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Source: ONE News -
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Last month was the hottest May ever since records began. That doesn't change the fact that winter is now well and truly upon us and it's just about to get a whole lot colder!
Rather than swaddling up in millions of layers and embracing the cold, why not escape to a warm, tropical island instead?
Last week, one half of Style Blog snuck away to a beautiful Pacific Island to do just that and find out what island style was all about.
Arriving in Rarotonga, the wave of warmth hits you instantly. Summer has returned - Yippee!
Rarotongans are exceptionally happy and friendly people. Everyone greets you with "Kia Orana" and actually waves out to you when you drive past.
In Auckland we also get hand gestures but that of the road rage variety!
Even merely saying "Hello" to strangers over here is seen as something that only crazy people would do.
Not so in Raro where everyone is chilled out and relaxed. Nothing is ever a problem and there is never a mad rush to do anything. Everything happens on "Island time".
Even the many stray dogs seen wandering the island have chilled-out personalities. They are so friendly and lovely so be sure to help them out and donate to The Esther Honey foundation which helps all animals on Rarotonga.
The simple, laid-back lifestyles they have and the lush, green tropical island they live on is a fertile paradise. No wonder everyone is so happy!
You can't help but feel relaxed and calm over in Raro.
Clothes-wise, you only need to pack lightly... you won't need much
at all.
T-shirts, shorts, a swimsuit, sunnies, a good hat and a great book are necessities of course. Add to that, sunscreen and loads of mosquito repellent.
It's hard to actually say this but keep the heels at home, trust me, you won't need them.
Jandals are perfect for everywhere and take some comfy trainers if you are going on a trek into the mountains.
If you are heading near the reef be sure to wear some reef
shoes.
Reef shoes are very ugly-looking but at least they protect your
feet if you happen to tramp on a dreaded stone fish. Apparently
their poisoned barb is excruciatingly painful!
Also, be careful of corals cuts, they really hurt as I found out!
Don't forget to bring some glam sandals for an island night out of dancing and fun.
Despite having an aversion to backpacks, do bring one along as they're damn handy, especially if you're about to jump on a scooter and discover the island on a bike safari.
Easy to wear, throw on and "you're good to go" kind of sundresses or caftans come in handy.
These will see you from the beach to the bar as you sip a delicious cocktail whilst taking in the beautiful sunset on the lagoon.
Take a warm sweatshirt or cardie with you (just in case the temperature drops slightly) but it never really gets "cold" over there.
Umbrellas are also handy as tropical downpours can be fast and ferocious!
At the beach please don't wear black. It just looks terrible in such a happy and beautiful place. The best bet is strong bright colours or white (if you can get away with it).
It's also great to be all tanned up before you arrive. No one wants to witness blinding winter white flesh at the beach!
Get yourself a brightly coloured sarong or pareu as they call it in the islands.
They come in an assortment of fabrics such as silks and cottons and also there a variety of patterns and colours. You can tie a sarong a multitude of ways and even the lads can wear them!
For the best lagoon cruise see Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruzes. This is must-do experience if you're ever in Raro.
Over in the Northern Hemisphere it's summer and there's a big trend in Polynesian pieces coming through. Check out all the stars currently donning a fab Pacific-inspired print!
Ahhh, If only there was an anti-dote for coming back!
See you all next week!
xoxo Style Blog
