Although Aitutaki comes second to Rarotonga in being the visitor's favourite Cook Island, it makes up for it with the natural beauty and charisma of its beaches, as well as the fact there are way fewer people here. Aitutaki is perfect for a get-away-from-it-all exotic beach escape. This fabulous triangular-shaped island has a beautiful blue lagoon and is surrounded by small, vacant island-beaches peppered with palm trees.

Aitutaki is known for excellent fishing and varied marine life. Surrounded by a reef, the island is great for snorkeling, and you can snorkel right off Aitutaki beach as well. Visit the island between June and October for the driest weather – though from November to February you can see sea turtles through Aitutaki's crystal-clear waters.