Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Atiu Cook Islands


I just came back from Virgin Vacations Ultimate Cook Islands Experience.  One of the islands we visited was Atiu, known as the island of the birds.  What a fabulous time we had on this island – so much that I thought I’d write a quick blog about my experience.

Atiu Island is about 187 kms northeast of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.  Unbelievably, the island has a population of fewer than 600 people that are divided among the five villages.  The island boasts 28 untouched beaches that are rarely visited, expect by locals and visitors looking for a pristine and secluded spot.

Besides tourism, the island also produces wonderful coffee from two different producers. 

We went on three tours during our stay on this island paradise.  The first was a visit to Anatakitaki Cave.  This cave is the most well known of Atiu’s limestone caves.  The local Kopeka birds build nests in between the stalactites of the cavern.  When you are in the cave, you can hear the birds navigating through the dark caves.  Our tour guide told us the echoes of their clicking sounds guide them. 

We also went on the Atiu Island Coffee Tour.  This tour took us through all the steps in the production of Atiu Island Coffee.  Our lovely hosts showed us how to grow, pick, process and roast the coffee over an open fire.  This method of growing coffee has been in the family for generations.  Of course, we ended the tour having a wonderful cup of their coffee.  It was a real fun experience.

Our other tour was the Fiber Arts Studio that produces crafts and artwork inspired by traditional Cook Islands textiles.  We saw magnificent jewelry, wall hangings and other handcrafted works on display.  In fact, I even purchased a beautiful piece of jewelry as a memento of my trip.  If I ever go back, I’d like to take one of their five-day workshops where I could learn to make tivaevae – the famed island quilts.

I hope you get a chance to visit this unique island with wonderful history, pristine beaches and fun tours.  Check out Virgin’s Cook Island packages and book your own package today!

Posted by siamese on 12/26 at 01:40 PM
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