Glamping in Rarotonga !

Carole Garnham from Go4iT Travel - Carole Garnham

It’s been 16 years since I last visited The Cook Islands and on this occasion, I decided instead of the usual beach resort touristy type gig, that I would try Rarotonga’s first glamping site. Heading to the eastern side of the Island and into the interior, let’s begin with the thought of camping..and now add in all the little luxuries you could ever want for a night sleeping outdoors. Furthermore add visions of a tropical island lagoon, lush rainforests and twinkling stars. Waking to the sound of roosters, a gentle sea breeze wafting over the sheets and the smell of fresh pastries outside the tent I thought quite possibly I was dreaming. When did camping get so plush? There is no roughing it, here you get to experience all the outdoor magic of camping but rest your head on a soft pillow and queen sized bed inside a bug-free glamourous safari tent. The best part? A private outdoor bathroom! Thatched walls and an open air decked area mean you can clean your teeth as the palms sway above and use eco- luxe products made from coconut and vanilla whilst you shower beneath the stars.
Unzipping your tent at the front reveals view towards the mountainous core of Rarotonga as chickens roam freely around the retreat's organic garden. Every morning the lovely hosts brought us fresh pastries and fruit (the sweetest papaya I have ever tasted) to our tent so you can wake up and enjoy breakfast before heading out to explore Rarotonga.
Little unique details like a pineapple chalk board where you can wrote messages to say you are sleeping in, a mobile phone, coffee making facilities and bathrobes. The warm hospitality of the Cook Islands is in full display here allowing you to relax and indulge in soaking up the surroundings.
Complimentary bikes are on offer for those wanting to slow down completely they are the ideal way to head along the coast towards Muri Lagoon. I must admit we opted for a scooter so we could get out at night to try some of the outstanding restaurants, along with alive and kicking café scene and night market. All these things on offer which was a far cry of yesteryear where there were slim pickings from only one big basic supermarket. I was also very surprised to find a big selection of NZ and Australian wines now freely available across the island and at reasonable prices. Food varied in price but again plenty of choices and always something could be found to fit your budget. Decent coffee (locally sourced) and the biggest donuts on offer at a café in Muri were a double bonus. Self catering is big here so if glamping isn’t your thing, there are many other properties on the island of which I also had the chance to check out as we toured round the island daily on board our scooter. For those looking for a resort style break there are some super places now including one place just recently opened in Muri Beach, reasonably priced and for adults only. If you are travelling with the kids, I would steer clear of the lead in packaged options, pay the extra money and get your littlies properly looked after. There is a great babysitting service on offer run by a NZ woman who will travel to your digs so you can head out and enjoy your evening. If you have a party of 12 to 14 and want a homely setup for a family reunion, and not get stuck into a resort regime I have a two places I can recommend. Very close to Muri Beach. Both have self catering setups so you can feed the tribe as and when best suits you, and works out far more economically. So it would be a case of kicking back and either enjoy the fabulous beaches or "stay home" and let the kids play round the swimming pool. Rarotonga certainly has something for everyone however which way you like to holiday.