Cook Islands are a group of islands located between Hawaii and New Zealand. If you are looking for a charming natural paradise, away from the crowds, you should surely consider these islands for your next holiday. Head to Aitutaki if you like to snorkel or dive here to swim with the manta rays. If you love to hike, you will love Rarotonga and its trails such as Cross Island Trek and Raemaru Track. Rainforests and volcanic peaks will make for a thrilling hike here too. When you are done, you can head to one of the beaches including Aroa Beach, Muri Beach and Ootu Beach to relax and cool down. Visit scenic spots such as Maori Stonehenge and Saragossa Shipwreck Site. For an unforgettable vacation here, you may want to stay in a deluxe resort. Take a look at this list of the top luxury resorts in Cook Islands.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to luxury services and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. The Edgewater Resort & Spa, Rarotonga (from USD 203)
Reasonable pricing for spacious villas and beachfront accommodation
Abundance of activities for families, snorkeling gear available, kids club, and on-site spa
Convenient location with easy access to town, bus stop at the resort, and stunning sunset views
Great breakfast selection, delicious tropical fruits, and enjoyable island night with cultural entertainment
When you stay at The Edgewater Resort & Spa you will enjoy the delicious food served all through the day. You can begin with a free tropical breakfast before heading out to enjoy your day. For lunch and dinner, you can stop by The Brasserie or try Italian foods at The Spaghetti House. Entertainment programmes and themed nights will also add spice to your day. There is a kids club too, so your little ones can have fun while you relax.
2. Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Rarotonga (from USD 435)
Varied pricing, some guests found it expensive, while others found it worth the cost
Abundance of water sports equipment, lush gardens, and a kids club, but limited private areas in some rooms
Perfect location with easy access to shops, markets, and beach, but noise from roosters and dogs at night for some rooms
Delicious food with varied menu options, but limited vegetarian choices and overpriced dining
Nestled in about 6 acres (2 hectares) of lush, tropical gardens, Pacific Resort Rarotonga is right on Muri Beach. You also have a choice of rooms, suites or villas, all luxuriously decorated and equipped with plush bedding and well-equipped bathrooms. You can enjoy lovely views from your room, snorkel in the waters of the lagoon or swim in the outdoor pool to cool off. To pamper yourself on your vacation, you can even sign up for a Polynesian massage.
3. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, Rarotonga (from USD 168)
Reasonable pricing for room and amenities, but food and drinks can be expensive
Abundance of free water activities, kids' play areas, and snorkeling gear. Limited Wi-Fi and room maintenance issues
Prime beachfront location with excellent snorkeling and easy access to lagoon. Limited nearby dining options
Varied dining options with hit-or-miss quality. Breakfast not always value for money
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium is a 4-star facility located on Aroa Beach. You can snorkel right off the beach - the night snorkelling tour will be a unique experience. This resort is also ideal if you are travelling with children, they will love the kids club and waterpark. Furthermore, the resort boasts an outdoor pool as well, so you can spend your day splashing and soaking in the sun. A massage on the beach will also be an enjoyable experience.
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
Address: Aroa Beach (PO Box 103, Rarotonga)
4. Little Polynesian Resort, Rarotonga (from USD 450)
If you are planning a romantic getaway with your loved one, you can consider Little Polynesian Resort, an adults-only boutique hotel. Modern and aesthetically-pleasing bungalows and studios are offered here. While studios offer a private courtyard with loungers, the bungalows boast gorgeous water views. Both are fitted with a kitchenette with a Nespresso machine, fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. While here, you can sip on your favourite beverage and spend your time soaking up the sun and enjoying the view.
Little Polynesian Resort
Address: Main Road, Titikaveka
5. Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Arutanga (from USD 810)
This 5-star adults-only resort is located on the small island of Aitutaki. All 29 bungalows and villas here are beautifully furnished blending modern amenities with Polynesian features. You will love the gleaming wooden floors and cheerful accents in your air-conditioned room. All rooms have a beach view as well, so you can sit outside and enjoy these views from your private space.
Moreover, free delicious breakfast is offered daily and you can finish your day with a Polynesian buffet accompanied by live entertainment to cap your night.
6. Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (Adults Only), Arutanga (from USD 356)
Luxurious resort with premium pricing, offering excellent value for money.
Private island setting with overwater bungalows, free bike and kayak use, spa treatments, and attentive staff.
Breathtaking views of the Aitutaki Lagoon, serene and peaceful atmosphere, and easy access to tropical foliage.
Exceptional dining experiences featuring local flavors, picturesque dining locations, and friendly staff.
If you love the idea of spending your vacation on a private island, you can consider Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (Adults Only). Consider an over-water bungalow here for a unique experience. These stylishly designed bungalows are rare to find in Cook Islands. You can sit out and enjoy panoramic views or dive into the water whenever you feel like it. You can also explore paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkelling which are offered complimentary to guests.
Besides that, the onsite spa offers many treatments such as body wraps, facials and more.
Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (Adults Only)
Address: Motu Akitua, Aitutaki
7. Sunset Resort, Rarotonga (from USD 200)
Great value for money with spacious rooms and ideal amenities for self-catering
Two fantastic pools, beach access, and well-maintained grounds with hammocks
Lovely beachfront location with easy access to local sights and transportation
Delicious meals at the Anchorage restaurant and nearby dining options within walking distance
If you love to have the option of cooking your meals when you travel, you can consider Sunset Resort. You can choose from studios or suites here and all of them have a fully equipped kitchen. On the days, you don’t feel like cooking, you can have delicious food at the all-day dining restaurant. Other than that, the resort is set on the beach, with outdoor pools and lush gardens, allowing you to bask in the beauty all around you.
8. Manuia Beach Resort, Rarotonga (from USD 285)
Reasonably priced beachfront villas with good value for money.
Beautiful gardens, outdoor showers, and a pool with a perfect temperature.
Conveniently located with a bus stop outside and a mini market across the street. Quiet and private, with a beautiful beach and good selection of restaurants within walking distance.
Delicious food at the outstanding resort restaurant, but breakfast options were limited and lacked variety. Some guests found the menu a bit overpriced and with limited options.
Manuia Beach Resort is an adults-only resort located on the island of Rarotonga. White-sand beaches, tropical gardens and Polynesian-themed décor will welcome you here. During the day you can splash in the infinity pool which overlooks the lagoon, so you can admire the views while you are swimming. And when you are done, you can relax on the loungers and sip on delicious cocktails served here.
Activities such as kayaking and cycling are offered here, so you can explore the surrounding land as well as the waters.
Fall in love with the beauty of Cook Islands
If you are looking for a perfect beach holiday, you will not find a better place than Cook Islands. Here, you can get away from the bustle of everyday life and relax in serene settings. Any of the resorts listed above will offer you a memorable stay here.
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