A move to the island of Rarotonga had been a life-long dream for John Rennie, to be able to spend time in the home of his father James, who was one of 12 children raised in the nearby village of Ngatangiia.

In 2006 John and his wife Rachel took the opportunity to make a sea change move to Rarotonga and build what is now Makayla Palms on what was initially a grassy section with patches of beach sand.

Over the last 15 years Rachel, an avid gardener, has created by hand what is now lush, tropical gardens that surround each villa, creating a secluded and quiet space for our guests.

A large selection of tropical fruit trees have been planted around the gardens for our guests to enjoy, as well as a vegetable garden growing many types of herbs and various other culinary treats.

Now, a palm tree-lined pathway leads you down to the sparkling water of our spectacular, uncrowded beach and turquoise lagoon. This has been a labour of love for our guests to enjoy.

Makayla Palms has won several Air New Zealand Tourism Awards in the categories of Self-Catering and Customer Care, along with an excellence certification from Trip Advisor.

Guests continue to come back years after their wedding, honeymoon or first trip to the Cook Islands, returning to the place that they experienced a peaceful and tranquil holiday.

After years of hard work the next generation is now taking care of the business, and their many guests that have come to experience our piece of paradise.

Our hope is people will unwind, relax and come to love Makayla Palms as the perfect base to explore and experience the beauty that is Rarotonga.