Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort

The Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort, called the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa until March 2018, is resort located on the islet of Akitua in Aitutaki, in the Cook Islands. The resort has a 45-year lease on the islet, and consists of 36 bungalows, a restaurant, a bar, spa, gym, and associated facilities.[1] The resort was used as the location for Air New Zealand's Safety in Paradise video and the Sports Illustrated 50th anniversary swimsuit edition.[1]

The resort was originally developed by Tamatoa Ariki.[2] It was purchased by businessman Tata Crocombe in 2003.[3]

Catriona Rowntree, the presenter for Australian Nine Network's travel show Getaway, has called the resort her favourite destination.[4][5]

In February 2005, the resort was evacuated in preparation for Cyclone Meena.[6]

The resort was offered for sale in 2014,[3] but found no buyers. In March 2018 it was renamed the Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort.[7]

The resort been for sale on Trade Me since March 2018 for NZ$32 million.[1][8] A major fire in July 2018 destroyed the kitchen, bar, and three bungalows.[9][10] The resort was forced to close in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[11]

In May 2020 the resort's restaurant, bar, and kitchen were completely destroyed by fire.[12]

References

  1. ^ a b c Lorna Thornber (31 May 2018). "'Iconic' private island and resort for sale in Cook Islands for $32 million". Stuff. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  2. ^ "Tribute to my friend Tamatoa Ariki!". Cook Islands News. 18 March 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  3. ^ a b Emmanuel Samoglou (3 October 2014). "Crocombe selling local business interests". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  4. ^ "Visit Getaway Host Catriona Rowntree's favourite destination at the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa". Travel Blackboard. 2008-06-18. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 2009-10-10.
  5. ^ "GETAWAY's Catriona Rowntree returns to her honeymoon destination ~ Aitutaki!". Travel Blackboard. 2009-04-23. Archived from the original on 25 April 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-10.
  6. ^ "Cook Islands prepares for cyclone". TVNZ - One News. 2005-02-06. Retrieved 2009-10-10.
  7. ^ "2018 - 2019 Qantas Holiday Brochure Amendments" (PDF). Qantas. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  8. ^ "Global interest in Aitutaki resort sale". Cook Islands News. 9 June 2018. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  9. ^ Rashneel Kumar (31 July 2018). "Fire razes Aitutaki resort units". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  10. ^ "Cook Islands Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa loses accommodation units to fire". New Zealand Herald. 30 July 2018. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  11. ^ "Famed Cook Islands resorts to close". RNZ. 22 March 2020. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  12. ^ Rashneel Kumar (29 May 2020). "Fire razes restaurant at Aitutaki resort". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 10 October 2020.

18°51′00″S 159°45′25″W / 18.8500°S 159.7570°W / -18.8500; -159.7570


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