Q: What kind of impact do you hope the new hotel will have when it’s open?
A: We’re introducing the first true five-star experience to Rarotonga and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
Having grown up in a family immersed in tourism and hospitality, and through years of international travel during my tennis career, I’ve seen first hand what world-class hospitality looks like.
That perspective made it clear to me that there was a gap here in the Cook Islands. This destination has always had the natural beauty and warmth, but not quite the level of refined luxury that many global travellers are used to.
Q: Opening a hotel always comes with some risk. Were you confident that “if you built it, they would come”?
A: Tourism is growing rapidly – we’ve already seen record visitor numbers and with that comes both opportunity and responsibility.
Rather than simply increasing volume, our focus has been on attracting a higher-value guest, delivering a premium experience while being mindful of the island’s infrastructure.
Early on, there was some scepticism about whether the market existed, but the response has been incredibly encouraging.
Even before completion, we secured full resort buyouts from leading luxury travel partners in the United States. That level of demand gave us real confidence that we’re on the right path.
Q: How important is the Australian market to you?
A: Australia is a key market for us and continues to show strong growth into the Cook Islands. It represents a well-travelled audience looking for something a little different, somewhere that feels both accessible and undiscovered.
Expanding from our current direct Sydney flights to now include Brisbane direct with Jetstar is a sign of the Australian market growth to Rarotonga.
It makes Rarotonga even more attainable and opens the door to a new wave of travellers seeking a premium island experience just a few hours from home.
Q: What type of guest does your hotel cater for?
A: We’re designed for the modern luxury traveller – guests who value quality, privacy and a seamless level of service.
Historically, the Cook Islands haven’t had a product that truly caters to that segment at an international standard. The Grand Resort changes that.
While our core market is high-end leisure travellers, the resort also lends itself well to exclusive buyouts, small incentive groups, weddings and intimate celebrations, but always with a focus on a refined, elevated experience.
Q: What are some standout facilities guests can enjoy?
A: One of the defining features is our 110-metre lagoon-style pool, the longest in the South Pacific.
It connects directly to our swim-up suites and the resort bar, creating a very relaxed, immersive experience where guests can quite literally move from their suite to a cocktail without leaving the water.
The resort is absolute beachfront with incredible views of the sunset from our rooftop Skybar.
We’ve also placed a strong emphasis on intuitive technology. In-room tablets allow guests to manage everything from dining to transport and tour bookings effortlessly, ensuring the experience feels seamless from start to finish.
Q: Speaking of dining options, what does the hotel offer?
A: Dining is a key part of the experience and we’ve created a collection of distinct venues, each with its own character.
Blu Restaurant, led by Chef Pascal Bionaz, offers refined beachfront dining with a modern, globally inspired menu that promises to share cherished Pacific values and offer a unique culinary experience that celebrates the rich heritage of the islands.
It’s also open to visitors, making it a destination in its own right, particularly in the evenings, alongside our signature Grand Canal Water Fountain Show.
Dolce Café provides a more relaxed setting, overlooking a striking three-storey waterfall and lagoon backdrop, perfect for coffee, pastries and light bites throughout the day.
On the rooftop, the SKYBAR is the largest rooftop sky bar in the Southern Hemisphere and offers a completely different perspective – cocktails and tapas with uninterrupted 360-degree views of the sunset on the lagoon and across the island.
And for those moments when guests prefer privacy, our 24-hour in-suite dining ensures the same level of quality can be enjoyed in the comfort of their own space.
Q: What is there for guests to do in the areas around your hotel?
A: Rarotonga offers a very authentic and accessible island experience. Guests can explore the lagoon through snorkelling, paddleboarding, or guided tours, or venture inland to discover lush tropical landscapes, hiking trails and cultural sites.
There’s also a strong sense of local community here including markets, dining and cultural experiences that give visitors a genuine connection to the island.
What we offer at the resort complements that perfectly: a place to retreat to after a day of exploring, with the comfort and service of a world-class property.
Q: What sustainability initiatives does the hotel employ?
A: Sustainability sits at the core of our approach. On a small island like this, protecting the environment isn’t optional, it’s essential.
From the outset, we’ve taken a long-term view. Our construction methods focus on durability and efficiency, including solid concrete structures for improved insulation and reduced energy demand.
A major initiative is that our air conditioning is powered entirely by solar energy, which significantly reduces our overall consumption, given how energy-intensive cooling systems typically are.
We’re also implementing a 400,000-litre water storage system and exploring alternative water sources to ease pressure on the island’s infrastructure.
Even down to the details, such as staff uniforms made from recycled materials, every decision has been made with sustainability in mind.
