Nightly entertainment is provided, and all the where the marine life is truly magnificent. usual water sports activities are available for Vava’u is the ideal place to go sailing or the enthusiast, or you can just chill out and fishing, however we do not recommend a stay relax under the Pacific sun. 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 52 (bungalows), built right on the water’s edge with stunning views of 53 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.

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 Vava’u’s unique and special experience and one that will be very exclusive! Outer Islands here are many well kept secrets in the South Pacific and the outer islands of T 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’. For our current prices and booking conditions please refer to the price insert supplied with this brochure The real piece de resistance is that during the five months the area is so sparsely populated there is no restriction on For tailor made holiday prices, please call our reservations centre on from July to November you can experience a world exclusive entering the water with these magnificent mammals, which of swimming with Humpback Whales. During this time they we believe must be the most exhilarating ‘Optional Tour’ 01293 567722 migrate from Antarctica to give birth and breed, and because experience available anywhere in the world! 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 Matareva Beach – Upolu 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,

Manase shops, restaurants, banks and nightlife. Asau N Now run by Aggie Grey’s son, Alan, with his 54 wife and daughter, traditions have continued 55 and he says ‘where past traditions are adapted Savai'i to make the future worthwhile’– watch your Si'utu Tuasivi waiter carefully, you may later see him turn Safotulafai Samoa Salelologa into a fire dancer.

ith more than 2500 hours of Taga Faleolo Apai Apolima Wsunshine each year and a Fusi sea temperature that rarely falls below Samoa Falelatai Upolu 75˚F, the volcanic islands of Samoa Samusu bids you ‘Talofa Lava’ or ‘Welcome’ to Lotofaga Upolu's scenic north east coast has spectacular sights such Poutasi Vaigalu the heart of Polynesian. Independent as the Falefa Falls and the natural spring water cave of since 1962, but proudly preserving its Puila. The numerous sandy beaches, lagoons and coves are delightful for swimming. On the island’s south west coast, age old culture, each villages still has you will find the dramatic waterfalls of Sapo’ago, Fuipisia Our Thoughts and Tiavi or you can laze on the Lefaga Bay’s secluded their Chief or Matai, and lying east of If known at all by Europeans, it will be for its reputation beach which was the location for the Gary Cooper film of producing great rugby players! There are as many the International Dateline, Samoa will ‘Return to Paradise’. Samoans living overseas as there are living in Samoa, but be the last country to see the old day Savaii lies to the west of Upolu and is just a short flight this is a factor of economics and not environment as the out and the first country to see the away or one and a half hours by ferry and offers an easier island is one of the most beautiful in all of the Pacific. and more gentle pace than even her sister island. Although The first thing that will strike you is how friendly the new one in! it is the larger island, it is less developed and less Samoans are, the other is that they bury their relatives in The two main islands, Upolu and Savaii, account for 96% populated, dotted with secluded beaches and clear the front garden! An ancient custom that still continues of Samoa’s 2,934 sq.km. land mass, while seven smaller lagoons. You can visit for just a day or spend longer to this day. The islands are hardly touched by tourism so islands make up the remainder. Most of the coastline is exploring this unspoilt island. the lifestyle, like most Pacific islands, is slow and laid back. The hotels that we feature are very comfortable and protected by coral reef, ideal for swimming, snorkelling or A number of restaurants throughout the islands cater to all will not disappoint. The beach resorts we feature are diving. The capital, and the only town in Samoa, is Apia tastes – European, Eastern, seafood and local dishes are among the best the South Pacific has to offer and will where you will also find the international airport, both all available. To build up the appetite you can snorkel, take meet all your expectations. The dining choices in Samoa located on Upolu. As is Villa Vailima, the last home of the a day cruise, go diving, try deep sea fishing for ‘the big are very good, but at the resort hotels you will be limited late Robert Louis Stevenson, known by the Samoans as one’ or gaze through the bottom of a glass bottom boat. Tusitala – the Teller of Tales, who loved this country so to the hotel’s restaurant. There is very little to do in However you decide to fill your time, you will find that the Samoa so if you are looking for a relaxing time in the sun much that he chose it as his last resting place. The villa For our current prices and booking conditions please refer people of these islands treat you with the warmth and was the residence of the Head of State but more recently but do not want to feel guilty about coming all this way to the price insert supplied with this brochure courtesy of a friend rather than a visitor. has become a museum. and doing nothing, then Samoa is the place for you. For tailor made holiday prices, please call our reservations centre on 01293 567722

LOCAL CURRENCY LOCAL TIME VISA DEPARTURE TAX

Samoan Dollar or Tala (WS$) GMTNo Visa–11 required for a stay of up to 30 daysS$20. Passports must be valid for 6 months after you return Samoa/Upolu