Elite Traveler May-June 2017

EXPLORE COOK ISLANDS GUIDE TO COOK ISLANDS

BEST PLACES TO HAVE…

includes many ingredients grown on the premises and gives a mouthwatering tour of Cook Islands cuisine. Many high- profile guests and government officials have dined here, including Hillary Clinton and the Prime Minister of Cook Islands. Contact Louis Enoka, owner, iliving@oyster.net.ck, plantation-house.weebly.com The casual local favorite has a sand floor, tiny tables and a blackboard menu listing the seafood that local fishermen have caught that day. Chili lime fish and coconut crab are house specialties. Located in Aitutaki, tupanasrestaurant@ aitutaki.net.ck, +682 316 78 Catch of the day TUPANA’S RESTAURAN T

For an authentic South Pacific experience far from the tourist traps and big chains, look no further than the Cook Islands. These small, unspoiled islands offer a peaceful and low-key escape from the outside world. The locals are friendly and eager to share their culture and beautiful landscape with you; on Sundays, they will welcome you into their churches and invite you to join in their celebrations. Bring a sense of fun and leave your watch at home, because island time rules here. Lazy days are spent visiting the small towns, trekking through the jungle and out on the crystal- clear water. Rarotonga and Aitutaki are the main islands, but the adventurous should stop in Atiu, home to just 400 people, to explore rainforests, limestone caves and hidden beaches. Raro, as locals call Rarotonga, is the largest island, but even here you’ll find no stop lights, street lights or buildings higher than a coconut tree, and it takes just 45 minutes to drive around the whole place. With no cell phone data service and limited Wi-Fi, the world slips away.

A fish sandwich CHARLIE’S CAFE Located on a beautiful beach, Charlie’s Cafe has the tastiest, biggest fish sandwiches around. Open only for lunch, it’s a fantastic stop during an island tour. Located at Akapuao Beach in Titikaveka, +682 280 55 A traditional feast PLANTATION HOUSE This exclusive private home hosts three dinners each month, all by special arrangement. The home-cooked buffet

by Kristen Shirley

Photos Kirkland Photos, Williams Photography