Aitutaki: The wide blue yonder

Aitutaki is suspended in a daydream, a sunny paradise that bobs over your computer screen and floats in the spume of your daily dishes. Whether it's for a romantic getaway, some quality family time or some yearned for "me" time, this South Pacific hideaway cannot fail to impress. From the moment of arrival, you will elicit oohs and aahs at the sight of Aitutaki's crystal clear waters and sparkling white beaches. This is an island of unrivalled natural beauty and tranquillity.
If you're into local folklore, legend has it that Aitutaki's highest peak, Maungapu, was teleported to the island from neighbouring Rarotonga by triumphant warriors after a ferocious battle. Maungapu is easily navigable by foot and offers stupendous views across the island and the glorious lagoon that encircles Aitutaki.
New Zealanders have enjoyed a close and happy connection with this tropical island over many decades. In the early days, trans-Pacific services were pioneered by huge flying boats that would use the lagoon to land and take off. Air New Zealand's forerunner, Tasman Empire Airways, made Aitutaki a crucial re-fuelling stop for its flying boats as they plied the coral route between North America and the south Pacific. Nowadays, most holiday-makers arrive here via Rarotonga. (Keep an eye out for bargain basement flights. Air Rarotonga was recently offering $1 connecting flights to Aitutaki.)
It is entirely understandable if, after arriving on these blessed sands, you decide to be the ultimate cocktail-sipping beach-bum, alternating between lounging on the pure white sands and on the deck of your beachside villa. But if you want to spice up your break with some activities, a lagoon cruise is a must-do. Prices for a full-day excursion floating around the lagoon and exploring smaller outer islands are competitive, thanks to the number of operators. Lunch will be prepared for you while you work on your tan, snorkel in the bath-warm water and hand feed the fish. (The blue starfish are gorgeous.) The cruise climaxes with a call at oh-so-cute One Foot Island, where you can pop into the post office and get your passport stamped. How quaint. Despite its pristine and unsullied appearance, Aitutaki caters to the lucrative tourist trade.
There are many accommodation and dining options. I stayed at the Etu Moana Beach Villas, which is a new beach resort comprising eight Polynesian-style villas with thatched roofs and covered decks with mouth-watering views across the lagoon. www.etumoana.com
TOP TIPS
There are no ATM machines or banks in Aitutaki, so be sure to take cash with you in advance. Similarly, there are not many places that will accept credit cards. The New Zealand Dollar is the local currency.
Air Rarotonga connects the main island with Aiutaki, operating five flights a day. For schedules and bookings go to www.airraro.co.ck
Casual clothing is absolutely fine in the Cook Islands, but nude or topless sunbathing is a big no-no.If visiting a town or village, it is considered offensive to wander around in just your bathing suit, so please cover up with a wrap around sarong. (pareu.)