NAUTILUS RESORT

On the stretch of Muri Beach that’s described by one local as “the Toorak of Rarotonga”, eco-conscious Nautilus puts on the barefoot Ritz while also putting out a welcome mat for the kids (hotel.qantas.com.au/ nautilus rarotonga). Its 17 spacious villas with peaked thatched roofs are decorated in restrained Polynesian chic and each has its own private saltwater plunge pool. An airy dining pavilion and bar hug the glorious infinity-edge pool that looks over the lagoon and its alluring motu (uninhabited isle). The food is excellent – breakfast pits fluffy caramelised banana pancakes against smoked local fish with coconutbraised local spinach – and a spa sets the dial to parental pamper. Children will thrill to the unique kids’ concierge service, which pairs them with a carer who’s a teacher and adventure-leader in one. Luxe rating ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

Rates from $645 a night

Parents will like There’s really no need to leave (especially with staff exhorting you to relax) but if the mood strikes you, they’ll plan a range of excursions such as taking in a boisterous Sunday church service or visiting a night market perfumed by the smoke of charcoal grills.

Kids will like The junior set aged between five and 12 will feel like royalty with their own personalised kids’ concierge – a service included as part of the tariff and tailored to the interests of each child. The caretakers might help woodblock-print a sarong known as a pareu or create a beach treasure hunt. There’s also guided paddling and kayaking in the calm waters. What kids say “I loved watching a movie with popcorn with the other kids on the day it was raining and kayaking over to the little island to do hermit-crab racing.” Alby, six.