Where to Get a Massage in the Cook Islands
Sure, the Cook Islands entices with turtle swimming, island hikes and vibrant culture but sometimes you just want some time to unwind. What better way to relax and rejuvenate than a massage in paradise? Rarotonga and Aitutaki both have lavish day spas where you’ll easily be transported to a state of bliss, while some accommodations on the islands also offer in-villa massages for ultimate privacy (and some of the villas are so darn nice, you’ll never want to leave anyway).
So, discover the best places to get a massage in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands in the list carefully curated below!
1. Te Manava Luxury Spa – Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
An indoor spa and one of the most luxurious massage offerings on Rarotonga, Te Manava Luxury Spa of the Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa offers expertly executed massages, facials and body scrubs. The full floor-to-ceiling windows capture the environment and its balmy island breeze while giving you the comfort of an indoor massage room for ultimate privacy. Their spa menu is by no means extensive, but what they lack in choice they make up for with quality. Most massages are available for couples too. See more couples’ activities in the 20 Most Romantic Things to Do in the Cook Islands for Couples.
Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri, Rarotonga.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com2. SpaPolynesia – Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort
Boasting the most extensive spa menu on the island of Aitutaki, SpaPolynesia at the Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort treats guests to a range of therapeutic massages, as well as body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures. As the name suggests, SpaPolynesia focuses on Polynesian-style massages with local techniques and products from Pure Fiji and Rito (both using plants from the Cook Islands). Indulge in a treatment on the beach or out on your overwater bungalow’s deck overlooking the turquoise waters of the Aitutaki Lagoon. Couples massages are available.
SpaPolynesia is also the spa of The Rarotongan and Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach on Rarotonga, which you can learn more about in the 10 Best Spas in Rarotonga.
Location: Motu Akitua. The resort’s ferry service departs from Ootu Beach, Aitutaki.
© Craig Owen - Cook Islands Tourism3. Waterfall Spa – Rumours Luxury Villas
The only spa in the Cook Islands with a Vichy Shower, the Waterfall Spa at Rumours Luxury Villas offers unique treatments with adjustable shower jets to invigorate the body. With treatment rooms designed with tropical gardens and indoor waterfalls, the scene is truly set for tranquillity. The menu is extensive, including hydrotherapy, packages and couples massages among all of the expected treatments too. See more luxurious offerings like Rumours in the 10 Most Luxurious Experiences in the Cook Islands.
Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri (near Fruits of Rarotonga), Rarotonga.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com4. Tiare Spa – Pacific Resort Aitutaki
An indoor spa perched high above the Aitutaki Lagoon, Tiare Spa at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki is a well worth a session for guests and non-guests alike. The five-star resort offers a range of international-style massages, from Balinese techniques to hot stone massages, using organic spa products made from local plants (but manufactured in Australia). Facials, body scrubs, manicures, pedicures and massages are all on offer, so take your pick from a menu that’s diverse yet not overwhelming. Couples massages are also available. See how Tiare Spa compares to the 5 Best Spas in Aitutaki.
Location: Along the west coast main road, south of the old airport runway but north of Amuri, Aitutaki.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com5. Muri Beachcomber
Indulge in a sensational massage in the massage hut of the Muri Beachcomber. Set among peaceful tropical gardens and elevated over a winding stream, the Muri Beachcomber’s massage hut offers an idyllic setting to unwind. The accommodation can arrange for a New Zealand-qualified therapist to provide a very soothing (and reasonably-priced) massage for you on-site. Fancy staying here? Check them out in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands.
Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri, Rarotonga.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com6. Nautilus Spa – Nautilus Resort
Set at the southern end of Muri Beach among the tropical gardens of the Nautilus Resort, Nautilus Spa offers a range of spa services for individuals and couples. Don’t miss their spa packages with a generous mix of massages, facials, manicures and pedicures starting from NZ$200. They also offer “massage retreats”; a minimum of three days of indulgence. What better way to start each day?
Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri, Rarotonga.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com7. Mana O Te Rima
Bring the relaxation to you with an in-villa massage with Mana O Te Rima. Your New Zealand-certified massage therapist, Inano, has been indulging visitors in soothing massages all across Rarotonga since 2004. You choose the location, whether it’s on the beachfront of your accommodation or inside your villa/bungalow/room or wherever, Inano will treat you to either a relaxation, deep tissue or reflexology massage.
Location: Titama Road, Matavera – but you can choose the location on Rarotonga.
© Pixabay8. Are Maoro – Edgewater Resort & Spa
Treating guests to heavenly massages (as well as heavenly prices), Are Maoro at the Edgewater Resort & Spa offers a small selection of facials, body treatments and massages, some of which are the cheapest in the Cook Islands. Where they truly shine, however, is their beauty treatments and hair salon. Whether you want a fresh look or are dolling up for a special occasion, Are Maoro are well worth considering. Learn more about the facilities of Rarotonga’s largest resort in The Top 50 Resorts in the Cook Islands.
Location: 1 Puaikura Drive, Arorangi, Rarotonga.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com9. Tai Roto Bay – In-House Massage
Guests at Tai Roto Bay Beach Villas in Aitutaki have the option to be indulged with an in-house massage service. There’s no need to be overwhelmed with choices because the accommodation promises to take you to the next level of relaxation with a traditional Aitutakian massage using traditionally made coconut oil. The massage is from head to toe, leaving you revitalised. Fancy staying here? Learn more about Tai Roto Bay in the 10 Best Resorts on Aitutaki.
Location: On the Ootu Peninsula just before reaching Ootu Beach, Aitutaki.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com10. Etu Moana – In-Villa Spa
Also in Aitutaki, Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas offer massages in the peaceful surrounding of your villa. Needless to say, this service is only available to guests at the boutique adults-only accommodation, but with the setting of tranquil gardens or ocean views, you certainly won’t mind the location. Massages are mostly Polynesian style and are more reasonably priced than some of the massages available on the island.
Location: Along the west coast main road, south of the old airport runway but north of the Pacific Resort, Aitutaki.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comMore About Massages in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
Looking for more ways to relax in the Cook Islands? Now that you know where to get the best massages in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, check out these alternative ways to unwind:
- 10 Most Relaxing Things to Do in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
- 10 Best Places to Experience Yoga in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
- The Guide to Retreats in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Yoga, Wellness & More
Finally, plan more experiences and curate the perfect bucket list with the 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands: The Ultimate List.
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