Around the world there are numerous tales of failed hotel projects, but in the South Pacific at least, this is a celebrated case. If 'celebrated' is the right word. Some say the grounds are
cursed. It's certainly one of the most famous deserted places.
The project was kicked off by a shady Italian who managed to enlist numerous backers. He seduced the tiny island nation of the
Cook Islands and the project ran wildly over budget.
Building works were invoiced and paid, but never actually completed.
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| Hilton were brought in at one stage, but their attempt also stalled.(c) Roderick Eime |
And the backers and insurers eventually said, "enough" and stopped all the funds when the place was within a whisker of opening. Several attempts to restart the project have all failed. The last work to be done was around 1993. In 2014, a NZ company
proposed to resurrect the complex.
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| Bathrooms were tiled and fitted out. Air conditioning wired and installed.(c) Roderick Eime |
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| Some rooms were even furnished to 'lock up' stage.(c) Roderick Eime |
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Some 200 rooms were constructed. A few are occupied
by careful squatters, others by gangs, the rest are just ruins.(c) Roderick Eime |
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| Nature reclaiming the common walkways and corridors.(c) Roderick Eime |
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| Once almost ready to receive guests, now just hosting weeds and debris.(c) Roderick Eime |
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| This wing is where the gangs have their headquarters. Don't go in there.(c) Roderick Eime |
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| Out onto the expansive central courtyard, gardens and pool.(c) Roderick Eime |
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| Auxiliary buildings at rear. Maybe laundry or something?(c) Roderick Eime |
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