Falling on a Sunday this year, New Year’s Eve presents a unique challenge for resorts. However, restaurants and bars remain hopeful for a lively influx of guests eager to ring in the new year with family and friends over festive meals.

According to Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council president Liana Scott, with New Year’s falling on a Sunday affecting some restaurants and clubs opening hours, it will be a little quieter than normal this Sunday evening.

Given the beautiful weather Rarotonga has been experiencing, Scott expects most people would want to enjoy a nice meal, drinks on the beach, and an earlier than normal finish to the year.

“Hotels/resorts around the island will have their own celebration for bona fide patrons and guests of those properties and most have a full schedule of entertainment and great food,” said the general manager of the Muri Beach Club Hotel.

For the Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium, the resort will be celebrating with some fantastic fireworks, fabulous food and lots of fun.

The resort says they will host a New Year’s Eve party and guests can feast on whole roast suckling pig, ham, lamb, beef and gamefish chased by delectable desserts and enjoy entertainment the whole night long including a special riveting island show from Akirata Dance Troupe.

Guests can join the “Conga Line for the Countdown” to a brand New Year and welcome 2024 with an amazing firework show above Aroa Lagoon.

However, booking is essential by email restaurant.manager@therarotongan.com or call 25800 extension 5016/5014/5017 to secure your spot.

On the New Year’s Day, the resort will host an Islands BBQ Lunch buffet with live music and special appearances by famous characters Spiderman, Captain America and Wonder Woman.

At the Nautilus Resort, company director Jane Pearson says they will host a New Year’s Eve dinner and dance. Reservations for the Cocktail Party and five-course dinner are by phone at 58724.

The resort will also host a New Year’s Day pool party with GDub and special guest DJs, cocktail specials and a great recovery menu to help welcome 2024.

The Edgewater Resort and Spa general manager Melissa Gosselin says they won’t be hosting fireworks this year but will offer an exciting lineup of events planned for this New Year’s weekend.

They include the Island Night & Show tonight, the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Buffet with Live Entertainment and Floor Show from 7pm onwards on Sunday ($75 per person, child $37.50), and New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet with Live Entertainment from 12 midday onwards, $50 adults/$25 children, on Monday. A la carte menu will also be available and for dinner with live entertainment

To avoid disappointment, booking is highly recommended. Call 25 435 for reservations.

Spaghetti House will also be open as usual, and the staycation specials are still available for a relaxing and enjoyable festive season.

Gosselin said: “This is such a wonderful time of the year and our team are looking forward to enjoying a celebration to welcome in the New Year with our locals and overseas visitors.”

“Ease the stress of cooking at home, let us take care of you at Edgewater Resort & Spa.”