The Luxury Guide to Rarotonga

Rarotonga lies in the Southern Group of the Cook Islands, 3,000 km (1,865 mi) from Auckland, 4,980 km (3,095 mi) from Sydney and 2,855 km (1,775 mi) from Hawaii. Rarotonga is home to the Cook Islands’ only international airport and receives regular flights from New Zealand and Australia, which are well connected to the rest of the world.

Find out about airlines travelling to Rarotonga, Which Airlines Fly to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands?.

Alternative ways to get to Rarotonga include day trips with cruise liners and sailing via private yacht. Find out more about your arrival options in Getting Here: How to Get to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

How to Get Around Rarotonga

Rarotonga is well-connected with a coastal road network. The main road (Ara Tapu) is 32 km (20 mi) long, taking approximately 45 minutes to drive around the entire island.

Car rentals, scooter rentals and bicycle rentals are readily available – just note that you’ll need to apply for a scooter license if your current driving license doesn’t already cover motorcycles. Alternatively, taxis and airport transfers are available.

Find out all you need to know about transport in our Rarotonga Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Rarotonga.

While the menu of luxury experiences doesn’t extend too far from simply staying in luxury resorts and villas on the island, Rarotonga offers a few extra experiences that are a cut above the rest when it comes to luxury.

Rarotonga's Spas

When it comes to luxury, it's hard to ignore the allure of Rarotonga's spas. A selection of resorts specialises in spa treatments, from the Vichy Showers of the Waterfall Spa at Rumours Luxury Villas to the indulgent array of couples' treatments at Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa. There are far too many options to list here, so take a look at the 10 Best Spas in Rarotonga.

Private Snorkelling Tours

Sure, anyone can go snorkelling off the beaches of Rarotonga, but not everyone knows where the best spots are, nor is it always safe without a guide. Cue guided snorkelling tours; not only do they take you to the most exclusive eco-systems, but they also come as private tours for a more intimate experience.

Snorkel Cook Islands offers a three-hour private tour with VIP transfers to their private beach, high-quality snorkelling equipment, and concludes with a banquet of refreshments.

Alternatively, experience a private turtle swimming tour with Green Turtle Tours or Sea Pace Rarotonga.

Private Island Tour

Soon after you arrive on Rarotonga, we recommend you not only become more familiar with the island but also get as much out of the sights as possible with a private guided tour. Raro Tours offers a scenic island tour exclusive to you and your group, featuring a drive down the ancient Ara Metua inland road.

This tour includes visits to historical maraes, the Mairie Nui Tropical Gardens, a shell-carving studio, and a spa product producer, as well as many other hidden gems that many tourists miss. Alternatively, Cook Islands Tours offers private orientation tours of the island, as well as historic walking tours of Avarua.

Shopping

Many are surprised to discover that such a small island in the South Pacific offers numerous shopping opportunities. Rarotonga and the Cook Islands specialise in many unique crafts, with a highlight being black pearls, which are only grown in two countries in the South Pacific.

While there are shops scattered across the islands, the main retail hubs are Avarua and the Punanga Nui Market (open Saturdays). See shop recommendations in The Guide to Shopping in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands + The Best Places to Shop.

Other Things to Do on Rarotonga

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to experience Rarotonga that may not fall under the “luxury” category, but are still well worth pursuing. Fishing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, golfing, snorkelling and more are on the agenda. Learn more about each experience Rarotonga is famous for in the 50 Best Things to Do on Rarotonga.

Luxury accommodation is where Rarotonga truly shines. Boasting chic villas with private pools and design-driven boutique resorts, the memories of your luxury stay on Rarotonga will stick with you for years to come.

Although we outline all your options in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations & Resorts on Rarotonga and 5 Best Luxury Villas on Rarotonga, here are some of our top picks for discerning travellers.

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa – Private Luxury for Couples and Families

For couples, families and groups who have big dreams for their getaway, Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa offers one of the most acclaimed luxury accommodations on Rarotonga. Choose from a small selection of uniquely designed one, two and three-bedroom villas, each blissfully private from the other.

Enjoy entertaining from your elegantly designed kitchen or from the barbecue in front of your private pool. Alternatively, Muri‘s restaurants are just a short walk down the beach or make use of the complimentary transfers to the Pacific Resort Rarotonga.

See why Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa is perfect for couples and families seeking privacy and indulgence, and book your stay via Booking.com or Expedia!

Nautilus Resort – Ultra-Luxury Seclusion on Rarotonga

Indulge in absolute privacy and design choices that can’t help but wow at the Nautilus Resort. Each ‘are (bungalow) here features a private saltwater plunge pool, high ceilings and a spacious layout, as well as a bathroom with “his and hers” basins and a deep freestanding bathtub.

Beachfront ‘ares have their own lounging space with a hammock in the palm trees, along with free use of watersports equipment to explore the Muri Lagoon and its motu.

On-site at the most luxurious of the luxury resorts on Rarotonga is a large infinity pool, the popular Nautilus Restaurant, as well as the indulgent Spa Nautilis.

Discover why Nautilus Resort is ideal for couples seeking seclusion, luxury, and beachfront serenity, and book your stay via Booking.com or Expedia!

Elevate your taste bud satisfaction with fine dining or a private dinner on the beach. Rarotonga offers a small but delightful selection of upscale restaurants, as well as private dining experiences.

Fine Dining on Rarotonga

When it comes to fine dining on Rarotonga, most will point you in the direction of Antipodes perched on the hillside of Black Rock. The Mediterranean-inspired villa with three levels of dining area basks in wonderful views and sunsets. Of course, the food matches the ambience right down to the extensive wine list.

For casual fine dining with a beachside ambience, don't miss On The Beach (OTB) in Arorangi. Fronting the Manuia Beach Resort, this feet-in-the-sand experience offers a polished yet relaxed dining atmosphere. OTB serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, with a special snack menu during Happy Hour. They take pride in using local, organic produce and fresh ingredients in their cocktails. Don't miss their Sunday event featuring a BBQ, dessert buffet, live music, and the island's largest fire show.

And for more of a Polynesian twist, head to the Nautilus Restaurant of the Nautilus Resort. You'll love their fine dining experience, open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don't miss their happy hour from 3 pm to 5 pm! The menu is a delightful blend of seafood, meats, and vegetarian options, featuring dishes such as "Margarita Prawn Ceviche" and "Seafood Pasta Pasifika". Enjoy your meal while overlooking the resort's lagoon pool and the stunning Muri Lagoon.

Private Dining

A must for couples celebrating a special occasion or to elevate romance, there are several private dining experiences available on Rarotonga. The adults-only Crown Beach Resort & Spa offers private dining under a gorgeous decorated gazebo on the beach.

You can also inquire about private dining options at On The Beach (OTB), Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach, The Rarotongan Resort & Lagoonarium, Pacific Resort Rarotonga, and more.

With dining areas typically decorated with torches and tropical flowers, and, of course, fine dining cuisine, this experience of dining with your toes in the sand while watching the sunset is a luxury experience on Rarotonga to remember.

For more fine dining options, check out the 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Island Platters

For something a little more unique, we suggest a gourmet platter delivered to you with Island Platters. Whether you want an extra-special breakfast on your villa's deck or a romantic picnic on the beach, Island Platters can curate a stunningly presented and delicious platter right in front of you, using fresh, local ingredients. See more unique food endeavours in the 10 Best Foodie Experiences on Rarotonga.

More Dining Experiences

Of course, that’s just the cream of the diverse dining scene of Rarotonga, so be sure to explore the variety of eateries the island has to offer in The Food Guide to Aitutaki: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

That’s it for our complete luxury guide to Rarotonga but by no means is the end of the advice we can offer to help you plan the perfect trip. Check out other guides from the Cook Islands’ largest travel guide:

• The Adults-Only Travel Guide to Rarotonga
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Rarotonga
• The Complete Travel Guide to Rarotonga for Families

Finally, you might also be interested in The Complete Luxury Guide to the Cook Islands in case there’s anything you’re missing in your vacation plan.