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The last thing you’d expect to see in the Cook Islands…is a derelict, abandoned 5-star hotel.ย Well, in fairness, it’s not 5-star anymore, nor technically, was it ever.ย The story of the Sheraton Cook Islands in Rarotonga is an interesting one, full of complications.
The story begins with Italian developers in the late 1980s. The Sheraton Resort was to be the crown jewel of the Cook Islands tourism industry and the island’s first 5-star resort. With the resort almost 80% complete, construction stopped abruptly following allegations of mafia involvement and money laundering in Italy. The Cook Islands government was left with $120 million in debt and almost bankrupted. From talking to local Cook Islanders, this large debt would shape the trend of Cook Islanders immigrating to New Zealand that continues to this day.
From then, other people and companies tried developing and completing the property. However, something always prevented the completion. According to the rumor mill, old tribal rivalries led to the land being cursed and recently, re-cursed. In this day and age, who knows whether curses are really true or not?
Today, the structure stands on a large, open property. Instead of hotel guests, you’ll find company in a group of cows and goats roaming freely across the land. Some locals do actually live on the property. We understand that they struck a deal with the local government to stay there for free, in return for maintaining the lawn and the property.
I went with my tour friends, E and J. When we pulled up in E’s car, a woman greeted us and said it was 5 NZD to visit. E and J were all about to prepare 5 NZD each, when I stuck out my arm to stop them. I didn’t say a word and handed the woman 5 NZD. She took the money and then pointed where we could park the car.
E and J were a little stunned, but I later explained that this was not a sanctioned tourist site. It’s not like we are paying an advertised, public admission fee, which taxes on the fees would later be paid back to the Cook Islands government. No no. This was a woman, living in an abandoned property, and as part of her agreement to maintain the property, she can charge admission fees for whatever she wants. I may be simplifying the scenario, but that was how I read it. So remember, don’t always be so quick to take out your money!
In addition to the abandoned buildings, there is also what looks like a well-groomed BMX track.
Depending on how much you like poking through old, abandoned things, you could probably stay 20-30 minutes here, but probably not more than an hour.ย If you’re in the area, and want to see something truly unique to the South Pacific, the Sheraton Cook Islands is for you.ย (Incidentally, if you do the cross-island hike from N to S, you should cross through this toward the end…)ย
However, if you want your image of Rarotonga to be an untainted, gorgeous paradise, then take a pass on this one.
Background information provided by: The Guardian Newspaper
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Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.ย She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!ย She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.
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This is awesome. We love visiting abandoned sites. And not only is it cursed, but RE-CURSED! Count us in. Love the creepy vibes.
hahaha, it’s unusual for it to be re-cursed i think. what other abandoned sites have you visited??
I would definitely say itโs cursed. Whether it be tribes or just with bad luck it happens to buildings. At least I know where to pick up cheap accommodation.
don’t forget – it’s a flat fee, not a per person charge!
I am always so interested in abandoned places even though they usually creep me out a little!
not gonna lie – it was definitely a little strange. i don’t ever visit abandoned places, so it was new for me!
Well this is Dark Tourism at its finest. The Mafia even…..
no doubt about it it. Dark Tourism. plus, there’s curses.
A very interesting story! I love staying in abandoned hotels. The hotel’s surrounding looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing
sorry, Moheb – what! you love staying in abandoned hotels??? what abandoned hotels have you stayed in!? story time!