Rarotonga, and to a lesser extent, Aitutaki, have a good choice of accommodation, from the luxurious to the very basic. As you might expect, on the other islands, tourist accommodation is very limited. This is a non-commercial web site, so this page is not intended to provide all the answers to the question of where to stay. There are plenty of web sites with information, and links to some of them are provided below. But first, some personal recommendations....
If you're after a top hotel property on either RAROTONGA or AITUTAKI, I can personally recommend the Pacific Resort. The accommodation service, staff and facilities are superb. Incidentally, Mal built the swimming pool at the Aitutaki property. And US visitors might like to know it's where the presenters of Survivor Cook Islands stayed when they were filming series 13 of the reality show. Left: Pacific Resort, Rarotonga
WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS IN PARADISE
Particularly recommended as a specialist in the field of honeymoons and weddings are two sites from author and travel writer, Ian Heydon, who also has fantastic inside knowledge of the islands. These are Resort Weddings and Tropical Honeymoons. Mention this web site if you contact him.
Particularly recommended as a specialist in the field of honeymoons and weddings are two sites from author and travel writer, Ian Heydon, who also has fantastic inside knowledge of the islands. These are Resort Weddings and Tropical Honeymoons. Mention this web site if you contact him.
WHERE TO STAY
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE NEXT?
ESSENTIALS GETTING AROUND WEATHER
OR TAILOR MAKE YOUR OWN TOUR USING THE MENU ON THE LEFT
ESSENTIALS GETTING AROUND WEATHER
OR TAILOR MAKE YOUR OWN TOUR USING THE MENU ON THE LEFT
Karen and her husband Mal are not only warm and friendly hosts, but they're also full of inside information about Rarotonga.
Karen's website has many more pictures and information on how to book. And don't forget to say "Kia Orana" from me.
Karen's website has many more pictures and information on how to book. And don't forget to say "Kia Orana" from me.
If you're thinking about a visit to MAUKE - the most easterly of the Cook Islands - click here for pictures and information on Tiare Cottages which I can personally recommend as a place to help make your stay on this magical island even more special. Right: interior of one of the cottages
LUXURIOUS PRIVACY
TAILOR TO YOUR BUDGET
A good starting point if you want to find out what's available in all price ranges is the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation: select "Accommodation" from the menu at the top of the page, and then search according to Island, type and budget.
A good starting point if you want to find out what's available in all price ranges is the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation: select "Accommodation" from the menu at the top of the page, and then search according to Island, type and budget.
If you're after a privately owned, luxury home in a superb location on RAROTONGA, I'd strongly recommend my friend Karen Johnston's properties...Are Primrose and Villa Harvey. They're perfectly located on Muri beach with one of the best views on island quite literally at the bottom of the garden. Now imagine waking up to that every day!
ATIU has probably the widest choice of accommodation after the most visited islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Atiu Villas (top left) are set in beautiful gardens and there's even a swimming pool and restaurant. I can certainly recommend them, although the rooms could do with a bit of a facelift in my opinion.
A really excellent alternative though is to stay in the private home (lower left) of Marshall and Jeanne Humphries. They built it themselves on Jeanne's family land. There's the added advantage of being treated as a personal house guest, and I can vouch for the fact it's a fantastic home. Marshall is also very knowledgeable about his adopted island and even if you don't stay with he and his wife, you must make a point of going on his island and cave tours. I recommend the trips very highly. You can find out more details about both by clicking here.
A really excellent alternative though is to stay in the private home (lower left) of Marshall and Jeanne Humphries. They built it themselves on Jeanne's family land. There's the added advantage of being treated as a personal house guest, and I can vouch for the fact it's a fantastic home. Marshall is also very knowledgeable about his adopted island and even if you don't stay with he and his wife, you must make a point of going on his island and cave tours. I recommend the trips very highly. You can find out more details about both by clicking here.
STAR CHOICE HOTELS
OUTER ISLANDS CHOICES
SPECIALISTS BASED IN THE COOK ISLANDS
For more than 30 years, Tipani Tours have been local specialists in travel and accommodation. And you can search their site by price and location.
In downtown Avarua in Rarotonga, you'll find the offices of Jetsave Travel who have a whole host of packages or Melynnda and her colleagues can build something to suit you. Here are a few links from their site that might help.
Rarotonga hotel guide
Aitutaki hotel and travel guide
Atiu hotel and travel guide
Note that as a non-commmercial site, I am not endorsing either of these companies...just saying that as locals they have expertise which could be valuable in helping you with your travel plans.In downtown Avarua in Rarotonga, you'll find the offices of Jetsave Travel who have a whole host of packages or Melynnda and her colleagues can build something to suit you. Here are a few links from their site that might help.
Rarotonga hotel guide
Aitutaki hotel and travel guide
Atiu hotel and travel guide
