September 2018 www.womanthismonth.com 60 LIFESTYLE | travel A tiny dot in the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island, known as Rapa Nui natively, is a Chilean island. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its hundreds of moai, mysterious monuments created long ago by the Polynesian inhabitants. On your visit, you will see these statues don’t face the sea as you would expect, facing inland instead; this is the most noteworthy tourist attraction of the island. You can also visit Anakena Beach, the culture-ridden epitome of paradisiacal beaches. The three small volcanic domes of the remote Península Poike, although difficult to access, entice visitors with promises of ancient legends, and mysterious nooks and crannies. Museo Antropológico Sebastián Englert, a well-organised museum, captures the essence of the local culture well for your viewing pleasure. Typically Polynesian, local dishes are largely made up of different kinds of fish – mahi mahi, kana kana and tuna, mainly. The Umu Rapa Nui is a community dish cooked in a traditional method from hundreds of years ago that a visitor must try. Sadly, mass tourism has detrimental effects and has recently led to active measures intended to retain the local culture, customs and idiosyncrasies. Additionally, new limitations are enforced with the hope of a reduction in adverse environmental issues. The number of days a tourist can visit has been reduced to 30 days from 90. On arrival, tourists will have to show their hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a Rapa Nui resident. These necessary measures may put a damper on your holiday plans, but don’t let them deter you. A visit to this lovely island at the southeasternmost point of the Polynesian Triangle will not disappoint. Easter Island Lie down a blanket and enjoy a night of stargazing, just like in the movies. Indulge in a first-class experience at Hangaroa Eco Village and Spa, the most luxurious place to stay. Rapa Nui National Park boasts Anakena Beach – a traveller’s paradise. Inward-facing statues that possess an aura of mystery draws visitors to Easter Island for a first-hand look. Diving in the waters just off Easter Island gives you an opportunity to take pictures with the lone underwater moai. Look out for ancient petroglyphs such as this one of an octopus. Umu Rapa Nui, intended to be enjoyed as a community, cooked in a hole in the ground with firewood and hot stones covered with plantain leaves.
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