In January 2016 Kerry and Peter visited the Cook Islands for the third time. This time we decided to spend all our time on Rarotonga, the principal island. In 2012 we had stayed in a Garden room at the Edgewater Resort & Spa on the west coast, so this year we decided to stay at the same resort, but upgraded to a Deluxe Beachfront Suite.
The Edgewater Resort & Spa from the air
The Edgewater Resort & Spa is, like its name suggests, located on the edge of the lagoon. In Cook Islands Maori it is known as Te Pae Tai Nui – Your Village by the Sea.
It is the largest resort on Rarotonga and has a range of accommodation, catering for families and couples. The rooms are set in blocks named after the islands of the Cook Islands. The best rooms are located along the beach, in the blocks known as Pukapuka, Manihiki and Rakahanga. Seven VIP Deluxe Suites are in Manihiki, while Pukapuka and Rakahanga have 24 and 36 Beachfront Deluxe Suites, respectively.
Beachfront Deluxe Suites in Pukapuka. Rakahanga in the background.
Our Beachfront Deluxe Suite on the night we arrived.
Looking over the balcony.
As a tropical island in mid-Pacific the outlook over the lagoon and ocean is usually across clear water, with gentle waves breaking on the reef, pushed by balmy breezes.
The lagoon and Pacific Ocean looking to the west.
This time it wasn’t quite so pleasant when we arrived. The day we landed a tropical depression had degenerated into Tropical Cyclone Victor about 600km north west of Rarotonga. It was slowly tracking south south west and moved to within 400km. This brought heavy rain, very strong winds and huge seas which made the outlook from the resort rather less inviting.
The video below shows the ferocity of the storm.
Waves crash on the fringing reef off the Edgewater.
Not that the weather stopped us doing anything around the resort. Breakfast was always under cover and even during the rain we preferred to sit outside to eat.
Breakfast as a heavy shower passes overhead.
Although we mostly ate lunch and dinner elsewhere, the food options at the Edgewater were tasty and varied. There are two restaurants – The Brasserie, located on the beachfront, and the Spaghetti House Pizzeria and Grill, which is on the road at the resort entrance.
Lamb cutlets from The Brasserie.
A delicious fish burger from The Brasserie.
Most days we sat on the balcony in the afternoon, eating cheese and crackers and enjoying a glass or two of wine while looking over the beach and out to sea.
A crisp sauvignon blanc from New Zealand.
The resort has a large pool, but we found this was most often used by the children staying at the Edgewater.
The resort pool on one of the rare occasions it was not being used.
We much prefer to swim in the sea – the water is much cleaner and more refreshing. Unfortunately, the first few days were too dangerous to swim off the resort’s beaches. We went to a spot we knew from the last time we were on Rarotonga and only swam off the resort on the last two days.
Heavy surf making the lagoon off the resort unsafe for swimming.
A much calmer lagoon.
The west coast of Rarotonga is known as the sunset coast as, like most islands in the South Pacific, the sunset are often magnificent. This time the clouds prevented golden sunsets on most days. However, when the clouds rolled away the gold showed.
A rare golden sunset.
Here is a selection of photographs from around the resort.
The resort sign on the road.
Cocktails from Mal’s Bar.
The Edgewater has a sign showing directions and distance to various cities around the world.
Lagoon view rooms at night.
Part of Rakahanga block.
Resort reception.
Kerry outside Manihiki block, with Rakahanga in the background.
Looking along the Beachfront Deluxe Suite balconies.
Looking down the beach on a beautiful day.