Stay and play in Rarotonga

The largest of the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands, Rarotonga is also the main gateway to the region. "Raro", as the locals call it, is traced around its coast with districts and villages, from the main tourist hub Muri in the east to residential Avarua in the north.

A wide variety of Cook Islands accommodation is found around the island, especially in the Arorangi district on the west coast. Here you will find plenty of comfortable 3-and-4-star stays, such as the colourful Manuia Beach Resort, the self-contained Coral Sands Apartments and postcard-perfect views of the ocean from the Sunhaven Beach Bungalows.

A little island luxury

Scattered through the South Pacific halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, the Cook Islands promise a paradisiacal experience with a side serve of luxury. If a castaway honeymoon with nothing but you, your special someone and the seductive sound of the sea sounds like a dream come true, consider one of the 5-star Cook Island resorts to experience ultimate indulgence.

Check in to one of the exclusive Te Vakaroa Villas, embrace the Polynesian lifestyle at the award-winning Sea Change Villas, step from your private courtyard to the tranquil lagoon at Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa or unwind with a spa treatment at the Sanctuary Rarotonga on the beach.

Accommodation in Aitutaki

The second most visited of the Cook Islands is Aitutaki in the south – less than an hour's flight from Rarotonga. Blue skies, blue seas, soft white sand and dancing green palms adorn Aitutaki, perfectly fulfilling the idea of island bliss.

For the ultimate South Pacific experience, the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa boasts overwater bungalows just off the coast, where you can step directly from your suite into the warm sea. There are a number of mid-range options on the mainland too, from the Aitutaki Seaside Lodges close to the airport to the many beachfront villas that line the island's west coast.