A Polynesian Paradise Sacrificed Its Economy to Stay Virus-Free
The output of the Cook Islands will contract by some 60% because of bans on international visitors.
Aerial view of Arorangi village looking to the north, Rarotonga coral atoll, and Rarotonga International Airport.
Photographer: Chameleons Eye/ShutterstockThe year had gotten off to a promising start for Pa Napa, the manager of Kiikii Inn & Suites, located on Rarotonga, the largest of the 15 Cook Islands, which make up a nation in the South Pacific.
Bookings for the first three months of 2020 were solid for the family-run business, despite it being low season. Only meters away from the shores of the island’s turquoise lagoon, Kiikii’s grounds are planted with fragrant tropical flowers, banana trees, and vines of passion fruit. Guests lounging at the pool are treated to stunning views of the lush, emerald-green mountain peaks in the island’s interior.