1. Could you share your vision for building a family-owned hospitality business and the story behind Lagoon Breeze Villas and its place in the local tourism landscape?
Lagoon Breeze Villas began life in the 1980s under the name Lagoon Lodges. It started with about half a dozen units and gradually expanded to around 18.
In 2006, the property was sold to a developer from New Zealand, who introduced a unit-title model with multiple owners, mostly from New Zealand, each owning part of the resort. Unfortunately, that model did not work well, and part of the property went into receivership.
In 2011, we made an offer to purchase the units in receivership. The owners of the remaining units then also took the opportunity to sell, and we acquired the entire property.
At that time, it was quite run down. We had to reroof several buildings, and in 2016–17 we added six new one-bedroom units at the rear of the property. Today, we have 25 units in total: six studios, twelve one-bedroom villas, six two-bedroom villas, and a five-bedroom villa with a private pool that is especially popular with family groups.
Our vision has always been to restore the property to the standard it once had, while keeping it affordable. We position ourselves in the middle of the market, not ultra-luxury, not five-star, but as a place where guests can truly feel at home.
The property sits on four acres, so we have space, gardens, and privacy. Even when we are full, it never feels crowded. We are also very proud to have 100 percent local staff. Guests frequently comment on that, and it adds to the authentic island experience.
We strongly support the destination concept of Rarotonga. We encourage guests to get out, explore the island, enjoy the beaches, tours, and restaurants, and meet Cook Islanders. We do not want people to stay only on the property; we want them to experience the island fully.
The resort is especially well suited to families. It offers a safe environment where children can run around freely, and that has been a major reason why so many guests return year after year, often across generations, from parents to grandparents and grandchildren.
2. How do you deliver an authentic guest experience by combining Polynesian culture and personalised service within the property?
One of the things we do that guests really appreciate is personal interaction.
Most mornings during complimentary breakfast, I come down and spend time talking with guests. As a Cook Islander who has lived here all my life, I can share first-hand knowledge about the island, its history, culture, and daily life.
Many guests are genuinely curious. They ask about the land system, local customs, family life, and places they should visit. There is a real thirst for understanding the culture.
Our front office team has also been with us for many years and offers excellent local recommendations based on guest feedback and experience.
It is not a formal cultural program, it is natural and genuine. For example, one of our groundsmen might husk a coconut for children and explain how it is done. The children are fascinated, and the parents love that experience.
Many of our staff are also involved in cultural tourism activities across the island, such as dance groups and performances, which helps preserve and share our traditions.
3. How do you position this mid-range boutique hospitality offering for travellers seeking authenticity and value beyond large resorts?
Space is one of our greatest strengths.
Guests do not feel as though they are stacked into a multi-story complex. We have deliberately chosen not to overdevelop the land. Yes, we could build more units, but that would spoil the ambience.
The grounds are spacious, quiet, and set back from the road, which creates a sense of calm and privacy.
By positioning ourselves in the mid-range market, we meet the expectations of travellers who want quality and comfort without the high-end resort price tag. That segment is actually the majority of travellers.
Families, grandparents travelling with children, and multi-generational groups find that our villas are perfectly suited to their needs.
The safety and freedom for children to move between villas is something many families say they cannot easily find elsewhere.
4. In an increasingly competitive global market, how do you position the Cook Islands within the travel segment and differentiate it from other Pacific destinations?
I truly believe this is one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific.
There is something extraordinary about arriving here. Within minutes of landing, people relax. Guests often tell us they can feel the stress disappear almost immediately.
One of our greatest strengths is authenticity.
Unlike many other island destinations, our customary land ownership system remains intact. That means the land is still locally owned, and people feel secure in their place and identity.
This creates a genuine warmth and friendliness that visitors notice immediately.
People often comment on how happy and welcoming Cook Islanders are, and that happiness is genuine. We still live very closely connected to our land, our sea, and our traditions.
That is a major differentiator from more commercialized destinations.
5. How important is the American market, especially travellers from the U.S. West Coast, for your property?
The American market is becoming increasingly important.
Before, we had strong long-stay visitation from Canada, especially from colder regions, and many guests stayed six to eight weeks.
We are now seeing more interest from the U.S., particularly from the West Coast.
Many American visitors tell us they are looking for something more authentic than destinations such as Hawaii, which they feel has become highly commercialized.
For them, the Cook Islands offers what Hawaii may have felt like 50 years ago, natural, genuine, and deeply connected to local culture.
With improving air connectivity, particularly through Los Angeles and Hawaii, we believe this market will continue to grow.
6. Sustainability is critical in island environments. What initiatives have you implemented to protect lagoons, reefs, and local ecosystems?
Sustainability is essential here.
We have invested in upgraded wastewater systems to ensure nothing harmful reaches the lagoon.
Culturally, we also have the traditional Raui system, protected marine and land areas where fishing or harvesting is temporarily prohibited so that resources can replenish.
This is an ancestral conservation practice that remains deeply respected.
On the property itself, we provide a high-quality filtered water system so guests can drink directly from the tap, reducing plastic bottle waste.
We also sort our rubbish carefully and do what we can to minimise our environmental footprint.
7. What are the challenges of operating in a remote island environment related to logistics, staffing, and supply chains?
Operating remotely means you must always plan ahead.
We joke with staff that whenever we need something, we should buy extra, because supply shortages do happen.
Over the years, we have experienced shortages of flour, juice, petrol, chicken, and even aviation fuel.
Fortunately, most guests understand that island life comes with these realities.
The challenge is always balancing sustainability regulations with practical business needs. Sometimes policies introduced with good intentions can have unintended consequences.
More dialogue with government and industry would be very valuable.
8. What do you see as the future of tourism in the Cook Islands?
I believe the future is very strong.
The Cook Islands has always shown resilience. We have recovered from global crises before, and each time tourism has bounced back.
What is especially encouraging is that more local families are now investing in villa-style accommodation on their own land.
That means tourism revenue stays with local families and communities, which is extremely important.
It also creates opportunities for young Cook Islanders to stay on the island and build livelihoods at home.
That, to me, is one of the most positive developments.
9. What message would you like to send to Los Angeles Times readers about why they should experience the Cook Islands through your property and the destination as a whole?
I would warmly invite Los Angeles readers to come and discover the Cook Islands for themselves.
I have visited California several times, and I believe there are many cultural similarities, a love of family, music, dance, warmth, and community.
Here, visitors will find peace, authenticity, and a way of life that many people around the world long for.
What we have here is something truly special.
We are already rich in what our ancestors have left us, our land, our culture, and our people.
Come and experience that for yourself.
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