Update #2 from Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa

Update from Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa

19 March 2010

Kia Orana from Aitutaki –

It has been just over a month since Cyclone Pat rudely invited herself (himself?!) to our idyllic island. While work continues to be done, there has been tremendous progress both at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa here on our private island of Motu Akitua, as well as the entire main island of Aitutaki.

Thank you to all of our friends around the world who have expressed their concern following Cyclone Pat’s unfortunate visit to Aitutaki. Many past guests have contacted us to send their best wishes and prayers, and to enquire about a return trip to what most of them refer to as their ‘second home in Aitutaki’. To them, we say Meitaki Atupaka (Thank You!), and we can’t wait to see you again soon.

As you may have seen from recent photos, Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa is operating as normal with many happy guests enjoying a wide range of activities, kayaking, stand‐up paddle boarding, windsurfing, learning to dance the hula and play the ukulele, how to husk a coconut and much more. Our Garden, Beachfront, Deluxe Beachfront and Overwater Bungalows plus our luxe Royal Honeymoon Pool Villa Te Arau are open to guests. And in fact we even held the beautiful wedding of a lovely Australian couple from the Gold Coast, Jane Watling‐Dean and Ross Ranger, on our Kuriri Point at Motu Akitua just days following the drama of Cyclone Pat.

Hi Joanne (Resort Wedding Photographer),


I hope all is well over there and the sun is shining. I would like to say that we had a wonderful wedding and honeymoon in the Cook Islands. We will always remember this trip and I have sung the praises of both resorts to many people since I got back. With the beautiful photos to show them I think you may have a few more visitors from the Gold Coast and Brisbane soon. I know that you are trying to encourage visitors to return to the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and I would be happy to provide a written testimony of the wonderful time we had if you would like.


Regards


Jane Watling-Dean + Ross Ranger


Married 4.30pm, Friday 19 February 2010 at Kuriri Point, Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, a few days following Cyclone Pat

Tours around the island of Aitutaki such as the 4WD Safari Tour as well as the Aitutaki Lagoon Cruises continue to run every day. Some of our guests have commented, with a bit of surprise, that they could not see any damage at all to our beautiful lagoon. This is so nice to hear, for it is the majesty and stunning natural beauty of Aitutaki Lagoon which brings so many of our guests to our shores from afar. Once they have been, many then pull out their Bucket List and tick off one of their life’s must‐dos, witnessing for themselves the World’s Most Beautiful Lagoon. What they often don’t count on though, is that they have by then been smitten by Aitutaki, and never want to leave!

For those of you who saw earlier photos of the damage on the main island of Aitutaki, you will have noted that much of it looked so bad due to downed trees and foliage. Because of the salt mist from the cyclone, some foliage was damaged and suffered some ‘browning’. Much of the fallen debris has now been cleared. The beauty of living in the tropics is how quickly trees and flowers grow in the balmy climate, and we are already witnessing the re‐growth of lush flowers and foliage for which Aitutaki is renowned.

However whilst the people are resilient with a strong sense of community, there is no denying they have suffered a major catastrophe, and private housing will take some time to re‐build. Work continues around the island of Aitutaki on the re‐building of public infrastructure and private homes, which will be ongoing for some time to come.

If we can leave you with one thought, it is this: Aitutaki and her local people depend on Tourism. If you are considering a visit to come stay with us at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, you will no doubt see for yourself the natural beauty of our lagoon, the tremendous service and hospitality of our Resort, the warm, giving nature of our people, and our true sense of community. We look forward to welcoming you soon on our sandy shores.

Meitaki Atukapa e Kia Manuia!