The Cook Islands experience

The Cook Islands is being discovered by a new generation of Australians as an affordable holiday destination with a range of new accommodation, ranging from luxurious, intimate resorts to stylish self-catered villas for families or couples wanting the comforts of home.

This unspoilt paradise in the Pacific boasts stunning geographic beauty, combined with a welcome from friendly, warm locals, all with sophisticated infrastructure but without the usual trappings of the tourism industry.

A new highlight is a progressive dinner party in which visitors dine on delicious, authentic Polynesian cuisine prepared by locals in their own homes throughout the evening.

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation CEO John Dean says the islands are more welcoming than ever.

"While always considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world, the Cook Islands have now been transformed by a new range of upscale accommodation having opened in the last two years, as well as a range of existing resorts already popular with Australians."

"The good news for Australians is that not only are these places offering exceptional service and locations, but they also compare favourably price-wise to anything remotely similar in the region, with something to offer everyone - from great cuisine, wine and coffee to world-class diving in our lagoons," Dean said.