Unwind in the laid-back beauty of The Cook Islands
Cook Island holidays are full of lagoon days, cultural charm, Polynesian heritage and beachside simplicity.
The Cook Islands offer the kind of relaxed, unpretentious island escape that’s becoming increasingly rare. With strong cultural roots, a genuine local feel, and some truly spectacular scenery, they’re a wonderful alternative to better-known South Pacific destinations.
What we love is how easy The Cooks Islands are to explore. Rarotonga, the main island, has lush green mountains at its heart, ringed by a coral reef and a turquoise lagoon – perfect for cycling, snorkelling, and sampling local food at beachside markets. A short flight away, Aitutaki is all powder-white sand and dazzling blue water – ideal for a slower, more indulgent few days.
These islands are great for couples, families, or anyone after a slower pace with real personality. There’s no rush here, no overdevelopment – just warm hospitality, dramatic landscapes, and a culture that’s very much alive.
Rarotonga is the vibrant heart of the Cook Islands – a place where volcanic peaks meet clear lagoons and Polynesian culture is woven into everyday life. Despite being the main island, it feels refreshingly low-key, with no high-rise hotels and a pace that invites you to slow right down.
Things to do in Ratonga
What we love about Rarotonga is how easy it is to explore. You can circle the island in under an hour by scooter or bus, stopping off at small beaches, roadside fruit stalls, and local craft markets along the way. Inland, the landscape changes to rainforest and steep ridges, perfect for walking trails like the Cross-Island Track, which rewards you with sweeping views from The Needle.
There’s plenty to do without feeling rushed. Snorkel in the calm lagoon, join an island night for traditional dancing and umu feasts, or paddle a vaka canoe through turquoise shallows.
Ratonga Accommodation
Accommodation ranges from laid-back beachfront bungalows to boutique resorts with just a handful of rooms.
Rarotonga has a genuine warmth that comes from the people as much as the place. It’s ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking for an island holiday with real character and a welcoming spirit.
Aitutaki Adventures
Aitutaki feels like the Cook Islands’ best-kept secret – a dreamscape of white-sand motu and a lagoon so blue it barely looks real. It’s the sort of place where days drift by to the rhythm of the tide, and the biggest decision is which beach to visit next.
What we love about Aitutaki is how untouched it feels. While there are a few lovely small resorts, there’s nothing overdeveloped here – just clear water, simple island hospitality, and time to unwind properly. Take a boat trip across the lagoon, stopping to swim and snorkel among coral gardens teeming with fish.
We recommend exploring some of the smaller islets like One Foot Island, where you can walk around barefoot all afternoon and feel like you have the South Pacific to yourself. Inland, you’ll find quiet villages and churches dating back to the earliest missionaries, all surrounded by coconut palms.
I can guide you to the best resorts and beaches in the South Pacific.
Best places to stay in Cook Islands
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Ruth
Cook Islands Expert