The Cook Islands
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The words Kia Orana are bound to be the first in the local language that visitors hear when they arrive in the Cook Islands. They mean “may you live long” and that phrase is a gesture of friendship that will be offered time and again by the warm and welcoming Cook Islanders. The feeling taken away by visitors to the islands is also that the welcoming words spoken are genuinely felt by a nation of islanders who are naturally hospitable.
The Cook Islands consist of 15 main islands and several smaller atolls scattered over 14 million square miles of South Pacific Ocean, and offer an ideal get-away-from-it-all destination, popular with honeymooners.
Raratonga
Raratonga is the largest of the Cook Islands and is where the Bounty mutineers established a settlement. Surrounded by a beautiful coral reef, the island has a rugged mountainous interior which gives way to perfect palm-fringed beaches.
Crown Beach Resort, Rarotonga
The 33 villas of the Crown Beach Resort are set on a sugary white sand beach on the western sunset side of the island in lush tropical gardens. The spacious villas are all air conditioned and have television, fridge, kitchenette, CD player and bathroom with shower. One bedroom villas are located amongst the gardens or poolside, all with partial ocean views. Beachfront villas are more spacious with superking beds, outdoor Jacuzzis and are just steps from the water. The Crown Beach Resort boasts an excellent spa, a choice of restaurants, from fine dining at the Windjammer or the more casual Beachside with fantastic ocean views and sunset views, regular island nights with Polynesian feasts and shows of local culture and snorkelling in the lagoon. An excellent and popular choice for honeymooners.
Pacific Resort, Raratonga
Located on Muri Beach, Raratonga’s best spot for water sports, in six acres of lush tropical gardens. The 64 suites are elegantly appointed and offer airconditioning with sitting/dining area, kitchenette, fridge and kettle, television, bathroom with shower and balcony or terrace, with garden views. Beachfront suites are larger with a separate lounge patio.
The resort has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable tropical experience, most beach sport equipment is complimentary for guests. Complimentary champagne, flowers and fruit for honeymooners.
Little Polynesian
A private and intimate hideaway, perfect for a romantic holiday, located on an alluring beach on the south of the island, on the edge of a marine sanctuary. This resort, with an infinity pool looking out over the reef-enclosed lagoon, offers 14 huge airy villas set on the beachfront and gardens, with unusually high roofing, a trademark of traditional Cook Island architecture. All are furnished with a great attention to detail and have full kitchen facilities, a sleek bathroom with spa bath, outdoor shower and balcony. Overbeach rooms also feature a private gazebo and daybed overlooking the white sandy beach of Titikaveka.
Rumours of Romance
Visit Rumours of Romance and surround yourself with a standard of exclusiveness, romance and indulgence. Choose from Beachside, Beachfront or Ultimate Honeymoon Villas, each designed with luxury in mind. Private swimming pools, private spa pools, own waterfalls, streams and state-of-the-art entertainment systems are just some of the facilities on offer. All guests receive VIP status including VIP airport transfers. On arrival, receive your gift basket, including champagne and breakfast starter pack.
A perfect honeymoon destination
Muri Beach Club, Rarotonga
This new chic and sophisticated Beach Club hotel enjoys an enviable location on the best stretch of beach on Muri Lagoon and has been newly completed and is boutique in style and service. This adult only resort boasts a delightful Spa offering the ultimate in luxury and a unique hexagonal shaped pool. 30 guestrooms with mini-bar, satellite TV, air-conditioning and private deck or balcony. Located directly on the beach, The Point Restaurant & Bar offer the best in international and South Pacific fare.
Aitutaki
Aitutaki is situated 300 miles to the north of Raratonga and is renowned fro its remarkable natural beauty and tranquillity, stunning clear blue waters and white sand beaches.
Pacific Resort, Aitutaki
An intimate tropical escape set in 17 acres of tropical forest fronting a white sand beach, this Pacific resort is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Take a lagoon cruise and you’ll have the chance to snorkel, feed the fish and giant clams. You can visit the uninhabited islands and the post office which has an island all of its own! The Rapae Bay Restaurant overlooks the beautiful lagoon and beach and is a romantic spot for dinner. 18 Beachfront Bungalows steps from the sand with indoor and outdoor day beds and spectacular views. 6 Beachfront Suites are larger with beach shower, indoor and private outdoor garden bathroom and double private sundecks. 3 Beachfront Villas are split level and spacious with outdoor private double sundecks and private outdoor garden bathrooms.Complimentary champagne, flowers and fruit for honeymooners.
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa
The Cook Islands only private island resort, the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort Spa is set on one of the World’s prettiest lagoons and is the first resort to offer Overwater bungalows, as well as Deluxe Beachfront, Beachfront or Garden Bungalows. This very stylish resort’s facilities include a spa therapy centre, swimming pool and choice of restaurants.
Weddings in the Cook Islands
The romantic South Pacific is an ideal wedding location, offering a very laid back and relaxed atmosphere. The Crown Beach Resort, Raratonga offer ceremonies on the Sunset Pavillion/Fisherman’s Wharf, which is a covered jetty stretching out into the sea. The Dream Wedding includes
- Flower lei’s and bouquet
- Tropical neck lei for the groom
- Plant boarded sand isle
- Wedding cake
- Champagne dinner for two
- Photographer with album and negatives
- One bottle of sparkling wine
- Sarong
- Transfers to and from the registry office
- Decorated location
Fact File
Flying time : approx 25 hours
Time difference : GMT +12 hours
Currency : Cook Islands New Zealand Dollar, Fiji Dollar
Visas : No visa are required for Britain and Irish passport holders provided their stay does not exceed 31 days
Weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | 24 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| Rainfall (inches) | 9 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
