Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Honeymoon on Cook Is

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea

Can someone please help!?
I am looking for a truly beautiful (and elegant, secluded, non-commercial) place to stay for a honeymoon. For the first 4-5 days we will be in Raratonga, where we'll splurge on something really epic. Something typically "honeymoon", probably a resort. Next we want to head out to the quieter islands and stay on a simple, more rustic beach bungalow (non-resort) and go to local markets, etc. avoid the touristy thing.
Any tips? Thank you!

forgot to mention, travel begins July 28 and ends Aug 14, 2008.

1

Secluded and non-commercial is not typically a resort (from my perspective anyway).
As a big resort we enjoyed the Rarotongan Beach Resort on our honeymoon but that has since been superseeded as the premier resort.
For pure honeymoon bliss we preferred our stay at Sokala Villas on Muri lagoon - the location of the waterfront bungalows can't be beaten.
But this is a few years ago and there are a lot of newer ones that may fit the bill better. I guess it all depends on whether you also want on-site restaurants, bar, pool, activities etc.

2

Thanks for the input. We are definitely not resort people but I've heard of a few resorts where you can really hide out and find seclusion. Just curious if that exists in Raratonga.
In your opinion what is the most picturesque part of the island?

3

I second the suggestion for Sokala Villas, it meets what you want more than any other place I know of.

But you may be too late! Late July into the first week of August is the Constitution Celebrations period, and lots of places are probably filled up for then by now. But, if you can find a place, it is a great time to be there, with lots of dance competitions, shows, etc.

4

For outer islands beach accomodation, take a look at Ara Moana on Mangaia.
Islands like Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke don't have any beach accomodation.

Edited by: TravelingSwede

5

Well, neither does Mangaia! But it is a nice place, owned by a nice Swedish guy (or Finnish?) and his local wife!

6