The Grand Resort Rarotonga is set to elevate Cook Islands escapes to new heights, launching in style on the west coast in March 2027. A day on the island’s dazzling west coast could start with a swim straight from your terrace, before you drift between the 110-metre pool and the beach, then end above the lagoon as the sky turns gold.
Add spacious suites – some with their own private plunge pool – dinner by the shore and cocktails upstairs, and the hours between feel just as inviting as the sunset. This haven is made for long lunches, lazy swims and one last drink beneath the stars. Here’s why this shimmering new resort should be on your Cook Islands bucket list.
A pool that makes it easy to stay a little longer
The Grand Canal Pool runs through the resort like its own promenade. From a Swim-Up Luxury King Suite, you can step off your terrace and straight into the water – the pool bar is only a short swim away. Settle in for a few laps, pause for a drink, then float back to your suite whenever the mood strikes.
At 110 metres long, the longest of its kind in the Cook Islands, in this pool there’s plenty of room to find your own corner, whether you’re after a morning swim or a leisurely afternoon dip. Later, a nightly fountain show brings a burst of colour, movement and celebration to the poolside setting.
A suite for your kind of island escape
With nine suite styles, you can choose a stay that suits your preferences. The 46-square-metre Luxury King Suite has a lagoon-view balcony and sunken living area, while the swim-up version puts the pool at the edge of your terrace. For a more private soak, the Tranquillity Suite pairs an ocean-view balcony tub with dedicated butler service.
The beachfront Skypool Suites add a private infinity plunge pool, while two- and three-bedroom options give groups more room to spread out. The largest suite sprawls over 153 square metres and includes a full kitchen – handy when your idea of a holiday includes staying in for a while.
From beachside dining to rooftop drinks
At all-day restaurant Blu, you can linger over a modern-fusion menu with the beach just beyond your table. Dolce brings a more casual stop into the day; think coffee, pastries or a light bite at a café beside the pool and its three-storey waterfall.
When evening arrives, take your drink upstairs to SKYBAR, where cocktails and tapas come with a rooftop view over the lagoon. The weekly The Grand Island Night provides a lively celebration of Cook Islands culture, pairing live music and dance with a generous feast of local flavours – an occasion to make room for after a day of relaxation.
A contemporary stay with Cook Islands roots
The Grand Resort Rarotonga is locally owned and operated, with a design that brings classic Italian architecture together with contemporary finishes. The look may be polished, but the setting is unmistakably Rarotongan: west-coast beach, lagoon views and sunsets that draw you back outside.
That connection to place extends beyond the scenery. Cook Islands hospitality is part of the resort’s identity, giving the stay a local grounding alongside its suite comforts and rooftop evenings.
