Our Story

Kia Orana!

The Team at The Cooks Oasis:

Managers: Marianne and Wise

Paw Patrol: Mawi

Owners: Erin, Matt, Lin and Wayne (In Memoriam)

Housekeeper Extraordinaire: Elisa (Aka The Boss)

We invite you to come stay with us at The Cooks Oasis and look forward to sharing this little paradise with you.

In February 2024, newlyweds Marianne and Wise joined the team at The Cooks Oasis and with them bring a wealth of hospitality experience and local knowledge. You will also meet the friendly Mawi, their pup and our official paw patrol for the hotel!

Elisa, affectionately known as "the Boss," has been a cherished part of The Cooks Oasis family for many years. She is our excellent housekeeper, responsible for the high standard of cleanliness that guests have come to expect here at The Cooks Oasis. She works incredibly hard to ensure the rooms are always looking pristine.

Where we started

Lin and Wayne: Lin, a retired physiotherapist, and Wayne, a retired aircraft engineer and farmer, brought a wealth of life experience to our little piece of paradise. They chose to spend six months of the year in Rarotonga during New Zealand's winter and the other six months in their New Zealand home just outside of Christchurch. Their decision to move here was driven by a deep desire to be close to family after over 20 trips to Rarotonga themselves. We're proud to say we have other family members residing on this beautiful island as well. During his time in Rarotonga, Wayne immersed himself in the local volunteer fire department, lending a helping hand to the community. Lin coached the juniors in squash, sharing her passion for the sport with the younger generation.

Update on the owners

In 2023, we are sad to say we lost Wayne from our team. We miss him around here every day, but we will carry on his spirit through always making time to chat with our guests and have a laugh, in fixing the little things with quiet pride, and in looking out for all the team members of The Cooks Oasis during their time working here. He loved being here in Rarotonga and found his true passion in getting to know our guests, sometimes he would come back with someone’s whole life story after an afternoon chat! 😊 If you were one of our lucky guests who met Wayne, and are coming back to stay with us again, please bring us your stories as we love hearing how he impacted everyone he met with his kindness and easy going nature.

Matty and Erin: Erin, originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is always looking for the latest tour, artist, musician, restaurant, coffee shop or snorkel spot to share and loves to support local businesses while enhancing your island experience. Matty, who has lived in the Cooks on and off for the past 20 years, has a deep connection with the island and its culture. He is passionate about sharing the beauty of Rarotonga with our guests and has represented the Cook Islands for cricket internationally. In 2017, Erin and Matty were married on Motu Koromiri in Muri, in a fun blend of a celebration of love and mini music festival, and attended by an eclectic mix of Cook Islanders, New Zealanders, Canadians, and Australians. Together, we make Rarotonga our home for six months during the Canadian winter, and spend the above-zero months in Edmonton with our friends, family and 2 beloved cats.

Come visit us in Rarotonga, and we will show you why we Love A Little Paradise here in the Cook Islands!

*Meitaki Ma'ata E Kia Manuia* (Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and may you have a good life)

The Cooks Oasis Team: Marianne, Wise, Elisa, Erin, Matty, Lin and Wayne (In Memoriam)

About The Cooks Oasis

A hidden gem for your unforgettable Rarotonga island escape. Our nine recently upgraded villas offer comfort and variety, from cozy studios to spacious one- and two-bedroom units. Nestled in a lush tropical garden, our self-catered villas are just moments from a serene sandy beach, known for some of the island's best snorkeling, where you can witness stunning sunsets that light up the sky.