Kia Orana!  Last month, Mr Polka and I took a fun trip to the Cook Islands to discover all that this much underrated country has in store for honeymoons and destination weddings. Check out part one of my adventures on the Expedia blog

Cook Islands

When Mr Polka and I touched down after our flight, the sense of merriment was high. Our plane was filled with travelers returning home for the holidays to their families and our sense of the spirit of these islands was evident with every jolly laugh, every hummed tune and the various headdresses that made their way onto the plane (with no-one but me blinking, I just wanted to steal it and wear that sparkling beauty!). Our host Papatua met us at the airport with a floral headdress as bright as his vivid purple shirt and we knew this trip would be something special.

We spent a day exploring some of the best resorts in the Cook Islands. Each one making the most of the crystal blue waters and brilliantly blue skies. My top picks?

Nautilus Resort – Best for a sophisticated wedding without losing the tropical vibe. Best for honeymooners who are quite happy to lounge on their decks all day (with their own private plunge pools) and then wander a mere ten steps to the restaurant for dinner.

Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas – Best for the intimate wedding. Book our all four double story villas and have the entire property to yourself. Honeymooners will love the fully self contained villas complete with full kitchens, bath tubs and laundries.

Pacific Resort Rarotonga – Best for a big guest list. With so many levels of accommodation to choose from and a well equipped kids club you can bring everyone you love to this venue. Active honeymooners will love the huge range of water sports and activities this resort has to offer.

Crown Resort – Best for an adults only wedding right on the beach. Honeymooners who are after a sunset view every night will love the views from this resort.

Muri Beach Resort– Best for the wedding away for it all. This eco friendly resort has a calm and quiet vibe with beautiful tropical gardens. Honeymoons will love the easy access to Muri Beach and the myriad of places to recharge their batteries.

My full report on the resorts and all they have to offer is over on Expedia

Don’t think this is the end of it – I have much more to share about the Cook islands, including cocktails (of course!) our visit to Aitutaki (the honeymooners paradise) and my Cook Islands bucket list.

Cook Islands Sunrise

The Polkas traveled to the Cook Islands courtesy of Expedia & Cook Islands Tourism. My tan (Mr Polka doesn’t tan  – he remains neon white) is courtesy of the Cook Islands sunshine and still remains. Meitaki for the amazing trip and long lasting memories.

Images taken by Ms Polka Dot.