I’ve just returned from heaven… yes, it was that good.

A view of the beach and Aitutaki Lagoon from one of the villas

On the little island of Aitutaki, just a 50 minute flight on Air Rarotonga, is the Pacific Resort Aitutaki.

It’s small, personal, won a zillion awards and is located on one of the world’s most idyllic lagoons.

Snorkeling the eco-trail in the Aitutaki Lagoon

If you don’t know Aitutaki, it’s not much more than an atoll and is surrounded by an amazing reef. The water in the lagoon is turquoise, the sand is white, the palm trees are green and yes, it looks like one of those photo-shopped postcards, but it’s actually for real.

The beach in front of the Pacific Resort Aitutaki

The resort has only 27 rooms, all beachfront and designed in such a way you rarely see other guests.

The rooms are well-appointed, with their repertoire of accommodation starting with bungalows, then villas and suites and a multi-roomed villa for families.

Pool side, by Black Rock Cafe

The food is the best on the island in my view. The a-la carte breakfast (included in the room rate) offers a tasty array of sweet and savory dishes. The poolside alfresco restaurant, Black Rock is ideal for lunch with some great local fish on the menu and Rapae Bay Restaurant for dinner.

The a-la carte breakfast was consistently delicious

And when you’re not eating and drinking there’s the infinity pool or beach – better still you can snorkel and follow the self-guided eco lagoon trail.

The infinity pool at the resort looks as though it flows into the lagoon

There is also a raft of other activities to do on the island. We had an amazing day bonefishing with E2, but more about that later and then there are the lagoon day cruises, not to mention hiring a scooter and exploring the island.

The lagoon provides great snorkeling with coral and reef creatures

Just as an aside, the internet on the island is intermittent. Best to buy a sim card if you need the internet regularly.

www.pacificresort.com