December 19, 2023
The South Pacific is my personal specialty, and the area is really my favorite place to visit. I’ve been all over Tahiti, and I recently had a chance to visit the Cook Islands again, for the first time since 1981. The islanders are citizens of New Zealand, although they are largely a self-governing island country.
Deborah, a CI Azumano Travel Expert, talks about the beauty and amenities in the Cook Islands.
I was really blown away by the wonderful service of the Premium Economy on my flight there via Air New Zealand. There’s only one flight per week that can take you there non-stop, and it was a fabulous experience with delicious meals and smiling staff that pampered us while we were being whisked away to an amazing vacation.
Back when I first traveled there in the early 80s, it was literally like a step back in time. There were hardly any hotels, and it was very lush and jungly – a true backpackers paradise! I have to say I was really shocked at how much it’s evolved since then. A lot of properties there now are villas, with private pools and full kitchens – from simple to the luxurious.
Although most of the restaurants are really mostly found at the hotels, I found the most incredible little roadside stand on my recent visit. Wow, the food – and the amount of food – was heavenly!! They had the most amazing fresh fish and options to please all palates. Because I need to eat gluten free, I was so happy to be eating a lot of the seafood, fruit, and salad that the islands offered.
It’s truly become a vacation spot that offers family friendly activities – or luxury and romance – whatever you need, with every amenity you can imagine. It still has the appeal for the adventurer, with so many more choices for accommodations and many more things to do for everyone else; it really caters to all types!