> > by Carol West
Romance may be on a slow simmer at home but a few nights on Rarotonga will definitely bring things to a boil. 'Raro' is the international gateway to the remote Cook Islands, 15 coral atolls scattered over 2.25 million square kilometres of Pacific Ocean. Hop on a 'postie' bike and trace the palm-fringed coastline around the 32 - kilometre island to the main town of Avarua, a great place to meet the friendly locals. Shop for the Cook Islands' fabled black pearls, fine Rito straw hats, collectible Pacific art, sarongs and island shirts along the sun-washed street before picking up fragrant take - home mementos from Perfumes of Rarotonga. Hang out at Trader Jack's waterfront bar and bistro and watch the sun set over Avatia Harbour before heading to Tamarind House, a colonial home turned fine dining restaurant.
In one of the South Pacific's most romantic settings, watch the moon rise in a licorice sky glittering with 24 - carat diamond stars. Be an urban castaway and stretch out on crescents of coral beach or snorkel the shallow lagoon where tropical fish cruise through coral heads. Be mesmerised by ever - changing vistas of sea and sky, adjust your watch to Cook Islands' time and let the rest of the world evaporate. Do: Explore the interior on the cross-island trek with the legendary Pa who will inspire you with his knowledge of traditional myths and medicines. Don't: Miss a Sunday church service at one of the white coral Cook Islands Christian churches and enjoy the soaring sounds of traditional island hymns.