All-in-one resort for your all-in-one vacation ~ this is indeed ‘the resort with the mostest’. It’s all right here for your supreme relaxation and enjoyment, be it restaurants, spa, huge range of complimentary activities, gym, salon, personal wedding planners, function catering, self-contained luxury villas, the list goes on. Enjoy your best beach resort experience ever!

Authentic Rarotongan resort. Soak up the unique and distinctive ambience and aesthetic of this independent resort. Here you’ll really feel like you’re in the Cook Islands, in a very special place amongst a very special people, soaking up a very special magic. The Rarotongan is Rarotonga’s most Rarotongan resort.  Staying here, you definitely won’t feel like you could be anywhere …

Satisfying resort atmosphere. The Rarotongan is laid out on a kilometre-long stretch of prime beachfront, famous Aroa Beach. You can choose to have as much privacy and seclusion, or fun and excitement as you want – there’s plenty of options! Some areas of The Rarotongan’s beachfront – especially in front of the new Beachfront Suites – are very quiet, private and secluded – perfect for deep relaxation under the sun. Or by evening, you can choose to dine-in by ordering Room Service, another great way to relax into each other’s company. Other areas of The Rarotongan such as around the Activities Hut, the Games Lounge, and TE VAKA Restaurant in the evening, are hubs of exciting diversions or entertainment. Because The Rarotongan offers so much, you can easily ‘go with your mood’, whether you be feeling like mixing and mingling with other resort guests over sunset cocktails or taking in a show, or more like relaxing in your room or suite with a great in-house movie and ordering in. Great options make for a great, stress-free South Seas getaway!

Largest range of facilities. The Rarotongan is not the Cook Islands’ largest resort, but it definitely offers the most. And that all adds up to maximizing your vacation enjoyment.

Largest range of activities. It’s all laid on! Each evening you’ll receive a copy of our informative and entertaining Guest Newsletter outlining the following day’s complimentary Activities Programme – in our experience, easily the most extensive activities programme in the whole of the South Pacific! This way you can dip in and out of the huge range of activities options on the programme, as well as ‘doing your own thing’ when the mood takes you, such as trying your hand at outrigger canoeing, kayaking, tennis, feeding the fish by hand, doing some self-guided snorkelling, having some shut-eye time in a beach hammock, or booking in some me-time at the spa.

Best resort accommodations / Beachfront Suites. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa’s new Beachfront Suites are simply stunning, and simply the best resort accommodations on Rarotonga. Set apart by their unique and distinctive ‘South Seas island flavour’, the gorgeous Beachfront Suites are lined with rattan and feature super-king beds which face directly onto superb views of Aroa Beach and Aroa Lagoon (the Lagoon of Love). They even come complete with designer bathrooms accented with black pearl shell tile, and designer handmade lighting made of coconut! Spoil yourself, book yourself and your honey into a Beachfront Suite for your South Seas vacation, right on the beach!

Best location / Aroa Beach. Prime, pristine white sand beachfront for your best beach vacation ever. Aroa Beach is the beach lover’s beach – a long swathe of white sandy beach lapped by the crystal clear blue lagoon. The beach here is groomed and carefully tended by our grounds staff to keep it looking its best. An extra plus to those seeking privacy and seclusion is that The Rarotongan is the only resort or accommodator on Aroa Beach – no jostling with a passing parade, just you, the sun, the sand and the sea. In fact, The Rarotongan is well away from ‘hotel mile’ on the eastern side of the island, perfect for those seeking privacy and exclusivity.

Best snorkelling / Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa is the guardian of the Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve, declared by local traditional elders as a protected traditional marine reserve (raui) 8 years ago. Today the Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve and The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa offer guests an incredible array of ways to really make the most of this world-class snorkelling location. Step out of your room and you are just a few steps away from a stunning snorkelling adventure. Snorkelling is fun and easy when you know how. Take advantage of The Rarotongan’s snorkelling lessons in the swimming pool or the lagoon itself. Join the regular fish feeding and guided snorkelling tours. For something really special, book yourself on our popular and unique Night Snorkelling Tour. Or check out our guest Snorkelling Map and take yourself off on your own self-guided snorkelling tour any time the mood takes you. For so many of our guests here at The Rarotongan, snorkelling has become much more than a pastime, it’s a passion, something they like to do at least once or twice a day (or more!) while on vacation.  It’s so good knowing that by being a guest of The Rarotongan, the option’s yours to take yourself off for an easy, enjoyable snorkel excursion any time the mood takes you. It’s all right here.

All-tide swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and outrigger canoeing. What makes Aroa Lagoon so special as a snorkelling location is that it’s a fish breeding lagoon. For fish to breed and thrive they need the right water temperature – not too hot (ie shallow), not too cold. Aroa Lagoon is perfect for fish . . . and for people. Because it’s a crystal-clear, dynamic lagoon (ie not too shallow or slow-moving, and sparkling clean) it’s always available for swimming and snorkelling - at any tide. So as our guest, you don’t need to worry about the tides for your swimming or snorkelling enjoyment – just go when you’re ready, as Aroa Lagoon’s right here ready for you, anytime.  And another thing, Mother Nature was thinking ahead when she put Aroa Lagoon together, because it’s very friendly to both swimmers and snorkellers. As you enter the water, the entire area in front of Aroa Beach is sandy and clear of any corals – making for perfect swimming conditions. Then further out, there’s plenty of coral to keep the fish happy – ideal snorkelling conditions. Couldn’t be more perfect really. And as our guest, you get to enjoy this incredible facility right on your doorstep, every day of your stay here with us at The Rarotongan. How cool is that.

All-day sun. Something easily taken for granted in the tropics when you’re not in the know about local conditions. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa is blessed by being located on the sunshine southwest coast of Rarotonga, the drier side. Picture this – the island of Rarotonga, with its very high majestic mountain peaks in the centre. After the sun has risen in the east and traversed the sky, it goes behind the mountain for the east coast of the island around mid-afternoon during our winter (ie  June – September), and the eastern beaches are in shadow from around 3.30pm onwards. By being on the southwest coast, Aroa Beach though is blessed by being bathed in glorious tropical sunshine all day long, right through to …

Stunning sunsets. You have a real sense of completion and satisfaction when you can enjoy each full day here in paradise, right through to our renowned, glorious tropical sunsets. Kick back on the lagoon deck or in a hammock with a cool cocktail in hand and witness the island sun dip into the shimmering horizon. Then, take a deep sigh of satisfaction as another perfect day in paradise comes to a close. As our guest at The Rarotongan, you have box-seats for the island’s best sunset views, which of course are only visible from Rarotonga’s southwest coast.

Warm island hospitality. So many of our guests return again and again, in love with the friendliness and warmth of the staff they’ve met here over the years, who have become their friends, almost like family. Many of the staff have been at The Rarotongan for a number of years, and look forward to welcoming back our return guests by name with a warm “Kia Orana! Welcome home!” Once you’ve been a guest of The Rarotongan, you’re part of our Rarotongan family, and will always be welcome to return, anytime.

NEW!! LUXURY POOL VILLAS! The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa has now launched the Cook Islands’ only luxury villa estate, the super-luxe Tiare Taporo ‘Lime Blossom’ Villa Estate, a heritage home complete with a vast entertainment deck, villa-wide music system, swimming pool, spa pavilion, daybed pavilion, luxury bathhouse, sauna, open-air shower, 3 bedrooms each with ensuite and LCD TV, formal dining and sitting room, casual dining, full kitchen, laundry … the list goes on. Absolutely ideal for corporate retreats or the discerning searching for something very, very special.  The resort also offers the new Villa Onemaru (‘Soothing Sands’ Villa), a superb, spacious private pool villa with 2 master bedrooms each with an LCD TV and ensuite bathrooms, a 3rd bedroom with PlayStation, a separate bathroom with large spa bath, sitting and dining room, full kitchen, swimming pool, outdoor dining or daybed pavilion, outdoor BBQ, open-air shower, children’s playground, kayaks and Games Room with full-size pool table, table soccer and card / board games table. A stunning family or couples retreat. Guests of both villas can enjoy everything offered by Tiare Taporo Villa Estate or Villa Onemaru, along with all of the services (eg function catering) and facilities of The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa. Where else can you get all that? Simply, unbeatable.

Award-winning resort. Over the years The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa has been recognized by many awards – but none are held as close to our hearts as the reward of knowing there are many satisfied guests of the resort scattered far and wide around the world, who we always hope will one day be able to return to us.

The TOTAL beach resort. As the Cook Islands’ iconic signature resort, The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa is much more than the sum of its parts – it is the total beach resort, the resort with the mostest, offering guests the best beach resort experience on Rarotonga for your best beach vacation ever, right in the heart of the South Seas.

...for a TOTAL breakaway! Remember, any time of year is perfect in Rarotonga, never too hot, too cold, too wet or too dry – always, just right. So anytime you yearn for some great time-out in the tropics, book that ticket and come on over, we’ll be right here waiting for you. What are you waiting for?

“I had the best beach holiday ever!
Can’t wait to come back!!”

Natural Setting

Aroa Beach

Aroa Beach is home to The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa. Here, together in an eternal embrace, the white sandy shore is gently lapped by the luminous turquoise waters of Aroa Lagoon, the Lagoon of Love. As you take a stroll along the beach, it's likely that inquisitive marine life will come out to greet you at the water's edge. Meantime, sun loungers and hammocks beckon you to stop and stay a while. The soft sea breeze caressing your cheek, the warm sun on your shoulders, the sound of the gently swaying palms and lapping lagoon - these are the rhythms of Rarotonga which will lull you into a supreme sense of relaxation. Really, truly, deeply.

One of the finest beaches not just on Rarotonga, but found anywhere in the South Pacific, Aroa Beach is the home of The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa. Manicured daily, Aroa Beach is probably Rarotonga's most private and secluded. Set right on the island's sought-after southwest coast, Aroa Beach also enjoys all-day sunshine, making The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa the best-located resort on the island.

At day's end, Aroa Beach provides grandstand views of the island's glorious tropical sunsets. You can even book a private candlelit dinner right on the beach, with your toes nestled in the sand. Aroa Beach, your personal paradise.

Island Sunsets

The sun gently kissing the sea at the end of another perfect day in paradise. The Rarotongan is blessed with being set on the southwest coast, enjoying sun all day long, and spellbinding island sunsets. Whether walking hand in hand along Aroa Beach, lying back in a hammock skimming the sands, or enjoying a cool cocktail on the lagoon deck, the sun's blazing kaleidoscope as it dips below the horizon silences all conversation. Everything is enveloped by a deep peace and serenity. Your first Rarotongan sunset. A memory apart.

Tropical Gardens

Stop and smell the roses, says the old English proverb. Here at The Rarotongan, everything encourages you to stop and smell the frangipani. The lush tropical gardens here are filled with hibiscus, heliconia, gardenia (tiare maori), ginger, alamanda, banana, and frangipani, all under the canopy of elegant coconut palms. The vibrant colours of paradise call out to you: soulful yellows, pale pinks, ravishing reds, and energizing oranges, framed by the fresh greens of palms, taro and soft carpets of grass. Secret coves within the resort's gardens encourage you to stop and drink in the beauty of this tranquil paradise. Framed by the backdrop of towering rainforest-clad mountains, and tracing the edge of Aroa Lagoon, the gardens here at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa provide a peaceful haven to retreat, rest and relax. Come, explore. And sit a while.

Pacific Architecture

The islands of the South Pacific have a long history of innovative, resourceful and artistic architecture, and The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa celebrates that history in its design. Huge natural timbers, soaring dramatic ceilings, hand-tied artistic rope, thatched roofs, and weaved pandanus covered walls embrace the ancient building materials and techniques of our forebears, with all the modern amenities you would expect from a full-service four star resort.

Original Artworks

Showcase of Cook Islands Art, Crafts & Culture

You can find a number of resorts in the Cook Islands, but only at The Rarotongan will you truly find the Cook Islands in the resort. Locally and independently-owned, The Rarotongan has a strong commitment to expressing the essence of the Cook Islands through showcasing the best these unique and exotic islands have to offer. When you arrive, you are greeted by upright traditional staff gods in the porte cochere, carved from island hardwoods, and by two massive wooden carvings of Tangaroa, the ancient god of the sea, standing as sentinel as you enter the Resort Lobby. Within the Lobby, original commissioned tivaevae (Cook Islands heirloom quilts) adorn the walls. Kia Orana and welcome to The Rarotongan! Enjoy your refreshing welcome tropical juice, and relax on one of the coconut-palmwood lounge chairs. As you make your way around the resort during your stay, you will be greeted by many more examples of authentic Cook Islands culture. There are works by a number of Cook Islands painters including leading Rarotongan artist Mahiriki Tangaroa, exploring the fascinating story of our islands and our people. There are soaring lightshades of flowers, fish and many things, made of hand-painted fabrics or of translucent Cook Islands black pearl shell crafted by expert lighting designer Jesus de Navarre. There are massive wooden vaka (outrigger canoes) suspended from the ceiling, made by Rarotongan master carver Mike Tavioni and his team. Within your room or suite, you will discover commissioned art works by talented painter Andi Merkens of evocative Cook Islands people and scenes. Twice a week, The Rarotongan stages the island's best Island Night, 'Legends of Polynesia', complete with the only traditional island night Umu Feast of island pork, fish and local vegetables cooked in an authentic fire pit dug into the earth and layered with hot rocks and banana leaves, and a stunning performance of Cook Islands drumming and dancing. Once you've heard the distinctive sound of the Cook Island drums, you will feel as though you have heard the heartbeat of Mother Earth herself. And to witness the riveting spectacle of Cook Islands hura (hula) dancing, is to come to understand why they are considered to be the finest dancers in the whole of the South Pacific. To directly experience the culture, our friendly Activities Team would be delighted to show you how to beat the Cook Islands wooden log drums, dance the hura, play the ukulele, tie your own island pareu (sarong), or make the Cook Islands favourite dish, ika mata (fresh tuna steeped in coconut milk, onion and a little chili). Here at The Rarotongan you can discover and experience the essence of the Cook Islands, as we honour the rich culture of our past, and celebrate our vibrant, living culture of today.

Carvings

Wood carving is a key pillar of Cook Islands artistic expression. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa is proud to be the caretaker for future generations of a spectacular collection of Cook Islands wood carvings, displayed throughout the Resort's public areas. Admire the way elegant form and precise function combine seamlessly within the outrigger canoe paddles displayed in the Te Vaka Restaurant, whose soaring wooden ceiling is home to two carved vaka (outrigger canoes) which appear to glide through the air. Compare heights as you stand beside the Lobby's life-size depictions of Tangaroa, the once highly-revered god of the sea and of fertility. Enjoy the sense of fluid motion of the dolphins caught in freeze-frame within the Reef Fish Café. Even the directional signs throughout the Resort are hand-carved. As your stay with us here at The Rarotongan unfolds, you will discover that your experience and appreciation of our living, breathing Cook Islands culture will unfold with it.

Tivaevae

The art of tivaevae making is unique to the Cook Islands, and is another key pillar of Cook Islands artistic expression. Since quilt-making was introduced by Christian missionaries over a century ago, Cook Islands women have embraced it enthusiastically and with extraordinary skill, so that it has become an essential part of local life and culture. Groups of women (vaine-tini) gather together in the villages to carefully cut, sew and share yarns, and the tivaevae they create are often bursting with the colours of the Pacific, sometimes over-sewn with intricate embroidery. The patterns and designs depicted are almost always inspired by the beautiful flowers and plants of the Cook Islands, an integral part of our way of life, and much thought goes into selecting colours to achieve unique combinations and contrasts. Tivaevae are traditionally bestowed as gifts of love, often to family members on such occasions such as weddings, births, baptisms, hair-cutting ceremonies (a traditional rite of passage for boys), 21st birthdays, or funerals, or to honoured visitors. Tivaevae are an integral part of any special occasion in the Cook Islands, often used for decoration as well as given away. Many house-proud mamas also use tivaevae as decorations at home, sometimes draped over the sofas. More often though, beautifully and finely-crafted tivaevae are carefully stored in heavy wooden chests, to be brought out only on special occasions. These lovingly-made works of art take many months or years to create, and are treasured heirlooms handed down proudly through the generations. Few are sold, and if you are ever lucky enough to find one for sale, you would expect to part with anything upwards of NZ$2000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the intricacy of the work and the level of attachment to it by the owner! Over the years The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa has maintained a commitment to collecting diverse examples of this unique form of Cook Islands artistic expression. Adorning the Resort's Lobby is our original tivaevae tribute to Rarotonga's floral abundance, commissioned from renowned tivaevae artist, Atiu-based Andrea Eimke. During our 'Legends of Polynesia' Island Nights we proudly display examples from our collection within the Te Vaka Restaurant. Tivaevae from the Resort's prized private collection are also used to decorate our Treetops Verandah Room during such private events as wedding receptions or conferences held there. Art displayed within the Resort's guest-rooms and suites also depicts tivaevae, and the bedspread draped over your bed reflects traditional Cook Islands tivaevae designs. The unique beauty of tivaevae and the way it captures the exotic colours and patterns of our special slice of paradise provides many hours of enjoyment. The Rarotongan is proud to act as a custodian of this very integral and valued part of Cook Islands culture.

Paintings

Over the years The Rarotongan has brought together a diverse private collection of original works by a wide range of Cook Islands artists. These reflect the evolution of painting in the Cooks, a relatively recent form of artistic expression here. The paintings can be viewed around the resort’s public areas, and include works by such leading and noted artists as Mahiriki Tangaroa, Tim Manavaroa Buchanan, Loretta Reynolds, Kay George, Tereapii Rongo, Joan Rolls Gragg, Michael Tavioni, Dernice Rongo and Ian George.

The works include a triptych by Mahiriki Tangaroa in which she seeks to provide a visual narrative of the tapestry of events and icons surrounding the discovery and history of the Cook Islands, called “From darkness to light”.

The key theme of Part One and a consistent theme across all three panels is a homage to the feat of oceanic navigation across vast distances achieved by the early Polynesian explorers, from the migration from South East Asia to Samoa, Tonga and thereafter the Cook Islands, to the continued navigational prowess which led to the Polynesian settlement of New Zealand. Throughout, the people held fast in their beliefs in the power of their traditional gods to safeguard them on their potentially perilous voyages of discovery.

The second panel visually documents the discovery of Tumutevarovaro (Rarotonga) by Karika from Samoa and Tangiia from Tahiti. They met at sea on their journey to Rarotonga, and decided that rather than fight over the island, they would split Rarotonga between them, a decision which continues to be reflected in the affairs of the island today. The panel also includes visual references to the fascinating pre-European star charts from the northern group island of Pukapuka.

Part three provides a painterly record of the sighting of Manuae by Captain James Cook in 1773, and his subsequent closer investigation of Manuae, Mangaia, Palmerston, Atiu and Takutea in 1777, which Captain Cook dubbed the Hervey Islands in honour of the First Lord of the British Admiralty of the time.

Our People

There can be no denying that here in the Cook Islands we enjoy a very special slice of paradise indeed. Our islands are stunningly beautiful, our lagoons pristine, our beaches unspoiled. But it is the genuine warmth of our people that will prove to be the highlight of your stay at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa. Life in Rarotonga is what life was like in places like Hawaii or Tahiti 50 years ago. Neighbors with a true sense of community, no one in any great hurry, local Rarotongans stopping to really enjoy life with one another. Rarotongans are some of the most approachable people on Earth, ready and willing to let you into their hearts and homes. Although at first some can seem a little shy, your interest in them and their lives will soon be richly rewarded as you are welcomed in to experience a slice of true Cook Islands living. Before you know it you will soon be a new and proud member of the family!

Marine Environment

Wherever you are at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, you are mere steps away from the unspoiled waters of the Aroa Marine Reserve. This protected sanctuary is home to a healthy, diverse marine life, and is sheltered by the outlying reef. Swim, snorkel, sea kayak and explore the reserve at any time in complete safety, as boating and fishing are not allowed in the lagoon, and this particular area of the lagoon is less affected by tides. The Aroa Marine Reserve has been set aside for protection for future generations, and we ask that you experience it to its fullest, while respecting the beauty and uniqueness of one of nature's miracles.

Marine Life

Prepare to be amazed. Boasting some of the clearest, cleanest turquoise water in the world, the Aroa Marine Reserve is home to a rich, diverse array of marine life. Among the many sea creatures awaiting your discovery include parrot fish, Moorish idols, wrasse, angelfish, butterfly and more, all in shallow clear waters, protected by the outlying reef. The reserve's marine life thrives, as there are no boats nor any fishing allowed in this area of the lagoon. We like to think of our healthy local marine life as part of The Rarotongan's family, and hope that you spend time exploring and enjoying it to its fullest.

Snorkeling

What better way to explore Aroa Marine Reserve's stunning marine life than by snorkeling. Grab some custom-fit snorkel gear and a snorkeling map from our Activities Centre, which is located just steps from the water's edge. Snorkeling in Aroa Marine Reserve reveals a true underwater wonderland. Amazingly clear visibility, a wide variety of marine life, and a healthy population of sea creatures in this clean, clear, warm water await your discovery. Relax and take your time snorkeling. Your patience will be rewarded, as new and different sea life come out to see you, just as you hope to discover them. Never been snorkeling? Try our Learn to Snorkel course, taught in the safe confines of our fresh water pool. Do you want to witness the best of our snorkeling? Join one of our Snorkeling Safaris. Snorkeling is rightfully one of our most popular activities, and is sure to be one of the highlights of your stay at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa.

Learn to Snorkel

Do you want to try snorkeling for the first time? Well, you are in for a treat, as you are about to be spoiled for life! Our trained and friendly activities team members will happily show you the ins and outs of snorkeling, all in the comfort and security of our fresh water pool. Soon you will be comfortable snorkeling on your own, as the lagoon certainly beckons. No need to worry about boats or jet skis, as motorized vessels are not allowed in Aroa Marine Reserve. Other than a few swimmers and kayakers, the only others with whom you share the waters are the amazing marine life. No fears about sharks in the lagoon either. All we ask is that you limit your experience to a visual one, and not touch any of the delicate marine life that makes this place so special.

Snorkeling Safaris

Do you want to learn more about the marine life in Aroa Marine Reserve? Try one of our Snorkeling Safaris, where an experienced snorkel guide takes you on a snorkel experience highlighting the best (and some of our hidden!) spots. Our guides have been snorkeling these waters all their lives, and they know the best spots to witness the finest marine life. As the waters are warm, calm and protected from the outlying reef, snorkeling is safe at all times of the day (and night! - check out our Night Snorkeling). Our Snorkeling Safaris are regular activities, so be sure to check our Daily Activities Board.

Night Snorkeling

Did you know that a completely different set of marine creatures comes out at night? Have you ever wanted to witness this firsthand? Grab a torch and join one of our experienced snorkel guides for our popular Night Snorkel. Your first step into the dark lagoon may be taken with a bit of apprehension, but once the torches are on, you will be surrounded by amazing sea life, who are as inquisitive about you as you are of them. Prepare to see a whole new set of sea creatures that only come out after sunset. A fun, unique, and educational experience for all. For those on shore or on the waterfront deck, the arcing torch lights from the snorkelers in the lagoon is a sight to behold. Simply a different world.

Conservation

Aroa Marine Reserve has been in the making for millions of years. We are very proud of the cleanliness and amazing visibility found in Aroa Marine Reserve, and we are dedicated to maintaining its unique nature for future generations. This area is an important fish-breeding lagoon, and recognized throughout the island as a Raui - a no-fishing zone. As such, we ask that you respect the lagoon by not soiling it with trash, and by not touching sea life and corals while snorkeling and kayaking. Take only memories, leave only bubbles.

Snorkeling map

Salon Vivo

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa’s own Salon VIVO is a full service hair and beauty salon, offering hair styling and makeup services that are perfect for your wedding day, or that special romantic dinner under the stars. The dedicated hair salon features two treatment rooms, and the award-winning stylist uses the finest hair treatment and beauty products.

For the lucky Bride getting married at The Rarotongan, a full array of hair and beauty services is available. Bridal hair can be done in a simple style such as Rose Petals, French Rolls, French Twists, or Simple Bun. Complex hair styling is also available, featuring combinations of twists, knots, loops, rolls, and/or ringlets. Full Bridal Make-up is available, as well as hair and make-up consultation prior to your big day. Salon VIVO specialists in hair & make-up for bridal parties, and it’s great for them to have the convenience and expertise of this on-site facility.

Salon Menu

The Rarotongan’s private salon, Salon VIVO, offers a wide range of hair styling, hair therapies and make-up artistry, including:

Style Cut or Trim
Blow Dry with Hot Iron
Roller Set
Protein Treatments
Permanent Waves
Relaxed Perm
Spiral Perm
Hair Straightening
Permanent Colouring
Semi-Permanent Colouring
Streaks (High and Low Lights)
Comb Ups
Full Makeup Services

Salon Packages

Pamper yourself on your big day, and look your best for your dream wedding in paradise at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa. Select from Salon VIVO’s full Bridal Hair & Beauty Menu, including Bridal Hair & Makeup packages, Dressing of the Bride, Star Treatment, Bridal Party Hair & Makeup, and Consultations. Following are some of the packages we offer at Salon VIVO

Bridal Hair & Makeup (Simple Style)

Features upstyles such as: Rose Petals, French Rolls, French Twists, and Simple Bun. Includes free consultation, shampoo, deep protein treatment, blow wave and hair styling. Make-up includes cleanse, tone, moisturize, bronzing of neck and shoulders, and make-up style of choice, plus free consultation.

Bridal Hair & Makeup (Complex Style)

Two to three hairstyles in one, featuring combinations of twists, knots, loops, rolls, and/or ringlets. Includes shampoo, deep protein treatment, blow wave, hair styling, roll and set, teasing and/or curling tongs as required, plus free consultation. Make-up includes cleanse, tone, moisturize, bronzing of neck and shoulders, and make-up style of choice, plus free consultation.

Health & Fitness Centre

A relaxing Cook Islands holiday awaits you at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa. However, we realize that you also want access to health and fitness activities during your stay. The Rarotongan's full Gym facility offers free weights, a large selection of machine weights, exercise balls and more. If you want to explore the island and exercise at the same time, rent a mountain bike and ride the Outer Island Road, or explore some of the inner island roads that reveal some of the island's secret places. If tennis is your game, our Tennis Court will keep you busy. No worries about bringing your own equipment, as racquets and balls are available with our compliments. And for a water-based exercise activity, grab a paddle and take out one of our many sea kayaks or outrigger canoes, allowing you to soak up the beauty of Aroa Lagoon while getting a great workout. And of course, taking a run on Aroa Beach beats using a treadmill inside a sweaty city gym any day of the week – plus it’s great for the calf muscles and lungs!

Gym

Located adjacent to our Activities Centre, the air-conditioned Gym at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa features a full array of free weights, as well as a large number of weight machines. Exercise balls are also available. The use of the Gym is exclusively for Resort guests only. An ideal combination for a full workout is the Gym along with some exercise in our great outdoors – be it tennis, beach volleyball, kayaking, outrigger canoeing, jogging along the beach or a mountain bike ride.

Tennis Court

Is tennis your game? A full-size tennis court is available at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa. No need to bring your own equipment, as quality tennis racquets and balls are available for your use. Never played tennis? Ask one of our friendly experienced Activities Centre staff, who will be happy to show you the ins and outs of this very addictive game. Looking for a tennis partner? The Activities Centre staff will be happy to try and hook you up with another tennis player interested in a challenge.

Moko's Kids Club

"I'll meet you in the Kid's Club!" is a familiar refrain heard from the children lucky enough to be staying at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa. And why not, as Moko’s Kids Club is one of the finest children’s activities centres in the entire South Pacific. A fully-supervised, colourful and superbly-equipped facility, Moko’s is not just a play room, but also an educational experience, where your children will learn about the unique culture and nature of Rarotonga through daily programmes of fun hands-on activities. In the evening, Moko’s hosts Kid’s Movie Night, allowing you the freedom to relax and enjoy a nice, quiet dinner. Open year-round, Monday through Saturday, Moko's Kids Club offers games, toys, arts and crafts, nature walks, story time, and lots more. And one of the best parts...it’s free! Kids aged up to 11 stay for free and play for free at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa. Under 4’s play free in the Kid’s Club under the supervision of a parent or babysitter.

Club House

Moko’s Kids Club, located at treetop level, is like your child’s own club house. Our colourful, interactive, educational club house offers a wide range of hands-on projects. Our unique cultural activities include island ura (hula) dancing, log drumming, flower ei (lei) making, moko hunting and more. You can even paint your own coconut. Kids will love the extensive range of toys, books, paints and crafts, puzzles, board games, Lego, sports equipment, musical instruments, video games, and even an indoor trampoline. Kids also enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks at each morning and afternoon session, and the club house has its own kids toilets and shower. Fully staffed by fun, friendly, and safety-conscious clubhouse leaders, Moko’s Kids Club will be one of the highlights of your child’s stay at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa.

Kids Activities Programme

Moko’s Kids Club activities programme has been designed with your child’s fun and education in mind. Our fully-staffed clubhouse has an activities programme that changes daily. A wide variety of activities are sure to keep your child playing, learning, and happy throughout the day. Three sessions daily, from 9am-12noon, 2pm-5pm, and 7pm-9pm, are full of activities, arts and crafts and more. Your child will love the fun selection of activities, including Moko’s Storytime, face painting, kite making, coconut bowling, flower ei making, island dancing lessons, fish feeding, and lots more. The daily activities board outside Moko’s Kids Club will let you know what’s happening on the day, and your child will surely want to return to the clubhouse again and again.

Clubhouse Rules

Like most clubhouses, Moko’s Kids Club has its own set of rules. We ask that only children ages 11 and under be allowed in the clubhouse. Children under age 4 are certainly invited to come and play, but must be accompanied by a parent or babysitter. If your young child is still in nappies, we ask that you remain available with extra nappies please. If your child has been in the pool or on the beach prior, we ask that you kindly dry them and wash off sand, so we can keep Moko’s a clean, dry place for everyone. While your child will more than likely want to visit our clubhouse for every session, we do require that children be picked up by the end of each session, and a late fee is applicable. Moko’s Kids Club is free to all children staying at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, where Kids Play Free!

Gift Shop

Need sun screen, lotions, sun burn cream, soft drinks, snacks and more? The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa has two handy stores with a wide range of goods including those small but important necessities of life, plus local Cook Islands souvenirs such as a great collection of t-shirts, sundresses, many postcards, locally produced soaps and lotions, hand-made crafts, wood carvings, and more. Looking for a uniquely Rarotongan gift? Consider purchasing a print of one of the artworks found around The Rarotongan.

Business Centre

While The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa is your own tropical, Cook Islands hideaway, it doesn’t mean that you have to leave all communication and modern amenities behind. If you need to do business while staying at The Rarotongan, you can take advantage of wireless internet access by the pool, two internet booths, international direct dial telephones, fax services and more. Our Business Centre is ready to assist with your business requirements.

Internet Access

After surfing our waves, you can surf the internet! It has never been easier to reach around the world and communicate with friends and family. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa is proud to offer several options for guests seeking internet access. If you have your own laptop, grab a drink and sit around the pool, where you can enjoy wi-fi high speed internet access. For more privacy, you can contact Cook Islands Telecom and get your own dial-up internet account, which can be accessed through the telephone in your room. If you did not bring your computer, no worries. Visit our internet booths, where dedicated guest computers are always connected to the internet. Stay in touch with your business, with your family, and with your friends. And, be sure to send them a photo of you lounging on Aroa Beach!

Tours

Rarotonga has so much to offer, and your stay at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa should include some of the many Tours that highlight the beauty of the island and show off the wonderful Cook Islands culture. Visit the Cultural Village and see how life in Rarotonga used to be, or hop aboard one of the fun 4WD jeeps for an exciting and adventurous Raro Mountain Safari Tour. A great way to experience the fantastic lagoon is aboard Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruise. If you want to experience nature first hand, consider visiting the Takitumu Conservation Area, or join Pa, a famous Rarotongan mainstay, for one of his Cross Island Treks. Whatever you want to do, whatever you want to see, Rarotonga’s riches await.

Adventures

If it is adventure you seek during your stay at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, then adventure you will find. The sea beckons, and what better way to experience it than both above and below the water. Deep Sea Fishing takes you beyond the reef, where you can try to catch the 'big one', all the while admiring the distant views of the soaring, cloud-forested peaks of Rarotonga. Or better still, explore the inner realm by scuba diving in some of the clearest, cleanest waters you will ever see.

The ultimate in South Seas indulgence. SpaPolynesia offers a wide range of spa treatments from professionally qualified and experienced spa and beauty therapists. Whether you seek a relaxing aromatherapy massage, a variety of body wraps, relaxing facials, healing reflexology, manicures and pedicures, or a full pamper package, SpaPolynesia is your private Oasis of Relaxation at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa. We feature two separate Spa facilities, and offer special treatments available on the beach or by the pool. Using the finest spa products that nature has to offer, our Spa Therapists help deliver you to a different world, a different state of mind. Relax. Recharge. Indulge.

Spa Menu

Following is just a small sampling of the innovative and relaxing Spa therapies available at SpaPolynesia, The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa's Oasis of Relaxation.

Maorooro Aromatherapy Massage (30 minutes)

Great for easing muscle tension in the scalp, neck and back using a harmonious East-West combination of Japanese shiatsu, Swedish and neuromuscular massage techniques. Choice of two special blends of essential oils: Iriamoe Relaxing Blend of Ylang-ylang (Moto'oi), Lime, Lavender and Jasmine; or Maoro Muscular Deep Treatment Blend of Cedarwood, Peppermint, Rosemary and Lemon.

Mirimiri Aromatherapy Full Body Massage (1 hour)

A sensational total-body experience of deep relaxation and wellbeing to release tension, promote suppleness and help re-harmonize body and soul. Choose from Iriamore Relaxing or Maoro Muscular aromatic blends to achieve the greatest therapeutic benefit for you.

Aua Tiare Herbal Body Scrub (45 minutes)

An invigorating body exfoliation to remove dry and dead cells from the skin surface using our proven blend of Oatmeal, Coriander Leaves, Cumin Seeds and Aromatics.

Tama Coconut Scrub (45 minutes)

A tropical treat for your body! The scrub creates a gentle exfoliation removing surface dry skin cells, and the rich blend of Coconut leaves your skin feeling silky smooth.

Moana AquaMarine Sea Salt Rub (45 minutes)

A stunning combination of body peeling and intensive moisturizing all in one. The fine Sea Salt granules gently exfoliate the skin, removing surface flakes. The rich Avocado, Macadamia and Almond oils feed the skin leaving it velvety smooth. The Juniper, Peppermint, Rosemary and Lavender revitalize your body, spirit and soul. Truly a superb whole-body experience for the skin and the senses.

SpaPolynesia ThalassoAlgae Body Wrap (45 minutes)

Sea Minerals and Seaweed are combined with Earth's finest Essential Plant and Flower Oils to achieve an exceptional Body Wrap which stimulates the skin's natural metabolism and detoxification processes, and helps to rebalance both body and mind. Here at SpaPolynesia we combine this with our Superb Contouring Oil to achieve maximum skin elasticity and circulation. A sensational multi-active elixir for the whole body.

Akaora Sea Mineral Mud Pack for the Body (45 minutes)

Use the power of the sea to feel revived and restored. Sea Minerals have been renowned throughout the ages for their remarkable healing properties. This special Sea Mineral Mud pack creates a deep cleansing and firming effect leaving you feeling toned and refreshed.

Rima Deluxe Manicure (45 minutes)

Get your hands looking their best. Includes your choice of Raw Sugar & Plant Oil Scrub or Herbal Oatmeal Hand Scrub, followed by a soothing massage of the hand's pressure points using softly-fragrant Essence of Viti Frangipani Hand & Body Lotion. French manicure or choice of colors.

Vaevae SpaPedicure (50 minutes)

The ultimate treat for your feet. Enjoy a FootSpa infused with essential oils of Peppermint and Eucalyptus, then a vigorous buff with our Sea Salt Rub to remove dead skin cells. A shiatsu massage then gently works the pressure points of the feet and lower legs to relax muscles and relieve tension. Finished with your choice of nail polish colour.

Pateka Deep Cleansing Facial (1 hour)

A thorough Cleansing and Purifying Mask, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and moisturized. This vitamin-rich anti-oxidant Mask is suitable for normal, oily and combination skins.

Pa'i Hydrating Facial Treatment (1 hour)

A highly concentrated active-ingredient cocktail for the skin. An infusion of serums delivers outstanding moisturizing and conditioning properties for even the thirstiest of skins, algae derivatives help to regulate moisture loss caused by the sun's rays, and biopeptides activate new collagen formation, smoothing fine lines. Nourishing and restorative, leaving face and neck revitalized.

Spa Packages

Following are just some of the wonderful Spa Packages that can be enjoyed in SpaPolynesia, The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa's Oasis of Relaxation.

Rekareka Pamper Pack (2 hours)

A one hour Pa'i Hydrating Facial, half-hour Maorooro Aromatherapy Massage, and a Rima Deluxe Manicure will ensure you feel totally papered. Simply fabulous!

Aroa SeaSense Body Pack (2 hours)

Your body is re-energized and re-awakened with a Moana AquaMarine Sea Salt Rub, SpaPolynesia ThalassoAlgae Body Wrap, or Akaora Sea Mineral Mud Pack, and a Vaevae SpaPedicure. Sheer bliss.

Navenave Indulgence Pack (3 hours)

Cherish yourself with our exquisite package of total rejuvenation for body and soul. Select from a one-hour Pa'i Hydrating or Pateka Deep Cleansing Facial, a Tama Coconut Scrub or Aua Tiare Herbal Body Scrub, a one-hour Mirimiri Aromatherapy Full Body Massage, and your choice of Rima Deluxe Manicure of Vaevae SpaPedicure. The ultimate indulgence.

Romantic Spa Packages for Couples in Love

Rererere Bridal Package (1 hour)

Pa'i Hydrating Facial, Bridal Make-up, and Rima Deluxe Manicure for a radiant Bride. 

Nanave His & Hers Arrival Package (1 hour)

Pa'i Hydrating Facial for the Bride-to-Be, one-hour Mirimiri Aromatherapy Full Body Massage for the lucky Groom.

Venevene Honeymoon Pamper Pack (1 hour)

Pa'i Hydrating Facial and Rima Deluxe Manicure for the Woman; one-hour Mirimiri Aromatherapy Full Body Massage and Vaevae FootSpa for the Man