Hi ImN2:

It is a hard thing to swallow that the Cook Islands are now discovered. It is just a function of development all over the South Pacific...People come when there is hot water and a fluffy bed to sleep in after a day in azure blue water. I can't blame them...it's beautiful!

Of note: I don't think people should worry about their trip being interrupted if Survivor films in Aitutaki...there are lots of beautiful motus, as you know, to go to on a lagoon cruise.

Most disconcerting though, is the new Captain Cook Resort which will be on Rarotonga and the Captain Bligh resort on Aitutaki...see link below for renderings of the finished resort;

http://www.tepakigroup.co.nz/captbligh/

there will be 34 overwater bungalows that will completely disrupt the natural lagoon in Aitutaki. This resort is the beginning of paradise completely discovered...it won't be long until many other resorts buy property and develop there as well. They have the deep pockets that are stronger than the Cook Islanders relgion that has stopped development thus far.

It's reality...and a crying shame...

The Captain Cook Resort link:

http://www.tepakigroup.co.nz/captcook/

This resort is approved as well and contruction is iminent. They will create a fake motu, move the road etc...another shame.

http://www.tepakigroup.co.nz/captcook/

Interesting is the fact that the Cook Islanders economy will florish as it has in other locations...more jobs etc...My only prayer is that they do it right as they have in places like Bora Bora where it isn't Waikiki...it's still a quiet romantic place by most all accounts.

My advice...look ahead and find the next place primed and still relatively untouched. I can tell you that in my experience the newest place that is getting alot of inquiries is Samoa. There isn't alot of development but there are a couple of very nice places to stay which seems to be the criteria prior to discovery.

Next on the list will be the Kingdom of Tonga. Still completely, and I mean completely, undiscovered beaches...traveled by mostly sail boats...this destination has beaches that are unbelievable...and lots and lots of whales....big attraction.

Anyway, this post is much longer than I anticipated...just making a point that paradise can't be a secret forever in our ever shrinking world. Shame.........

Sunny regards,

Shully

Yep.

Samoa is probably my next South Pacific destination. Have long been interested in Coconuts Beach Clubs' "Tree House" units.

Ken

PS -

Here's a REALLY beautiful photo I found of "Return to Paradise Beach" on Samoa:

…webshots.com/16/…183239395gkprtl_fs.jpg

Click on the photo to expand to full size.

Pretty perfect.

Ken

Yeah....there is a beautiful resort there called the Sinelei Reef Resort...the nicest place there....Also Aggie Grey's was just redone. My head sales gal is headed there this Tuesday for a week...so I've got alot of new info coming...I'll be going there soon myself.

sunny regards,

shully

LB..... just checked out the Coconut Resort and it looks wonderful......hmmmm now you have me already thinking of Samoa and I haven't even gotten to the Cooks yet!!!! Thanks for giving me some googling to do during this boring afternoon at work :)

Hi there,We came back from Aitutaki yesterday and the film crew were in the Pacific Resort so it looks like the program is to be done on the island somewhere.I agree this will not be a step forward for the Island.

We are considering Aitutaki for our honeymoon in December, however, I am very concerned that the next "Survivor" will be filmed there. Should we look elsewhere? Maybe Bora Bora or Moorea? Please help, any advice would be great.

Vesna.

Venda -

For a trip this December, I wouldn't worry about it too much. The impact will be minimal except that bookings may be a bit tighter (I think December is busy month anyway) so you may want to book your flights and accomodations earlier than normal. Keep in mind that (from what I've heard) many locals return to the Cooks for the holidays (especially from New Zealand) so the airplanes (both to the Cooks and between the various Cook Islands) can be booked solid.

The concerns about Survivor and its impact on the Cooks is more of a long-term issue (ie that many more new resorts will be built, and that prices will skyrocket) than a short term one. Currently Aitutaki is wayyyyyyyy more quiet than either Moorea or Bora Bora (which some folks feel is already "overbuilt"). Keep in mind too, that everything is relative, and that even these "developed" islands are extrememly quiet by most peoples' standards. There are no high-rises, no casinos, no wild clubs, no wall-to-wall sunbathers. The South Pacific is generally not that kind of place (and hopefully never will be).

Ken

Just returned from the Cook Islands. The people on Aitutaki seem to hope Survivor is coming. Lots of American dollars. We went to Aitutaki for a day trip from Rarotonga and made a short stop on one of the little motus that were used by the British version of survivor. They used two small islands that were very close together. Some of the survivor meeting areas were still in place.

Does anyone have an idea when that may actually happen? we will be there in mid june and i may consider canceling the PR in AIT if a big crew would be there.

thanks rs

Roy,

I wouldn't cancel. We will be there in July and they will still be filming. I wouldn't think the crew would be staying at the Pacific Resort. Email the resort and ask them.

Donna