7 Most Unique Accommodations in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 😮

Last Updated: 7 June, 2025

The Most Unique and Unusual Places to Stay in the Cook Islands

The formula is pretty same-same: bungalow + pool + by the beach = Cook Islands resort. But where can you stay that’s a little different? We’ve compiled a list of the most unique accommodations in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands, so you can “wow” your holiday group, whether it’s your family, friends or partner, and create a memorable experience in the islands.

And for some unusual activities to go along with your unique stay, how about the 10 Most Unique Things to Do in the Cook Islands?

1. Ikurangi Eco Retreat (Rarotonga)

Easily one of the most unique accommodations in the Cook Islands, Ikurangi Eco Retreat not only offers the unusual location of stay inland on Rarotonga but also safari tents for an adults-only glamping experience. Be treated to a different contemporary breakfast delivered to your deck each morning, and make use of the garden swimming pool and bikes to explore the Rarotonga backroads.

Your outside bathroom has a composting loo, as well as other initiatives to ensure a more sustainable stay – just make sure you have plenty of mosquito repellent! Check out more sustainable stays in the 10 Best Eco Resorts in the Cook Islands.

Book Ikurangi Eco Retreat:

7 Most Unique Accommodations in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ????

2. Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (Aitutaki)

Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort offers a truly exclusive experience on its own private motu (islet) in the stunning Aitutaki lagoon. This adults-only paradise caters to guests aged 16 and over, perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

You’ll love the overwater bungalows, a rarity in the Cook Islands, as well as the beachfront private infinity pool villas. Experience dining by the infinity pool, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views that you will love.

Getting to and from the resort is a breeze with the dedicated ferry service, “Princess Moana”, running daily between the main island and the private motu from 7 am to 10 pm. It’s the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility!

See more effortlessly romantic resorts like this in the 20 Most Romantic Wedding & Honeymoon Resorts in the Cook Islands.

Book Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort:

3. Rainbow Villas (Rarotonga)

A bit of a hidden gem on Rarotonga, Rainbow Villas offers two boutique villas nestled among unique 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 Rarotonga 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 in the Cook Islands, thanks to the supermarket in your garden.

Book Rainbow Villas:

4. Ocean Escape Resort & Spa (Rarotonga)

Ocean Escape Resort & Spa offers a truly unique accommodation experience in Rarotonga, where every aspect of the property has been carefully designed to envelop you in a cocoon of contemporary tropical design with nautical themes. This boutique adults-only resort features 12 villas, each crafted to seamlessly blend modern style with either oceanfront or ocean views.

You’ll love the loft-style bedrooms with king-sized beds and pure cotton linen, while the lower floor provides a home-away-from-home feel with a fully-equipped kitchen and lounge area. The resort’s enclosed nature creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tropical surroundings.

For a refined yet relaxed dining experience, we recommend BJ’s Tapas Bar. Here, you can indulge in Mediterranean-style bites and Tuscan wines while taking in stunning 180° ocean views and glimpses of Rarotonga’s majestic mountains peeking over the resort walls – perfect for those sunset cocktails!

See more adults-only stays like this in the 20 Best Adults-Only Resorts in the Cook Islands.

Book Ocean Escape Resort & Spa:

5. Motu Beachfront Art Villas (Rarotonga)

Rarotonga‘s only art resort, Motu Beachfront Art Villas or simply Motu offers a unique stay in the Cook Islands. This boutique resort harmoniously blends with the local community and environment, giving back through healthcare, education, and arts initiatives.

The villas showcase a fresh, minimalistic design that emphasises the stunning art collection throughout the premises. Motu provides everything for a self-sustaining stay, including sleek kitchenettes, free self-service laundry, and complimentary e-bikes and bicycles for island exploration.

What’s more, the property is involved in a community green energy initiative, aligning with sustainable tourism practices. You’ll love the blend of luxury, art, and eco-consciousness at this one-of-a-kind resort.

Book Motu Beachfront Art Villas:

6. Vivian’s Homestay (Mitiaro)

On the less-visited island of Mitiaro, Vivian’s Homestay consists of a traditional kikau bungalow, which sits in her garden in Atai village.

The bungalow is made from woven panels of kikau (coconut palm) leaves, which makes the room airy if not a little weather-beaten, but that’s all part of the experience, right? Your host, Vivian, or her family will look after you with three meals a day included, as well as arrange a rental vehicle for you if desired.

See more stays, particularly guesthouses and homestays, across the island in The Best Mitiaro Accommodations.

10 Most Unique Accommodations in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 😮

7. Akaiami Paradise (Aitutaki)

Get the Robinson Crusoe experience by staying on one of the private and uninhabited islets of the Aitutaki Lagoon.

Akaiami Paradise is not only remote by being on the islet of Akaiami, but it sits on the site of the original TEAL terminal where the “flying boats” on the TEAL Coral Route would land on the water – find out more in the 10 Best Historical Sites on Aitutaki.

The accommodation here is pretty basic, especially for the price tag, but it certainly fits the bill for a unique stay in the Cook Islands.

6 Most Unique Accommodations in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ????

More Unique Accommodations in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

Now that you know some of the most unique accommodations in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, discover more stays that are a little different in the lists below:

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.

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

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, a local government body representing the tourism industry. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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