[2023 PICKS] The Best Boutique Hotels in Rarotonga, Cook Islands

The best boutique hotels in Rarotonga place you in some of the most idyllic locations in the Cook Islands.

Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands, is a popular travel destination known for its stunning natural beauty, turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes. Surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and coral reef, visitors can enjoy various water activities such as snorkeling and diving, as well as exploring the island’s rich Polynesian culture through traditional dance performances and local markets.

With a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, Rarotonga is the perfect destination for those looking for a tropical getaway with a unique cultural experience.

We hand-picked top-rated boutique hotels and resorts in Rarotonga to consider for your next getaway!

The 10 Best Rarotonga Boutique Hotels and Resorts

1. Sea Change Villas

9.3 Average Rating
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Sea Change Villas are secluded and each one has its own private pool and patio with either lagoon or garden views. They are located right by a private white sand beach and offer free use of bicycles, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkeling gear. The air-conditioned villas include a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, lounge area with flat-screen TV and DVD player, and some are located on the beachfront.

The tour desk can arrange scooter and car rental, massages, diving trips, safari tours, lagoon cruises, and island day tours. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast pack, which includes bread, eggs, cereal, juice, and milk, upon arrival.

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2. Te Vakaroa Villas

9.4 Average Rating
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Te Vakaroa offers six luxurious villas with breathtaking views of Muri Lagoon. Each villa features a large private patio overlooking the infinity swimming pool and spa pool. The villas are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fans, work desk with internet data port, and living areas with flat-screen satellite TV with bluetooth entertainment.

Guests have access to laundry and ironing facilities and can self-cater with a kitchen that includes a dishwasher, fridge/freezer, microwave, gas stove, gas oven, and filtered water. A tropical breakfast is delivered to the villa each morning.

Te Vakaroa Villas are located right on Muri Beach and just a 10-minute walk from several restaurants. Rarotonga Airport is 20 minutes away by car. Muri Lagoon offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, kite surfing, and swimming. Free use of kayaks and snorkeling equipment is provided, and in-room massages are available. Airport transfers can be arranged for an additional fee.

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3. Crown Beach Resort & Spa

8.1 Average Rating
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The Crown Resort & Spa, an adults-only property, is set on 5 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and offers luxurious suites and villas with balconies, situated in a tranquil environment with beach access. It features 2 restaurants, a scuba dive center, fitness center, and outdoor swimming pool. The nearby area offers leisure activities such as canoeing, diving, and snorkeling.

The boutique hotel‘s spa provides a range of rejuvenating treatments including massages, facials, and manicures. Rarotonga Airport is 7 minutes away by car and the Avarua town center is a 10-minute drive. The nearest golf course is located less than 2 km from the hotel.

The Oceans Restaurant & Bar offers brasserie-style cuisine and themed nights, with a cocktail menu and panoramic ocean views. The Windjammer Restaurant offers modern cuisine in an elegant setting.

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4. Little Polynesian Resort

9.3 Average Rating
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The Little Polynesian Resort is a charming boutique hotel located right on a pristine white sand beach. It offers bungalow-style accommodations amidst beautiful gardens and a fantastic beach. Guests can choose from studio-style rooms with kitchenette facilities in the tropical gardens or beachfront bungalows.

All units are air-conditioned and feature an outdoor shower. Start your day with a delicious tropical island breakfast, served in the restaurant or delivered to your room. A room service menu is also available for an additional fee. The boutique resort‘s infinity pool and the beach by the lagoon are perfect spots to unwind. All guests have access to free kayaks and snorkeling gear.

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5. Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa

9.2 Average Rating
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Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa boasts 5-star accommodations with breathtaking views of the Muri Lagoon. Each villa features a private pool and patio, offering garden or sea views. Guests have access to free kayaks, beach towels, and sun loungers. Each villa is self-contained and has a fully equipped kitchen, a BBQ, in-house movie channels, and Wi-Fi (charges apply).

Te Manava Spa offers a range of relaxing therapies, including massages and pedicures. Guests can enjoy free pickup and drop-off to Pacific Resort Rarotonga and a grocery delivery service is available for an additional fee. The villas are a 15-minute walk from Te Vara Nui village and 20 minutes’ drive from both Rarotonga town center and Rarotonga International Airport.

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6. Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas

9.6 Average Rating
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Inspired by the turquoise water of Muri Lagoon, Crystal Blue Lagoon boasts stylish modern villas with an idyllic beachfront location. This tranquil retreat features an infinity pool with breathtaking sea views. All villas boast a patio.

Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas is within 5 minute walk of local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Rarotonga International Airport is 13 minute’s drive away.

Guests enjoy free use of snorkeling gear. A complimentary continental-style breakfast is delivered daily. Airport transfers can be arranged.

With a total of 4 self-contained, 2-bedroom villas in the complex (sleeping a maximum of 4 adults per villa), these air-conditioned, 2-story apartments offer a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a coffee machine. The lounge area includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a selection of movies is available.

Guests can share an outdoor meal using the BBQ facilities. Complimentary vouchers for kayak hire and internet access are also available.

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7. Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa

9.3 Average Rating
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Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa is a luxury boutique resort located on the beachfront of Muri Lagoon. It offers air-conditioned villas with private pools, lounge areas with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and free movies on demand, fully equipped kitchens, en suite bathrooms with fluffy bathrobes, and hairdryers.

The boutique resort also features a spa and wellness center, private beach, complimentary kayaking and snorkeling equipment, a tour desk, reading and movie libraries, and WiFi access. The resort offers personal airport transfers and a complimentary gift basket upon arrival. The resort is a 10-minute walk from Muri and a 5-minute drive from Vaima Restaurant and Bar.

Rarotonga International Airport and Rarotonga Golf Course are 15 minutes’ drive away. The chefs at the resort can prepare gourmet meals to be enjoyed in-villa or by the pool, and villas can be pre-stocked with food and breakfast can be delivered to the room.

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8. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

7.2 Average Rating
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The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium is a 4-star boutique resort located on a private beach in the Cook Islands. It features a range of accommodations including rooms in the tropical gardens and beachfront suites, all with a balcony or courtyard, air conditioning and a refrigerator. Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage at SpaPolynesia, which offers a range of spa services such as aromatherapy massages, body wraps, facials, manicures and pedicures.

The resort’s restaurant, Te Vaka, is located on the water’s edge and offers themed nights and cultural shows. Captain Andy’s Beach Bar serves drinks and casual meals by the pool. The resort also has a kids club with free activities and a marine reserve with some of the best snorkeling in the Cook Islands. Rarotonga International Airport is less than 10 minutes’ drive away.

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9. Muri Beach Club Hotel

8.9 Average Rating
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Muri Beach Club Hotel is an adult-only resort situated on the beachfront at Muri Lagoon, offering stunning views of the lagoon and offshore islands. The boutique resort features 30 air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV and private balconies, only a few meters away from the beach.

Dining options include a fine-dining restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as the exclusive Lagoon Lounge serving drinks with views of the lagoon. Other facilities include a large central swimming pool, a day spa, a tour desk, rental vehicles, and 24-hour reception.

The Muri Lagoon is safe for swimming and snorkeling and offers various activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, kite-surfing, and sailing. Guests can also take glass-bottom boat trips to nearby islands.

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10. The Edgewater Resort & Spa

8.2 Average Rating
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The Edgewater Resort & Spa is located on 6 acres of lush tropical beachside grounds on the sheltered western coast of Rarotonga. It is only 5 minutes’ drive away from the International Airport and 5 km from Avarua township.

The boutique hotel offers a range of facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, 2 restaurants, a bar, free on-site parking and a spa. The rooms have tropical-style décor and rattan furnishings and each have balconies that feature beach or garden views.

The Brasserie offers live entertainment while The Spaghetti House serves Italian specialties. The spa provides guests with a relaxing environment where they can enjoy massages and a range of treatments.

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