Cook Islands
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009Cook Islands
Where would you go: Cook Islands, Tonga, or Samoa?
Two adventure seeking girls going on vacation for 2-3 weeks. Flying from New Zealand. Love hiking, diving, relaxing, checking out the local vibe, etc. Not into partying. Low maintenance, not wanting to spend a lot of money on accommodation.
Have you been to any of these islands? Your opinion is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!
Tonga & Samoa are Similar, in which they still have that "old way of living". They both still keep their culture very much alive like the old days. American Samoa & Cook Island however is like very westernized, just another hawaii which is boring! I been to Tonga & Samoa before and I love the Tongan people because their so nice, laid back, and the food, music, dance is so beautiful and delicious. Go to Tonga definitely, but to Vava'u Island, which offers humpback whale watching and stuff......South pacific is the place to be.....
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| UNIQUE COOK ISLAND MAORI GOLD LUSTER BLACK PEARL ENGRAVED ONU TURTLE PENDANT | |
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| SET OF 4 MINT COOK ISLANDS PEACE OVERPRINTS on NZ 1d to 8d SG 146 149 1946 | |
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| 1975 COINS OF THE COOK ISLANDS PROOF SET MINTED AT THE FRANKLIN MINT | |
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| 1972 COINS OF THE COOK ISLANDS PROOF SET MINTED AT THE FRANKLIN MINT | |
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| 1937 CORONATION COOK ISLANDS U MM | |
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| 1972 Cook Islands 7 coin Proof Set | |
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| Cook Islands 1989 FDCWWF Bird World Wide Fund for Nature See Scan | |
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Luxury Islands in the Pacific - Vacation in a Piece of Paradise
Luxury island holidays in the Pacific centre on a group of over 3000 islands, each a piece of paradise with beach attached. They make up 13 countries that jointly are known as the Pacific Islands. Fiji, the most well known of all is itself a group of about 330 islands. So if you are looking to enjoy an island vacation, the luxury islands of the Pacific would have to be the natural choice.
There's something about an island that makes it easy to shed stress and enter a bubble of peace that incorporates heady fragrances, lush blooms, and the intoxicating smell of the ocean. The islands of Fiji bring this magic to life with their unspoilt natural beauty and vast expanses of silvery beaches glimmering under the tropical sun. What proves to be even more of a balm to the senses is the extreme acceptance and affection of the local people, who simply exude a natural bonhomie. A variety of ethnicities call Fiji home and merrily add to the cultural melting pot that is evident in the cuisine, the dress, and mannerisms. However, one and all will greet you with a 'Bula!', welcoming you to participate in the fiesta that's Fiji.
New Caledonia succeeds in blending a whiff of French in to its tropical ambience, to create a heady mix that spells vacation with a capital V. Prepare to enjoy French cuisine and excellent wine while revelling in the warmth of the tropical sunshine. Luxury hotels dot its beaches at strategic locations and its striking mountain ranges give you a change of scene. The special attraction here is the world's largest lagoon with over a thousand varieties of marine life and a 1600 km long barrier reef. If you're crazy about water sports, you've come to the right place.
Somewhere between New Zealand and New Caledonia is a hidden gem of tranquillity, also known as Norfolk Island, undeniably the crème de la crème of the luxury island holidays in the Pacific. Majestic pines tower atop picturesque cliffs, overlooking turquoise lagoons and emerald golfing greens, to give you yet another take on tropical beauty with a subtle difference. A popular getaway and honeymoon destination, this luxury island has its share of extravagances to suit all wallet sizes.
Tahiti is simply a rhapsody in blue that will sway your senses and blow you away. Tiny islands float ephemerally like pockets of paradise let loose for the pleasure of the chosen few. Bora Bora, Taha, and Moorea have luxury hotels and quaint resort style lodgings that blend in with the natural landscape. The lush tropical landscape dotted with lakes and lagoons designed by Cupid himself make this luxury island the ultimate romantic getaway.
A group of 83 islands sprinkled like exotic toppings on the surface of the blue waters of the Pacific are together known as Vanuatu. Be prepared for a change of scenery as you encounter the secrets of this volcanic island. Nothing sinister though; just natural beauty at its untouched, rugged best. Beaches change tones from a shower of Swarovski crystals to silky black. Coral reefs beckon tantalisingly beneath crystal clear water, while on land there are the amazing waterfalls, enigmatic rain forests, and placid lagoons that gleam silently in the sun. Port Vila, the capital, presents lively restaurants, shops, and luxury hotel accommodation.
The Cook Islands are made up of about 15 islands and are a popular destination among the luxury islands of the Pacific. Luxury hotels of all persuasion have been set up by experienced purveyors of good times and comfort to ensure you enjoy your stay on the island. Natural beauty has been left untouched to give you a sense of what the earth must have been like before the discovery of concrete.
The Solomon Islands with their majestic mountains and rivers welcome you to partake of a luxury island holiday like none other. The palm fringed beaches lolling by the aquamarine waters of the ocean are the perfect antidote to stress in the city and all its side effects. Feel the tension fall away from your shoulders as you contemplate the infinity of the horizon. A number of luxury hotels and resorts on the beach make this island the right stopover for some quintessential me-time..
In Samoa the way of life is as eternal as the blue waters surrounding it. Replete with all the features a beach resort can offer, it will probably be the Samoan people that capture your heart. Their friendliness and genuine love soon make you feel like you're in your own private island. They still haven't got around to commercialising this piece of paradise they call home and it retains all its unspoilt natural beauty. For the time being, they are just happy to share their good luck with whoever visits.
About the Author
Justine has been a journalist for 20 years and is a contributor to
Just The Planet
, the online luxury travel magazine for independent travellers. Read more about
luxury spas
around the world and discover more
luxury getaways
here.