Only one resort lets you stay on the stunning Aitutaki Lagoon: the appropriately named Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa. Built on the small sand tear- drop known as Akitua, 29 bungalows put guests steps from the water; 7 more are actually over the water. They're the only such accommodations in the Cook Islands, and all a direct flight from Los Angeles. To enjoy the lagoon, step onto a windsurf board, hop into an outrigger canoe or jump in for a snorkel. You may never want to towel off -- until you smell that night's authentic feast sizzling in the umu kai earth oven on the beach. Few have had yellowfin tuna like this. Fall asleep to the rustling of the coco- nut grove and the ripples of the lagoon. You'll feel one with the water. See photos.

Here is further info from the managers of Aitutaki Lagoon Resort:

What do U.S. travelers enjoy most about the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort?  Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa is a true private island resort, set directly in the heart of the South Seas.

Famous Americans such as John Wayne and Cary Grant journeyed to Aitutaki during the golden age of the Solent Flying Boats in the 1950s to experience for themselves the World's Most Beautiful Lagoon. Today, Aitutaki continues to capture the imaginations of incurable romantics the world over, travelers who still appreciate the romance of travel and the discovery of unique, far-flung paradises. Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa is the only resort set directly on Aitutaki Lagoon, from where guests drink in spellbinding vistas of one of the world's natural wonders -- an expanse of turquoise so intense it feels like you're awash in the colours of heaven. Travelers board a small private ferry boat for the 2 minute journey from the main island of Aitutaki to Motu Akitua, the resort's private isle. They are greeted by an island warrior sounding the traditional conch shell and a genuinely warm Cook Islands welcome, Kia Orana!

Which of the resort's offerings best celebrates the authentic island culture?
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa embodies all that is special and unique about Aitutaki and the Cook Islands. The resort offers the Cook Islands' only Overwater Bungalows, a quintessential Polynesian experience. Until you've stayed in one you wonder what all the fuss is about; once you have, you're spoilt for life. Traditionally Cook Islanders have lived close to nature, and at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa guests enjoy spectacular lagoon and island views and direct access to the beach and lagoon from their charming island bungalow with its roof thatched from hand-woven kikau (coconut palm leaves). Resort activities highlight the unique nature and culture of Aitutaki, including lessons in how to dance the 'ura, play the ukulele, make an ei (lei) or weave a sunhat from coconut palm leaves. Resort events include the popular Fire Dance Show with BBQ and the 'Legends of Polynesia' Island Night with authentic Umu feast slow-cooked throughout the afternoon in a firepit earthoven. By evening guests dine sumptuously on distinctive cuisine using the freshest of island ingredients including parrotfish, yellowfin tuna, mahimahi, wahoo and other seafood, and local fruits and vegetables such as mango, passionfruit, pawpaw, coconut, banana, taro, island spinach and more.

What makes this resort unique among all the world's private-island resorts?
Unlike some private-island resorts, Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa occupies the entire island of Motu Akitua, so is a true private island, a dream South Seas island. And no other resort offers: "The Best Views on Earth of the World's Most Beautiful Lagoon." All this, and yet just a direct flight from Los Angeles to Rarotonga (Cook Islands) and then a 45 minute connecting flight to Aitutaki.

Are there any new amenities, accommodations, travel specials or other features planned for 2009?
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa has just launched the stunning new Oneroa Beach Chapel for couples dreaming of saying 'I do' with the World's Most Beautiful Lagoon as their witness. The resort also recently launched the breathtakingly beautiful, 5-star, traditionally-styled Royal Honeymoon Pool Villa 'Te Arau', Aitutaki's only private luxury pool villa. The resort currently has a range of attractive special offers for short and long stays, in any of their bungalow categories, and more new special offers are scheduled for early 2009.

To find out more info and book your stay, visit aitutakilagoonresort.com. For more private islands, click here.