We are plannning an August trip to Rarotonga and would appreciate advice on where to stay. Thanks, Heidi

We are leaving for our second trip to the Cooks next Saturday. Staying at Pacific Resort which we loved on our last trip. Many types of accommodations. Lesser expensive alternates available. Beachcomber, Shangra-lai cottages, I'd recommend not going to Edgewater. Rarotongan was OK but there are better places. Prefer Muri beach location. Have not seen the new Crowne Beach resort yet but will check it out. Perhaps some more info in what you are looking for, taking kids, or money limits would be helpful. Raro is a great island!

We went to the Cooks last year and highly recommend renting a house from one of the many agencies over there. They are reasonable if you are staying at least a week. Muri beach is the place to be for calm lagoon type waters. You can get a nice home for about $500-700 week American which usually ends up less than one of the "resorts."

Heidi, <BR> <BR>There are so many choices! Anything from going on a budget to going in luxury!!! Either way, you might get a few ideas from the various resorts' websites. I do recommend the Rarotongan if you are going with children. I recommend the Muri Beachcomber if you are not. Manuia Beach Resort is also gorgeous! (No kids allowed at Manuia.) If you are making the trip, do not miss a trip to Aitutaki, a separate island in the Cooks. Discover Wholesale Travel (800-576-7770) has many great packages and could certainly arrange anything for you on any budget!

Depends how much you want to spend. We went last November for our honeymoon. I wanted to book at the Muri beachcomber which came highly recommended from this message board. Unfortunately it was full when I tried to book about 3 months ahead. My recommendation, book early!! We ended up staying at the Sokala Villas which was expensive but very nice. They have a minimum 3 night booking policy at a rate of about US$140+ per night. They only have 7 villas, 5 with private pools and is located at the end of Muri Beach. They do not have a restaurant on site, but there are excellent restaurants within walking distance.

I'd love to hear more of Manuia Beach Hotel on Rarotonga, Cooks...