Crown Beach Resort, Rarotonga

Just six villas make up this architectural delight: three with one bedroom and three with two bedrooms, purposely designed to blend seamlessly into their beautiful and very natural setting. Expect space and light, crisp white linens with vibrant, arty prints adding a splash of colour, and a large private veranda overlooking the lagoon and rolling surf beyond the reef.

A fully equipped kitchen allows for total self-sufficiency if you choose, or opt to have gourmet meals delivered to your villa or the pool from Sails Restaurant, right next door. Many more restaurants and bars are just a short walk away along the beautiful beach, and a sumptuous, tropical breakfast is delivered to your villa daily. For a great coffee, delicious lunch and delectable cakes, Deli-licious and Le Bon Vivant (LBV) are both wonderful cafes just a short stroll away, and the nearby 'Night Markets' offer a great hang-out for locals and visitors, with a tantalising range of mouth-watering dishes.

If your daily goal is to laze by the infinity edge pool and marvel at the magical lagoon views, you’ll be in heaven here. Equally, if your idea of paradise involves a little more action, Muri Beach and the lagoon more than deliver – the snorkelling, sailing and wind-surfing here are second to none