Travel bites: One of the world's best cafés is run by a Kiwi on a tiny tropical island

Karin Wilson had no intentions of relinquishing the urban lifestyle in exchange for a minuscule heavenly island. However, her significant other proposed constructing a café for her, and she daringly seized the opportunity.

There's absolutely no need for any more reasons to make your way to Aitutaki. This island is the ultimate gem in the South Pacific, boasting one of the most breathtaking lagoons on the planet, adorned with picturesque small islands.

However, if you're someone who, like me, enjoys a break for your taste buds when traveling abroad, then this idyllic destination is perfect for you. To reach this hidden gem, you'll have to embark on a picturesque expedition towards the elevated areas of the island, where Avatea Cafe awaits.

You won't just discover the finest coffee available on the island; it's also the place where you'll surely encounter the always cheerful chef Karin Wilson, hailing from New Zealand.

Wilson's cuisine is truly exceptional, I would confidently rank it among the finest establishments I have ever dined at. Her food displays a vibrant array of colors, with a significant portion originating from the local island, and it is brimming with an incredible taste sensation.

We thoroughly enjoyed every single dish we sampled, such as the incredibly flavorful chicken salad made with juicy paw paw, the colorful poke bowl bursting with flavors, and the immensely popular fish tacos (accompanied by a mouthwatering covert sauce).

The cuisine at Avatea Cafe is exquisite and vibrant.

Wilson, a resident of Tauranga, has experienced a series of ups and downs recently. In 2014, she crossed paths with her partner while residing in Brisbane. In an unexpected turn of events, he decided to visit his ancestral home on Aitutaki in 2016 and, captivated by its enchanting allure, relocated there. Wilson, however, firmly opposed the idea of leaving Australia to settle on a small island, inhabited by a population of fewer than 2000, situated in the heart of the South Pacific.

After a span of two years, she eventually paid a long-awaited visit to her construction companion, eager to experience a more relaxed pace of life. Surprisingly, he extended an enticing proposition, saying, "If I construct a coffee shop for you, would you consider residing here?"

The rest is ancient records. However, if only it were that straightforward. The coffee shop was completed on March 14, 2020, merely a few days before the Cook Islands closed its borders due to the Covid-19 outbreak. According to Wilson, the following two years were an adventurous journey. She financially exhausted her business partner while they attempted to take advantage of a slight surge in local tourism.

Jean Mose and Karin Wilson of Avatea Cafe.

After three years have passed, Wilson's cheerful expression indicates that relocating to this place has indeed proven to be a wise choice. Rather than constantly struggling with congested roads, she now enjoys a mere 20-step journey from her familial abode to her workplace. Moreover, she expresses her affection on a daily basis by means of cooking and serving delightful dishes.

Embarking on a voyage to reach Aitutaki requires some effort. Initially, one must board a flight from either New Zealand or Australia, followed by a domestic flight from Rarotonga. However, the breathtaking landscapes encountered along the way make the endeavor truly worthwhile. Excitingly, Avatea Cafe has now given us another compelling incentive to visit this destination – delectable cuisine.

Aitutaki stands as a truly mesmerizing island within the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

Dining at Avatea Cafe is possible from Monday to Saturday, but unfortunately, the establishment remains closed on Sundays, as is customary in the Cook Islands. For more information, kindly refer to avateacafe.com.

Where to Stay: Enjoy the convenience of beachside lodging at Pacific Resort Aitutaki, with prices starting at $1350 per night, which covers a delicious breakfast every day. For more information, visit pacificresort.com/aitutaki.

How to Get There: Air New Zealand offers flights to Rarotonga from Auckland every day, and they also have a partnership with Air Rarotonga for flights to Aitutaki. This means that travelers can book their whole trip on one ticket through the Air NZ website. Another option is Jetstar, which operates three flights per week from Auckland to Rarotonga. For the Aitutaki leg of the journey, you can book directly through the Air Rarotonga website. For more information, visit airnewzealand.co.nz, jetstar.com, or airraro.com.

You really must go to the café.

Carbon footprint: Air travel produces carbon emissions. To diminish your influence, contemplate alternative methods of transportation, combine your journeys, and when you must fly, think about compensating for emissions.

The author was a guest of Cook Islands Tourism and Pacific Resort Aitutaki. Check out: cookislands.travel