We are flying from L.A. and stopping in either the Cook Islands staying at probably the Pacific Resort or Samoa staying at Aggie Grey's on our way to New Zealand and Australia. Wondering if anyone has stayed at these resorts and which is better (Re: friendliness of people, beaches, food, cleanliness, activities). Thanks for any help you can give us.

I have stayed at Pacific Resort & on Samoa stayed at Cocnuts Beach Club But visited Aggie Greys's & had lunch. It would depend on how long your stay is. Between those two choices I would pick Pacific Resort but that is if you just have a day or two. To see Samoa you have to get out of Apia, it is a fairly large city & Aggies's is right on the harbor road, not much to speak of as far as beaches are concerned right there. Though it is a hotel rich is history, if you didn't see the rest of the island you would not have seen the real Samoa. The south west coast is where to go but it is about an hour's drive to get there. That is where you will see how the Samoans really live. Coconuts is fantastic & some great food, good beaches, mangroves along that coast & waterfalls in the interior. Now on Rarotonga, Avarua is a small town for the capital & the island is small & easy to get around. Not as exotic as the outer areas of Samoa but comfortable & friendly, really good beaches & moderately good food. So if it were me, for a short stay I'd say Rarotonga, it does not take as long to explore. For a longer stay & more cultually diverse experience I'd go with Samoa. Hope that helps. If you have any questions, let me know.

Thanks for your reply. We were looking into Frommer's .com and they said the beach side bar and restaurant needed fixing up at the Pacific Resort in Rarotonga. What do you think? We would be spending either 5 days, 4 nights in Rarotonga or 4 days 3 nights at Aggie Greys. What would you suggest to be the best. Thanks for your help.

For what it's worth, we were on Raro last March/April, and at that time, 3 different couples that we met staying at the resort complained about the food there. We ate only a single buffet breakfast - which was OK but nothing special. I don't mean to put you off staying there, you just may want to eat elsewhere - and there are other nearby choices that are well-regarded (Sails, the Flame Tree etc) so you need not worry.<BR><BR>Ken

IF it were me, and between your two choices I'd go with Rarotonga. Cook Islands is not known for it's culinary delights, though some restaurants are better than others &amp; they come &amp; go. First stay at Pacific resort was in their beachfront 2 story villa &amp; we only ate at the resort twice. Nothing wrong, just not great, but neither was Trader Jack's at the harbour which is a ton of fun on Friday night but not a great dinner house. We actually liked Ronnie's in town, simple open air place where we taught his son how to use a yo-yo &amp; also Portofino's &amp; Flame Tree &amp; Sails. Viama's was great but I think is has changed owners. Next stay was in a self-contained apartment &amp; we cooked some in &amp; ate dinners out. It is easy to get to other locals for meals so don't let that stop you from staying at Pacific resort, they are on a great beach. There are several smaller places along that stretch of beach.<BR>If you chose Samoa, I would have lunch at Aggie's &amp; then go to Coconuts for 3 nights. Perhaps the best food in that part of the world...not necessarily representative of the culture...but great,overseen by New York born Mika. Electic atmosphere &amp; laid back spirit.<BR>You could see most of Raro in you time period &amp; even do a day trip to Aitutaki. I think Samoa takes a bit more time. Both places are great, just different, so you can't go wrong.

Just returned from 3 weeks in the Cooks and loved the country and people but disappointed with the accommodation we chose, Raina Lagoon Villas. This was our 3rd trip and on our previous 2 trips we stayed at Muri Beachcomber and loved. Just want to try a different part of the island this time. I've posted trip reports on both Lonely Planet Thorntree, Pacific Branch and also on Epinions. Some of the restaurants we tried and would recommend are:<BR>Ambala Gardens (my favourite but only open for Dinner on Saturday nights), Alberto’s Steak House, Island Night and Buffet at the Edgewater, Fish ‘n’ Chips on the harbour, Ronnies Bar, Sandals Restaurant in the Pacific Resort, The Sails, Trader Jacks, Tumunu, and the Brunch Cottage at Sunhaven. Just a point since you mention the Pacific Resort, Sandals at the Pacific Resort was the only restaurant that we visited twice and had great meals there both times. At both dinners, there were 6 couples and everyone was pleased. If you have any other questions, contact me at [email protected] Hope this helps