The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands scattered over some two million square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean (see map). They lie in the center of the Polynesian Triangle, flanked to the west by the Kingdom of Tonga and the Samoa and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia.

Their culture stems from the Polynesian arrival in the islands around 800AD. This was part of the great Polynesian migration. In the 11th century a famous chief named Toi built the first inland coral road in Rarotonga, called the Ara Metua. Nearly two centuries later the chiefs, Karika, from Samoa, and Tangiia Nui, from Tahiti, joined forces at sea to conquer the earlier inhabitants. 

Largely unspoiled by tourism, these islands offer a rare opportunity to experience a different type of vacation. There are no high-rise hotels and very little hype.

Ideal for travelers, in particular honeymooners wanting to go beyond the common travel routes of the South Seas, each island presents unique qualities and offers the visitor a special experience.

RAROTONGA

Castaway Beach Villas

Manuia Beach Hotel

Crown Beach Villas

Rarotonga Beach Resort

Rarotongan Sunset

Pacific Resort & Villas

The Edgewater Resort

Royale Takitumu Villas

Aitutaki Lagoon Resort

Pacific Resort & Villas

Are Tamanu Beach Village

Rarotonga

Rarotonga is the vibrant center of the Cook Islands. It's circular shape is dominated by high mountain peaks from which lush rain forests cascade to a palm-fringed shore. The island is almost completely encircled by a reef, which harbors a lagoon of clear turquoise waters and many inviting white sand beaches. Beyond the reef, the indigo blue of the ocean provides a vivid contrast and a bountiful supply of fish. 

Rarotonga offers the most accommodations, although there is increasing interest  for outer island excursions. .As the entire island is only 32 kilometers in circumference, getting around is easy.

MANUIA BEACH HOTEL

Set among swaying palms and contrasted by the white sand beach and sparkling blues of the Rarotongan lagoon, this boutique Hotel provides the perfect romantic getaway. 

Accommodations areas stylish with the accent on comfort. Each of the 20 Polynesian-style thatched bungalows feature queen-size beds, direct dial telephones, refrigerator, well-stocked mini bar, hair dryers, and tea/coffee making facilities. Each bungalow has a spacious verandah where you can enjoy the gentle sea breeze while you enjoy a delicious tropical cocktail or share a private candlelit dinner for two. 

This intimate hotel is located on a beautiful stretch of white-sand beach. 

CROWN BEACH VILLAS

The resort is comprised of 22 individual self contained villas, a pool, a beach, 2 restaurants and an office with full concierge service.   3 categories of accommodation: One and Two bedroom - Garden and Poolside villas, or One bedroom executive/honeymoon Beachfront villas. All villas are private, air conditioned and spacious, with all the comforts of home.  Close to Nine Hole Golf Course. 

RAROTONGA BEACH RESORT

Set on Aroa Beach, one of Rarotonga's most beautiful white sand beaches on the shores of Aroa Lagoon (the Lagoon of Love), the Rarotongan is located on the island's sunshine Southwest coast where guests can enjoy all-day sun, stunning sunsets, all-tide safe swimming and excellent off-beach snorkeling in the traditional marine sanctuary directly in front of the resort. 156 rooms loaded with amenities.  

RAROTONGAN SUNSET

Secluded beachfront location on the shores of the lagoon situated on the sheltered western side of the island. Great for unspoiled views of exotic tropical sunsets and within walking distance of 6 restaurants offering a variety of local and international cuisine. 

Offering  5 beachfront superior studio apartments, fully air-conditioned, overlooking the lagoon and beach. 11 Garden standard studio apartments set amongst exotic Polynesian gardens. 

PACIFIC RESORT & VILLAS

Rarotonga’s Premier Resort borders Muri beach. You can laze or try the complimentary kayaks, canoes, row boats and snorkeling gear... or unwind at the beachfront restaurant and bar with live Polynesian entertainment. Or you may prefer to take an exotic lagoon cruise with snorkeling followed by an island barbeque lunch.  The resort offers  64 one and two bedroom apartments and villas, with garden or beachfront locations, all with air-conditioning and/or ceiling fans, kitchens, private facilities and sheltered lanais or balconies.

THE EDGEWATER RESORT

The Edgewater Resort is set amid tropical gardens on the western side of Rarotonga.
208 air-conditioned rooms, all with private patios, refrigerators, telephones, complimentary tea / coffee-making facilities and a color television with complimentary in-house movies assure a pleasant stay. Taste delicious island delicacies and local specialties. Then experience first hand the magic of the Cook Islands drums and the exotic and sensuous movements of the Polynesian dancers

CASTAWAY BEACH VILLAS

Situated on the sheltered, west coast of Rarotonga, the sunshine capital of the Cook Islands. Join them on the beautiful white sandy beach as you look  out over the turquoise waters of the South Pacific. Watch the locals spear fish in the shallows of the lagoon as hump back whales play just off the reef. All this from the privacy of your own personal patio.....
 

ROYALE TAKITUMU VILLAS

The villas are located right on the fabulous Titikaveka lagoon and white sand beach on the quiet, south side of the main island of Rarotonga. The beach there is of dazzling white sand edged with waving palms and stretches unbroken, for some 8km in both directions. The lagoon is protected by a living coral barrier reef and is azure blue, crystal clear, a snorkeler's paradise and a haven for myriads of tropical fish.

Aitutaki

A visit to the Cook Islands is not complete without seeing the beautiful island of Aitutaki. The breathtaking allure of it's crystal clear turquoise waters and sparkling white beaches is an essential ingredient in any Cook Island holiday. This is a place of unsurpassed natural beauty and tranquility, providing a simple tonic to sooth away the pressures of the outside world.

The spectacular lagoon (45 kilometers around) is abundant with colored fish of many varieties, it's perimeter sprinkled with many small and charming uninhabited islands (motus).

140 miles north of Rarotonga and often referred to as the South Pacific’s favorite lagoon, Aitutaki receives the most visitors of any outer island.

AITUTAKI  LAGOON RESORT AND SPA

The Turquoise clear lagoon (approximately 7 miles wide and 10 miles long) is dotted with coral heads and boasts wonderful snorkeling on the reef areas. Formerly known as the Pearl Resort,
the hotel offers 3 Garden Rooms, 16 Garden Bungalows, 9 Superior Lagoon Bungalows. 5 Beachfront Bungalows and 7 Over water Bungalows.

PACIFIC RESORT & VILLAS *new (Oct 2002)

On completion, Pacific Resort Aitutaki, with a total of 75 rooms, is a boutique resort bringing back the gracious days of a by-gone era through Polynesian architecture, colonial furnishings, fine food and wine and natural island hospitality. The site is 17 acres of prime beachfront property with a variety of attractive contours, established native tree lines, isolated volcanic black rock outcrops, a white sand beach frontage of some 650 meters, and a convenient western aspect on the main island of Aitutaki.

ARE TAMANU BEACH VILLAGE

Tamanu Beachfront Bungalow boast a stunning lagoon view from their outside sundeck. This veranda area provides outdoor dining for four people. Polynesian styled and air conditioned, all bungalows are completely self catering offering first class accommodation with beachfront views.