Top picks – Aitutaki luxury resorts
Etu Moana
If you like your resorts small and understated, this is for you. Barefoot luxury is the phrase that springs to mind. Home to just ten individual thatched-roof villas with a view from the deck over tropical gardens to the lagoon, it’s somewhere to sit back and relax in simple, stylish surroundings.
Peaceful and unpretentious, Etu Moana is the ultimate place to get away from it all. If you need a rest, there’s nowhere better. Listen to the sound of the waves, snooze in the shade and swim in the tropical lagoon. It’s a detox from the daily grind.
Pacific Resort Aitutaki
Set in an enviable position overlooking the lagoon, this exclusive resort offers classic 5-star luxury. You could never get tired of the turquoise views from here. With just 27 rooms on a property that stretches over 19 acres of gardens and 1.5km of beach, you’re guaranteed to get plenty of personal space. All of the accommodation is strung along the beachfront, and there’s also a two-bedroom option for families.
Like the Little Polynesian, the Pacific Resort is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and its standards are impeccably high. The rooms, the food, the staff and the atmosphere all combine into a top-notch Cook Islands experience. The sunsets are incredible here too, so buy some bubbles, grab an ice bucket and head for your private balcony.
Aitutaki Escape
If you’re looking for total seclusion, this is the answer. Home to just three private villas, each with a private pool, it’s easily the most exclusive place to stay on Aitutaki. Sip cocktails in your courtyard garden, watch the sunsets from your deck and spend your days doing sweet, sweet nothing. The emphasis here is on absolute escape, so switch off your brain with a cold beer in the sunshine.
Getting to the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands make for a stunning stand-alone holiday destination, but I also highly recommend them as a fantastic stopover on multi-stop or round the world holiday. If you’re after a twin-centre escape, try pairing the Cooks with California. It works brilliantly with flights and forms a trip of two contrasting halves.
Regarding airlines, Air New Zealand is the natural choice with direct flights from Los Angeles, Auckland and Sydney – upgrade to their excellent premium economy or business class to make the journey even more special. If you’re travelling with little ones, consider booking an Air New Zealand Skycouch – it’s a seating arrangement that makes long-haul family travel far more painless.
Getting around Rarotonga
If you’re staying on Rarotonga for longer than three nights, I recommend renting a car or moped to explore the island. The local drive at around 20mph, so it’s very safe, and it’s almost impossible to get lost!
What to do in the Cook Islands
Do see one of the cultural shows – I enjoyed the Highland Paradise show which begins with a warrior welcome. These are not tourist traps. They are beautiful performances of the Polynesian arts, full of colour and interest.
If you don’t have the time or budget to include a stay on Aitutaki, go for a day trip to the lagoon and visit One Foot Island. You won’t regret it!
If you’re eating out, try the local speciality - Ika Mata. This is fresh raw fish marinated in coconut milk, and it’s simply delicious! The best version I tried was at the Mooring Fish Café on Rarotonga - and they do a mean fish sandwich too.
Inspired to book a trip to the Cook Islands?
We can put together Cook Islands holidays of all shapes and sizes. Whether you're looking for two weeks of pure Polynesian sunshine, a bigger multi-stop adventure that features the Cooks, or somewhere stunning to get married abroad, we can help. Please call us on +44 1273320580 or send us an email request with your details.