Introducing Samoa and the Cook Islands in 2012

The South Pacific offers something for everyone and in 2012 Creative Holidays is presenting Australian travellers with even greater choice, expanding its program to cover Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tahiti and for the first time, Samoa and the Cook Islands.

The new program, which is on agent shelves now, showcases 75 pages of accommodation, sightseeing, cruising, touring, transfers and picture postcard wedding options and includes a selection of new product including the five-star adults-only Havannah and great value three-star Melanesian in Vanuatu and the Le Nouvata in Noumea.

The introduction of Samoa will see Creative Holidays sell six properties on the island of Upolu and two on Savai’I, while in the Cook Islands the new program brochures 16 accommodation choices, ranging from three to five-star, on the popular island of Rarotonga and four on the picturesque atoll of Aitutaki.

Paul McGrath, managing director, Creative Holidays said, “Creative Holidays is well known as a leading South Pacific wholesaler, and the launch of two new destinations, Samoa and the Cook Islands, reinforces our position in the region and offers the trade and their clients even more options.

“The Cook Islands delivers something quite different to travellers and we predict it will be a great success as Australians discover this lesser-known tropical idyll. Rarotonga for example, is a great place to hire a car to explore the island, from jungle and mountains to untouched white beaches, while Aitutaki Lagoon (on Aitutaki) offers travellers a quiet and serene holiday, and is ideal as an alternative honeymoon destination.

“We’ve contracted a range of accommodation in the Cook Islands, from family run self-contained and boutique properties to larger resorts, ensuring variety to satisfy the diverse needs of travellers. We see the Cook Islands as a great new holiday option for Australians especially now that direct flights are available once a week from Sydney with Air New Zealand

“Samoa boasts some of the most rugged, picturesque and untouched scenery alongside a strong cultural experience, shaped on Fa’a Samoa, or the Samoan way. Travellers can expect a truly laid-back experience, especially on the north coast, where we are selling two properties - the three and a half-star Stevenson’s at Manase and the four and a half-star Le Lagoto, both of which are located on secluded, palm-fringed beaches.

“The South Pacific continues to be among our strongest programs, with Fiji perpetually popular, particularly with the families, who appreciate the value of children stay and eat free deals throughout the year, great kids clubs and ease of access from Australia’s east coast.

“We expect to see the success of the South Pacific continue thanks to the great value for money it represents, fantastic value-add and bonus deals available, regular air services, its close proximity to Australia, amazing weather, friendly locals and diverse accommodation and sightseeing options, whether you’re looking to relax on a beach or be more active. The South Pacific really is an idyllic tropical getaway right on our doorstep.”

Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa priced from $139 per person, twin share in a Garden Room
Located on Aroa Beach this lovely four-star property offers 156 rooms with air-conditioning, swimming pool, tennis court, spa, kids club, babysitting, restaurant and bar.

Cook Islands Progressive Dinner and Wine Tour priced from $83 per adult and $57 for children
Venture into the villages to experience true Cook Islands cuisine, hospitality, culture and lifestyle as you visit locals in their homes. This five hour food and wine dining experience takes travellers through three island homes where they can meet three or four generations under one roof. Hear stories, enjoy local cuisine and soak up the sounds of ukulele and guitar. Operates Mondays and Thursdays ex Rarotonga.

Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa in Samoa priced from $155 per person, twin share in a Treehouse Suite
Located on the beach on the southern coast of Upolu all rooms feature air-conditioning. The resort boasts a swimming pool, with swim-up bar, spa and yoga centre, restaurant and bar.