‘It is only available for exclusive use and there is a minimum of four nights. Guests get their own chef and resort team and have all the water activities to themselves.’

Eli says agents who deal with destination weddings should definitely consider the resort. ‘Obviously it suits small weddings but they have also had a wedding party that hired three catamarans and moored them out in the lagoon – so some guests stayed on the island, others in the vessels, and some on Raiatea itself. Even though it’s a private treat, the management is flexible.’

She says the new resort is ideal for family travel, including inter-generational groups. ‘

We are seeing a real trend towards this type of travel in other parts of the Pacific so this gives agents a new option to sell to that market. It is also ideal for high end corporate groups – perhaps a small company wanting to reward its top producers.’

She says a special touch by the resort is its ability to provide ‘surprises’ to guests, working with the trade.

‘A pre-arrival questionnaire is sent to the agent to find out what the guests likes and tastes are so that surprises can be tailored especially for them – perhaps an outdoor screening of their favourite movie, a band to serenade them over dinner, a special dish or an activity they enjoy.’ alana.eli@xtra.co.nz