Muri Lagoon, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Advantages: Absolutely stunning scenery, friendly people
Disadvantages: Long time travelling

...you see when you arrive will be well worth the travel. ACCOMMODATION There is a variety of accommodation available on Rarotonga, ranging from self-catering rental apartments to pricy resorts with all the trimmings. We stayed at the Pacific Resort, rated 4 stars and located on the edge of Muri Lagoon, the only lagoon around the edge of the island. Rooms range from garden bungalows and beachfront bungalows, to a block of stylish beachfront apartments. We stayed in a garden bungalow, where there was champagne and fruit waiting for us as honeymooners as well as shell necklaces and flowers everywhere. GETTING AROUND It is quite easy to get around on the island. There is a ring road extending all the way around the circumference of the island (about 32 kilometres), and is well serviced by buses travelling both ways all day. Taxis... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful weather, beaches, food, people, culture etc
Disadvantages: You can only stay for 6 months a year unless you're a resident

...Rarotonga in the Cook Islands is simply heaven on earth. Whether you are a backpacker a honeymoon couple or a family all are catered for on this fantastic island. The people are simply the most friendly I have ever met and after travelling the world I have met quite a few. I stayed in Tiare Village, Rarotonga which offers budget dorm style accomodation through to deluxe pool side apartments at excellent prices. The owner and manager go out of their way to ensure that it is your home from home. There is no shortage of accomodation from renting a beachside house to the luxury Edgewater Resort. The atmosphere of the whole island is so laid back that it runs on 'Island Time', and is the perfect location to do as little or as much as you like. I enjoyed snorkling in the 100m visability coral reef lagoon as well as sun bathing... Read review

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Advantages: romantic hideaway
Disadvantages: remote

...Looking out the window on this dreary Sunday makes me dream of some sunny beach somewhere in the Southern Seas. I have the most beautiful lagoon of the world in my mind, Bora Bora of the Society Islands, vulgo Tahiti. Or maybe number two - Aitutaki of the Cooks. We are sitting in a small Brazilian made "Embraer Bandeirante" cruising in low altitude across tranquil Southern Pacific waters. It is only a 50 minute flight from Rarotonga, the main island of the Cooks, to the magnificent lagoon of Aitutaki. As we approach the 3 km long landing strip, that used to be an U.S. airforce base in WW II, we can make out the white breakers on the reef and the iridescent shades of turquoise right below… There is even a nine hole golf course with fairways and greens quite differently "groomed" than the likes of Pebble Beach or Augusta... Read review

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