20 Best Adults-Only Resorts in the Cook Islands 🏖️ [2024]

The Top Adults-Only Accommodations in the Cook Islands

Set the right tone for a tranquil tropical getaway by staying at an adults-only resort in the Cook Islands. From the overwater bungalows over the azure Aitutaki Lagoon to intimate villas on the shores of Rarotonga’s Muri Beach, plus from r18 resorts to accommodations welcoming guests over 12 years old, the Cook Islands’ adults-only resorts come in a variety of styles with varying adults-only policies. We go over our top picks of adults-only retreats, right here, in this list of the best adults-only resorts in the Cook Islands!

Before we begin, ensure every aspect of your getaway is a peaceful one with The Complete Adults-Only Travel Guide to the Cook Islands.

1. Manuia Beach Resort

Boutique, home to one of Rarotonga‘s best restaurants and capturing some of the most magical sunsets on the island, there are not too many bad things to say about Manuia Beach Resort. Bask in said views from the beachfront suites or save a little by choosing a suite among the tropical gardens. Wherever you stay, there are plenty of opportunities to feel your toes in the sand between the acclaimed On The Beach Restaurant & Bar and the beach massages available. In short, it’s a relaxed adults-only stay without pretentiousness. See how Manuia Beach Resort compares with others on the island the 10 Best Adults-Only Resorts on Rarotonga.

Check Manuia Beach Resort out:

20 Best Adults-Only Resorts in the Cook Islands 🏖️ [2023]

2. Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas

Combine an adults-only retreat with sustainable holidaying at Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas. There are just eight bungalows lining the gardens on their way to the Aitutaki beachfront at this boutique accommodation. Whether you want to self-cater in your bungalow or join your friendly hosts for a toes-in-the-sand barbecue or poolside pizza (depending on what day it is), the choice is yours. You also have the option to explore the island guilt-free on the accommodation’s e-scooters or the lagoon using the SUP boards and kayaks available. Check out more of Aitutaki’s offerings in the 6 Best Adults-Only Resorts on Aitutaki.

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3. Ocean Escape Resort & Spa

A trendy wee resort on Rarotonga’s east coast, Ocean Escape Resort & Spa is exclusively adults-only and has design features that are sure to impress between the lagoon pool and nautical themes. Join friends in the poolside cabana and barbecue area or enjoy tapas plates with your loved one at the on-site bar. Most villas have a view of the pool, each exuding colourful designs. The beachfront villas, however, are the most spacious and most luxurious with uninterrupted views of the ocean. See how the resort compares to others across the island in the 20 Best Resorts on Rarotonga.

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4. Little Polynesian

A five-star boutique resort set on the sandy shores of southern Rarotonga, Little Polynesian provides an idyllic escape for couples. Indulge in a delightful breakfast around the chic infinity pool which reflects the beach’s swaying coconut palms. Each of the 14 intimate studios feels private enough between the tropical gardens and on the beachfront. The interiors are modern with subtle Polynesian touches to remind you that you’re on island time. One of the best adults-only resorts for couples, Little Polynesian is also listed in the 20 Most Romantic Wedding & Honeymoon Resorts in the Cook Islands.

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5. Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort

The five-star Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort might be the only resort in the Cook Islands with overwater bungalows but even its lowest tier of accommodation literally sits on the white sands of the resort’s own private island. There’s easy access to Aitutaki’s main island with a two-minute resort ferry, but we’ll forgive you for feeling that the resort, with its included in-house activities and paid extras including a spa and restaurant, has everything you need. Check out more relaxing experiences on the island in the 10 Adults-Only Activities on Aitutaki.

Check Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort out:

6. Crown Beach Resort & Spa

A short drive from Rarotonga’s airport, Crown Beach Resort & Spa is the ideal retreat for a fly-and-flop getaway. Transition effortlessly to island time with each villa featuring tasteful design-driven furniture and artwork. Some villas offer private pools while others circle a gorgeous courtyard pool with a delightful water feature or are scattered throughout verdant gardens. For dinner, choose from the relaxed Ocean’s Restaurant, fine dining at Flambé, or a private dinner with your loved one on the beach.

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7. Serenity Villas Rarotonga

As the name suggests, Serenity Villas Rarotonga is the Rarotonga villas to choose for a tranquil escape. The tone is set just right with an adults-only policy, while each villa offers its own spaces to relax, such as a balcony or decking with a prime sunset-viewing position. Rooms are kitted out with sleek decor and a four-poster king bed, while shared spaces include a swimming pool, barbecue area, hammocks and watersports equipment. Discover alternative stylish villa accommodations in the 25 Best Villas in the Cook Islands.

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8. Tai Roto Bay Beach Villas

In Aitutaki and within walking distance of the dining and watersport hub of Ootu Beach, Tai Roto Bay Beach Villas offers a convenient location yet a world of its own on white sands backed with coconut palms. Your modern beachfront, beach-view or garden bungalow has the self-catering facilities you need to enjoy a quiet night in, while breakfast is included. Also included are watersports gear to make the most of the lagoon on your doorstep. See more small-scale resorts like this in the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

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9. Raela Villas Tikioki

A top choice for spa treatments, an adults-only retreat and snorkelling at the nearby beach, Raela Villas Tikioki consists of just three contemporary villas nestled in tropical gardens. All villas are fully self-contained and include a kitchen with a coffee maker, a covered deck and more. There’s the opportunity to enjoy spa treatments on-site, while the central swimming pool is another excellent spot to unwind. Just down the street is the snorkelling hotspot and marine reserve of Tikioki Beach. Find more snorkel-friendly stays in the 10 Best Resorts for Snorkelling in the Cook Islands.

Check Raela Villas Tikioki out:

Raela Villas Tikioki on Booking.com

10. Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach

Situated on the shores of Aroa Beach and lagoon, the four-star adults-only Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach gives you the option of a refreshing dip in the lagoon or their pool with a swim-up bar. Their casual restaurant, Bluewater Grill, is a highlight, while the airy high-ceiling suites on the beachfront are irresistible. There’s a generous array of in-resort activities between free cultural workshops and marine snorkelling tours, yet you’re in a convenient place on the southwest side of the island to explore Rarotonga’s attractions. Tip: Ask for an upstairs room for real “beach views”; the downstairs rooms are a little disappointing in comparison.

Check Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach Resort out:

11. Pacific Resort Aitutaki

Welcome to one of Aitutaki’s (and the Cook Island’s) most luxurious resorts. What’s more, it’s exclusively for guests aged 12 years and above. Stay in a lavish bungalow on the absolute beachfront or at one of the secluded villas down any of the winding garden footpaths with botanical displays and a historical marae to meander by. When you’re not in your stylish island-inspired bungalow or villa, relax at the resort’s infinity pool with a waterfall, make use of the complimentary watersports equipment, or dine in the elevated restaurant overlooking the beach and lagoon. See alternative luxury stays in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

Check Pacific Resort Aitutaki out:

12. Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas

Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas is a boutique accommodation featuring four two-bedroom villas ideal for adult groups or older families with guests over 12 years old. Villas are ultra-modern, spacious and bask in glorious elevated views of Muri Beach. Whether you’re sprucing up your own cuisine in the spacious contemporary kitchen or lounging by the shared infinity pool, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience at these luxury villas on Rarotonga.

Check Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas out:

13. Arcadia Retreat

Adult groups or two couples travelling together, yet still wanting the benefits of an adults-only getaway, should consider Arcadia Retreat. The adults-only two-bedroom villas surround a shared lagoon-style pool nestled among the coconut palms. Moments away are the sandy shores of Arorangi, while the Beluga Cafe is just down the road and will no doubt be your favourite coffee stop by the end of your holiday. Self-catering is an option, however, where you can enjoy a barbecue with friends or make use of your full kitchen inside your colonial-style villa.

Check Arcadia Retreat out:

14. Ikurangi Eco Retreat

For couples seeking something a little different, Ikurangi Eco Retreat does not only offer the unusual location of an inland stay but also safari tents for an adults-only glamping experience on Rarotonga. Be treated to a different contemporary breakfast delivered to your deck each morning and make use of the garden swimming pool and bikes to explore the backroads. Your outside bathroom has a composting loo, as well as other initiatives in place to ensure a more sustainable stay – just make sure you have plenty of mosquito repellent! Check out more sustainable accommodations in the 10 Best Eco Resorts in the Cook Islands.

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15. Aro’a Beachside Inn

Nestled in its own verdant corner of Rarotonga’s sunset coast, Aro’a Beachside Inn might be compact but that’s all part of the charm. The beachside accommodation offers decent snorkelling off its beach, as well as good times from its popular Shipwreck Hut beach bar. While the studios and apartments aren’t winning any style points, they are comfortable, functional and offer self-catering amenities. Learn more about its beach bar, however, in the 10 Best Bars on Rarotonga, as well as more adult-only adventures on the island in the 10 Adults-Only Activities on Rarotonga.

Check Aro’a Beachside Inn out:

16. Castaway Resort

Another fabulous option on the western side of Rarotonga, Castaway Resort is a resort exclusively for guests aged 16 years and over (except for their hugely popular restaurant) ensuring the right tone is set for your Cook Islands getaway – at least throughout the day. The resort is all about the fun with a diverse theme at their on-site restaurant every night, a beach bonfire on Sundays, and a “Whale Bell” to ring if you spot a humpback from their deck! Villas and studios are modern and inviting, if not a little compact, giving guests the option to also self-cater if they want to.

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17. Moana Sands Lagoon Resort

One of three resorts by the Moana Sands Group on Rarotonga, Moana Sands Lagoon Resort is their 18+ offering. This ultra-modern resort treats guests to gorgeous sea views from almost anywhere on the complex at the southern end of Muri Beach. Take a dip in the central pool, be pampered at the Hibiscus Spa, and dine at the charming Laguna Restaurant and Bar (also open to the public for 10+ years guests). Discover more indulgent spa resorts in the 10 Best Spa Resorts in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Check Moana Sands Lagoon Resort out:

18. Muri Beach Hideaway

Stay at one of Rarotonga’s most popular destinations yet feel away from the hustle and bustle at the adults-only Muri Beach Hideaway. What’s more, Muri Beach Hideaway is a self-catering accommodation, allowing you to save on the cents by sprucing up your own meals in your well-appointed villa. Aside from the kitchenette, each open-plan villa has a king bed (which can be split into two) and lounge furniture, as well as a private outside deck to soak in the tropical sun. While Muri Beach is on your doorstep, you also have the option of an on-site swimming pool.

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19. Muri Beach Club Hotel

Reserved for guests aged 18 and above, the Muri Beach Club Hotel offers 30 harmless hotel rooms on the shores of Muri Beach, as well as around their courtyard and the large central swimming pool. Play a game of giant chess, enjoy your complimentary breakfast by the pool, and lounge on the beachfront where snorkelling gear is available or you can get a massage on the sands… Try to get an upper-level room, if you can, for views miles above anywhere else on the complex.

Check Muri Beach Club Hotel out:

20. Sunset Resort

As the name suggests, Sunset Resort benefits from the wonderful sunsets captured along Rarotonga’s Arorangi Beach. Choose from an array of suites, studios and two-bedroom apartments, all with at least a kitchenette, plenty of space to keep the rooms airy, and non-objectional decor. There are two generously sized pools at this resort, while the on-site Anchorage Restaurant is not only highly recommended on the island but a complimentary breakfast is served for guests there each morning. The resort has a policy of no guests under 12 years old.

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More Adults-Only Resorts in the Cook Islands

That’s it for our top picks of the adults-only resorts in the Cook Islands and r18 resorts and accommodations. If they didn’t quite fit the bill, then be sure to check out our other accommodation lists:

Finally, plan the complete adults-only holiday experience using our itineraries: The Cook Islands Adults-Only Itinerary: 14 Days, The Cook Islands Adults-Only Itinerary: 10 Days, Adults-Only Itinerary: 7 Days, Adults-Only Itinerary: 5 Days and Adults-Only Itinerary: 3 Days.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as the Cook Islands. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Raro’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page