5 Best Hotels in Cook Islands

This is a romantic couples-only retreat with a choice of one- and two-bedroom villas or courtyard suites with their own private pools. Situated on beautiful Arorangi Beach on the island's west coast, this is the place to catch an amazing sunset and then enjoy fine food at the acclaimed Windjammer Restaurant or a happy hour drink at the Ocean Restaurant and Bar. Suites and villas are decorated with white walls, splashes of tropical color, recycled timber furniture, and—in some cases—four-poster beds or terrace daybeds. The resort hosts a weekly island night dance extravaganza.

Truly a boutique property with just 10 bungalows and 4 garden units (and a no-children policy), the Little Polynesian Resort is perfect for honeymooners and anyone seeking a romantic escape. Situated on the beach at Titikaveka on the south coast, the resort has a saltwater infinity pool and provides kayaks to explore the tranquil lagoon, which is also a great snorkeling spot. The beachside bungalows are spacious and bright with white walls and linens, polished mahogany floors, and a gazebo with a daybed overlooking the beach. There's a hot tub bath and outdoor shower in a private courtyard at the rear of the bungalow. The garden units have the same outdoor bathroom setting, as well as an indoor bath and a small kitchenette. The resort bistro serves Mediterranean and island-style dishes—the two-course lunch special (NZ$21) is a good deal, while there are plenty of restaurants nearby in Muri Beach.

One of the original hotels in Rarotonga, the still-new-looking resort and spa sits on the southern tip of the west shore, the island's "sunset coast." Lovely Aroa Beach and lagoon, a terrific spot for snorkeling, is just a stone's throw from most guests' front doors. With more than 100 rooms and six room types, there are accommodations to suit every style, including newly refurbished garden rooms, deluxe beachside suites with spa bath and open outdoor showers, and beachfront suites designed in true Polynesian style, with thatched roofs and rattan walls, right at the water's edge; there's also a honeymoon suite with its own swimming pool. With six dining outlets, a new nightclub, a spa, and plenty of activities (hiking, quad-biking, cultural shows, tennis, and even attending church), this resort has it all.

A new mid-price complex with just 35 studios and suites, this resort on the northwest side of the island is a short drive from Avarua. All accommodations have kitchen facilities, king-size beds, and private decks with patio furniture. There's a choice of studios and one- and two-bedroom suites by the pool or right on the beach, with the two-bedroom suites ideal for two couples or adult families (children under 12 are not accepted). Guests can take free scuba diving lessons in one of the resort's two pools, and snorkel equipment and reef shoes are complimentary. While there's no dedicated spa, a beauty therapists visits the resort during the week, and the on-site tour desk can arrange a variety of activities.

Owned by the Pacific Resort Group, this complex comprises luxurious one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas with self-contained with kitchens, laundry, and private pools. The Te Manava concept gives guests a choice of providing all meals and housework themselves, or paying extra for maid service, prepared meals, transfers, grocery delivery, and other amenities. Each villa is beautifully appointed with pitched rattan ceilings, quality timber and cane furniture, flat-screen TVs, and DVDs, plus the latest kitchen appliances. Eating out is a breeze, as the Muri Beach location is near plenty of restaurants as well as the Pacific Resort Rarotonga (owned by the same company), which has several dining venues.