10 Best Boutique Accommodations & Resorts in the Cook Islands [2024]

1. Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows

Stay in one of the island-inspired boutique Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows on the sunset coast of Rarotonga with touches like carved four-poster beds and classic tivaevae linens that are a tasteful reminder of the island’s unique culture. Feel the balmy island breeze passing through to your outdoor bathroom complete with an in-the-ground bathtub and make use of the self-catering facilities where the reusable takeaway coffee mugs, a tote bag and water bottles make exploring the island a little easier on you and the planet. What’s more, guests get exclusive rental of the resort’s EVs. Learn more about this eco-friendly boutique resort in the 8 Best Eco Resorts in the Cook Islands.

Check Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows out:

• Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows on Booking.com
• Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows on Trip.com
• Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows on Expedia

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2. 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 more adults-only retreats like this in the 20 Best Adults-Only Resorts in the Cook Islands.

Check Ocean Escape Resort & Spa out:

• Ocean Escape Resort & Spa on Booking.com
• Ocean Escape Resort & Spa on Expedia

© Ocean Escape Resort & Spa

3. Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas

An adults-only boutique resort with a sustainable ethos, no wonder Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas is one of Aitutaki’s most sought-after accommodations. There are just eight bungalows lining the picturesque gardens on their way to the beachfront. 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), your time here 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. See how the villas compare to the other 10 Best Boutique Resorts on Aitutaki.

Check Etu Moana out:

• Etu Moana on Booking.com
• Etu Moana on Trip.com
• Etu Moana on Expedia

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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 the beachfront. The interiors are modern with subtle Polynesian touches to remind you that you’re on island time. See how the resort compares to the 10 Best Boutique Resorts on Rarotonga.

Check Little Polynesian out:

• Little Polynesian on Booking.com
• Little Polynesian on Trip.com
• Little Polynesian on Expedia

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5. Tai Roto Bay Beach Villas

Just outside of the dining and watersport hub of Ootu Beach in Aitutaki, Tai Roto Bay Beach Villas offers a convenient location yet a world of its own on white sands backed with coconut palms. The boutique resort has four tiers of bungalows to choose from, all best suited to couples as an adults-only accommodation. Each bungalow has self-catering facilities to enjoy a quiet night in, while breakfast is included each day. Also included are watersports gear to make the most of the lagoon on your doorstep.

Check Tai Roto Bay Beach Villas out:

• Tai Roto Bay Beach Villas on Booking.com
• Tai Roto Bay Beach Villas on Trip.com

© Tai Roto Bay Beach Villas

6. Manuia Beach Resort

On the western side of Rarotonga, Manuia Beach Resort captures some of the most breathtaking sunsets from its beachfront suites and acclaimed On The Beach (OTB) Restaurant. Alternatively, save a little by choosing a suite set privately among the tropical gardens. All in all, any one of the 24 modern units at Manuia provides a relaxed yet beautiful adults-only stay without pretentiousness. Learn more about the restaurant here in The Best Places to Eat on Rarotonga and see more accommodations with exceptional restaurants in the 10 Best Resorts for Foodies in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Check Manuia Beach Resort out:

• Manuia Beach Resort on Booking.com
• Manuia Beach Resort on Trip.com
• Manuia Beach Resort on Expedia

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7. Rendezvous Villas

Two luxury villas sit on the shores of the Muri Lagoon, yet offer absolute privacy for couples among the tropical gardens, at Rendezvous Villas. The well-appointed boutique duplex villas on Rarotonga include luxurious touches, such as a private plunge pool, snorkelling gear, kayaks, a hard drive with movies, and wonderful spaces for both indoor and outdoor dining. Other inclusions are the complimentary transfers, a fruit basket on arrival, a starter pack for breakfast and a starter voucher for the WiFi. See more stays with internet in the 6 Accommodations in the Cook Islands with Free WiFi.

Check Rendezvous Villas out:

• Rendezvous Villas on Booking.com
• Rendezvous Villas on Trip.com
• Rendezvous Villas on Expedia

© Rendezvous Villas

8. Abera’s Aitutaki Villas

Two modern poolside villas await at Abera’s Aitutaki Villas. Either cool off in the pool that you share with only one other couple or head down to the beach to make use of the complimentary SUP boards and kayaks. That’s not all that is included to make your entire vacation in Aitutaki a breeze; scooters, a barbecue and cooking facilities are all included with your bungalow. What’s more, you’re just moments away from the Pacific Resort and Amuri should you want to dine out – see dining recommendations in The Food Guide to Aitutaki.

Check Abera’s Aitutaki Villas out:

• Abera’s Aitutaki Villas on Booking.com

© Abera's Aitutaki Villas

9. Motu Beachfront Art Villas

Working in harmony with the locals and environment, Motu Beachfront Art Villas or simply “MOTU” gives back to the local community of Rarotonga with proceeds from your stay going toward healthcare, education and the arts. Speaking of the arts, the 10 “art villas” have a fresh and minimalistic design to emphasise the collection of works in your villa and the surrounding premises. Everything is here for a self-sustaining stay between your villa’s sleek kitchenette and the complimentary use of e-bikes to explore the island. Speaking of bikes, see the 10 Accommodations in the Cook Islands with Bike Hire for more stays with this handy way of getting around the island.

Check Motu Beachfront Art Villas out:

• Motu Beachfront Art Villas on Booking.com
• Motu Beachfront Art Villas on Trip.com
• Motu Beachfront Art Villas on Expedia

© Motu Beachfront Art Villas

10. Tiare Cottages

For travellers looking for a destination that’s a little more adventurous, check out the island of Mauke. The Ateriano family welcome you to their four cottages located on the coast just down the road from Taunganui Landing (the harbour). Tiare Cottages consists of three budget bungalows and one clifftop cottage nestled in tropical gardens and surrounding a communal kitchen/dining area. The cottage, “O’Kiva” is much newer than the rest and boasts an enviable position on the clifftop with stunning sea views. The cottage also has a better-equipped kitchen.

Discover more outer island stays in The Best Mauke Accommodations, The Best Mangaia Accommodations, The Best Atiu Accommodations and The 4 Best Mitiaro Accommodations.

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