25 Best Villas with a Private Pool in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2024]

The Best Holiday Homes, Resorts and Villas with Private Pools in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands

Have a refreshing dip in your own swimming pool in paradise at one of the villas with a private pool in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. From private saltwater plunge pools to full-out lap pools exclusively for you and your group, these accommodations with private pools are a truly “treat yourself” option. Accommodations with private pools come in the form of villas, holiday homes and even in some resorts. Select the perfect poolside stay for you in the list below!

Before we dive in, make sure you open The Best Cook Islands Travel Guide containing everything you need to plan the perfect tropical getaway.

1. Te Etu Villas

Let’s start with the two most affordable and family-friendly villas with a private pool on Rarotonga. Sitting side-by-side, Te Etu Villas are 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. Looking for alternative family-friendly stays? Check out the 20 Best Family Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

Check Te Etu Villa out:

25 Best Villas with a Private Pool in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2023]

2. 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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3. 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 the complimentary transfers, a fruit basket on arrival, a starter pack for breakfast and a starter voucher for the WiFi. See more stays with WiFi listed in the 6 Accommodations in the Cook Islands with Free WiFi.

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4. Moana Villa Aitutaki

For a private pool in Aitutaki, take a look at Moana Villa Aitutaki. 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 holiday rentals in the 20 Best Holiday Homes in the Cook Islands.

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5. Paradise Holiday Homes

Either stay in one of the four four-bedroom villas of Paradise Holiday Homes or hire out the whole place for up to 32 people! With mahogany lined exteriors and interior features, you better think “wood is good” at these villas that offer a unique aesthetic on Rarotonga. A highlight is your personal pool area with a Webber barbecue at the ready. There are oodles of space in each villa, while the property is set back away from road traffic yet is only a kilometre from Titikaveka Beach. See more villas for large groups in How to Pick the Best Holiday Home in Rarotonga.

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6. 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.

Check Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa out:

7. Muri Beach Villa

With two of the three bedrooms at this Rarotonga villa having direct access to the beach, plus, its own private swimming pool, you know you’ve found paradise at the Muri Beach Villa. The spacious 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 holiday villas in the 25 Best Villas in the Cook Islands.

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8. Sea Change Villas

Specialising in romantic retreats, Sea Change Villas is undoubtedly a first go-to for couples seeking a villa with a private poll 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. Discover more stays like this in the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

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9. 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”. See alternative stays like this in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

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10. 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 villas with a private pool 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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11. Moana Oasis Villa

Managed by Rentraro, this huge property is ideal for a couple of families travelling together. Moana Oasis Villa features a lavish private outdoor pool and a covered barbecue area, yet 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

12. Natura Holiday Homes

One house in Titikaveka and one in Vaimaanga, Natura Holiday Homes offers two large holiday homes on the south coast of Rarotonga – each with its own private pool. Villa 1 is for up to 10 guests, while Villa 2 is for six, both with modernly renovated rooms and homely furniture. Explore the lagoon outside of your door with the stack of kayaks provided, while privacy can be enjoyed for your group at your private pool.

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13. GT – Rarotonga Fishing Lodge

Looking for your own space for a large group on Rarotonga? GT – Rarotonga Fishing Lodge might be just the place; a six-bedroom holiday rental for up to 12 guests. The modern lodge features a private pool, homely furnishings, expansive gardens, four bathrooms and an extra toilet, a barbecue area and much more. Just a short drive from Avarua, the lodge is well located for adventures on Rarotonga. See more lodge-style villas in the 10 Best Lodges in the Cook Islands.

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14. Nevaeh Holiday Home

A villa/holiday home with generous inclusions to make your getaway seamless, Naveah Holiday Home on the northern coast of Rarotonga is a tempting prospect. This modern and relatively spacious three-bedroom two-bathroom home not only has a private swimming pool and a playground but has car rental for as little as NZ$45 per day – cheaper than anywhere else on the island! See more accommodation with handy vehicle options in the 6 Accommodations in the Cook Islands with Car or Scooter Hire.

Check Naveah Holiday Home out:

15. Kaireva Beach House

A lovingly crafted holiday house with timber-lined interiors and exteriors all the way to the deck with a private pool and stepping onto the beach, Kaireva Beach House is well worth considering when looking for a private pool on Rarotonga. The two-bedroom house on the waterfront of Avana, just north of Muri Beach, has everything you need for a home-away-from-home vacation with high-quality amenities, an organic vegetable garden, a barbecue and a TV with a movie hard drive.

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16. Te Puka Estate

One of the largest villas with a private pool in Rarotonga, Te Puka Estate is a group accommodation ideal for wedding parties and special groups. Nestled on the back hills of Matavera among taro and fruit plantations, this mega accommodation features nine bedrooms, six bathrooms and a patio with a private pool. While the accommodation has kitchen facilities, special catering can be requested from On The Beach (OTB) Restaurant – the owners of this villa – learn more in The Best Places to Eat on Rarotonga: 10 Best Restaurants.

Check Te Puka Estate out:

Te Puka Estate on Booking.com

17. Mama Taras Bungalows

Try a slice of home-away-from-home paradise at Mama Taras Bungalows, which is set back among the fruit tree gardens in the town of Muri. Although there is a small selection of bungalows available for groups of up to four, there is also an ultra-contemporary villa with a private pool for up to six guests! You’ll have your own space with self-catering facilities and are within short walking distance of Muri Beach and its tours and restaurants.

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18. Tropical Retreat Rarotonga

For couples looking for a private holiday villa with a pool, check out Tropical Retreat Rarotonga. The one-bedroom villa just off the main road through Arorangi is nestled in tropical gardens with a swimming pool surrounded by a spacious deck. The amenities are well-kept and feature all the home essentials, such as a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry room, sheltered parking area and more.

Check Tropical Retreat Rarotonga out:

Tropical Retreat Rarotonga on Booking.com

19. Villa Maria

Villa Maria stands like a giant luxury yurt perched on the hills of Muri. The three-bedroom luxury retreat that sleeps up to six guests boasts commanding panoramic views, design-driven interiors and a private swimming pool on its balcony. Each room basks in the views, including the fully-equipped kitchen, snug lounge area and both indoor and outdoor dining spaces. The lush floral gardens are also a prize of this villa. This property is also managed by Rentraro.

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20. Nautilus Resort

Although this is a resort on Rarotonga, all of the villas here at this five-star accommodation feature their own private plunge pool and a shared infinity lagoon pool. Each villa at the Nautilus Resort also boasts high ceilings and a spacious layout, as well as a bathroom with “his and hers” basins and a deep freestanding bathtub. On-site is the popular fine dining Nautilus Restaurant, as well as the indulgent Spa Nautilis. See how the resort compares to The Top 50 Resorts in the Cook Islands.

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21. Iro Luxury Retreat

Large groups seeking a private pool might want to consider the mansion of Iro Luxury Retreat. Perched on the back hills of Arorangi, the estate boats tremendous ocean views, lush gardens and a private swimming pool in the mix. The accommodation on Rarotonga caters for groups of six to 25 guests across 10 bedrooms with lavish touches like a games room with a pool table and a cinema room.

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22. Boaza Place

Soaking in mountain views and plenty of sun from the deck surrounding its private swimming pool, Boaza Place is a worthy villa stay on the northern side of Rarotonga. The two-bedroom, three-bathroom villa features a barbecue area, a contemporary open-plan kitchen and lounge, as well as two comfortable bedrooms with ensuite shower rooms. What are you waiting for?

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23. Sunset Quay

There’s lots of leisure space to be enjoyed at the four-bedroom holiday home of Sunset Quay close to the shores of Arorangi. Of course, the private pool is an endearing feature of this property, especially with the ocean views enjoyed from the surrounding patio and undercover lounging spaces. But the kitchen with a dishwasher, proximity to the beach and free airport transfers are the icing on the cake.

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24. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

Another resort where some rooms have private pools, The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium gives you more swimming options with excellent snorkelling off the beach! Couples have their own quiet hideaway in the resort with the “Honeymoon Suite” boasting its own private pool and sauna, while families have the Three-Bedroom Private Pool Villa” where children ages 11 and under stay for free! Wherever you stay among the vast complex connected by winding garden paths, you’re sure to have a blast at one of Rarotonga’s most popular resorts.

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25. Crown Beach Resort & Spa

A short drive from Rarotonga’s airport, Crown Beach Resort & Spa is the ideal retreat for a fly-and-flop getaway. Transition effortlessly to island time with villas 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. Note that Crown Beach is also adults-only – see the 20 Best Adults-Only Resorts in the Cook Islands.

Check Crown Beach Resort & Spa out:

More Villas, Holiday Homes and Resorts with Private Pools

Now that you know about the best villas with a private pool in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands, check out more stays with luxurious touches in the following lists:

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