Two resorts, one paradise: The ultimate Cook Islands getaway

Advertorial for MyHolidayFranki HobsonOctober 18, 2026 — 6:00amLegend 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.Unwind in paradise over the luminous waters of Aitutaki.Brut on Sunset BeachPremium 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.Snorkel through crystal-clear waters.Clams, coral and a lookoutSign up for the Traveller Deals newsletterGet exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.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.Island calm: your view from a Beachfront Bungalow deck.Warriors under the starsOn 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.Barefoot romance adventures await on the sands of Rarotonga. Fresh fish on the motuCaptain 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 READERSBrut 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 ResortFour nights in an upgraded Beachfront Suite at Sanctuary Rarotonga – On the BeachReturn flights including checked luggageReturn domestic flights between Rarotonga and AitutakiReturn airport transfers and private ferry transfersDaily cooked buffet breakfastWelcome drinking coconut and flower ei...and moreBook by October 31, 2026.Call 1300 698 244 or visit myholiday.com.au for more information. Terms and conditions apply.From our partners