Best places to stay in the Cook Islands: based on your travel style

There’s a Perfect Place for Everyone

With its tropical climate, peaceful vibe and welcoming locals, the Cook Islands offer something for everyone. A vast range of accommodation options, from beachside villas to resort luxury, mean you can tailor your holiday however you like. Whether you stay in the Cook Islands hub of Rarotonga or venture a little further out at idyllic Aitutaki, you can create the holiday experience of a lifetime.

Rarotonga is a popular with travellers wanting to experience authentic Polynesian culture, where you’ll experience the very best of the Cook Islands – spectacular sunsets, beachfront resorts and a friendly village vibe that makes you feel at home. Aitutaki is just a 50-minute flight from Rarotonga and is a peaceful paradise with its turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Little wonder it’s the Cook Islands’ second most popular destination.

Best part is you don’t have to choose between the two – the Spacifica Travel team can plan your Cook Islands escape from start to finish, including flights from Australia to Rarotonga and flights from Rarotonga to Aitutaki. No matter what you’re looking for – romantic escape, family holiday, adventure or relaxation, Spacifica’s travel experts can help tailor packages to suit. Here’s some holiday inspiration to get you started.

Best Places to Stay for a Kid-Free Escape

The Cook Islands are the perfect place to escape the everyday, with several resorts on both Rarotonga and Aitutaki offering adults-only solitude and seclusion. If privacy, relaxation and a good dash of romance are on your travel list, you’re in the right place.

Pacific Resort Aitutaki on the west coast of Aitutaki is right next to the turquoise lagoon and immersed in over seven hectares of tropical gardens. The resort’s 29 one and two-bedroom beachfront villas are just steps away from the lagoon and feature free WiFi, air conditioning and on-demand entertainment systems. Not that you’ll be spending much time indoors – indulge in a massage at Tiare Spa, hire a bike to explore the island or hit the water in a kayak or canoe.

For the ultimate island escape, Aitutaki Lagoon is a private adults-only resort with the only overwater bungalows in the Cook Islands. Set on the Aitutaki Lagoon, you can enjoy the best views right from your bungalow. The resort is the only private island resort in the Cook Islands, just a two-minute ferry ride from the main island. Each bungalow accommodates two people, with steps leading down to the lagoon. After a swim you can rinse off under the outdoor shower on your own private verandah and unwind with the best view in the Cook Islands.

Another adults-only option is the Little Polynesian Resort, on Rarotonga’s Muri Beach. Serenity is guaranteed at this award-winning, five-star resort, which has just 14 luxurious beachfront bungalows and garden studios. Accommodation includes all the modern comforts – complimentary WiFi, room service, air conditioning, Nespresso machines and on demand entertainment systems. Enjoy direct access to the beachfront where you can spend the day kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. For something a little less strenuous, indulge in a tropical cocktail overlooking the saltwater infinity pool and lagoon.

Best for Families Travelling with Kids

The Cook Islands are perfect for family holidays – safe, friendly, and easy to explore. With calm lagoons for swimming and snorkelling, family-friendly resorts and plenty of adventures from glass-bottom boat trips to cultural shows, there’s something for everyone. Add in fresh tropical food and a laid-back island vibe, and you’ve got the ideal setting for unforgettable family memories.

Escape the crowds at The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium, about 10 minutes’ drive from Rarotonga International Airport and Avarua, which has accommodation options to suit families big, small and in between. Direct access to the Aroa Lagoonarium Marine Sanctuary means you can enjoy the best snorkelling on Rarotonga any time you like, and it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset with a tropical cocktail in hand. With the free Moko Kids Club, free hire of SUPs, kayaks and snorkel gear, a mini waterpark, playground and Teen Zone, you’ll never hear the words “I’m bored” during your holiday.

The Edgewater Resort & Spa, on Rarotonga’s west coast, is the island’s largest family-friendly resort and has been welcoming guests for over 40 years. This village by the sea stretches along a palm-fringed beachfront and offers a choice of beachfront villas, garden rooms and lagoon-view rooms. Families will love the spacious accommodation, along with resort facilities including a swimming pool, day spa, salon and the popular Coconut Kids Club. Complimentary snorkelling, tennis courts, and a full program of activities mean there’s something for every age. Guests can enjoy a complimentary tropical breakfast each morning, with the option of room service, plus a choice of dining venues, bar, and daily entertainment and activities for all ages.

Pacific Resort Rarotonga on Muri Beach takes island holidays to the next level with all-inclusive packages, family rooms, garden villas, lagoon view villas and beachfront villas to suit every style. Kids are spoiled with a complimentary Kids Club and daily tropical breakfasts, while the whole family can enjoy free paddle boards, kayaks, sun lounges and beach towels. Set within two hectares of lush tropical gardens, the resort truly has something for everyone. Parents can sip cocktails at the Barefoot Bar, indulge in a massage at the Pacific Lounge, or take advantage of the resort’s babysitting services and savour a romantic dinner.

Best for Travellers Who Want to Do Nothing but Chill

If you’re looking for a place to spend your days swinging in the sea breeze on a hammock, cocktail in hand and phone on silent, then the Cook Islands is for you. All you need for a relaxing escape is to choose your destination (and there are plenty!).

Set on the tranquil shores of Aitutaki Lagoon, the family-owned Tamanu Beach Resort is designed for pure relaxation. With two separate wings – one reserved for adults and the other welcoming families – you can unwind in your own space. The resort’s 23 bungalows – offering lagoon, garden or beachfront views – feature private outdoor showers for a refreshing rinse after a day in the sun. Guests can laze beside two freshwater pools, stroll the palm-fringed beach, or simply soak up the serenity.

Sanctuary Rarotonga is the ultimate escape for those wanting to relax and recharge. Its idyllic location means the beach and lagoon are yours to enjoy – spend your days discovering the marine life in the Aroa Lagoonarium Marine Sanctuary and relaxing poolside with a cool drink and a good book. Enjoy glorious sunsets from the luxury of the swim-up bar and dine of fine Pacific cuisine at Blue Water Bar & Grill. Sanctuary Rarotonga is just a 10-minute drive from Rarotonga International Airport and Avarua Town, and close to all the island's attractions.

For secluded, self-contained accommodation, Lagoon Breeze Villas on Rarotonga’s south-west coast offers 25 spacious villas immersed in tropical gardens, just across the road from a private white sand beach. Each villa is designed to provide a home away from home, with full kitchen, air conditioning and verandahs. The five-bedroom villa even has a private pool! Enjoy a complimentary tropical breakfast daily, relax by the freshwater swimming pool and enjoy Happy Hour in the bar every evening.

Best for Water Babies and Adventurers

If you love adventure, you’ll love the Cook Islands. From swimming, paddleboarding and snorkelling to fishing, diving and 4WD safaris – how you experience the natural beauty of the islands can be as action-packed or relaxed as you like.

Manuia Beach Resort on Rarotonga’s stunning sunset coast is the perfect base for water lovers and adventure seekers. This adults-only paradise opens onto a turquoise lagoon where you can snorkel, kayak, swim or set off on a lagoon cruise. For bigger thrills, try deep-sea diving, big-game fishing, or explore the island on a 4WD safari or cycling tour. Back at the resort, a sparkling infinity pool surrounded by tropical gardens is the perfect place to relax.

Muri Lagoon is Rarotonga’s most scenic destination and doubles as an aquatic playground for superb and safe snorkelling and swimming. The best place to take full advantage of it is Muri Beach Club, where you can enjoy kayaking, wind surfing, kite surfing, sailing and glass-bottomed boat rides. You can even swim across the lagoon to one of three private motus’ right out the front of the hotel. The team can even arrange treks, waterfall hikes, sailing tours and quad biking – every day is an adventure waiting to happen.

Discover adventure in paradise at Etu Moana, an award-winning adults-only boutique resort on Aitutaki’s lagoon. By day, set out on e-bikes or eco-friendly golf carts to uncover hidden corners of the island, or dive straight into the lagoon with complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear, and reef shoes. Beyond the water, explore by bike, stretch out with yoga, or simply wander the island’s lush landscapes. After your adventures, retreat to one of just eight spacious Polynesian villas, each with a thatched palm roof.

Best for Cultural Immersion

While the natural landscape of the Cook Islands lends itself perfectly to a tropical holiday, the rich culture of the people that call it home is what makes it truly unforgettable. Cook Islands culture blends Polynesian heritage with European influence, and is expressed through music, food, dance and art. The best way to experience Cook Island culture is in the villages, where you’ll be welcomed by locals with open arms.

Venture to the outer island of Atiu, half the size of Rarotonga and just a 45-minute flight away. Stay in a welcoming family-run homestay and join a Punarea Culture Tour for an authentic introduction to Atiuan traditions. Explore the mystical Anatakitaki cave, spot the endangered Kakerori and vibrant Kura birds, savour hot Atiuan coffee or share stories with locals over home-brewed beer at a tumunu. This traditional gathering, named after the coconut-trunk barrels used for brewing, involves sharing half coconut of fermented fruit beer while swapping news and laughter. Coffee lovers can visit one of the island’s plantations, where organically grown Arabica beans are handpicked, dried and roasted the traditional way, then served with fresh coconut milk and pikelets.

A short 40-minute flight south lies Mangaia, the oldest island in the Pacific (18 million years). This volcanic plateau, encircled by fossilised coral cliffs, is steeped in legend and has long captivated archaeologists and anthropologists alike. Immerse yourself in island life at the Friday markets, where stalls overflow with fresh produce and local delicacies like tiromi and poke. Step into history at the Tamarua Cook Islands Christian Church, where pupu shell garlands adorn the altar and centuries-old sennit rope weaves across the beams and ceiling. Each carved support post features fighting figures, symbolic of Mangaia’s tribal past, offering a striking glimpse into its enduring cultural heritage.

Best for Budget-Conscious Travellers

The Cook Islands redefine “budget” accommodation – here saving money doesn’t mean compromising style and comfort. Experience everything the islands have to offer without breaking the bank in a cosy beachfront bungalow where the best things in this tropical paradise really are free – golden sand, clear ocean and spectacular scenery.

Located in Tupapa on the north of Rarotonga, Club Raro Resort combines value, atmosphere and fun in an idyllic beachfront setting. The adults-only property offers a range of rooms which all feature air conditioning, ceiling fans, tea and coffee making facilities, a mini fridge, television, telephone, room safe, daily housekeeping, and a private patio or balcony. Spend your day cooling off at The Sand Bar, one of few swim-up bars on the island.

Discover the beauty of Aitutaki on a budget at Resort Tava’e, where beachfront and poolside rooms are designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. Each room includes an ensuite, kitchenette and free WiFi, while the resort’s pools and attentive service create the perfect setting to unwind. Another budget-friendly favourite is Aitutaki Village, set on the stunning Ootu Beach. Just five minutes from the airport (with free shuttle service included), this charming resort offers beach huts equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fans, tea and coffee facilities and a mini fridge.

Need Help Picking the Right Fit?

Spacifica Travel makes it simple to turn your Cook Islands holiday dreams into reality, offering expertly curated packages that bundle flights, accommodation, transfers, meals and more into one seamless, stress-free experience. Backed by unmatched local knowledge and personalised service, the team delivers exceptional value through both all-inclusive options and tailor-made itineraries designed to suit your needs, preferences and budget. Whether you’re after a romantic escape or a relaxing family getaway, Spacifica Travel ensures a unique, memorable and worry-free South Pacific experience.