http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog Keep up to date with Rumours Rarotonga using our RSS feed. en-US http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/141 The beautiful tall ship Picton Castle is in Avatiu Harbour, Rarotonga for the next three weeks, and worth a visit to observe or even take a half day voyage. The Picton Castle is registered in the Cook Islands but calls Nova Scotia home. Her main role is long distance sailing training and education, and she also delivers cargo to locations on her journeys. Before arriving in the Pacific she sailed through the Panama Canal and in total this nostalgic sailing ship has been around the globe five times. While in the Cooks the Picton Castle will make two voyages delivering supplies to a number of the more isolated islands. There are currently 30 crew members and up to 30 trainees and apprentices could be taken on for the next journey to the Cook’s northern group of islands. Sailing experience is not required, so if you are in need of a huge adventure or major change of scene then head down to Avatiu Harbour or visit the Picton Castle website. For those who can’t just sail away, there are opportunities for half day sailing trips out around Rarotonga. Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/141 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/140 New Zealand and Australia have seen some extreme weather over the last few months with a mix of record high temperatures and floods. Now both countries are moving into winter which could mean more extreme weather including freezing temperatures for some! So now is the perfect time to take advantage of some amazing flight deals on offer, and book your trip to Rarotonga. Winter in Rarotonga is May to October. During the winter months our average daily temperature is about 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) but at the moment we are still around 29. This drops to around 19 degrees Celsius at night in winter (66 Fahrenheit). These are perfect temperatures to enjoy the tropical beaches during the day, and have a comfortable sleep at night. Winter is also known as the ‘dry season’ here, so there is less chance of rain during the day – and when it does rain it usually doesn’t last long. So check out our current promotions and last minute specials to see what amazing packages we offer. These can include transfers, complimentary meals, massages, scooter hire and tickets to an Island night show. With accommodation including private pools and lagoon views what more could a person need to relax on a tropical island holiday. There are a number of airlines who fly direct to Rarotonga, such as Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia. Check out their websites for their winter deals, you will be amazed how cheap it can be to fly here. If you have any questions regarding our packages please contact us. We can’t wait to see you. Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/140 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/139 We are delighted to announce that Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa in Rarotonga has again gained international recognition for its quality and service. We have won the award for the Best Resort Spa in the Cook Islands as part of the 2013 World Luxury Spa Awards. In addition to this, Rumours has won three other major awards as well for 2013: 1. Best Luxury Boutique Spa 2. Best Luxury Beauty Spa 3. Best Luxury Day Spa The global awards celebrate the spa industry’s top spas by honouring excellence and the highest standards. Travel industry experts say customers look to the awards for a sense of reassurance when choosing their next spa destination. Organisers of the awards were impressed with the high calibre of entries this year, which makes the award achieved by Rarotonga’s Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa even more of a stunning accolade. The award winning Waterfall Spa facility at Rumours was purpose built to make sure guests are pampered with the most modern and exclusive range of luxurious services and products. It’s the perfect place to rest and relax at the beginning of a holiday when the stresses and pressures of everyday life can seem hard to shake. Instead of taking a week to unwind and relax before really starting to enjoy their holiday, guests at Rumours can make use of the services at the Waterfall Spa to get straight into holiday mode and make the most of their time away. Two full time spa and beauty therapists ensure that Rumours guests are always able to get the personal attention they deserve – all in a luxurious air conditioned environment with the latest and best equipment. Services on offer include the Vichy Shower which caresses your body with seven shower jets under an invigorating waterfall. This whole body massage of this amazing technique produces the sensation of floating on water. This increases blood circulation, hydrates the skin and soothes the nervous system. Guests at the award winning spa can also enjoy body scrubs, body masks, facials and body massages. Body scrubs use pure scents that produce soft and supple skin at the same time as soothing the mind. It is well known that massage therapy is great for health and wellbeing because of the deep relaxation it allows. Massages available at the Waterfall Spa include a warm stone body massage, relaxation massage, aromatherapy massage and neuromuscular therapy. As well as winning the coveted World Luxury Spa Award for the Cook Islands, Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa has featured on Australasian and American television travel programmes. It’s seen as an ideal tropical getaway destination for couples wanting to celebrate romance and enjoy a holiday full of privacy and pampering. Rumours is well known for its wedding and honeymoon packages, its luxurious villas and attention to detail. The World Luxury Spa Award is the icing on the cake for our intimate destination. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/139 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/138 Last Wednesday morning two traditional double-hull waka arrived safely at Avarua harbour on Rarotonga. The crew are on an epic 10,000 km Waka Tapu journey from Auckland in New Zealand to Rapanui (Easter Island). Leading the expedition is master navigator Jacko Thatcher who is one of five traditional Po (master) navigators in the South Pacific. The two double-hulled canoes Te Aurere and Ngahiraka mai Tawhiti have been built in the traditional style and are navigated using star compasses and knowledge of the stars passed down through generations of Polynesian navigators. The sailors will be enjoying a well earned break on shore and all the people of the Cook Islands are incredibly proud of them. If you are staying at Rumours, or anywhere else on Rarotonga have a look at the port in Avarua or ask at Trader Jacks and they will tell you where the two waka are moored. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/138 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/137 Travel to the Cook Islands doesn’t have to be expensive. Many round the world tickets allow you to include Rarotonga as a stopover at no extra cost. Air New Zealand flies here from Auckland and Los Angeles so it makes a great stop between New Zealand and the USA. Air New Zealand often discount $150 or more off return flights to the Pacific Islands. It is an easy four hour flight between Auckland and the Cook Islands, and even quicker on the way back! Sydney is only six hours and from Los Angeles its nine hours. Some travel companies also provide package deals to our Resort, just Google ‘Rumours Rarotonga package deal’ to find them. Also, visit and Like our Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa Facebook Page as we post any travel deals we find here, and our website is another good source of information as we have a hot deals section. We update these regularly to let you know of special packages or flights deals that become available. Air New Zealand often get an accommodation package with bonus inclusions, add the air travel content and promote it on their website as a special “Premier Holiday”. Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/137 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/136 Have you ever dreamed of visiting a tropical island with white sand beaches and warm sapphire-hued waters. Here at Rumours of Rarotonga the dream is a reality. The Island is almost completely encircled by a reef, which harbours a lagoon of clear turquoise waters and soft white coral sand beaches. When you stay in a beachfront Villa you are able to step off your private deck straight on to a white sand beach. Here you can enjoy swimming in the warm blue lagoon, or you can relax in your deck chair with the water lapping at your feet. When you feel like a change from the idyllic beach scenery, you then have the option of swimming in your own private pool with a rock waterfall, or relaxing on your private sun soaked deck. And when the evening comes you can relax in your private spa located beside your Villa. Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/136 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/135 At Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa, a romantic beachside wedding is surprisingly simple to organize. Ceremonies to renew vows are also increasing in popularity. You might prefer a traditional ceremony or something more relaxed with an island theme. If it's a wedding at sunset or beside the lagoon under an Arch beautified with Tropical flowers a Cook Islands Wedding at Rumours can be designed just for you. Our team of dedicated wedding coordinators can plan your perfect wedding day with stress free organization. With a wealth of local knowledge and experience our team of professionals will help you create your perfect day you will remember for a lifetime. Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/135 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/134 The most obvious reason that jumps to mind when thinking of a holiday destination is the weather. Everybody wants a sunny and warm holiday, and even though it has been summer in Europe and the United States the weather has been anything but that. I have been watching the international weather reports on the news lately and like most I am shocked at how bad the weather seems to be this year. The United Kingdom suffered a wet and cold summer, the United States has had tropical storms and severe drought to contend with, Australia’s winter has seen devastating floods and New Zealand is also feeling the effects of a winter deluge! Meanwhile here in the Cook Islands we consistently have stunning weather. Because we are in the southern hemisphere we have just finished our ‘winter season’, that means the average temperature was about 25 °C (77 °F) with the occasional high reaching 28°C (82 °F). And even though we get occasional rain or a storm pass through, the weather stays warm and so does the water! For the odd time that it does rain, or in the cooler evenings, our guests have the option of private pools and spa pools to relax in. We also have our award winning ‘Waterfall Spa’ facility which is a purpose built luxury Spa where our guests can unwind and enjoy exclusive beauty/spa treatments at the hands of our incredibly talented therapists. Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/134 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/133 It really was the worst kept secret in Rarotonga. Yes Hillary Clinton did arrive on our sunny shores, along with her incredibly large entourage and additional cargo plane! And I have to say, what an amazing visit for Rarotonga and for the Pacific Islands Forum. As we blogged last time, this was the biggest VIP visitor since Queen Elizabeth II in 1974. The hype she created was huge, with locals still buzzing over the historic visit by the US Secretary of State and her delegation. While here, Clinton did an amazing job of talking to the locals while happily posing for photos. She even delighted some by thoughtful touches such as using a Polynesian inspired clutch purse designed by ex-pat Rachel Guinea. In terms of official business, Clinton really did impress. Given what an incredible role model she is to women (intelligent and driven), as part of her visit she met with a group committed to improving the lives of Pacific women. There she spoke about gender equality and launched the Rarotonga Partnership for the Advancement of Pacific Island Women. This is an initiative between the governments of the US, New Zealand and Australia to support emerging women leaders, and establish networks for sustainable leadership development in the region. At the Pacific Islands Forum she told leaders that "our countries are bound by shared interest and more importantly shared values, a shared history and shared goals for our future". The Forum participants then agreed to international commitment to sustainable ocean management and conservation. This included the launch of the World’s biggest marine park, by the Cook Islands government. A huge 1.2 million square kilometres (386,000 square miles), this is equal to the size of Egypt! Of course much more was discussed, and it is hoped that the results of the forum will translate into real tangible economic benefit for the whole of the Cook Islands. Nevertheless, for those in the tourism industry one of the lasting legacies will be the amazing feedback Hillary Clinton and other Forum leaders gave to journalists while on their visit. Hillary and other guests were reported to be ‘spellbound’ by our Islands’ natural beauty, and charmed by the local people and the beautiful cultural performances. While on the Forum retreat, the local paper quoted one of the leaders as saying “this is heaven”. And at the end of her visit, clearly taken with the Cook Islands, Hillary Clinton said she would prefer “not to go on to the next stop”. There is no denying; in terms of tourism promotion this was an incredible way to showcase our patch of paradise. The above photo was sourced from the US Embassy New Zealand page on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/us_embassy_newzealand/ Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/133 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/132 Everyone here in Rarotonga is very excited about the news that another ‘high profile’ international guest is expected to visit the Cook Islands. Rumour is the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be attending the annual Pacific Forum to be held here in Rarotonga beginning August 27. While the US Embassy in New Zealand declined to confirm the rumour, Cook Island officials are ‘preparing as if she is coming’. This preparation includes sourcing vehicles for her stay, in addition to the three SUVs owned by the government. In all there will be 16 cars, police vehicles, motorbikes and scout cars. Local Police have asked drivers to be on alert for the ‘motorcade’ which will be transporting VIP leaders around Rarotonga. There will also be tighter security on the Island during the Forum, with New Zealand providing some extra police officers to assist the local police force. You may wonder why such a powerful and influential US politician is attending the annual forum. Apparently her presence would ‘emphasize Washington’s policy shift on trade, humanitarian aid and military presence in the Region as it seeks to capitalize upon and counterbalance the rise of many Pacific and Asian nations.’ Translated I would say, the US needs as many ‘allies’ as possible in the current world economic and political environment. If the rumour proves true, this will be the biggest dignitary to visit Rarotonga since Queen Elizabeth II came to stay with Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips - in 1974! Hopefully Hillary and her entourage will consider some much needed R&R at Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa! The photograph above of Queen Elizabeth was taken by Bill Johnson and all credit for the photo goes to him. Mon, 27 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/132 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/131 Over the last 5 years there have been some amazing advances in technology and we are able to enjoy them while living in the tropical island paradise of Rarotonga. As the owner of Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa I have a vested interest in how these advances can enhance tourism and tourists alike in Rarotonga. We have worked very hard at ensuring our guests have access to the right type of technology while on holiday at our resort, and that they are also informed about what is available. Facebook is an example of one of the additions we have made to our marketing strategy. This is a fantastic way to stay engaged with those guests who have stayed with us, and it also gives us the opportunity to share information about our resort and Rarotonga with future guests. Currently we have over 2,700 people who ‘like’ Rumours on Facebook, and this number grows every time we have new visitors stay. I like Facebook for the fact that we can post specials and news and our ‘followers’ get the information instantly. Access to the internet is also important for some of our guests. We are able to provide WiFi for all our luxury villas and there are currently 70+ WiFi locations around Rarotonga that you can connect to. A new application is also available on itraveller (through iTunes). This ‘App’ provides information on where to go and what you can see. It includes a fully zoomable offline map with interactive guide, GPS positioning and points of interest nearby, driving directions, landmarks, shopping, restaurants etc. The App is compatible to iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. An example of new technology introduced to Rumours is the amazing addition of a 2.5 metre screen and projection system in our ‘Ultimate Beachfront Villa’. We recognise that while our guests are here to relax by the beach and/or pool, come the evening one of the ultimate ways to relax is in front of a great movie. The large screen is a luxury item that some guests will not have at home, so we hope it may be as memorable as the facilities and tropical beachfront setting that our guests enjoy. So we will continue to watch with interest the advances and changes with technology and the internet, and where possible use these to our best advantage to enhance our guests’ stay here in Rarotonga. Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/131 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/130 Lately I have had the time to sit back and reflect on the amazing journey we have been on with Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa. The most amazing part of it all of course is to be able to live in the beautiful Cook Islands. This Country offers everything you would expect from a tropical Island, and more. From the picturesque white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, to the wonderful culture, this Island nation really does have it all. When we are asked about activities on the Island it never ceases to amaze me just how much there is to do here. For the adventure seekers there is snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking, deep-sea fishing, boat tours, scenic flights, and kayaks. On some of the Islands you can even hire a moped to zip around the island! Personally, I love to relax on the beach with a good book and the occasional dip, and for this Rumours is the perfect location. With our Villas far enough away from the larger resorts you practically have the beach to yourself Our location on the Island also means we get to see the sunrise. I have lost count of how many spectacular sunrises I have seen here, sometimes with a glass of champagne to welcome the day! For my cultural fix I love the music here.The Cook Islanders are incredibly talented with both their singing and dancing. I have witnessed some fantastic festivals that they hold throughout the year, the combination of modern music with traditional ukuleles made from coconut shells gives a very unique sound. I have also visited many churches on Rarotonga on a Sunday, the beautiful a capella singing is something everyone should hear during their lifetime. I have also been very privileged to witness some stunning weddings here at Rumours. One of the advantages of living in a temperate climate is that we can hold weddings all year round. An intimate ceremony on a white sandy beach is what I consider truly romantic. Yes it would be fair to say I have experienced it all here in Rarotonga - the adventure, the culture, the romance. I’ve explored lush rainforests, driven the coastline, danced to drums, drunk out of a coconut, fed tropical fish from a kayak, and best of all - I’ve slept on the beach. And as I watch the pink sky welcome the moon rising over the water, I am thankful for the unique opportunity to be able to live in what I consider to be ‘Paradise’. D8EH92QW6R39 Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/130 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/129 Wow, what an exciting month for us. Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa have been named as the winner of the ‘Best Resort Spa for the Cook Islands’ in the World Luxury Travel Awards 2012! This is our second time winning as we were also the 2011 Award Winner. The World Luxury Spa Awards recognise spas that “raise the bar of service excellence and put the spotlight on spas representing only the finest standards”. Executive Manager of the Awards, Marinique de Wet, said the level of competition in 2012 was exceptional. “These spas stood up to the highest expectations and were tested by discerning spa-goers looking for the ultimate experience where only the absolute best is acceptable.” As we said in our April blog, we have worked really hard over the last 12 months to maintain our high standards. We also understand the importance of continuing to provide world class service for a Luxury Spa Resort that is situated in one of the best locations in the world! Winning this award not only recognises our hard work, but is also a huge accolade for our incredibly dedicated therapists. Thanks to this fantastic team we have had many guests vote for us this year, so a big ‘Thank You’ to them and to all of you who took the time to vote! Don’t forget if you want to stay in June check out our special offer of 35% off all rates when staying 6 nights of more. Go to our Hot Deals page to read more about this amazing deal! Mon, 11 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/129 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/128 Here at Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa we have had the honour to host some famous faces from New Zealand rugby, and on Friday we along with everyone in Rarotonga were very excited about the visit of Rugby World Cup winning All Black Jerome Kaino for a parade and fan visit. The Webb Ellis Cup has travelled to the Cook Islands where it was showcased at an honorary Rugby World Cup dinner hosted by Prime Minister Henry Puna last Monday night. Mr Puna acknowledged that the Cook Islands community has the greatest supporters of the All Blacks outside of New Zealand. This is the first overseas outing for the cup since it was won by the All Blacks last year. It is a very special visit as it acknowledges the support that the Cook Islands has given to the mighty All Blacks and their successful Rugby World Cup campaign. Last Friday afternoon People in Rarotonga got their chance to see the cup at a special parade. The parade started in the Avarua township where Jerome Kaino was driven with schoolboys flanking him and drummers following. Stops were made for photos and the parade finished at a local market where a traditional Cook Islands welcome was presented, followed by a dance troupe, and finished with school boys performing the All Black haka and their local haka. Happy fans were able to have photos taken with the cup and Kaino, and the day was a huge success for our small community. As with any Country, it is great to celebrate success and to inspire the younger generation to get involved with sport. We are lucky that despite a population of less than 20,000, the Cook Islands have so many sporting activities available for both locals and tourists. Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/128 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/122 We are very excited that our very own Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa has again been nominated in the prestigious 2012 World Travel Awards. The category is for “Best Resort Spa” for the Cook Islands. These Awards give luxury hotels recognition for their “world class facilities and service excellence provided to guests”. The Awards aim to “encourage and raise service standards within the luxury hotel industry”. We have worked really hard over the last 12 months to maintain our high standard that won us this award last year. We understand the importance of offering a luxury resort that has outstanding service and of course one of the best locations in the World. Winning awards like this not only recognises our hard work but also raises our profile as a luxury resort and gives our hard working staff the recognition they deserve. If you have stayed with us and wish to vote, go to the link on our facebook page or visit the World Travel Awards website http://www.luxuryhotelawards.com/. You can read more about the award we won last year in the Press Release included in our April 2011 blog. If you haven’t stayed in the last 12 months, check out our brand new 6 night pampering and indulgence packages. There is a package for all villa categories and so many inclusions! See the deals on the Hot Deals page of this website. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.rumours-rarotonga.com/blog/blog/id/122