10 Best Luxury Accommodations & Resorts on Rarotonga

Last Updated: 7 June, 2025

The Top Luxury Accommodations on Rarotonga

With dramatic volcanic peaks and verdant jungles leading to the sandy shores surrounded by an azure lagoon, Rarotonga is one of the most striking islands in the South Pacific. Such a destination deserves a stay beyond the ordinary and Rarotonga has the luxury villas, resorts and boutique accommodations to complete the picture.

Whether you crave absolute privacy or would prefer the conveniences of a luxury resort, we go through a variety of lavish stays in this list of the best luxury accommodations and resorts on Rarotonga.

Before we begin, be sure to bookmark The Luxury Guide to Rarotonga and 10 Best Luxury Experiences on Rarotonga for more holiday-planning wisdom.

1. Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa

For couples, families and groups who have big dreams for their getaway, Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa offers one of the most acclaimed luxury accommodations on Rarotonga. Choose from a small selection of uniquely designed one, two and three-bedroom villas, each blissfully private from the other.

Enjoy entertaining from your elegantly designed kitchen or from the barbecue in front of your private pool. Alternatively, Muri‘s restaurants are just a short walk down the beach or make use of the complimentary transfers to the Pacific Resort Rarotonga (see point #8).

Discover more indulgent villas like this in the 5 Best Luxury Villas on Rarotonga.

Book Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa:

10 Best Luxury Accommodations & Resorts on Rarotonga [2023]

2. Nautilus Resort

Indulge in absolute privacy and design choices that can’t help but wow at the Nautilus Resort. Each ‘are (bungalow) here features a private saltwater plunge pool, high ceilings and a spacious layout, as well as a bathroom with “his and hers” basins and a deep freestanding bathtub.

Beachfront ‘ares have their own lounging space with a hammock in the palm trees, along with free use of watersports equipment to explore the Muri Lagoon and its motu.

On-site at the most luxurious of the luxury resorts on Rarotonga is a large infinity pool, the popular Nautilus Restaurant, as well as the indulgent Spa Nautilis. We also list this resort in the 20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Rarotonga.

Book Nautilus Resort:

3. Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa

Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa pulls out all the stops. The villas are wrapped in luxury, each with uniquely designed private pools, such as with a waterfall, while guests are treated to a welcome gift basket and bubbles on arrival.

The attention to detail is unmatched, down to the hand-painted dinnerware of your fully equipped kitchen, while your villa’s designated kayaks will help you explore more of the lagoon just steps away.

Thanks to its irresistible honeymoon packages, we also like Rumours in the 10 Most Romantic Wedding & Honeymoon Resorts on Rarotonga.

Book Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa:

4. Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas

An alternative luxury accommodation on Rarotonga that is, indeed, a luxury villa, Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas should definitely be a consideration for those looking to treat themselves. The boutique accommodation features four two-bedroom villas ideal for adult groups or families with children 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 or undercover spa pool, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience at these luxury villas in Muri.

Book Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas:

5. Te Vakaroa Villas

Also situated on the shores of the popular Muri Beach, Te Vakaroa Villas offers five contemporarily designed luxury villas.

Stays here include breakfast delivered to your door each morning, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, replenished condiments, oils, etc. for the duration of your stay, as well as a shared space with an infinity pool, a spa pool and a lounging pavilion.

Learn more about the accommodation, as well as similar stays, in the 20 Best Villas in Rarotonga.

Book Te Vakaroa Villas:

6. 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.

The resort offers e-bike rental for a fee. One of the best adults-only luxury resorts on Rarotonga, Little Polynesian is also listed in the 10 Best Adults-Only Resorts on Rarotonga.

Book Little Polynesian:

7. Crown Beach Resort & Spa

A short drive from Rarotonga’s airport, Crown Beach Resort & Spa is the ideal retreat for a fly-and-flop luxury getaway. Transition effortlessly to island time with each villa featuring tasteful, design-driven furniture and artwork.

Some offer private pools, while others circle a courtyard pool 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.

See how the resort compares to the 20 Best Resorts in Rarotonga.

Book Crown Beach Resort & Spa:

8. Pacific Resort Rarotonga

Pacific Resort Rarotonga is a well-established, family-friendly resort nestled on stunning Muri Beach. This popular accommodation offers a range of options, from studio rooms to fully self-contained beachfront villas, catering to various preferences and group sizes.

Families will love the resort’s high-demand studio and standard family rooms, which often book out a year in advance. The four beachfront villas are particularly sought-after for their spaciousness and prime location.

Guests can enjoy complimentary laundry services and a 30-minute garden tour, where you’ll discover culturally significant plants and learn about the resort’s lush, curated grounds. With its strong reputation and array of amenities, Pacific Resort Rarotonga ticks all the boxes for an effortless luxury vacation in paradise.

Book Pacific Resort Rarotonga:

9. Rainbow Villas

Finally, a bit of a hidden gem on Rarotonga, Rainbow Villas offers two boutique villas nestled among permaculture gardens on the back hills of Nikao. Pick whatever is in season in the lush gardens surrounding the outdoor pool and cook up a storm in your luxury self-catering villa, beautifully designed for couples.

Enjoy an alternative view of the islands as you unwind on your elevated deck overlooking the golf course. Of course, we also list this option in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations on Rarotonga.

Book Rainbow Villas:

10. Sea Change Villas

Specialising in romantic retreats, Sea Change Villas is undoubtedly a first go-to for couples seeking luxury accommodation on Rarotonga. There are 15 villas scattered along the sands of Titikaveka Beach, each one exuding its own luxurious touches.

Wake up in a king-size four-poster bed, shower in your spacious bathroom with showerheads for two, lounge in front of your private pool and make use of your villa’s kayaks, snorkelling gear and SUP board. Discover more stays like this in the 10 Best Boutique Resorts on Rarotonga.

Book Sea Change Villas:

10 Best Luxury Accommodations & Resorts on Rarotonga [2025]

More About Luxury Accommodations and Resorts on Rarotonga

That’s it for our top picks of the best luxury resorts on Rarotonga, as well as the best luxury accommodations on Rarotonga. If you didn’t find “the one”, however, discover more stays in these listings:

Finally, you might also be interested in The Complete Luxury Guide to the Cook Islands in case there’s anything you’re missing in your vacation plan.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the 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.

About Laura About Our Team