STRALASIA COOK ISLANDS DESTINATIONS
w STAY: HOT HOTELS The best base on Rarotonga is definitely Muri, which has grown over the past few years into a loveable mini tourist town, with several accommodation options, activities, restaurants and cafes within an easy walking distance of each other.
Muri Beach Club is one of the longer-standing options here, with large airy rooms and a series of thoughtful touches that elevate it. These include a giant chess set and guides to all the fish that can be seen in and beyond the lagoon, plus free kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkel sets for guests. Prices start at £186 per night. At the other end of Muri, the Nautilus Resort (from £349) is the newest luxury option. Each tropical are’ has a plunge pool, free Wi-Fi (something that often costs a fortune in the Cooks), dark wood varnished floors and sunbeds on the decking outside. It’s spacious, wired up with Bluetooth technology and has just enough local design touches to feel part of the landscape. For something completely
different, the Ikurangi Eco Retreat
(from £128) is inland, surrounded by fruit trees and marvellous mountain views. It does glamping with luxury safari tents imported from Africa kitted out in comfort. There’s a small on-site pool and a strong environmental focus that stretches to composting toilets and breakfast full of food largely grown on site. Over on Aitutaki, the Tamanu Beach Resort (from £254) has big, spacious coconut palm- thatched bungalows with indoor and outdoor showers and a prime position on the most gorgeous of white-sand beaches. The layout is a little odd – it’s split into two separate parts with another building in between – but the bungalows are beautifully furnished. Hardwood floors, mahogany vanity benches and quirky outdoor showers are part of the ensemble. The Pacific Resort (from £590) is generally regarded as the top address here. Three miles of beach frontage, 27 bungalows and villas among 19 acres of tropical gardens and one of the best restaurants in the country make for a very pampered, honeymoony experience.
5 April 2018
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