Crown Beach Resort & Spa

Fronted by 120 metres of white sand, Crown Beach Resort & Spa faces a lagoon roughly 100 metres wide, its water clear enough to show reef fish and coral heads from the shore. The resort sits on Rarotonga's sunset coast, sheltered from the trade winds that hit the island's east side, in five acres of garden threaded with streams and a waterfall-fed pool at its centre. Thirty-six stand-alone villas and suites are set for adults only. Garden villas open onto private decks under the palms; beachfront villas look straight across the lagoon; courtyard pool suites are walled in stone with their own plunge pool and an outdoor gazebo for dining. Interiors run to recycled mahogany furniture in earthy tones, with rattan and kwila pieces on the open-air balconies. Snorkel and kayak gear is free for guests, though the reef itself is off limits to swimmers picking a path around the coral. Oceans Restaurant sits on the water and runs themed nights through the week, from a Thursday Polynesian buffet with live dance to a Sunday roast. It is a compact stay, ten minutes from the airport and a short drive from Avarua. Check-in and villa details are confirmed on booking. Sunsets fall straight over the lagoon, and the beach gazebo doubles as a venue for private dinners after dark.