One Foot Island, Aitutaki, Cook Islands

A word of warning: Don’t plan on getting a whole lot done when you step foot onto this Polynesian paradise. But if you happen to be a fan of flopping on powdery white sand, floating in a lazily-lapping lagoon and chatting to some of the world’s most lovable locals then Tapuaetai, aka One Foot Island,  and its stunningly scenic Beach of the Week, will be more than enough to keep you occupied.

The teeny tiny Cook Islands, sprinkled out across the South Pacific, are every blissful beach lover’s dream. Blending fascinating ancient culture with picture-perfect volcanic vistas, and more importantly, some of the purest beaches on the planet, the Cooks have us hooked. And to prove our point, the untainted atoll of Aitutaki, with its dreamy beachscape framed by a brilliant belt of blue, is home to the heavenly beach retreat of One Foot Island. We challenge you to spot a flaw in this castaway canvas.

It was after being forced to sail away from this achingly-gorgeous sandy arc that, centuries ago, the famous Mutiny on the Bounty occurred. Not a massive surprise. We wouldn’t want to leave either.

WHEN: year round but Sept and Oct are particularly good months

TAKE ME THERE: Check out our Trip to the Cook Islands

WHAT TO PACK:
We’ve hit the High Street this week packing Miss Selfridge’s pretty Ditsy Print bikini and Max Factor’s Xperience liquid foundation with all important SPF of course. Down on the sand spritz your mane with Philip B’s detangling toning mist then take the plunge into Lucy Irvine’s can’t-put-it-down beach read ‘Castaway’. All the while listen to our top four chill out tracks, oh and did we mention Loewe’s must-have Flamenco bag? Perfect Cook Island attire…

the bag: Loewe Flamenco bag, £1,295

the swimwear: Miss Selfridge Ditsy Print bikini, £26

the products: Max Factor Xperience SPF foundation, £9.99 and Philip B pH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist, £20

the playlist:
Band of Horses – Is There a Ghost
Blur – Good Song
Jakatta – The Other World
Lamb – Transfatty Acid

the read: Castaway by Lucy Irvine