Cook Islands – Islands

6 Activities to Explore in the Cook Islands

Islands Staff — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 08:00:40 +0000

6 Activities to Explore in the Cook Islands

Located in the heart of Polynesia, the Cooks are made up of 15 islands that exude rustic charm, breathtaking beauty and plenty of activities. Here are the top 6 things to do!

1. Relax in our Aquatic Playground
Enjoy warm tropical temperatures, crystal clear waters, and an abundance of marine life just below the surface of azure blue lagoons. In our little paradise, the beach is wherever you are. Be as active or relaxed as you like in our aquatic playground. Try kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sea scootering or banana boat ride.

Relax in our Aquatic Playground Courtesy of the Cook Islands Tourism

2. Go on an inland Adventure
The spectacular natural beauty of the Cook Islands is more than simply stunning beaches. From tropical jungle to mountain peaks to manicured gardens with cafés, exploring our jungle interior is easy. Adventure seekers will love getting off the beaten track with a variety of inland adventure tours: from buggies, quad bikes, to guided mountain bike treks through challenging terrain, or simply exploring at your own speed. For hikers, a must do is the ‘Cross Island’ trek on Rarotonga, either self-guided or with traditional medicine man ‘Pa’, visitors will be taught about local medicinal plants, flora and fauna along the way.

Go on an Inland Adventure Courtesy of the Cook Islands Tourism

3. Experience the authentic Polynesian Culture
Be enchanted with ‘Island Night’ cultural shows: groups dancing with fire to fast rhythms, beaten out on wooden drums. Head to the vibrant Punanga Nui markets for music, dance, authentic local cuisine and local crafts like stunning Tivaevae (colorful quilts,) or hand-made ukuleles.

Experience the authentic Polynesian Culture Courtesy of the Cook Islands Tourism

4. Party with the Locals
When the sun goes down, the party heats up! We boast the best nightlife of all the islands in the South Pacific. Chat with friendly locals in open-air bars, located right on the beach with cool island vibes and spectacular vistas. Grab a drink and enjoy the show, whether local live music or a stunning sunset over the water. When you want to go big, head to one of our nightclubs, or join a pub crawl tour where the bus to the party is the party!

Party with the Locals Courtesy of the Cook Islands Tourism

5. Enjoy the best cuisine in the Pacific
Love fresh food? We’re not called The Cook Islands for nothing! Whatever you feel like, the choice of dining options is vast and varied in our little island nation. In fact, visitors can easily dine in a different location for every meal of their stay. Buffet meals feature favorite local dishes like ika mata (marinated raw fish) and umu kai cooked in a traditional earth oven. A perfect meal can be beach fish and chips, street stall dishes at the night market, or fine restaurant dining.

Enjoy the best cuisine in the Pacific Courtesy of the Cook Islands Tourism

6. Put your wellness first
Why not indulge in a spa treatment at one of the many spas around the island? Massage, body wraps and scrubs, facials and beachside treatments are just some of the many indulgences we offer. Early morning yoga classes are led by qualified, local instructors in lush settings with stunning vistas. A bucket-list experience is a SUP paddleboard yoga session on the crystal blue waters of our lagoon.

Early morning yoga classes Courtesy of the Cook Islands Tourism

Visit the Cook Islands’ website to learn more.

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Awake to a New Paradise

Islands Staff — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 02:29:50 +0000

Awake to a New Paradise Courtesy of the Cook Islands

Sunset on Akitua, Aitutaki Courtesy of the Cook Islands Tourism

Rejuvenate with a week or longer in the Cook Islands, located in the heart of Polynesia. Make a stopover for a few days on your way to New Zealand, Australia, or both — flying nonstop on Air New Zealand from Los Angeles to Rarotonga’s lagoon side airport. The Cook Islands is also the only South Pacific destination that offers air travel in a lie-flat bed — the cabin is called “Business Premier,” offering a soft leather seat that transforms into a luxurious lie-flat bed with a memory foam mattress, two full-size pillows and a cozy duvet. There’s also direct aisle access and an ottoman footrest that doubles as guest seating.

One Foot Island Courtesy of the Cook Islands Tourism

Upon arrival to the Cook Islands, you’ll discover Rarotonga’s airport is right by the lagoon, so you’ll be at your resort in no time. No need for further travel – you’ll likely go from customs to cocktails in a tranquil lagoon in under 30 minutes.

Paddleboarding in the Cook Islands Courtesy of the Cook Islands Tourism

Whether you’re seeking adventure or leisure, the Cook Islands offers a variety of activities to suit all types of needs. Choose to relax with a massage on the beach, snorkel in a crystal clear lagoon, or take a yoga class at sunrise. Or if you’re an adrenaline junkie, hike the interior of Rarotonga, take a scuba certification course or view the islands from above aboard a private airplane.

Visit the Cook Islands’ website to choose from five exquisite luxury resorts, book your flight, or browse the local cuisine and activities.

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Best Places to Travel in August

Darby Radcliff — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 00:01:39 +0000

The arrival of August means that carefree summer days are almost over, but there’s still time for families to sneak in a trip before returning to the redundancy of the everyday routine. And there are plenty of August festivals to visit around the world, so if you need an excuse to visit a new destination, we’ve got some ideas.

The Cook Islands are a South Pacific paradise, with fewer crowds and cheaper room rates than Tahiti. August is a prime time to visit, as the islands celebrate their independence with a festival filled with traditional song and dance, so your vacation will come with a side of culture.

Food festivals abound in August, offering the chance to indulge on everything from lobster in Maine to chocolate in St. Lucia. Honoring ancestors in Thailand, a sailing regatta in Aruba, the king of all fringe festivals in Scotland, and hula celebrations in Hawaii round out the August offerings. These are some of the best places to travel in August.

Cook Islands

Cook Islands Shutterstock

The people of the Cook Islands celebrate their independence at the annual Te Maeva Nui Festival, held in Rarotonga. A parade kicks off the festivities, which involves eight teams (four from Rarotonga and four representing the Outer Islands) challenging each other in cultural competitions. The traditional dance and choir performances that take place throughout the week are not to be missed. Plus, postcard-perfect beaches and resorts at half the price of other islands in the South Pacific make the Cook Islands one of the best places to travel in August.

The 2019 Te Maeva Nui Festival takes place from July 26 to August 5.

Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu Shutterstock

Bring a blanket and picnic lunch to Kapiolani Park (Honolulu’s largest public park) to witness the Na Hula Festival. The non-competitive event showcases Hawaii’s oldest dance form, with hula students showing off their skills. Watch the graceful movements and appreciate the Hawaiian art form, all while enjoying a family-friendly day at the park.

Hawaii’s 78th-annual 2019 Na Hula Festival will take place at Kapiolani Park on August 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.

Maine

Maine Lobster Festival Shutterstock

The quaint harbor town of Rockland hosts the five-day Maine Lobster Festival each summer. Nosh on all things lobster, like bisque, rolls and mac and cheese while overlooking Penobscot Bay. Events include a parade, local beer and wine tastings, a seafood cooking contest and a lobster crate race, where contestants run across a series of crates bobbing in the ocean.

This five-day food extravaganza makes Maine one of the best places to visit in August for seafood enthusiasts. The 2019 Maine Lobster Festival starts July 31 and goes until August 4. Tickets are sold at any gate at the festival itself.

St. Lucia

St. Lucia Shutterstock

Calling all chocoholics: St. Lucia is one of the best places to visit in August. The island officially declared August as Chocolate Heritage Month in honor of the island’s cocoa industry, which dates back to the 18th century. Embrace all things chocolate by taking a tour to learn the ins and outs of how the delicacy is made.

At Boucan by Hotel Chocolat, set on a cocoa plantation, take part in the Tree-to-Bar Experience, where you can harvest cocoa pods straight from the tree and make your own chocolate bar. Anse Chastanet offers a similar experience, with a tour of Emerald Estates’ organic farm to see how cocoa is harvested, followed by a visit to the resort’s chocolate lab for tastings.

New Zealand

New Zealand Shutterstock

Bring your appetite to New Zealand’s largest food festival, Visa Wellington On a Plate, held in the country’s capital. During this two-week annual festival, more than 140 of the region’s top eateries offer dining deals and limited menus, including an exclusive Festival Dish (patrons vote on a favorite that wins the festival).

Special events include creative cuisine presentations like Dumplings Around the Globe, Umami Origami and Pie and Pinot pairings. A food truck rally and Beervana, a mecca for craft-beer lovers, are also on deck. Be sure to pack a coat: it’s the end of New Zealand’s winter.

Thailand

A parade during the Por Tor Festival Shutterstock

The Chinese heritage of Thailand’s population is celebrated at the annual Por Tor Festival. Translated as “Hungry Ghost,” communities gather to offer food for both their own ancestors and those spirits who no longer have living relatives. The event takes place in Phuket Town at the Seng Tek Bel shrine and on Ranong Road, where revelers parade through the streets dressed in traditional Chinese clothing.

Special offerings are left at ancestor’s altars including flowers, candles and food (mainly a red turtle-shaped cake that symbolizes good luck and long life to the person offering the gift).

Por Tor takes place on the first day of the waxing moon in the seventh month of the Chinese calendar, usually landing around late August or early September.

Aruba

Aruba Shutterstock

Anyone from veteran sailors to novices can race at the Aruba International Regatta. Spectators can watch the action from Surfside Beach, where vessels ranging from yachts to miniature boats compete for bragging rights. The event also includes windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions, and post-race happy hours and beach parties.

The 2019 regatta takes place from August 16 to August 18.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Street performers at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Shutterstock

Drama nerds and theater geeks, take note: the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the king of all fringe festivals. Artists from nearly 50 countries come to Scotland’s capital city to perform in plays, ballets, operas, comedy shows and more. As a visitor, it’s easy to get in on the action without a ticket. Just stroll the Royal Mile to watch street performers amid a magical Harry Potter-like backdrop — after all, this is the city that inspired the books.

The 2019 festival starts on August 2 and ends on August 26.

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Paul Gauguin Cruises Announces 2017 Voyages

Paul Gauguin Cruises — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 01:57:02 +0000

Paul Gauguin Cruises Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, m/s Paul Gauguin, announces 2017 voyages that feature popular favorites along with new, exotic 16- and 17-night Fiji & Bali itineraries and a collaborative program with the Wildlife Conservation Society.

The 16-night Fiji to Bali voyage departs April 29, 2017, from Lautoka, Fiji, and visits Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu; Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands; Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea; Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Merauke, Indonesia; Dili, Timor-Leste; Komodo Island, Indonesia; Lembar, Lombok Island, Indonesia; and Benoa, Bali, Indonesia. The reverse itinerary, Bali to Fiji, is 17 nights and departs June 7, 2017.

In 2017, The Gauguin will also be showcasing its most sought-after itineraries: the 7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands; 7-night Tahiti, the Society Islands & Tuamotus; 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus; 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands; and 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands. Also in 2017, the popular 12- and 13-night Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji itineraries return. In addition to sailing to beautiful islands in the South Pacific, and showcasing Polynesian culture and hospitality, these voyages feature complimentary access to Paul Gauguin Cruises’ two exclusive retreats—Motu Mahana, an islet off the coast of Taha’a, and a private beach in Bora Bora. At Motu Mahana, guests enjoy a day of watersports, Polynesian activities, a barbecue feast, and cocktails from full-service and floating bars. In Bora Bora, guests can relax on a white-sand beach and enjoy refreshments, a game of volleyball, and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

On The Gauguin’s July 26, 2017, voyage, Paul Gauguin Cruises will present its third Reunion Cruise, which features a special 10-night Cook Islands & Society Islands itinerary with two visits to the line’s private island paradise of Motu Mahana. Designed as a reunion for past guests of Paul Gauguin Cruises and as a gala welcome for newcomers, it presents a number of unique special events, including a festive dinner, cocktail and block parties, opportunities to mingle with senior staff and crew, and more.

Paul Gauguin Cruises is also pleased to announce a new global collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). WCS has been committed to saving wildlife and wild places worldwide since 1895. Beginning in 2017, WCS will offer educational programming for adults and families aboard The Gauguin. Our series will comprise lectures about marine science and wildlife conservation in the South Pacific and beyond. Additionally during the summer months and holiday season, WCS will inspire guests to value nature through our experiential family program. WCS aims to protect half of the world’s biodiversity, while ensuring a positive impact on millions of people. Paul Gauguin Cruises is proud to collaborate with WCS in support of a healthy and sustainable planet.

To launch its 2017 voyages, Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering savings of 50% off standard cruise fares on all 2017 voyages, plus included airfare from Los Angeles.

For rates or more information on Paul Gauguin Cruises, please contact a Travel Professional, call 877-440-6119, or visit www.pgcruises.com.

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5 Best Islands for Starting Over in 2016

Islands Staff — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 02:24:06 +0000

Ditch the car. Walk to the beach. Stay for the sunset. This could be your new routine.

Isla Holbox, Mexico Shutterstock

Just a two-hour drive and a ferry ride from hectic Cancun lies an island that feels like the other side of the planet, with a few hammocks (invented by the Maya here in the Yucatan — de nada) and 20 miles of white beach, a handful of low buildings comprising “downtown” and clear water for miles. Peaceful but impressive whale sharks visit ofshore in some seasons. Tourists also visit the island, but mostly for the same reasons people live here: warmth and peace.

Dominican Republic Shutterstock

One of the largest countries in the Caribbean, the DR has a distinctive culture with its own cuisine, literature and dance, which means living here feels less like a permanent vacation and more like real life in a real place. Working in the island’s varied economy (with longer- term work visas available) will integrate you even more. The DR has strong ties to the States and regular nonstop fights, in case you don’t want to start over completely.

Raratonga, Cook Islands Shutterstock

Picturing a new life on a tropical island? You’re probably picturing Rarotonga — remote and quiet at Muri Beach with its iconic lagoon, or more remote and even quieter on Manuia Beach on the sunset side. Spend evenings chatting with fishers and pearl farmers. Getting here can be pricey as fights are few, but once here, the cost of living is low relative to other South Pacific islands, making this strand of paradise an even better deal.

Koh Samui, Thailand Shutterstock

On Thailand’s second-largest island, there’s always something going on, with a thriving local arts scene, sailing regattas, religious festivals and vibrant nightlife. If there’s a slow moment, get a Thai massage (not your average back rub) and enjoy the local version of Thai cuisine. The supportive expat community eases transitions and homesick- ness. Varied parts of the island suit various moods — hopping Chaweng for urban action, more secluded bays like Laem Sor on the southern coast for serenity.

Madeira

This Portuguese island of the coast of Morocco has warm summers and mild winters, a climate close to perfect. People walk for transportation and recreation on a network of trails (about 600 miles worth) used to service irrigation canals called levadas that run through the mountainous interior. Tell what month it is here by what flowers are blooming — poinsettias in May, orchids in December. The sweet wine that shares the island’s name is available year-round.

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ISLANDS Wish List: Top 100

Islands Staff — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 07:03:07 +0000

As Islands inspires you to take the ultimate trips on your travel bucket list, we’ve compiled all of our Wish List stories of recent years into one ultimate list of our Top 100 suggestions, each with a link to more editors’ expert advice. And to have some fun, we’ve ranked them from No. 100 (have a Painkiller drink in the BVI) to No. 1 (?). Which trips are on your own wish list?

Drink a Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar Bar, BVI

More than Bora Bora overwater bungalows, more than Caribbean all-inclusives, more than Hawaii beach resorts, the top travel advice people search for on Islands.com is our Painkiller drink recipe. Sure, you can make one at home, but to have the ultimate Caribbean tropical drink, go to the ultimate Caribbean beach bar that’s home to the Painkiller: the Soggy Dollar Bar on beautiful White Bay in the British Virgin Islands. See the Painkiller drink recipe, plus photos, map and more in our ISLANDS Ultimate Guide to the Painkiller. Zach Stovall

Discover why the Florida Keys are on our list of the Best Islands Close to Home. Thinkstock

Relax here at the Amanjiwo resort spa on Java in Indonesia or at one of the spas on our list of the Best Island Spas. Credit

You may never make it to Socotra. Situated amid political turbulence and only modestly equipped for tourists, the Yemenese archipelago is inaccessible at best. And that’s a large part of its purity. The land of dragon’s-blood trees has a long history of remoteness; ancient Phoenicians believed Socotra was home to the mythical Phoenix, and Egyptian pharaohs commissioned risky expeditions to the island for myrrh. But it’s more than a land of legend. See our Top 10 Wild Islands gallery. Thinkstock

Find a surprise in Wales

For our recommendations on this surprising corner of Great Britain, see our special Wish List digital publication on Wales. Jon Whittle

Play ball like a kid in the Dominican Republic

Follow our trip to the heart of baseball in the beautiful Dominican Republic with this trip to the northern coast, as shown in this special Dominican Republic Wish List photo book. Jon Whittle

See Tahiti’s Super Bowl

It’s actually an amazing outrigger race pitting the fastest canoes across the Pacific against the strong home-island teams from Tahiti. Credit

Accessible yet challenging, a stand-up paddle board carries you to spots you can’t access with a motor, like under a waterfall along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. And paddling is a great way to work up an appetite. See more must-do activities in Hawaii. Ron Dahlquist

We’re not going to tell you what’s in this coffee found on Bali. But if you must know, read our Bali coffee article. Nathan Myers

Stand on a glacier in Iceland

Book a snowmobile tour of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier with the intrepid guides of Arcanum. Getting to their base camp up a mountain is the hardest part. Once there, they’ll fit you with a jumpsuit and helmet and give a short snowmobile tutorial. Then it’s go time. Courtesy of Go Iceland

This table — No. 70 at the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui, Hawaii — is just one of our favorites for a romantic island dinner. You feel like the guests of honor out on a private peninsula over a saltwater lagoon. See our list of the 6 Most Romantic Island Tables for Two. Lori Barbely

As colorful as the Caribbean is, Curacao is especially stunning for its cultural mix. Read a Curacao feature article. Credit

Take a picture of Santorini, Greece

This stunning Greek island is made for travel photography. Every year, we receive incredible photos of Santorini in our Islands Photo Contest. Being there is truly like stepping into a photo. Download an Islands wallpaper of Santorini. Credit

Taste the ultimate sushi in Japan

Islands photo editor Lori Barbely still ranks her trip to Japan — where she actually did dine on the greatest sushi ever — as one of her favorite island trips ever. Lori Barbely

Take your time at the Bishop Museum in Hawaii

Founded by Charles Reed Bishop in 1889, the collection evokes all of Polynesia. From stone tools to a king’s feather cloak, the artifacts illustrate a dynamic culture, which has long included the museum itself. See more must-do Hawaii activities. John Elk III

Island creatures are spectacular. We compiled 10 animal wishes here:
Dive with dugongs in the Philippines • Save the lemurs in Madagascar • Witness a crab orgy on Australia’s Christmas Island • Pet the Tasmanian devil (carefully!) in Tasmania • Pose with penguins in the Falklands • Stalk the “spirit bear” on Canada’s islands • Spot an ivory-billed woodpecker in Cuba • Dive with great white sharks off Dyer Island • See a tree kangaroo in Papua New Guinea • Meet Arctic wolves on Ellesmere Island See our photo gallery of these top animal adventures. Credit

If you can stand on sand, you can stand on Waikiki’s long, easy-breaking waves. Duke Kahanamoku learned to surf here. Riding into one of the world’s most identifiable skylines is more than a day at the beach. Read a classic Islands article about surfing in Hawaii. Credit

The good thing is, some iconic island drinks are available everywhere. But they always taste better on their native island. Here are our drink wishes: Relax with rum on Barbados • Knock down potent kava in a Fiji ceremony • Order a Guinness in Ireland Learn how to drink these like a local islander.

You’ve never seen this beautifully quiet Hawaiian island of Molokai until you’ve seen it from the back of a mule. (Uh, you know what we mean.) Read our “Man vs. Mule” Travel Tale.

Cook a Tahitian feast

When Islands photographer Zach Stovall discovered this authentic Tahitian feast, he wanted to see how the locals prepared it. Little did he know it would be an all-night affair, but it was worth it. Zach Stovall

Get spoiled Down Under at the qualia resort

Islands photographer Jon Whittle had the time of his life at the Qualia Resort on Hamilton Island in Australia. And yes, it was his job to be there, shooting photos. Imagine how much fun you’d have if you were actually on vacation. Credit

Hawaii has so many scenic spots, it’s easy to lose count. Don’t miss this one. Find out more about this wish. Credit

Over the year, we’ve heard the stories of several expats who love the life they’ve made for themselves on Bali. Sure, it’s not as easy as moving to the Caribbean or Hawaii, but if you can do it, you’ll open your life to all-new experiences. Read an expat’s story of life on Bali. Nathan Myers

to 55. Ride like locals

Islands are fascinating for all of the ways that people get around, whether island to island or across the interior. These 12 “rides” made it to our Wish List: Papua New Guinea by canoe • Madeira by toboggan • Vancouver Island by bike • Malta by bus • Venice by gondola • Exumas by seaplane • Sumbawa by scooter • Antarctic by icebreaker • Jamaica by raft • Luzon by carriage • Quirimbas by dhow • Cuba by Plymouth See a photo gallery of our favorite ways to get around. Credit

Soak in the Baths, British Virgin Islands

As photographer Jen Judge wrote in Islands about her photo of the BVI’s Baths, “I honestly think this scene could have played out exactly as we see it here 30 years ago, 60 years ago or 200 years ago. … I’d be glad to park myself on that beach for a while, waiting for a boat to come into the frame, and shoot it all over again.” Credit

to 51. Get a thrill and a view

An island vacation can be as active or as relaxing as you want. But to really get your heart rate going — and to have a memorable island experience — try these active wishes: Hike on Grenada in the Grand Etang National Park • Ski in New Zealand with a helicopter in the Southern Alps • Kayak in the San Juan Islands Credit

A villa vacation is ideal for an Islands traveler. You get to live like a local, trying out what it would be like if you decided to move to this island. Stay at Samudra on Ko Samui in Thailand or one of our other Top 10 picks for world’s best island villas. Credit

Take a photo of Mount Fuji, Japan

Seeing Japan’s Mount Fuji is on nearly every traveler’s bucket list, island or no island. See it every day when you download this Islands wallpaper. Credit

Eat New Zealand raw

Or cooked, as you prefer. Credit

Islands are often synonymous with romance. See if you can guess which island we’ve pictured here. Hint: It’s No. 1 on our list of the Top 10 Most Romantic Islands. Credit

Dive off Molokini crater in Hawaii

The rim of an ancient volcano, this sliver of island off Maui draws divers with its calm waters and abundant marine life. But just flying over it puts a smile on your face. gohawaii.com

Yes, New Zealand pops up several times on this Islands Wish List 100. The possibilities here are endless. Read more about New Zealand. Credit

Eat up Oahu

Eating is a very important part of every trip, of course. But the last time Islands photographer Lori Barbely traveled to Oahu, she decided to focus purely on the food there — and created an amazing culinary tour. Follow in her footsteps as you flip through her special Wish List photo book. Lori Barbely

Walk into paradise in Fiji

You know how some island resorts stay with you long after your trip? Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji is one such place for Islands editor Eddy Patricelli.) Eddy Patricelli

These are guarded moments at the Merrie Monarch Festival, Hawaii’s most iconic celebration of hula. Read interview with photographer Jen Judge, Behind the Scenes: Hawaii’s Real Hula » Jen Judge

Snorkel with whales in Tonga

Not much compares to the rush of swimming alongside a giant in the remote island of Tonga. Credit

Get to Ko Samui, Thailand

The islands of Thailand are so remarkable, they’re worth the trip. Start dreaming when you download this Ko Samui wallpaper.

Book one of the world’s best island cruises

Big ships, small ships and every ship in between. Islands editors have found great island-hopping cruises for 2013 as an easy way for you to check off some of the world’s top islands. See our list of the Top Cruises Itineraries for 2015. SeaDream

Stay underwater in the Maldives

Contact the Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa on Rangali Island two weeks in advance to reserve one of only 14 tables at the resort’s Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. If you want to spend the night, it’ll cost you — about $1,000 an hour. Must give a two weeks’ notice to reserve the overnight suite. Imagine returning home and starting the dinner conversation with “During the night I spent underwater …”**
Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa**
960-668-0629
maldives@conradhotels.com Credit

Pink Sands beach on Harbour Island in the Bahamas is a must-do, but there are so many others that we could do a Wish List on beaches alone. Instead we made a big map of all the best island beaches. Zach Stovall

Visit the No. 1 most natural island destination

To celebrate the natural beauty of islands, our favorite place is Vanuatu. UNESCO World Heritage sites honor Chief Roi Mata on Éfaté, Lelepa and Artok islands; the Vatthe Conservation Area offers an oasis of biodiversity on Espiritu Santo; and low-impact resorts such as the Epi Island Guesthouse provide responsible lodging. See our Top 10 Pure Islands list. Credit

Take naps, drink wine and eat a ton on St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a unique island in the Caribbean. From our many trips there over the years, we can recommend the most amazing romantic resorts to stay at and the most relaxing itineraries. But we can also suggest the most active vacation you’ll find in the Caribbean. Those Pitons don’t climb themselves, you know. Credit

Take the ultimate family vacation

We people think of family vacations and islands, they often picture the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas or an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. Those are great options, but you can also have family vacations at some of the most iconic islands in the world. Our pick for No. 1: Castaway Island in Fiji. Your kids will feel like the island is all theirs. See our Top 10 Best Island Resorts for Family Vacations. Credit

Step foot on One Foot Island in Aitutaki, Cook Islands

So of course you want to step into this picture. But how? iStockphoto

See Tahiti beyond the bungalows

Don’t worry — we’ll get to the iconic overwater bungalows of Tahiti on this Wish List. But here’s just a reminder that the Islands of Tahiti are among the most beautiful islands in the world, bungalows or no bungalows. See our “Beauty of Tahiti” photo gallery. Credit

You’ve seen the photos. Kauai is actually one of the most spectacular islands of Hawaii and beyond. We’ll have an upcoming Wish List photo book by ISLANDS photo editor Lori Barbely to showcase Kauai. In the meantime, download this Kauai wallpaper of the Na Pali Coast. Credit

Night dive with mantas off the Big Island, Hawaii

Sail at sunset on the Hula Kai. Snorkelers as young as 5 are welcome. No mantas? Fair Wind will take you again for free.**
Fair Wind**
fair-wind.com Ty Sawyer

Sail the secret Caribbean

ISLANDS photographer Jon Whittle loved his cruise with Star Clippers to the Leeward Islands. He loved the benefits of cruising in order to see a lot of islands, but on a small sailing ship like this, he had the freedom to do his own thing onboard and in shore excursiions. Jon Whittle

If you’ve subscribed to ISLANDS magazine for at least a couple years, you’ve no doubt seen Jade Mountain on our Wish List, our romantic list, our best resorts list — this resort is that spectacular. See a quick photo tour from one of our trips to Jade Mountain. Credit

Stay in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives

Bora Bora gets most of the attention for its overwater bungalows. But the Maldives — that gorgeous island nation in the Indian Ocean — is loaded with overwater bungalows of every size and shape, from “value” villas up to luxury masterpieces. See our photo gallery of the best Maldives overwater bungalows. Credit

“The most biodiverse marine life in the world” is how our dive and snorkeling expert described the experience here in Indonesia. If you’re serious about scuba diving and snorkeling, see our Top 10 Best Island Reefs — with Raja Ampat at No. 1 in the ranking. Credit

Yes, in all the world, this is the best place to forget all of your worries, according to our intrepid ISLANDS writer who was looking for the most stress-free island. The good news: You may have already been here and didn’t know it. It’s a Caribbean island just a short trip from Florida. See ISLANDS photographer Zach Stovall’s Wish LIst photo book. Credit

Relax on sand in the Seychelles

Rent a bike, the preferred mode of transport on La Digue Island, and pedal to Grand Anse Beach on the isle’s southeastern side. Walk your bike down the steep descent. You’ll be one of the beach’s few visitors, as its remoteness thwarts most. Courtesy of Seychelles.Travel

Stay at the No. 1 room with a view

When we first saw this photo of the view from the Viceroy Bali, we knew we had seen the ultimate scenic resort. See why the Viceroy Bali is No. 1 on our list of the Top 10 Best Rooms with a View. Credit

Make Tahiti your home

Think this is a wish that’s out of reach? Can’t imagine living in this paradise, where many people are lucky to spend a few nights if they ever travel here at all? This is a dream within reach. See an American expat’s story of moving here and raising a family in our special Wish List photo book. Jon Whittle

Find the secret America

No, this isn’t Hawaii or the U.S. Virgin Islands or the U.S. islands you usually picture. See the American paradise that ISLANDS photographer Jon Whittle discovered in his special Wish list photo book. John Whittle

Escape to the coolest jungle

By now, you’ve seen quite a few stunning resorts on this Wish List 100. But there’s something special about this island resort in Thailand — as captured by ISLANDS photographer Zach Stovall — that has our own staff dreaming of staying here someday. Zach Stovall

Hop the Caribbean by boat

Go where the wind takes you — literally. In bareboat sailing, the weather is your only guide as you navigate purely via your line of sight. Catch this catamaran year-round on St. Thomas at CYOA Yacht Charters in Frenchtown, on the western side of Charlotte Amalie. This veteran company offers both bareboat and crewed charters in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the Spanish Virgin Islands. Choose your adventure — you’re the captain.
CYOA Yacht Charters
cyoacharters.com Amory Ross

Just the name “Papua New Guinea” conjures images like this one. Yes, some of the tribal dances are for show as expedition cruises and other intrepid travelers make their way here. But the authentic cultural history is woven into this fascinating nation when you look deeper. Read a classic ISLANDS magazine feature article on Papua New Guinea. iStockphoto

Feel the heat on the Big Island of Hawaii

On no other island is volcanic activity so accessible, so entwined with the island’s identity, so thrilling. As writer Bill Harby notes in ISLANDS magazine, “The pre-dawn sky near Kapoho is aglow, but my eyes are fized on a fiery glow much closer. … It’s the most amazing experience in my 30 years of exploring Hawaii.” See more in the ISLANDS Wish List December 2012 issue, available on the iPad and iPhone. Credit

When we worked with Orion Expedition Cruises on an ISLANDS itinerary, we called it “The Trip of a Lifetime.” The journey still resonates, as this small-ship cruise itinerary hopscotched through Melanesia, visiting some islands you may have heard of, many no one has ever heard of and few have seen. It’s that rush of adventure and exploration that inspires the best island trips. Read the article about this cruise. Credit

Move to the USVI

No, this isn’t as exotic as some of the wishes this high on our Wish List 100. But ISLANDS readers absolutely love dreaming about what it would be like to live on an island. And some of them actually take that leap. The USVI is a great balance of a move that’s very doable for people from the mainland U.S., and this Caribbean destination has comforts of home and an island vibe that makes you feel like you’ve found a permanent vacation. See ISLANDS photographer Zach Stovall’s Wish List photo book of life in the USVI. Credit

Sleep on the Great Barrier Reef

You absolutely have to see the Great Barrier Reef off Australia. And ISLANDS photographer Jon Whittle highly recommends sleeping on the reef while you’re there. John Whittle

The Big Island and Kauai routinely top our annual Best Islands to Live On ranking. Jon Whittle

Discover for yourself the islands that Darwin made famous. Out in the Pacific, these truly are islands and creatures like nowhere else. See our tips for the perfect 8-day Galapagos itinerary. iStockphoto

Retire early on Roatan

What is the best island to retire on? ISLANDS readers have let us know that when they retire, they’re making a beeline for Roatan, the beautiful island of Honduras in the Caribbean. Jon Whittle

to 4. Escape to a private island

There is (almost) nothing better than a stay on a private island. That’s the inherent nature of islands themselves, that they’re a place to get away from absolutely everything to find your own piece of paradise. Of the many beautiful private island resorts in the world, these are some of our favorites: Fowl Cay in the Exumas, Bahamas • Pamalican Island in the Philippines • Matangi in Fiji • Cayo Espanto in Belize • Akitua in the Cook Islands • Peter Island in the British Virgin Islands • Lizard Island in Australia See our ultimate map of the 100 best private islands in the world. Credit

Live the island life forever

Isn’t this the greatest wish of all? It’s close. We sent ISLANDS photographer Jon Whittle to the Greek island of Ikaria to uncover why the islanders there are so long-lived. Jon came back with the secret. Credit

Fall asleep in a faraway hammock

While away the hours on Thailand’s Ko Samui at Thongtakian Beach, or “Silver Beach” as the locals call it. It’s a respite from the sea of peddlers at more popular Chaweng. Stay at Thongtakian Beach Resort, where tranquility and privacy are the order of the day.**
Thongtakian Beach Resort**
thongtakian.com Welsing/IStock Photos

For the 30+ year history of ISLANDS, we’ve featured more photos of overwater bungalows in Bora Bora than anywhere else — even more than rainbows in Hawaii. From ISLANDS magazine covers to our online photo galleries, Bora Bora overwater bungalows are incredibly popular and so very timeless. ISLANDS photographer Zach Stovall recently traveled to Bora Bora to capture even more photos. See his story and photos — including yet another bungalow cover — in the new ISLANDS Wish List December 2012 issue, available now on the iPad and iPhone. And see our gallery of the best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora. Keep wishing! Zach Stovall

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Video: Solomon Islands Preview

Islands Staff — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:42:07 +0000

Jad Davenport is one of the most well-traveled writer/photographers in the world. Over the years, he’s written numerous articles, taken thousands of photos and shot beautiful video of his island adventures for ISLANDS magazine and islands.com. So when he returned from the Solomon Islands with a straight-from-the-movies story, he created a movie trailer. Click on the screenshot below to go to Jad’s Solomon Islands video, posted on Facebook. It’s exciting stuff. In the meantime, you can relive some of Jad’s other adventures in his stories linked below.

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Plan Your Trip: Hawaii and Cook Islands

Islands Staff — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 07:29:28 +0000

ISLANDS encourages travelers to “Dream Big” in the December 2009 issue of the magazine (on sale in the ISLANDS Gift Shop). Here are two featured trips from that issue: an all-new way to see Hawaii by water with the Kelea Surf Spa on Oahu and an exploration of the Cook Islands with dream stays on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. So, for even more island travel ideas, see the table of contents of the “Dream Big” issue.

HAWAII

Fly direct from the West Coast to Honolulu, Oahu (HNL), or Kahului, Maui (OGG), on airlines including American.

Go during the big-wave months from November to March to see pro surfers riding giants.

Stay at the Kelea Surf Spa on Oahu, where you can learn to surf at this all-inclusive camp for women only. Six-night packages start at $1,895 and includes beachfront accommodations, healthy meals from a private chef, yoga and a massage. On Maui, the Inn at Mama’s Fish House is near waves that Queen Kelea surfed.

Eat taro burgers on Oahu at Shark Cove Grill next to the surfers still dripping. Look for the blue RV across from the Shark Cove. For dinner, just head to Haleiwa Joe’s Seafood Grill for ahi sashimi, local greens and mai tais. Get dessert at Matsumoto’s, an iconic shave-ice shop (be sure to try the lilikoi all-natural syrup). Or try Ted’s Bakery for decadent chocolate haupia pie. On Maui, watch surfers at the Beach House at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. In Paia, get fish tacos at Milagros, 808-579-8755.

Watch the best surfers shred 12 world-class breaks on this two-mile round-trip beach hike on Maui. Start at Ehukai Beach Park to see the action at Pipeline; then walk northeast to the bay at the Velzyland break.

Try kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing at Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport.

Learn more at Hawaii’s Official Tourism Site.

AITUTAKI

Fly Air New Zealand direct from Los Angeles (LAX) to the Cook Islands’ main island of Rarotonga (RAR). Aitutaki (AIT) is less than an hour north on Air Rarotonga.

Stay at a classic resort on Rarotonga, the Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa. The sun is always shining here on Aroa Beach. Rates from $185. The intimate Sea Change Villas feature plunge pools and picturesque views of the lagoon. Rates from $360. On Aitutaki itself, the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa is the only resort on the lagoon — and the only one with overwater bungalows. Rates from $290. Romantic Tamanu Beach has freshwater pools, a great beach and fantastic barbecues. Rates from $220. Mama Ruru’s Akaiami Paradise, on the seaplane motu, has one six-person lodge and a beach bungalow. Rates from $440.

Cruise in a pontoon boat with Aitutaki Adventures for an all-day lagoon tour. Snorkel among giant clams, explore sandbars and learn island lore, e-mail captpuna@aitutaki.net.ck.

Ride in a yellow 4×4 with Aitutaki Discovery Safari Tours to see ancient marae (temple ground) & World War II ruins.

Dive into an underwater journey along the outer reef of Aitutaki Lagoon with Bubbles Below.

Learn more at the Cook Islands Official Tourism Site.

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How to Live in the Cook Islands

Islands Staff — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:48:01 +0000

The Cook Islands are no cattle ranch. But that didn’t stop born- and-bred rancher Rondo Perkins from investing in a hotel there in 2000. He soon realized a home on an island beats a home on the range and moved to the South Pacific paradise three years ago. Now, more than 5,000 miles from his cattle ranch in Chesterfield, Idaho, 68-year-old Rondo uses his no-nonsense cowboy sensibilities to run both a posh resort on Rarotonga and a black-pearl business on the side. We found out which is easier to deal with: hotel guests or cows.

How did you decide to move to such an under-the-radar spot like Rarotonga in the first place? A close family member found this property, the Crown Beach Resort, and offered me the opportunity to invest. I knew nothing about the Cook Islands, but I met with her and a group of investors. Something seemed a bit fishy, but she said it was the opportunity of a lifetime and that it would only cost me a relatively small sum. I trusted her, came over to see for myself and put the money down. Four weeks later, the bank came knocking, saying I owed even more money. But I paid the rest of it off and ended up living in this beautiful place, so it all worked out in the end.

Besides the initial struggle with the business, was it hard adjusting to life in the tropics? At first, maybe. If you’re planning something, you better look ahead several weeks. If you need something that’s not on the island, it takes three or four weeks to get it from New Zealand. Most things are available at a high price. I like living here very much, though: The people are friendly, the weather is good 99 percent of the time and overall, I just feel better in Rarotonga. Life here is kind of what I expected, only easier and more enjoyable.

Do you think that you’ll stick around indefinitely? I would like to, but my wife, Julie, likes to be at home back in the U.S. with all the kids and grandkids. You could bury me here and I’d be happy. She goes back a couple of months a year to spend time with the family. I only go back a week here and there for the fall & spring harvest and occasionally Christmas, and even that’s a stretch. Plane tickets are just too pricey. I miss the kids, the animals and my wife when she’s not here. But the resort needs my help more than the ranch. All I need to do on the ranch is make sure they plant the crops right and get the water started.

So is running a resort harder than running a ranch? Running a resort actually proves more challenging at times. You get these guests who give you hell, but you give them a bottle of wine and can usually please them. But sometimes you just can’t. As a cowboy, if you’ve got an old cow that gets in the way, always tearing fences out, doing things she’s not supposed to, you just send her to the butcher! At the end of the day, though, people come to Rarotonga and it’s my goal to make sure they have the best time they’ve ever had in their lives.

And you’re now importing your beef to the Cook Islands as well? We started that in the spring, bringing it over to the island via Air New Zealand. We don’t like the New Zealand beef — the damn stuff ‘s tough and the quality’s terrible. That will be a drawing point to our Oceans restaurant: certified-organic beef.

On the side, you have yet another business there: procuring black pearls and then selling them. So how did that endeavor materialize? I’m like a crow; I like shiny things! It’s something I learned when I got over here. Stringing pearls is actually quite easy — if you have the patience. It’s a whole lot of trial and error. I was a student of the School of Hard Knocks; you get beat a couple of times and you learn. The very first necklace I ever made was a beautiful peacock-green one I sold for $3,500. I found out later it was worth close to $15,000. I had no idea what they were worth; I just thought that was a pretty good deal. Now I sell my pearls in a shop in the resort lobby. The pearls all come from the northern isle of Manihiki atoll , where all the farms are located. The pearl farmers come down to Rarotonga and visit all the shops, showing and selling their pearls.

What about the resort itself? Have you had to do much renovation? We bought out the other investors just before Christmas in 2004. Then on Feb. 9, 2005, a cyclone wiped out the whole place. It was really a blessing in disguise, we built it back the way it should have originally been built. Insurance covered some, we put in a bit more money and later, in 2007, we added even more villas to do justice to the place.

So you’re a very busy man. What do you like to do on your days off? I don’t take days off. I enjoy what I do. If you’re having fun, why would you need time off?

Facts of Life

Climate: Tropical
Population of Cook Islands: 20,000
Population of Rarotonga: 14,000
House starting price: $335,000 for a two-bedroom home on the beach
Travel from U.S.: Fly on several carriers to Auckland, New Zealand, then to Rarotonga
Hospital: Rarotonga Hospital
Price of local beer: $4 for a Vailima at Trader Jack’s Bar & Grill
Languages: Maori and English
Ease of immigration: Medium
Ease of buying a home: Difficult
Website: cookislands.travel

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