Two resorts, one paradise: The ultimate Cook Islands getaway

Legend has it the colour blue was invented on Aitutaki. On Motu Akitua, home to Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort, that blue begins at the water’s edge and runs across the O’otu, or Full Moon, Channel to the palm-covered main island. A 50-minute flight south takes you to Sanctuary Rarotonga – On the Beach for the other four nights, beside Aroa Lagoonarium.

Brut on Sunset Beach

Premium Beachfront Bungalows line Sunset Beach under coconut palms, with hammocks strung beside the lagoon a few steps away. Each has a Polynesian-style outdoor shower and a veranda set with sun loungers. Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear and bicycles come with the stay. One evening, a bottle of Lindauer Brut is opened at sunset, and on another an Island Goddess cocktail is poured. Pizza arrives on the sand one night with a glass of wine or beer each, and on Fridays you’re invited to a sunset cocktail party with complimentary drinks.

Clams, coral and a lookout

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Cross to the main island by private ferry for the Aitutaki Island Tour. At the Aitutaki Marine Research Centre, giant clams are raised in a nursery. In Arutanga, the country’s oldest church has stood since 1828, built from coral and limestone, with stained-glass windows and an old anchor hanging from the ceiling. Poaki O Rae Marae is the island’s largest ancient sacred site, a great banyan tree stands in Tautu Village and Vaipae goes by “Hollywood” for its lively local culture. From Piraki Lookout, the lagoon spreads below.

Warriors under the stars

On Rarotonga, Sanctuary’s Beachfront Suites open straight onto Aroa Beach and the lagoon. Kayaks, paddleboards and snorkels are free here too, and there’s a tennis court for a friendly match before sundowners. Island Night starts under the stars, with warriors performing chants and dances to the beat of Manavanui’s drummers. You see how the umu, the traditional underground oven, is prepared: meat wrapped in banana leaves slow-cooks in the earth for hours before the platter reaches your table. Island night buffets across the Cook Islands typically include ika mata, raw fish in citrus and coconut cream; rukau, young taro leaves cooked in coconut cream; nita, curried pawpaw salad; and poke, a baked banana or pumpkin pudding with coconut cream.

Fresh fish on the motu

Captain Tama’s glass-bottom boat crosses Muri Lagoon to Tikioki, a protected marine site where moray eels, giant trevally, butterflyfish and triggerfish move below the glass among giant clams, and turtles drop by. After snorkelling, the crew husk coconuts, shimmy up a palm and serve lunch on a small island: fish cooked Raro-style over an open fire, barbecued bananas (the captain’s speciality) and curried pawpaw salad. Back at Sanctuary, design and print matching Polynesian pareu together.

Book around a full moon and the O’otu Channel’s name needs no translation.

SPECIAL OFFER EXCLUSIVE TO SUNDAY LIFE READERS

Brut on the beach, fire-cooked fish and barbecued bananas on a Mouri Lagoon motu. Welcome to the Cook Islands. Your deal includes:

• Three nights in a Beachfront Bungalow at Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort
• Four nights in an upgraded Beachfront Suite at Sanctuary Rarotonga – On the Beach
• Return flights including checked luggage
• Return domestic flights between Rarotonga and Aitutaki
• Return airport transfers and private ferry transfers
• Daily cooked buffet breakfast
• Welcome drinking coconut and flower ei...and more

Book by October 31, 2026.

Call 1300 698 244 or visit myholiday.com.au for more information. Terms and conditions apply.