For over 50 years, Chris Mussell has lived an adventurous life that has taken him from the shores of England to the tropical paradise of the Cook Islands. His journey is one of serendipity, music, and ultimately, the creation of one of the Cook Islands' most iconic beach bars and restaurants.
“I’ve always been a bit nomadic. I have a hugh passion for travel,” said Chris Mussell.
“Born in a the port town of Lymington on the south coast of England, I did an apprenticeship as a boat builder in the sixties. I started up a yacht repair business with a partner”.
Chris' early days were filled with sailing and a love of music. "I played guitar; mostly acoustic, and mostly bluesy, folksy rock." He reminisced about his first and only band, called Driftwood. It didn't last long," he said.
Chris said his music experiences were mainly jamming. “I once jammed with Ronnie Wood (Rolling Stones). I bumped into him again in Bora Bora in the eighties”.
After leaving England on an overland trip through the Middle East and Nepal, Chris found himself for the first time in the Cook Islands at the age of 21. He sailed in a yacht from Australia with friends.
“I liked the look of the place. It seemed laid back. I knew I wanted to start a restaurant here one day.”
During Chris’ first visit in the seventies he worked in bars and restaurant, married a Manihiki woman, and had a son, Tani. During this time he also bought the Outrigger restaurant, which he sold in 1984. By this time he was divorced, but they remained good friends.
At one point Chris walked around the island. He discovered the perfect spot for what would become Waterline Restaurant and Outrigger Beach Bar: “I looked up and down the beach and realised why it was so appealing. It was in the middle of the lee, the most sheltered part of the island.
"This was before I got the lease on the property in 1981. During this time he commuted to Tahiti working for the South Pacific Commission, and on fishing charters in both Tahiti and Rarotonga. Chris started building in 1993 with a beach bar, and the restaurant opened in 2004.
The development of Waterline was not without its challenges, but Chris found support in his wife, Akisi. Twenty five years ago, Fijiian-born Akisi and a friend, who were visiting the island, walked passed the beach bar and met Chris. Akisi was then the manager of a boutique resort in Fiji. They married a year or so after, and they have a daughter, Alana.
Akisi’s hospitality background and her willingness to take a chance on Chris's dream proved invaluable. "She had a hell of a lot to do with it," Chris acknowledged.
Waterline has evolved into a beloved institution, offering not just popular food and drinks, but a glimpse into the island's vibrant culture. Chris and Akisi’s commitment to showcasing the best of the Cook Islands is evident in the menu and the atmosphere.
As he looks back on his journey, Chris’ sense of wonder and gratitude is palpable. "I had the plan in my head to put it to where it's today. I just keep moving towards to that end. And I pretty much got it to where I want it now."
The story of The Waterline Restaurant & Outrigger Beach Bar is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of finding the right partner, and the magic that can happen when you follow your heart. As Chris said, "The rest is history."
