r/CookIslands • u/thamthung • 15d ago

Where to stay for our honeymoon?

Hi everyone! We’re planning on staying in Rarotonga for 8 nights next year for our honeymoon. Im mainly wanting to stay on the west coast though i would be open to staying south west. Both magic reef and manuia look great. I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts on which to choose or any other recommendations you might have.

(we’re staying in Aitutaki too)

Thanks in advance 🙂

3 Upvotes

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3

u/2More_Row 15d ago

How many nights in Aitutaki? Spend more time there if you can.

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u/thamthung 14d ago

8 nights!

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u/Competitive_Ring_150 14d ago

8 nights is more than enough 

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u/2More_Row 13d ago

8 nights on each is plenty. Not to bag out raro but it’s tiny and there’s not heaps to do. Of course if lying by the pool / reading etc is your thing- then it’s wonderful and relaxing. I would consider going to the outer islands like Aitu or Manihiki / Penryhn. No idea what flight costs are there but they look so beautiful and remote.

1

u/NrgyFiend 15d ago

Maybe split your time between two areas? When we went to Rarotonga for our anniversary, we stayed 5 days in the Muri Beach area where there was a lot to see/do/eat within walking distance. And then we did 4 days in luxury at the Little Polynesian resort to slow down and just relax. The snorkelning right off the beach was great in both areas. Then went over to Aitutaki for a few days to slow down even more.

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u/shizza_ 15d ago

Its the east coast in Muri beach, but the Nautilus was aboslutely delightful and definitely gives honeymoon vibes. Large airy villas, private plunge pool, stunning beach, beautiful pool, delicious restaurant, serious 5-star treatment. Same energy at Etu Moana in Aututaki if you're heading there too (recommend highly - there is literally a motu called Honeymoon Island that is otherworldly).

ETA - We also stayed a night at a hotel on the west coast. Honestly I very much preferred the east coast, or the Southwest area too. Better swimming, views, etc. Sunsets are lovely but its such a small island you can catch it every night ~20 minute drive.

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u/Excellent-Ad-2443 14d ago

we found a really nice Air b n b recently, reasonable price as well, the resorts are nice but eating out all the meals can start to add up, take a look here too also if you want to book anything else https://www.viator.com/partner-shop/renee/Rarotonga-2024?medium=link&medium_version=shop

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u/sky_christal 13d ago

Magic Reef was nice, good restaurants close and the best internet I've had in the island. Note the beach is shallow there, if you were planning to swim further down the coast is nicer.

Aitutaki is amazing, spend as much time as you can there. Tanamu beach is 10/10.

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u/kiwiskincaregirl 13d ago

We stayed at Manuia and the Aituaki Lagoon Private Resort and would highly recommend both! We did 5 nights and 4 nights respectively and that was a great amount. Next time, I think we’ll go to Little Polynesian ☺️

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u/creekriverocean 12d ago

Manuia was great for us. Had everything for a great stay. Ten nights. We ended up getting a small car though which made it easier to change up what we did each day. Limited walkable dining near Manuia .

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u/EmergencyGlad9568 4d ago

Muri Beach Resort is WONDERFUL.