Sisters stress class, culture at new Little Polynesian

Dorice and Jeannine . the sisters bringing
class and elegance to the Little Polynesian.

The Little Polynesian hotel in Titikaveka reopened Friday night, after a major upgrade which emphasises three Cs: class, comfort and culture.
The resort – one of the country’s tourism pioneers - has just been through a full makeover that highlights Cook Islands culture throughout the layout. What once was a bungalow is now called an Are, once a garden unit is now a Pia Tiare.
These are just some of many features sisters Te Tika Mataiapo Dorice Reid, managing director, and Jeannine Peyroux, director, have included in their expanded and upgraded resort.
Their aim: to give it a Cook Islands signature of its own.
Cook Islands luxury and elegance is the theme, stresses Dorice.
The Little Polynesian now features 10 beachfront and four garden units, all completely self contained and emphasising both luxury and privacy. They all combine islands architecture, top furnishings from Europe and traditional craftwork from the Cook Islands.
At the heart of the resort the comfortable and airy dining area and bar open out on to a spectacular pool which in turn leads into the beach and lagoon.
One of the region’s leading firms specialising in such resort work, Suva-based Architects Pacific, represented by architect Peter Rankin, was brought in to guide the redevelopment.
The re-opening was celebrated with a large gathering of international and local guests. Although the landscaping is still being completed, the dynamic portrait of garden artwork will set the scene for a truly romantic paradise on one of Rarotonga’s best beaches.
The sisters have been working closely since 1985, when they bought the Little Polynesian.
Dorice and Jeannine are passionate about their homeland. They feel incorporating a cultural style into the hotel will help promote their island values to all overseas visitors who stay with them.
Dorice, a sophisticated, quiet spoken lady, brings more than 30 years of tourism industry experience to the development of the Little Polynesian. Dorice is also a Justice of Peace, president for the Koutu Nui of the Cook Islands and very involved in community work.
Jeannine, a bubbly charming lady, has been at the core of the hotel’s management. Jeannine has a passion for cultural dancing and has been involved with producing many cultural dance shows that her beautiful daughters often take part in.
The sisters have a very close relationship and share an attachment that is very deep. They both say they work well as a team and have a sisterly love that has helped them promote a happy working atmosphere.
The coral feature wall at the entrance of the Little Polynesian is the first attraction that gives the viewer a glimpse into a place of true tranquility. Then you are guided through the drive to the Are Nui (Lobby) where you will be met with an inviting smile.
Featured information from the brochure on the Little Polynesian says it is indeed the jewel in the Cook Islands necklace of pearls.
One exclusive feature point is the ocean can be seen from every room on the property, a thought the architect brought into the layout.
Views of the ocean and garden lead to a gazebo over the beach to lounge the day away. The spacious rooms have been designed in a traditional Pacific style.
The bedroom leads off into a private courtyard to the back which contains an outdoor spa under the stars.
Truly a place of class, comfort and culture. And an elegant and exciting addition to the country’s tourism attractions.

- Feona Mo’ardi Good

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