Unique Sleeps: Amazing hotels hand picked by Expedia Experts. Aitutaki Escape, Cook Islands.
Set on a crystal blue lagoon, the island of Aitutaki in the Cook Islands has long been a favourite honeymoon destination for Australians. The bright blue skies, pure white sands, palm trees and coconuts have me convinced that this is the reality our dreams of paradise are based off.
The pace of Aitutaki is much quieter than its big sister Rarotonga. The quick 45-minute flight from the Rarotonga airport is an easy one to make when the island glides by your plane window – the bright blue ocean shining almost neon in the sunshine. Your hosts meet you at the airport, flower ‘eis’ in hand (one of my favourite things about the Cook Islands is the plethora of floral leis – all my tropical island dreams come true with one strand of flowers!), before escorting you like a VIP to your chosen abode.
Aitutaki Escape is known for its luxury. Set into the Aitutaki Lagoon, with just three adult-only villas, the resort offers complete privacy and ticks all the “ultimate honeymoon” boxes.
We arrive to find every corner of the villa topped with fresh tropical blooms – brightly coloured hibiscus blooms are everywhere from the bed and shower to our coffee table. A fruit basket filled with tropical delights is set on our kitchen bench, perfect for post flight snacking.
Your villa (my favourite and where we stayed is villa 2) is as big as a small apartment. It’s designed to have all the creature comforts of home. Although my home definitely doesn’t have a private pool and spa set in a beautiful private courtyard, complete with tropical garden and sun loungers.
A small pathway leads to your living room – flat screen TV, surround sound and a small library of books and DVDs. There’s a fully contained kitchen and small desk. Water features and marble floors compliment the high-pitched roofs and of course one should not have to clean on their honeymoon, so a daily maid service attends your room (at a time of your choosing).
