I’ve been visiting Rarotonga every year for the past 15 years or so and apart from the beautiful beaches and lagoon, the never-ending sunshine and tropical beauty, and the friendly people, there are also great places to stay. You can choose from luxury resorts, bungalows on the beach, family resorts, holiday rental homes, backpacker dorms, and beach houses and apartments. Earlier this year I explored the luxury end of accommodation and was fortunate enough to visit four top-end resorts on the island. Check them out for your little touch of Pacific paradise!

Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa (Muri Beach) can offer you a haven of unashamed luxury with a choice of one or two bedroom beachfront or garden villas each with their own private plunge pool complete with waterfall, hot bubbling spa, indoor stream, king-size four poster beds, and the ultimate in kitchen wizardry. Rumours is a gated complex and each villa has its own private entrance and parking bay. The complex also includes the Waterfall Spa which won the World Luxury Spa Award in 2011, 2012, and 2013.

I stayed in the Platinum Beachside Villa—a single level, two-bedroom (each with en-suite), luxuriously appointed villa just steps from the lagoon. The villa includes master bedroom complete with king size four poster and an en-suite at least twice as big as my bathroom at home; an amazing kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances; movie theatre (yes your own movie theatre) with over 450 movies on offer; second bedroom and en-suite, and plunge pool and spa.

A welcome basket of goodies includes a selection of nibbles and drinks, and popcorn for the movie theatre, plus a bottle of New Zealand Oyster Bay sparkling wine chilling nicely in the fridge. The furnishings are gorgeous, from the beautiful cane four poster love-seat to the huge comfy beds—each positioned so you can see the lagoon from your pillows … and the matching armchairs and ottomans in the movie theatre.

The entrance to the villa is via a bridge over the plunge pool which includes a rock waterfall, heated spa pool, and has an entertaining deck with two loungers, table and chairs, and full barbeque. The rear deck (lagoon side) is accessed by French windows from the lounge and both bedrooms, and includes two more loungers, another table and chairs, and a double hammock. The deck is just a few steps from the pristine beach and lapping blue lagoon.

Rumours is the perfect place for your luxury Pacific break, honeymoon, or special treat. Check out their specials at http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/

The writer stayed as guest of Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa

The Pacific Resort is right on the lagoon at Muri Beach and includes the famous Barefoot Bar, Sandals Restaurant, and al fresco dining on the beach. It is the only 4-star boutique resort that is family friendly and has a complimentary kids’ club. All villas are decorated in contemporary Polynesian style and the family villas are located around the pool and close to the kids’ club, with the beachfront villas set aside for honeymooners and other romantics looking for a quieter time. The Premium beachfront suites and villas have beautiful lagoon views and feature private balcony or deck (complete with bean bags), super king size beds, and small kitchenettes. You can find out more about the Pacific Resort Group at http://www.pacificresort.com/home

Te Manava Luxury Villas and Spa is the 5-star sister to the Pacific Resort. About a 15 minute walk along the beach from the Pacific, Te Manava is a small boutique resort of only 11 villas set in a quiet location and offers families access to the Pacific Resort Kids’ Club and complimentary transfers for dining. This a beautiful resort for those looking for something special and every villa includes a gourmet kitchen, full air conditioning, and your own individual pool. Rooms are luxuriously appointed with king size beds, full kitchens with every possible appliance, hair dryers (very important), and full BBQ facilities on your own private deck or courtyard. Check their website for specials http://www.temanava.com/temanava/index.html

Crown Beach Resort and Spa is in Arorangi just 15 minutes from the main town of Avarua. The 36 stand-alone private villas set in five acres of beautifully manicured gardens are reserved exclusively for couples looking for that something special—honeymooners and empty-nesters are the resort’s main target. The resort includes a spa and beauty clinic, dive centre, gym, gift shop, and three restaurants and bars which are open to the public. This resort really caters for the romantics among us, with lunch, or pre-dinner drinks and nibbles in your own ‘beach pod for two’, followed by dinner for two in a beach gazebo complete with personal butler service. Check out their romantic offers at www.crownbeach.com

Rumours waterfall plunge pool and luxury villa photos courtesy Rumours. All other photos by LFW

Thanks to the Pacific Resort Group and Crown Beach Resort for their assistance and welcome

This article appeared in full in Surya Magazine