Friday, February 26, 2010

Cyclone Pat Update

Update from Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa
26 February 2010

Kia Orana from Aitutaki –

We would like to share a great big thank you to all of our friends around the world who have expressed their concern and sent their best wishes to us following Cyclone Pat’s unfortunate visit to Aitutaki. You will all be very glad to know that everyone is safe and well, and that things have returned to normal at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa.

It has now been two weeks since Cyclone Pat rudely invited herself to our idyllic island. Clean up work around the island continues, and we are doing all we can to help our friends, families, and neighbors rebuild their homes and businesses. Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa did suffer some damage from the cyclone, but thanks in no small part to the very hard work of our staff (many of whom flew up from Rarotonga), we were open and operational within three days. For those of you who have seen photos of the damage on Aitutaki, you will note that much of it looks so bad due to downed foliage. We have done our best to clean up all downed foliage at the Resort, and the local Aitutakians are hard at work cleaning up the rest of the island. While it will take some time for Aitutaki to return to its full glory, we can tell you that the beauty of living in the tropics is how quickly trees and flowers grow in our lovely climate.

All of the bungalows at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa are open (and full of happy guests!), as is our SpaPolynesia, fresh-water swimming pool, and Bounty Restaurant. The Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill suffered some roof damage, but the attached kitchen and bar were unaffected, and are currently open and running. We have set up some tables and umbrellas on the white sand, which allows our guests to enjoy a unique al fresco dining experience on the edge of Aitutaki Lagoon.

If we can leave you with one thought, it is this: Aitutaki and its lovely people depend on Tourism. If you are considering a visit to Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, you will no doubt see for yourself the natural beauty of our island, the tremendous service and hospitality of our Resort, and the warmth, giving nature of our people. We simply can’t wait to see soon on our sandy shores.