Scattered over an area the size of Western Europe, the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands were first settled by Melanesian sailors drifting across the Pacific, and later discovered by the West when Captain Bligh made land on the blue-lagoon atoll island of Aitutaki in 1789 in his ill-fated ship, the Bounty. When he forced the crew to sail on they almost immediately mutinied and it is easy to see why. These beautiful islands are laid back and relaxed even by South Pacific standards. Even now the population of all the islands is a scant 18,000 –barely the size of a UK town. There’s little in the way of development but a great deal of
natural beauty, with the northern islands mainly coral atolls, low-lying rings of coral sheltering sparkling turquoise lagoons, and the southern islands volcanic, with mountainous interiors rising sheer from the clear waters, surrounded
by the deep blue of the ocean depths. All are infused with the glorious sense of space and freedom of these remote islands on the edge of the known world.
Accommodation
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa
Description
The only resort located directly on breathtakingly beautiful Aitutaki Lagoon. Guests enjoy unparallel views across the magnificent lagoon to tiny deserted motus (islands) in the...
Are Tamanu Beach Village
Description
Situated on the sunset side of the island, 'Are Tamanu' means 'house of the Mahogany tree' and mahogany can still be found amongst the gardens...
Crown Beach Resort, Rarotonga
Description
The Crown Beach Resort is a full service yet intimate boutique resort with 22 luxurious villas, located amongst 4.5 acres of lush tropical gardens. Located...
Edgewater Resort & Spa, Rarotonga
Description
Edgewater Resort & Spa, the largest in Rarotonga, is idyllically set amongst tropical gardens, on the edge of a white sand beach overlooking the crystal...
Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas
Description
Etu Moana is a beachfront property situated on the west coast of Aitutaki. Each of the eight Polynesian style open-plan Villas offers lagoon views and...
Lagoon Lodges & Villas
Description
Enjoy the peaceful setting on the south-western corner of Rarotonga, just 10km from the airport and Avarua. Lagoon Lodges offer a wide range of accommodation...
Little Polynesian
Description
Set on a perfect beachfront location in between the coconut palms, Little Polynesian is located at Titikaveka on a gentle curve of the lagoon. Re-opening...
Manuia Beach Boutique Hotel
With magical sunsets over a sparkling blue lagoon and a sheltered white sand beach, the Manuia Beach Boutique Hotel offers discerning guests a tranquil and...
Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel
Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel is located on Rarotonga's stunning southern coast and enjoys a prime location on the shores of a long stretch of idyllic...
Muri Beach Club Hotel
Description
Muri Beach Club Hotel is exclusively adults only and situated on the best part of Muri Beach. Retreat, relax and revive at Rarotonga's newest property,...