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. 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. 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.


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