11 July 2011

TripAdvisor Votes Two Cook Island Beaches in the "World's Top 10 Breathtaking Beaches for Fun and Surf"

The word is out! Savvy travellers all over the world are quietly discovering the best kept secret of the South Pacific, the Cook Islands. TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel review website, has compiled a list from traveller's reviews of the Top 10 most Breathtaking Beaches for Fun and Surf, ranking Aitutaki Lagoon and Muri Lagoon in the Top Five.

Recognised as one of the world's largest interactive travel sites, TripAdvisor has compiled the list from real reviews from travellers around the world, who give impartial feedback and opinions through the website.

Aitutaki Lagoon, situated on the island of Aitutaki, is made up of 20 small, uninhabited islands dotted around the turquoise lagoon, offering the perfect place for an idyllic getaway and bountiful spots for snorkelling, swimming and kitesurfing. Two of these islands, the exquisite Moturaku and Rapota, are also the setting of soon-to-return UK reality TV programme Shipwrecked, where the two teams of Tigers and Sharks will battle it out in the experience of a life time.

Muri Lagoon, on the south-eastern coast of the capital island Rarotonga, is a kilometre-long golden arc of white sand backed by tall palm and ironwood trees. Muri Beach also faces four uninhabited islands and the shallow lagoon allows swimmers to paddle out to these islets at low tide.

"It's no surprise to those in the know, that the Cook Islands' idyllic beaches cut it with the best of other exotic destination," says Cook Islands Tourism Chief Executive Officer Carmel Beattie. "Both Aitutaki Lagoon and Muri Lagoon, on Rarotonga, offer a perfect mixture of beautiful scenery, water sports and the vibrancy of Cook Islands culture.

We are very proud and honoured to receive this award and it is a further step towards The Cook Islands becoming a recognised international destination; competing on many levels in a world-class market."

Packages to the Cook Islands include:

7 Nights at Sunset Resort, Rarotonga - from £1,595 per person including one night free

Austravel offers seven nights' accommodation in the 3* Sunset Resort from only £1,595 per person including one night FREE. Cost includes return flights with Air New Zealand and transfers. Price based on two people sharing and is valid for select August- November departures, subject to availability. To book, visit www.austravel.com or call 0800 970 3820.

Three Nights at Pacific Resort Rarotonga and Three Nights at Pacific Resort Aitutaki - from £2,569 per person

Netflights offers three nights bed and breakfast accommodation at Pacific Resort Rarotonga and three nights bed and breakfast accommodation at Pacific Resort Aitutaki, from £2,569 per person. Price includes return flights with Air New Zealand, return airport and inter-island transfers as well as pre-payable taxes. The price is based on two adults sharing a twin or double room and is valid for departures from 16th August until 30th November 2011. Added value includes guaranteed room upgrade and a complimentary bottle of wine at Pacific Resort Rarotonga. To book, visit www.netflights.com or call 0871 703 8000.

"Come explore and share with us in the pleasure of the Cook Islands."