25 Best Villas in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2024]

The Most Stunning Villas in the Cook Islands

Nothing says “holiday” quite like a villa in paradise. Of which, the Cook Islands has a whirlwind of choices! From the silky sands surrounding Rarotonga to the lagoon edge of Aitutaki to even beyond on the atolls of Atiu and Manihiki, villas can be found in the most stunning of places. Whether you’re a couple seeking a tranquil escape or a family on the hunt for the perfect private holiday villa, we’ve compiled all your best options on this list of the best villas in the Cook Islands.

Want your own villa with a private pool? Make sure you head over to the 25 Best Villas with a Private Pool in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands instead!

1. Motu Beachfront Art Villas

Working in harmony with the locals and environment, Motu Beachfront Art Villas or simply “MOTU” gives back to the Rarotonga community with proceeds from your stay going toward healthcare, education and the arts. Speaking of the arts, the “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. If you want to see more villas just in Rarotonga, check out the 20 Best Villas on Rarotonga.

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25 Best Villas in the Cook Islands 🌴 [2023]

2. Abera’s Aitutaki Villas

Two contemporary poolside villas await on the sunset coast of Aitutaki at Abera’s Aitutaki Villas. During your stay at this accommodation designed for couples, 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 getaway a breeze; scooters, a barbecue and cooking facilities are all part of the parcel. For more villas solely in Aitutaki, check out the 10 Best Villas on Aitutaki.

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Abera’s Aitutaki Villas on Booking.com

3. Muri Beach Villa

With two of the three bedrooms at this Rarotonga villa having direct access to the beach, you know you’ve found paradise at the Muri Beach Villa. The spacious private holiday villa is a good option for three couples travelling together or for large family gatherings where you can enjoy the luxury of a private pool, sundeck with a barbecue, and Muri’s cafe and bar scene just a short walk down the beach. Check out more private villas in paradise in the 20 Best Holiday Homes in the Cook Islands.

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4. Rainbow Villas

A bit of the 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 or groups across both villas. Enjoy an alternative view of the islands as you unwind on your elevated deck overlooking the golf course. Of course, due to the supermarket in your garden, we also list this option in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

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5. Atiu Villas

You have everything you need at Atiu Villas to make your stay on the less-developed island of Atiu effortless: a restaurant and bar, self-catering facilities in your villa, a larder in your room to buy grocery supplies, a tour desk, bicycle, scooter and car hire and even 500 Mb free WiFi a day (trust us, that’s generous in the Cook Islands)! There are also excellent corners of the property to unwind island-style, while the timber lining, woven wall panels and carved artwork keep in tune with the local culture and environment. See where else you can stay on the island in The Best Atiu Accommodations.

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6. Moana Villa Aitutaki

If you’d rather have a holiday home-style villa in Aitutaki, then Moana Villa Aitutaki is a good place to look into. The hillside three-bedroom villa nestled among tropical forest offers breathtaking views across the island and over the western side of the lagoon. In other words, ideal sunset-viewing position! There are living spaces inside and out, including your own private pool on the deck. Compare more private holiday villas on the island in the 5 Best Holiday Homes on Aitutaki.

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7. Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas

Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas offers sustainable holidaying in their beautiful self-catering villas in Aitutaki. There are just eight villas lining the gardens on their way to the beachfront at this boutique accommodation exclusively for adults. 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. Oh, and the stargazing is incredible with Etu Moana’s nighttime illumination kept to a minimum. Discover more stays exclusively for adults in the 20 Best Adults-Only Resorts in the Cook Islands.

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8. 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 villas on Rarotonga. Choose from a small selection of uniquely designed one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, each blissfully private from the other. Entertain from your elegantly designed kitchen or from the barbecue in front of your private pool. Discover more indulgent stays like this in the 5 Best Luxury Villas on Rarotonga.

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9. Lagoon Breeze Villas

An easy transition into “Raro time”, Lagoon Breeze Villas certainly sets the scene with their thatched holiday home villas set among spacious tropical gardens. Ideal for families, there’s plenty of room for kids to run around and have a swim in the pool, while Aroa Beach is just across the road. All 25 villas have fully-equipped kitchens, while the five-bedroom villa has its own pool. There’s a breakfast area where you don’t have to worry about your first meal of the day, while the bar is open for happy hour each day. Check out more family-friendly villas in the 20 Best Family Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

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10. Te Vakaroa Villas

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 lounging pavilion.

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11. Tai Roto Bay Beach Villas

Tai Roto Bay Beach Villas offers a convenient location on the Ootu Peninsula of Aitutaki yet is a world of its own on white sands backed with coconut palms. Your modern beachfront/beach-view/garden villa has everything you need for a quiet night in, including cooking facilities, while breakfast is included each day. Also included are watersports gear to make the most of the lagoon on your doorstep. See more options like this in the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

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12. Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas

Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas is a boutique accommodation featuring 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, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience at these luxury villas on Rarotonga.

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13. Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa

When it comes to an indulgent getaway to Rarotonga, Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa pulls out all the stops. The villas are wrapped in luxury, each with uniquely designed private pools. The attention to detail is unmatched, right down to the handpainted dinnerware of your fully equipped kitchen. What’s more, your villa’s designated kayaks will help you explore more of the lagoon just steps away. Thanks to its irresistible honeymoon packages, we also list Rumours in the 20 Most Romantic Honeymoon Resorts in the Cook Islands.

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14. Sea Change Villas

Specialising in romantic retreats, Sea Change Villas is undoubtedly a first go-to for couples seeking a villa 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 boards.

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15. Aitutaki Escape

An unforgettable luxury experience awaits at the design-orientated Aitutaki Escape, consisting of blissfully private one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas. Your enclosed piece of paradise features a private pool, access to the beach, as well as your own spacious contemporary kitchen. A highlight experience here is indulging in a private dinner under the stars on a beachfront deck affectionately known as the “helicopter pad”.

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16. Rendezvous Villas

Two luxury villas sit on the shores of the Muri Lagoon, yet offer privacy for couples among the tropical gardens, at Rendezvous Villas. The well-appointed duplex villas 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 complimentary transfers, a fruit basket on arrival, a starter pack for breakfast and a starter voucher for the WiFi.

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17. Serenity Villas Rarotonga

As the name suggests, Serenity Villas Rarotonga are 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 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.

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18. Ocean Spray Villas

A true home-away-from-home experience, Ocean Spray Villas consists of two multi-storey three-bedroom villas on Rarotonga. Everything you need for an effortless stay is included within the contemporary space, between the fully-equipped kitchen and two bathrooms with toiletries included. Your villa overlooks the ocean on the northern beach of the island – not the best swimming spot on Rarotonga but Ok at high tide.

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19. Black Rock Villas

Set behind the spiritual site of Black Rock and the happening lunch spot of Tuoro Tapas Bar, Black Rock Villas offers well-appointed self-contained villas with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Enjoy the elevated views from your private verandah or among the gardens with a shared saltwater infinity pool. You have excellent self-catering facilities at your disposal (including a dishwasher), and even a courtesy car included in your stay! See more convenience stays like this in the 6 Accommodations in the Cook Islands with Car Rental.

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20. Te Etu Villas

Two affordable family-friendly villas sit side-by-side at Te Etu Villas. Tucked away on the quiet backroads of Tupapa, these villas each feature a private pool, mountain views and open-plan living between the well-presented lounge, kitchen and dining area that opens up to the pool area. Te Etu Villa 1 has two bedrooms, while Te Etu Villa 2 has three.

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21. Maine Villa

In the heart of Muri‘s cafe scene, Maine Villa consists of a two-bedroom villa and a separate studio with simple yet contemporary furniture and fixings. You might not be on the beach, but the gorgeous gardens and deck with a barbecue more than make up for the fact. Other thoughtful provisions include a torch/flashlight, first aid kit and snorkelling gear to make use of at the Muri Lagoon just a short walk away.

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22. Moana Oasis Villa

Managed by Rentraro, this huge property is ideal for a couple of families travelling together. Moana Oasis Villa features a lavish outdoor pool and a covered barbecue area, and is just a short stroll to the beach. The split-level home offers plenty of space, while the high fence encircling the property keeps things nice and private. You have all you need for self-catering (apart from, you know, the food) with a contemporary kitchen with two fridge freezers and sliding doors connecting to the barbecue area.

Check Moana Oasis Villa out:

Moana Oasis Villa on Booking.com

23. Popoara Ocean Breeze Villas

Located where most of the Aitutaki Lagoon action is, Ootu Beach, Popoara Ocean Breeze Villas is well worth considering if you’re on a budget. Their spacious garden villas rival those of the mid-range villas available on the island in terms of presentation, yet also have the added convenience of vehicle rentals on-site, as well as the popular Boat Shed Bar & Grill. Nestled among gardens away from the bar, however, you won’t hear a peep from the karaoke nights. See more options like this in the 8 Best Budget Accommodations on Aitutaki.

24. Pacific Palms Luxury Villa

This ultra-modern three-bedroom villa in Vaimaanga is the choice to impress! Pacific Palms Luxury Villa features its own outdoor lap pool, which can be admired from the floor-to-ceiling windows of just about every room of the house. It’s the ultimate space to entertain with an open-plan layout, including a spacious kitchen with a mini bar and breakfast bar. All you need to do is get supplies from Wigmore’s Superstore, a short stroll down the road. Learn more about self-catering in A Guide to Food Shopping in Rarotonga.

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25. Manihiki Lagoon Villas

Finally on this list of the best villas in the Cook Islands, we’re taking you to the Northern Group to the freestanding villas on stilts hovering over the sands (and water at high tide), Manihiki Lagoon Villas. Whoever said that the Cook Islands only had one resort with overwater villas?! The spacious open-plan villas with a balcony have a bathroom and a kitchenette and accommodate two people in a double or twin bed setup. You are provided with breakfast supplies, while lunch and dinner are local dishes prepared by the locals. Learn more about planning a stay on the far-flung Manihiki in The Complete Travel Guide to Manihiki.

More About the Best Villas in the Cook Islands

Now that you know about the best villas in the Cook Islands, see how they compare to other villas in the lists below:

Finally, if you haven’t yet found the perfect place to stay, start from square one with Where to Stay in the Cook Islands: The Best Cook Islands Accommodations.

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