The Rarotongan Beach Resort is set right on one of Rarotonga’s finest beaches, Aroa Beach, nestled between the reef and the rainforest of the high mountains. The Resort reflects the charm and character of the island, its unaffected people with open hearts and smiles, its unspoiled beauty, its ancient stories. Rarotonga offers a rare blend of all modern comforts with few modern ailments. Here you have the freedom to deeply relax into each other’s company, surrounded by a tropical wonderland and a wealth of ways to explore it. Once forged, your link with Rarotonga will never be forgotten. Couples marrying at The Rarotongan plant an uto, a young coconut palm, to seal their vows. In the Islands the coconut is known as the Tree of Life for the myriad of ways in which it provides sustenance. The palm will stand as a symbol of your love, beside the Sea of Love.

Rarotonga, the heart of the Cook Islands and one of the most romantic places on Earth, is the pick of the bouquet for many couples from all four corners of the globe looking for a special place to exchange their vows. A magnificent island of high mountains clothed in lush green rainforest and encircled by a strikingly lovely lagoon of endless turquoise, Rarotonga is truly one of the last remaining paradises on Earth.

Location:
The Rarotongan Beach Resort is the Cook Islands’ premier resort, and its distinctive architecture and ambience make it the signature resort of the Cook Islands. Set directly on one of the island’s best white sand beaches on the shores of a beautiful blue lagoon, the Resort provides the place, the space and the freedom for a deeply relaxing beach holiday, honeymoon or romantic escape.

The beach and Resort are set on Rarotonga’s sunshine coast where the sun sets and the moon rises, conveniently located less than 15 minutes from Avarua township and 10 minutes from the International Airport. The Resort is only a short distance from all the island’s many attractions and adventures, but a world away from the cares of today’s busy lifestyles. In fact, The Rarotongan’s a great place to regain your own good humor and perspective on what’s really important in life. The majority of the population lives in the Southern Group.

WATER SPORTS:
Set on Rarotonga’s sunshine coast directly on the white sand shores of Aroa Lagoon, The Rarotongan is ideally situated to provide guests with all-day sun and a wide range of waterspouts activities. Probably the most stunning lagoon-based activity at the Resort is the world-class snorkeling, so breathtaking as to enthuse guests to compare it to that of the Maldives or Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. And what makes the snorkeling even more incredible is that you can walk straight off the beach and see an amazing underwater wonderland of Moorish Idols, Wrasse, butterfly, parrot and angel fish, all in chest-deep water protected naturally by the reef!

On offer at the Resort are complimentary snorkeling lessons and excursions, plus other activities such as fish feeding and kayaking. Also available are complimentary Give-Scuba-A-Go sessions in our large Waterfalls freshwater swimming pool. Experienced, friendly PADI or NAUI qualified instructors from Cook Island Divers take you through your paces to give you a taste of the real thing.

The Cook Islands has excellent ocean diving and particularly good visibility of seldom less than 100 ft (30m). Over the reef there are big drop-offs, canyons, caves, swim-through, whales, sharks, rays and turtles. There’s a wide variety of corals (including brain, plate and Staghorn) and an abundance of colorful fish life, and all this just 10 minutes out through the reef in purpose-designed dive boats. Another fun activity is a Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruise on a glass-bottom boat, followed by a beach BBQ on a little offshore motu (islet) in the lagoon. And there’s even a shipwreck to explore! And for the enthusiast there’s also sport fishing, windsurfing and sailing.

ON THE LAND:
One of our most popular activities is a Village Walk which takes you close to the daily lives of the local people of Rarotonga. You get to see many lush plantations such as banana, taro, pineapple, orange and pawpaw (papaya), and you may even get to pick and eat fruit straight off the tree! There are also such adventures as a circle-island historical tour where you learn about the rich history of Rarotonga, garden tours of Rarotonga’s gorgeous private gardens, horseback riding along the beach, trekking on foot with the famous guide Pa over the mountains and through the rainforests of Rarotonga, or you can do it the easy way on a fun 4WD Raro Mountain Safari!

BUDGET RENT-A-CAR & TOUR DESK:
The Budget Rent-a-Car & Tour Desk will be happy to supply you with an on-site rental vehicle, whether a bicycle, motor scooter, car, or even a 4WD! They can also book you on any Rarotongan adventure that you choose.

OTHER SPORTS:
For your enjoyment The Rarotongan offers two on-site tennis courts, three on-site beach volleyball courts (two are international competition standard, and one fun ‘standard’!), and a games room with pool table and table tennis. Plus Rarotonga has a 9-hole golf course (which you can play twice to get in your 18 holes!) and a bowling green, and there are many other local sports and events at which visitors are always welcome including rugby, touch rugby, rugby league, rugby sevens, netball, handball, volleyball, beach volleyball, soccer, basketball, paddling (oe vaka), cricket, triathlons and squash.

All 156 rooms have the following:
California King bed in all rooms
Twin bed configuration available in all rooms
IDD phone with data port, voicemail & automatic wakeup call facility
Bath / shower
Hairdryer
Stocked mini-bar & fridge
Tea / coffee making facilities
Fan & insect screen
Daily housemaid service
Room service

Room Styles:

GRAND BEACHFRONT SUITES:
Offer contemporary Polynesian design and spacious living in a tropical beachfront setting. Superbly located directly on the white sands of Aroa Beach, the Grand Beachfront Suites offer stunning views of the crystal clear waters of Aroa Lagoon and front row seats to the breathtaking sunsets that are typical on the Sunshine Southwest coast. The spacious room interior consists of a bedroom with King bed, bathroom with spa bath / shower, kitchen (with breakfast bar, microwave, stovetop and refrigerator), dining area and lounge with light-colored terracotta tiles throughout.

The fabulous wraparound verandah offers wonderful indoor outdoor flow and leads directly onto the beach. Comfortable sun loungers and outdoor furniture make it ideal for dining al fresco or enjoying a long cool drink. Additional to all the standard modern amenities above, the Grand Beachfront Suites also come equipped with television and video, stereo and tropical styled sofa and armchairs. A wonderful outdoor shower adds to the essence of the tropics and allows you to get back to nature in complete privacy.

GARDEN, BEACHFRONT ROOMS AND BEACHFRONT SUITE:
All rooms come equipped with new individually-controlled air-conditioning, filtered and UV - purified water on tap, a furnished private veranda, IDD phone with data port (enabling in-room email & internet access), voicemail & automatic wake-up call facilities, stocked mini-bar, refrigerator, tea/coffee making facilities, bath/shower, hairdryer, insect screen & fan. The main distinction between rooms is in their location, as all rooms are fairly similar in layout and size. The Beachfront Suites offer a separate sitting room and wide sweeping verandas onto the beach.

TWO-BEDROOM GARDEN SUITE:
The brand new Two-Bedroom Garden Suites are self-contained and offer greater flexibility for families and friends traveling together. Tiled throughout with attractive terracotta floor tiles, they consist of a master bedroom with king bed which opens out onto the veranda, a second bedroom with 2 king singles, a tiled bathroom with spa bath/shower, separate toilet, an outfitted kitchen incl. microwave, stove top, refrigerator and tea/coffee making, and sitting and dining room which opens out onto a spacious Island-style table and chairs, which can be used for dining inside or al fresco. These Suites have two separate, individually controlled air-conditioning units in the sitting room and hallway, plus IDD telephone with data port voicemail & auto wakeup call facilities, hairdryer, insect screens and fans. The spa bath is the perfect indulgence for soaking off a hard day on the beach!

BEACHFRONT JUNIOR SUITE:
Located only steps from the white sands of Aroa Beach the Beachfront Junior Suites enjoy all the same fabulous amenities as the Garden Junior Suites with the added bonus of the close proximity to the sparkling azure waters of Aroa Lagoon.

GARDEN JUNIOR SUITE:
The Garden Junior Suites offer light, spacious, modern accommodation with a wonderful tropical ambience. Each Junior Suite provides individually-controlled air-conditioning, contemporary new terracotta tiled floor, new separate tiled bathroom with bath, shower, vanity, hairdryer and toilet, king beds, sofa, island-style table (which doubles as a writing desk), in-room television and video, and a spacious veranda complete with outdoor furniture (including sun loungers).

For those who want to get back to nature the Junior Suites feature a completely private outdoor shower area - a very popular additional feature ideal for the tropics. Other facilities include filtered and UV - purified water on tap, IDD telephone with data port Internet access, voicemail and automatic wake-up call facilities, stocked mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities, insect screen and fan.

MOUNTAIN JUNIOR SUITE:
With views of the majestic mountains forming much of the lush interior of the island, the Mountain View Junior Suites offer spacious living with individually controlled air-conditioning, separate bathroom with spa bath/shower, new terracotta tiling throughout, comfortable King bed, sofa and armchairs and a spacious verandah looking out onto the island’s lush mountainous interior. Full modern amenities are provided including filtered and UV-purified drinking water on tap, IDD telephone with data port internet access, voicemail and automatic wake-up call facilities, stocked mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities, insect screen and fan.

GUEST FACILITIES:

• Poolside Café & Bar with a la carte and daily specials
• Treetops Verandah Restaurant with buffet breakfasts and fabulous nightly theme dinner shows
• Gourmet Ice-cream Parlor
• Beachcomber Black Pearl Boutique
• Treasure Chest Gift Shop
• Wide range of ‘Elope to Paradise’ Wedding Packages, Renewal of Vows &
• Romance / Honeymoon options
• Garden Wedding Gazebo
• Function Catering
• Freshwater Pool with Sundecks & Waterfalls Feature
• Games Room with Big-Screen TV/video, pool table, table tennis
• Guest Library
• 7-Day Activities Programme including Snorkeling Lessons, Novice Scuba Lessons, Kayaks, Beach Volleyball, Tennis, Guided Walks, Cultural Activities
• Moko’s Kids Club - Kids Stay & Play Free! in one of the best kids’ clubs in the South Pacific
• Budget Rent-a-Car & Tour Desk
• Guest Laundries (self service or valet)
• 24-hour Internet Booths
• Business Centre
• 24-hour Reception
• Currency Exchange
• Safety Deposit Boxes
• Luggage Storage
• On Site Parking

1. RE-DISCOVER THE ROMANTIC IN YOU
Rarotonga has a centre of high mountains clothed in lush rainforest and fringed by kilometers of white sand beaches. Drift into a deep sleep to the sound of the waves pounding on the distant coral reef, then awake refreshed, walk along the beach hand in hand, feel the soft sea breeze on your cheek, sip a fresh papaya (pawpaw) juice and thrill to the dawn of a new day in Paradise. Pure bliss.

2. EXCHANGE YOUR VOWS OR HONEYMOON ON RAROTONGA
For the ultimate in romance exchange your vows on a long, sandy white beach lapped by Rarotonga’s beautiful Lagoon of Love (Aroa Lagoon) in front of the Cook Islands’ signature resort, The Rarotongan Beach Resort. Be surrounded by island serenaders, fragrant garlands, the soft popping of champagne bubbles and the golden light of the setting sun. For your truly memorable way to say "I do" you need be on Rarotonga just 3 working days before the Big Day, and your marriage is legally recognized throughout the world. Or, renew your vows as a very special anniversary present. Whether wedding, honeymoon or renewal, sharing it in Rarotonga is the essence of romance.

3. EXPERIENCE THE UNDERWATER WONDERLAND
At Aroa Lagoon marine sanctuary in front of The Rarotongan Beach Resort you can walk straight in off the beach and snorkel in an underwater wonderland amongst rainbow-colored angel, parrot, butterfly, wrasses and Picasso fish, protected naturally by the coral reef. Simply amazing! At Muri Lagoon Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruises offer glass-bottom boat trips, off-boat snorkeling and a beach BBQ on a deserted isle. And PADI & NAUI-qualified dive operators offer excellent ocean diving over the reef in warm, crystal clear waters with 100ft (30m) visibility amongst rays, whales, sharks and turtles.

4. TASTE THE CULTURE
At a ‘Legends of Polynesia’ Island Night at The Rarotongan Beach Resort witness the opening of the traditional underground oven, the umu, then delight in the sumptuous umukai feast of such favorites as succulent island pork, lamb and game fish slow cooked to perfection, rukau (taro greens), eke (octopus curry), ika mata (fresh game fish in coconut cream), and poke (said po-kay, banana pudding). Top island troupes such as Orama (‘The Vision’) then drum and dance the night away with unforgettable energy and passion.

5. TAKE TO THE HILLS
Head into the lush rainforest interior to hear the island’s ancient stories and learn about traditional plants (such as Rarotonga’s Viagra, the nono!), either on 4WD with Raro Mountain Safari Tours or on foot with guide Pa. Hike into the Takitumu Conservation Area to see one of the world’s rarest little birds, the endangered kakerori, or simply set off from The Rarotongan to explore the waterfall, villages, plantations, back country roads and beaches.

6. SET OFF ON A SHOPPING EXPEDITION
The mysterious and beautiful Cook Islands black pearl is a must-buy for anyone looking for a unique keepsake and can be found at The Rarotongan’s on-site boutique, Beachcomber, which also has a beautiful gallery in town at the restored old London Missionary Society Sunday School. Also look out for fine white ‘rito’ hats & fans made in the outer islands, wood & pearl shell carvings, locally-made beach & resort wear, and even coconut-shell bras! Great buys at the busy Saturday morning Punanga-nui Market include prized tivaevae (Cook Islands quilts), fresh island fruits, freshly-caught tuna, and home-made delicacies.

7. EXPLORE THE ISLAND
Bike, walk, drive a jeep, go on horseback, take the circle island bus, hire a scooter, take a scenic flight or a guided historical tour. Points of historical interest include Ngatangiia Harbour where the Great Migration of Maori departed in vakas (great outrigger canoes) to settle New Zealand, the Great Road of Toi built of coral by the ancient chief Toi, Papeiha’s Preaching Stone where the Christian gospel was first preached on Rarotonga, and the present-day palaces of the chiefs. A great memento of your trip is your Cook Islands’ drivers license, which you pick up at the central police station in Avarua.

8. BE PART OF THE FRIDAY BIG NIGHT OUT
Friday is the big night out on Rarotongan, so grab a ticket to The Rarotongan's Nightlife Tour and climb aboard the fun bus to catch the local dance floor action and check out the island's hot bars and clubs.

9. LET YOUR SPIRIT SOAR
Take in the soaring harmonies, white coral and limestone churches and fine rito hats at a Sunday morning church service. Moving and memorable.

10. SAVOR FANTASTIC FOOD
Sample a wide range of cuisine from around the world at the superb nightly theme dinner buffets with live entertainment at The Rarotongan, or at a number of good restaurants around the island. Specialties at the Resort and around the islands include Pacific Rim, seafood, Asian, Italian, Chinese, steaks, roast and barbecue nights. Ponder your choice as you sip a mouth-watering cocktail while gazing at another glorious sunset across Aroa Lagoon. Yes, the satisfying close of yet another wonderful day in paradise, all the better for being shared.