Cook Islands (South Pacific Islands)

We stayed at Raratonga as part of a stop over on our round the world trip we were suppose to be staying in Hawai but it got changed at the last minute and thank god it did!!! Raratonga really is a wonderfully unique place which I will never forget. The momnet we arrived at Raratonga airport I knew I was going to love it. We arrived at 3am and we were picked up by a courtsy taxi provided by our hotel (The Raratonga Sunset) the lady was just lovely she placed a necklace of flowers around our necks and was warm and friendly. I could not wait unitl daylight when I could explore the Island. The moment it was light enough I was straight out of the hotel to view the wonderful beach which was literally outside our room it really was beautiful and I knew I was going to really enjoy my short time on the Island.

We decided to hire mopeds for a couple of days and it was a great way to get around the Island and very cheap. We manged to explore as much as possiable in the short time we had (4 days ) and also met many of the locals who really are the nicest people I have met and for us they made the hoilday. The staff at our hotel were no exception we had breakfast inclued in our package which consited of fresh fruit, juice, and cereal which was served by the pool by Esther who created a fun atmosphere that lifted your mood for the day ahead.

I must admitt though although are hotel was very nice we did on serveral occasions use the facilites at The Raratonga Beach Resort which was a short distance along from us the beach there was just heaven and the standrad of accomadation was very high and I think it would be worth while is you can afford it to pay extra to stay here (I wish we did).

The one thing that stays in my mind about Raratonga is clear air,beautiful beaches and a unique charm that will stay with you forever my last vision of Rartonga was as our plane took off and I looked out at the most stunning sunset I have ever seen at that momnet I promised myself that I would have to return to Raratonga someday and I just know I will............