'Upolu
Namu’a is only a short boat ride from Mutiatele, but once you’re on this tiny private island, Upolu seems light years away (though it’s clearly visible…
Must-see hotels in Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga
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Rarotonga
Glamping style comes to Rarotonga at Ikurangi Eco Retreat. Accommodation is either in luxury safari-style tents – each with their own spacious deck and…
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Rarotonga
With an absolute beachfront location, this spacious heritage villa has wooden floors, wraparound decks, and a winning combination of a well-equipped…
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'Upolu
If you're looking for a (literal) love-nest, grab your bags – and your beloved – and head up the hill to Lupe Sina, home to two extraordinary treehouses…
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Apia
Surrounded by rainforest and boasting jaw-dropping views of the coast, this delightful hilltop spot is an excellent escape from the heat of the big smoke…
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Savai'i
First you'll be taken by its dramatic location on a solid river of black lava, then you'll be knocked for six by the dazzling turquoise bay it's named for…
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'Upolu
Set on a six-hectare working tropical fruit plantation, this self-catering retreat is the definition of intimate, with just one villa and a studio (both…
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'Upolu
This the hippest resort in the country. Samoa's only overwater fale are found here, and what a find they are, with huge, luxuriously-appointed bedrooms,…
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The Cook Islands
These six one-bedroom villas are hands-down the Cook Islands’ finest accommodation beyond Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Spacious verandahs showcase ocean views,…
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Aitutaki
These boutique beach villas have thatched roofs and luxurious furnishings showcasing gleaming Tasmanian oak floors, loft ceilings, king-sized beds,…
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American Samoa
This elegant seaside B&B makes for a stylish getaway, with gorgeous grounds and well-appointed, Polynesian-inspired rooms. The owners have made the most…
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Tonga
Right on the sandy northern tip of Foa, gazing across at Nukunamo island, family-friendly Matafonua was hammered by Tropical Cyclone Ian in 2014 but has…
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Rarotonga
Many of Rarotonga’s boutique hotels look to this place as a benchmark. The impeccably appointed free-standing thatched villas have fabulously appointed…
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Tonga
Arguably Tonga’s best resort, Sandy Beach really delivers (this is where the king stays when he's in Ha'apai). A row of elegant bungalows are oriented for…
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Savai'i
Long, languid Lano Beach easily rates as one of the best strips of sand on Savai’i, and Joelan’s simple but well-kept thatched fale nab the best bit –…
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Apia
Gorgeous grounds, divine digs and five-star service make this resort an absolute stand-out. Accommodation ranges from spanking new hotel rooms all the way…
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'Upolu
Set in a black-lava-rock bay lined with palm trees and dotted with tiny islands, this exclusive resort has beautifully built bungalows decorated in…
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American Samoa
Tisa's is possibly the most popular place on Tutuila, and rightfully so. It's one of the rare spots to offer traditional fale (though these have proper…
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Tongatapu
Simple, quiet, clean, friendly and a short walk to town – just how any good South Pacific guesthouse should be. Downstairs is a sunny communal lounge and…
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American Samoa
This friendly, family-run place sits pretty at the base of Mt Tumutumu. Its beach – and those nearby – offers sensational snorkelling; it's also within…
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Rarotonga
Probably the busiest traditional resort on the island. It's all suitably Polynesian: there are plenty of Tangaroa statues, floral designs and Cook Islands…
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Rarotonga
Mixing the best of old and new, the unusually-shaped thatched villas at the Crown Beach combine traditionally inspired architecture with top-drawer decor…
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Aitutaki
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort, ensconced on its own Akitua island, has everything glam jet-set patrons would expect. It’s truly beautiful, with great expanses of…
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Sheraton Aggie Grey's Lagoon Resort
'Upolu
The best things about this sprawling resort are its large pool, spacious grounds, proximity to the airport and wharf, and long list of facilities,…
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Rarotonga
These three modern units share a breezy location a short uphill walk from Muri Lagoon. Each of the three units is decorated in natural wood and bright…
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Savai'i
Run by a family of women, this spotless place is loaded with simple and effective touches. Open fale have proper beds and are well maintained, while…
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'Upolu
Located on a sweet stretch of coast just before the turn off leading to Aleipata (it's right next door to the Piula Cave Pool), friendly Le Uaina makes…
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The Cook Islands
The extra money goes a long way at Atiu Villas, which was built from local materials around 35 years ago by Kiwi expat Roger Malcolm and his ‘Atiuan wife…
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The Cook Islands
The garden units are basic, with a main sleeping area and a simple kitchen, toilet and shower tacked on the end. The newer self-contained lodge is more…
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Aitutaki
Pacific Resort Aitutaki is a benchmark in luxury Polynesian. From the Oriental lily ponds and enormous carved-timber reception desk of its sumptuous foyer…
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Aitutaki
Set amid a peaceful garden of fruit trees and flowers in Tautu, these four large family-friendly lodges are the best value on Aitutaki. Queen Manarangi…
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'Upolu
As uninspiring as its name may be, Airport Lodge actually has a lot going for it. It's close to the airport and wharf, the hotel rooms are huge and clean …
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Savai'i
Recently rebranded and given a high-end makeover, this all-inclusive surf resort exploits the beauty of an exquisite little beach and its proximity to…
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Rarotonga
Set among lawns and coconut palms on one of the south coast's best beaches, Palm Grove has a reputation for being somewhere that regular guests return to…
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'Upolu
Yellow and mint-green fale are as bright as the smiles of the owner and staff, and the spectacular Lalomanu beach is steps away. Basic open fale have…
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'Upolu
This posh boutique resort, perched over a stunning stretch of water, is one for the luxury lovers: it's stylish, spotless and the staff is exceptional…
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The Cook Islands
With all meals included, a terrific location, and four large comfortable motel-style rooms, Babe’s Place is good value for money. Babe is the island’s…
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Aitutaki
Paradise Cove features beachfront bungalows on a glorious beach shaded by coconut palms. The thatched pole-house bungalows offer uninterrupted views…
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Savai'i
Fall asleep to the lullaby of lapping waves at this charming, slightly ramshackle place. Accommodation varies dramatically: the cheapest fale teeter on…
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'Upolu
Located at the mouth of the Fupisia River with excellent left- and right-hand breaks in view, Salani caters primarily to experienced surfers with packages…
