10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🍽️ [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com
10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🍽️ [2023]

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🍽️ [2024]

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

The Best Accommodations with Kitchens and Cooking Facilities in the Cook Islands

Put the “Cook” in “Cook Islands” by arranging a self-catering holiday there! (Sorry, we just had to). You probably already know that a sure-fire way to keep the holiday costs down is to prepare your own meals, so we’ve done the hard part by compiling a list of the best self-catering accommodations in the Cook Islands!

Before we begin, be sure to open up A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in the Cook Islands, which is your complete guide to self-catering in the Cooks.

1. Rainbow Villas

Why is Rainbow Villas easily one of the best self-catering accommodations in the Cook Islands? Because your supermarket is your very own permaculture garden! Pick whatever is in season in the lush gardens surrounding the outdoor pool and cook up a storm in your luxury villa with kitchen facilities. Meals can be enjoyed on your elevated deck overlooking the golf course of Rarotonga. If you just want to stick to stays on Rarotonga with kitchen facilities like this one, you might as well head straight to the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations on Rarotonga.

Check Rainbow Villas out:

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🍽️ [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

2. Muri Beachcomber

Enjoy light and airy self-contained units at a quiet location on Muri BeachMuri Beachcomber offers both tranquil beachfront units on Rarotonga for adult groups, as well as family units scattered among the gardens with a picturesque stream. Each unit boasts a fully-equipped and modern kitchen, as well as various barbecues throughout the gardens. As a bonus, there are a generous number of inclusions, such as airport transfers, kayaks, SUP boards, snorkelling gear, wet shoes, 2.5Gb of WiFi and bicycles – more about the latter in the 10 Accommodations in the Cook Islands with Bike Hire.

Check Muri Beachcomber out:

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🍽️ [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

3. Ariki Bungalows

For self-catering accommodation that’s a little more affordable, check out Ariki Bungalows. Not only do they offer budget accommodation on Rarotonga but, as the accommodation of Ariki Adventures (see the 10 Best Snorkelling Tours in the Cook Islands, for example), they have activity combos that you can’t refuse. The compact yet comfortable accommodation features three studio rooms and a two-bedroom villa for groups of up to 10. The bungalows sleep two people and include a kitchen, ensuite and a small deck to relax on with a meal. Otherwise, hang out by the small swimming pool. We also list this accommodation in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Rarotonga.

Check Ariki Bungalows out:

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🍽️ [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

4. Ranginui’s Retreat

With a beachfront location and lagoon views, Ranginui’s Retreat offers an awesome location in Aitutaki at an affordable price. The self-catering bungalows, with layouts available for solo travellers, couples and families, have kitchen facilities with electrical appliances including a stovetop, large electric frypan, toaster, kettle and a microwave. Note that the cheapest units only have breakfast-making facilities. With all of the kitchen talk out of the way, you can dream about yourself relaxing by the accommodation’s pool, by the beach or even casting a line from this popular fishing spot. If you’re interested in accommodation solely in Aitutaki, head to the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations on Aitutaki.

Check Ranginui’s Retreat out:

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🍽️ [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

5. Matriki Beach Huts

If you’re looking for that beachfront bungalow experience without paying a premium then check out Matriki Beach Huts. These characterful bungalows are all a little different but equally rustic, creating a memorable experience for your holiday. Needless to say, all of the bungalows have self-catering facilities with at least a stovetop, kettle and toaster. One bungalow has an ensuite while the others have their own showers and a shared toilet at the back of the property. Bikes are free of charge. See more frugal stays in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Aitutaki.

Check Matriki Beach Huts out:

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🍽️ [2023]© Matriki Beach Huts

6. Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows

For a more sustainable self-catering stay, choose Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows. Their small selection of island-inspired bungalows comes with delightful Polynesian touches like carved four-poster beds and classic tivaevae linens. 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 the sustainable aspects of this resort in the 10 Best Eco Resorts in the Cook Islands.

Check Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows out:

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🍽️ [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

7. Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas

By no means an accommodation that’s going to help keep to a tight budget, Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas nevertheless offer self-catering facilities and a “treat yourself” vacation. The adults-only boutique resort in Aitutaki features eight bungalows lining the gardens and pool on their way to the beachfront. The bungalows provide decent cooking facilities with gas hobs, as well as touches like a reusable shopping bag and water bottles for a more sustainable trip to the convenience store!

Check Etu Moana out:

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🍽️ [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

8. Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape

Nestled among gorgeous tropical plants, the privacy more than makes up for the fact that you’re not on the beach at Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape (but don’t worry, it’s only a two-minute walk away). Yet you are footsteps away from the boutique resort’s pool and communal barbecue area. As for private self-catering facilities, the one, two and three-bedroom apartments offer generous kitchens to cook up meals to enjoy on spacious decks, as well as indoor and outdoor lounging spaces. Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape is also one of the 20 Best Family Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

Check Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape out:

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🍽️ [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

9. Mama Taras Bungalows

Try a slice of home-away-from-home paradise at Mama Taras Bungalows. Set back among the fruit tree gardens in the town of Muri, Rarotonga, a small selection of contemporary bungalows are available for families or groups of up to four. Alternatively, enjoy an ultra-contemporary stay in the villa for up to six guests with its own private pool. Either way, you have your own space with self-catering facilities and are within short walking distance of Muri Beach and its tours and restaurants.

Check Mama Taras Bungalows out:

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🍽️ [2023]© Mama Taras Bungalows

10. Arapati Holiday Homes

What’s more “self-catering” than a holiday home? Arapati Holiday Homes manages the “Arapati” two-bedroom villa, which sits directly on the beach and fits up to six guests, while the “Henry Villa” sleeps a whopping 10! There’s plenty of space for groups to relax between the spacious living room, outdoor kitchen, elevated deck and the beach. Close to the property is Wigmore’s Superstore, one of the largest supermarkets on the island. Needless to say, self-catering here is a breeze. Learn more about the store and get other tips in the A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping on Rarotonga.

Check Arapati Holiday Homes out:

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands 🍽️ [2023]© Arapati Holiday Homes

More About Self-Catering in the Cook Islands

Now that you know some of the best self-catering accommodations in the Cook Islands, here’s more advice to plan an easy self-catering getaway:

Finally, if you haven’t yet found the perfect place to stay in the Cook Islands, start from the beginning with Where to Stay in the Cook Islands: The Best Cook Islands Accommodations or The Top 50 Resorts in the Cook Islands.

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.

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