'It's striking how uncommercialised these islands are'

What were your first impressions?

I’d never been to the Cook Islands before the fam trip but it is sold by If Only, and now I’m motivated to push it that much more. The most striking thing is how uncommercialised it is. Hotels are all locally owned and managed and they have their quirks, such as chickens and hens roaming about. When you check in, staff give you a floral garland to wear and they go out of their way to help you – they’re very warm, friendly people.

The only people who can own land on the Cook Islands are those born there or their relatives – they are not allowed to sell to outsiders, so you don’t see the big hotel brands there. Nor are the restaurants particularly high-end, but they are charming and the food is beautiful.

Which hotels stood out for you?

On Rarotonga, I loved the infinity pool at Manuia Beach Resort, which looks out over the ocean to where the reef begins. We also visited Little Polynesian Resort, which is a honeymooners’ paradise. They like to put presents in rooms, such as complimentary little bottles of wine.

Tamanu Beach Resort on Aitutaki has stunning beach bungalows – you walk straight out of these on to the sand and into the sea. They’re spacious for two people but you can fit an extra person to sleep in the living room.