Where to stay in Rarotonga- Best Resorts and Accommodation 2022
Rarotonga, Cook Islands is a small island, but there are many places to stay in Rarotonga. From Airbnb, villas, or resorts; there are a good variety of options! I will break down different places to stay in Rarotonga and hopefully, it will help you choose where to stay in Rarotonga 🙂
As it is a small island, it’s not hard to get around the island; but choosing the right place to stay will still save you a lot of time, and make your trip more enjoyable! Check out here for how to choose a hotel when traveling.
As for me, I only like to stay in resorts for a few nights. And spend other nights in different styles of accommodation! Depending on what you’re looking for in Rarotonga, and how much your budget is for accommodation in Rarotonga!
It’s hard for me to physically stay in all of the resorts, hotels/accommodations in Rarotonga. So I’ve combined other traveler’s reviews, and personal experiences to come up with this guide so you don’t have to 🙂
Save to read later 🙂
Where to stay in Rarotonga- Near Muri Beach
Muri Beach is a popular place for different water activities, like kayaking, lagoon cruise, or SUP, etc. The popular Captain Tama’s Lagoon cruise departs here! It is less crowded than the other popular beaches! Also, it’s where the most luxury accommodation is situated!
Many good places to eat are in Muri Beach, Rarotonga including the Muri Night Market 🙂
Luxury Accommodation near Muri Beach, Rarotonga
Booking.com$$$$
Te Vakaroa Villas is where to stay in Rarotonga if you’re looking for an adult-only luxurious villa, with one bedroom or two bedrooms set right on Muri Beach with only 6 villas in total. Enjoy the tranquillity, and peace on your next romantic getaway! Daily breakfast with tropical fruits, bread, etc, is delivered to your room. Book an in-room massage and take your romantic holiday to the next level.
All villas have their own fully equipped kitchen, perfect for people who don’t want to eat out all the time. Also, all villas come with washers/ dryers, which will be very handy when you have piles of swimwear, and beachwear and are too lazy to wash by hand 🙂
Highlights of the villas
Comfortable bedding
Location- right on the beach
Well-equipped amenities in rooms
Things to consider before booking
No private pool- There is one infinity pool shared between all 6 villas, however, the maximum number of guests at any time is only 20!
Prices- It is a luxury villa, so the price also reflects it very much
Noise- Have seen some reviews about drum/singing noise from the lagoon cruise. Some people find it quite disturbing, whereas others really enjoyed the music!
Booking.com$$$$
If you’re looking for luxury villas when traveling with your kids, Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa is an amazing place to stay in Rarotonga. Child-friendly villas with complimentary access to its sister property Pacific Resort’s kid’s club, so the adults can enjoy some alone time while the kids have fun 🙂
With 1, 2, or 3 bedroom room options, you and your family or friends can all stay in the same villa. Each room has a private pool, kitchen, washing facilities, and a big outdoor dining area! Also, complimentary shuttle to and from the Pacific Resort, and use of their facilities!
Highlights of this villa
Very clean villas with beautiful decorations
Overlooking Muri lagoon
Kids club available at sister property Pacific Resort
Lovely team that’ll go extra mile for you
Things to think about before booking
No daily housekeeping service
No on-site restaurants- Do have a free shuttle to Pacific Resort for dining (Room Chargeback available)
Booking.com$$$$
Nautilus Resort offers both Polynesian-inspired suites and villa-style of accommodations, with inner garden or beachfront rooms! All rooms come with a salted-water plunge pool, and there’s also an infinity pool next to the restaurant facing the Muri lagoon for amazing photos!
Book the villas for a fully-equipped kitchen if you’re looking to cook yourself during your stay, otherwise, the suites only have some kitchenettes like a microwave, toaster, etc. Whether you’re planning to cook or not; you should try out the onsite restaurant, offering a good a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. I’ve been there and it was really good, the service was very efficient with big portions of tasty food!
Highlights of this resort
Free Wifi up to 2 devices (Can be quite slow, but to be expected like lots of places in Rarotonga)
Outdoor activities for families
Subject to availability- Extended day room with 50% of the normal rate (Good option if having a late flight)
Things to think about before booking
The extra charges can be quite significant. E.g. cots, wifi for extra devices
Internet weak signal
Mid-Range/ Budget accommodation near Muri Beach, Rarotonga
Booking.com$-$$
It can sometimes be quite noisy or busy if you stay right on the beach, so if you’re looking for a place to stay in Muri Beach, Rarotonga that’s a bit away from the hustle and bustle. Muri Retreat is where you should stay! It is close enough to walk to the main road/ beach area, yet not too close to all the noise!
It’s apartment-styled accommodation, all with a patio or balcony and a fully-equipped kitchen. Very spacious rooms, with BBQ facilities, and a laundry room to use. Stay here for a few nights, and wake up to the sound of chickens as a natural alarm.
And if you stay here, remember to bring a torch for walking at night! It is extremely dark walking back.
Highlights of this accommodation
Very friendly price- Affordable for people on a budget
Decent Wifi (Vodafone vouchers)- You need to purchase the Vodafone WIFI vouchers, but once you’re connected the speed is quite decent!
Secluded area- away from the main road
Things to think about before booking
Away from the main road- a bit of a walk from the apartments to the beach/ restaurants
No aircon- But a fan was provided, and it worked well for us 🙂
Due to the pandemic, there isn’t any complementary snorkel gear for use. But you can easily hire them along the beach area!
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Booking.comMuri Beachcomber is a beautiful little paradise set right on the Muri Lagoon, offering direct access to the beach. Minutes walk away from the popular restaurants/cafes scene, and the Muri night market. Enjoy the top-notch service, location, and amenities without breaking the bank!
With all the different water activities on Muri Lagoon, you won’t run out of things to do. Muri Beachcomber offers all kinds of complementary hireage, including bicycles, SUPs, Kayaking, and snorkel gear! And when you’re tired of the water and need some rest, book the massage and indulge in the one-hour treatment onsite!
Highlights of this accommodation
Free airport shuttle- Bonus as you don’t see many other places in Rarotonga offering free airport shuttle
Guest Lounge- With SkyTV, computers, and a shower, for guests to use. If you have a late flight when you check out, you are more than welcome to use the shower here to refresh before your flight!
Daily housekeeping service
Things to think about before booking
Bad TV/ WIFI reception in the room
Loud roosters noise (to be expected in many accommodations in Rarotonga)
No on-site restaurants/bars- But very close to Muri’s popular restaurants/cafes
Muri Lagoon View Bungalows- HIllside
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Booking.comMuri Lagoon View Bungalows- HIllside has bungalows style of accommodation set up the hill near Muri beach, an amazing view looking through the palm trees down to the Muri Lagoon. Different kinds of views you’ll get from staying at the beachside, or beachfront accommodation. All units are self-contained with fully-equipped kitchens, and laundry facilities. There are rooms with air-conditioning if needed 🙂
This is where to stay in Rarotonga if you want some peace and a quiet neighborhood, as there aren’t many neighbors surrounding this accommodation! And it is only a 10 minutes walk down to the Muri Beach busy area.
The sign for this accommodation is a bit hard to spot, just look out for the Aroko Bungalow sign on the main road, and across the road is the street you need to take to go up a bit of hill to Muri Lagoon View Bungalows! And note if you’re walking back at night, remember to bring a torch as it gets really dark out there.
Highlights of the accommodation
Hilltop view down to the Muri Lagoon
Budget price for amazing accommodation in Rarotonga
Quiet and secluded area
Things to think about before booking
A short walk up the hill- Easy walk, but can be a bit hassle for some people
Roosters noise- Common everywhere on the island
Explore more accommodations near Muri Beach, Rarotonga
Booking.comWhere to stay in Rarotonga- Near Aroa Beach, Arorangi District
Aroa Beach is famous for its snorkeling, a top location if you would love to explore the underwater world every day! It is also a busier area, where many tourists/families will choose to stay.
Aorangi District is also on the west side of Rarotonga, so it’s also where to stay in Rarotonga for an amazing sunset.
Mid-Range to Budget Accommodation in Arorangi District, Rarotonga
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
Booking.com$$$
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium sits right on Aroa Beach, which is where the Aroa Marine Reserve is. The best place to stay in Rarotonga if your top priority is the location. They have many types of rooms catering to all types of travelers; families, friends, couples, etc.
They also offer onsite massages, manicures/ pedicures service, and Restaurants & bars so you can relax and indulge in the Island time without having to leave the resort at all! And there’s a kid club if the adults want to have some alone time or daily activities that cater to both adults and kids.
The rooms are a bit outdated, they are working towards renovations around the resorts. Nonetheless, they are still a popular place to stay in Rarotonga, so make sure you book ahead. If you want some quiet time away from all the big families, their sister property Sanctuary Resort is an adult-only place to stay! And you can still access all the facilities of The Rarotongan Resort 🙂
Highlights of this resort
Location Location Location- Really hard to beat
Daily activities- Snorkeling, coconut weaving, sarong DIY and so much more
Huge range of room types
Things to think about before booking
Popular amongst families- If you’re looking for quietness, but still with the best snorkeling location. Sanctuary Resort (Adult Only) is where to stay in Rarotonga!
Booking.com$$$
Castaway Resort is a small adult-only resort set on the beach looking out to the best sunset on the island. This is where to stay in Rarotonga if you’re looking for a resort, but with a warm family, and a welcoming feeling instead of the usual big resort type of less warm feeling. All the rooms and villas here are fully-catering and air-conditioned!
There are two on-site restaurants, one by the pool and one right on the sandy beach out front looking out at the ocean and sunset! They offer different themed dinners every day, so you won’t get bored by the same menu. The happy hour cocktails here are really famous as well! Many people come here for dinner even if they’re not staying here 🙂 Also, you can occasionally spot whales swimming in the ocean!
Highlights of this resort
Family style feeling resort- Personal and exceptional service
Different themed different menus daily at the onsite restaurant
Fabulous sunset view from the resort
Things to think about before booking
Potential noise from neighbor guests or dogs barking- But Castaway always do its best to resolve the issue!
Booking.com$$$
The Edgewater Resort & Spa is A big family-friendly resort, offering a variety of daily activities and a coconut kids club for the little ones to make friends and experience island fun. Free snorkel gear and beach towels to use, save you the hassle of cleaning and washing your own gear. The Edgewater Resort also offers a range of spas, hair salons or massage treatments to get you ready for any special occasion celebration!
They have two onsite restaurants, and I’ve been to one which is The Brasserie, and really enjoyed the atmosphere; and most importantly the amazing view looking out to the ocean, sunset, and the beautiful colorful sky at dusk. The Brasserie is huge and has indoor, outdoor, poolside, and on-the-beach seating to cater to everyone’s needs!
This resort is where you stay in Rarotonga if you’re traveling as a family, where kids can go around the resort, jump in the pool and make friends with the other kids. And it’s also a place where you can possibly spot whales swimming around in the ocean.
Highlights of this resort
All rooms rate include a Tropical breakfast
Very popular among families
Close to Black Rock Beach (walkable)- A good place for sunset and snorkeling!
Things to think about before booking
Lots of kids- Especially in the pool area
Booking.com$$$
Lagoon Breeze Villas offer modern studio rooms or multiple bedrooms villas, cater to different types of travelers. The 5-bedroom villa can stay up to 12 people, which makes it a perfect place to stay in Rarotonga for bigger groups or families. This is where to stay in Rarotonga for the people who are after resort-style villas that can cater to a big group!
Lagoon Breeze offers a great range of facilities for children, there is a kid’s playground onsite and a paddling pool extended from the actual pool for toddlers to play in safely. You can even arrange evening babysitting at reception, for the adults to enjoy a peaceful, romantic night.
Say hi to their dog and cats onsite, they’re always welcoming you like family 🙂
Highlights of the villas
Good children’s facilities
Check-in time is @ 12pm- Earlier than most other places
Complimentary tropical breakfast- Good selection of fruits
Things to think about before booking
No onsite restaurant for lunch or dinner- But close to The Rarotongan where you can easily walk to its restaurant.
Wifi connection can be spotty depending on where you are at the property
Booking.com$$$-$$$$
Magic Reef Bungalows is an Eco-friendly, sustainable bungalows set right on the beach at the western side of Rarotonga. There are beachfront rooms or inner garden rooms for those who love some greens; all rooms in Magic Reef come with an ocean view. To make it even better, all the rooms are equipped with Smart TV with Netflix, which is super rare to find in Rarotonga 🙂
This accommodation is working towards preserving Rarotonga’s beauty and nature, by offering their guests E-bikes and electric cars to rent. To encourage more people to explore this beautiful island in an environmentally friendly way.
Highlights of the Bungalows
Unlimited Wifi
Smart TV with Netflix
Sustainability
Things to think about before booking
The price points
Booking.com$-$$
Very highly recommended
Aroa Kainga Bungalows is where I stayed the last few nights of my trip in Rarotonga, and I loved it. The two bungalows are tucked away in the inner island, just off the street of the most popular snorkeling spot in Rarotonga. Both bungalows have kitchenettes for you to cook your own meal, or it’s within walking distance to restaurants of The Rarotongan.
There are all kinds of DVDs, books, and board games to borrow from the owner’s garage. It’s a wonderful addition as after a long day of exploring the island sometimes you just want to stay in your accommodation instead of going out again!
Most importantly the owners are amazing people, they got the room ready super early so we can check in and leave our stuff. And there’s a big plate of fruits when we check in, and light breakfast like toast and jam, milk, and cereals are provided in the room as well.
Highlights of the Bungalows
Budget price for an exceptional stay
Owners are amazing people
Close enough to the main road and beautiful beach, but not close enough to hear the noise
Things to think about before booking
It can be tricky to connect to the WIFI- but with the DVDs, books, and board games. You won’t need much internet 🙂
Explore more accommodations near Aroa Beach, Rarotonga
Booking.comWhere to stay in Rarotonga- Near Tikioki Beach, Titikaveka District
South of the island, where the other marine reserve is. Amazing snorkeling spot on the island, and with some must-eat restaurants around. Blue, clear, and calm lagoon compliments with clear blue sky and sandy beach.
Luxury Accommodation in Titikaveka District
Booking.com$$$$
Little Polynesian Resort is a boutique resort set directly on the beach, also one of the best spots for snorkeling in Rarotonga. If you’re looking for privacy, romance, and complete relaxation, this adult-only resort is where to stay in Rarotonga. With beachfront rooms or garden rooms, all come with outdoor showers which are super island feels and are romantic!
Amazing service staff, calling each guest by name. Rooms are serviced daily, you’ll see towel animals sitting on the bed waiting for you. Their onsite restaurant offers great service as well, and tasty food; many outside guests go there for dinner as well.
You can spend the whole day here without feeling bored, kayaking or snorkeling out the lagoon. Or simply relax by the infinity pool!
Highlights of the Resort
Romantic Adults-only resort
Personable customer service
Daily housekeeping
Things to think about before booking
It is pricey- one of the most expensive resorts in Rarotonga
Booking.com$$$$
Villas set on the south of Rarotonga, directly on the stretch of secluded sandy white beach. Sea Change Villas offer one, two, or three bedrooms are available catering to couples to bigger groups. It basically has its own private beach as it’s so secluded, not many outside guests come to its beach. If you’re looking for complete relaxation, and quiet holiday time; this is where to stay in Rarotonga.
All rooms come with their own private pool, courtyard, and plenty of space to rejuvenate and have privacy.
Highlights of the villas
Multiple bedrooms villas are available
Free use of bikes
Basically has its own private beach
Things to think about before booking
Quite a bit distance from the restaurants/ cafes- Renting a car would be ideal, and save lots of time
Mid-Range Accommodation in Titikaveka District
Booking.com
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Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel offers beachfront studios set on the beach, with the option to book interconnecting rooms for bigger families, or book the Deluxe beachfront studios for romantic getaways (Only 18+ are permitted for this room type). Enjoy waking up to the sound of waves crashing, the fresh smell of the ocean, and complimentary breakfast overlooking the idyllic beach.
The location is perfect for people wanting to get out and explore the island more, it’s close to the famous restaurant Charlie’s, Fruit of Rarotonga, which is the landmark for one of the best snorkeling places in Rarotonga, and within walking distance to the Muri Beach as well where many activities take place!
Please note due to staff shortage, the restaurant on site is only open for breakfast until further notice. Check with the hotel directly for the most up-to-date information
Highlights of the hotel
Reasonable price for amazing beachfront studios
Location- Walkable to many popular places for food, and activities
Things to think about before booking
Potential noise from upper floors- Staff is quick to resolve this if needed
Explore more accommodations near Tikioki Beach, Rarotonga
Booking.comThings to consider when booking accommodation in Rarotonga
Choosing where to stay when traveling can be a difficult task for some people, there are so many things to consider. And everyone has different preferences, so if you’re traveling in a bigger group, it’s even harder to decide.
So below I’m going to make it easier for you, and list out a few most important things to consider when choosing where to stay in Rarotonga 🙂 All in all, I recommend staying at different parts of the island throughout your trip if you’re staying more than a week, just to mix it up a bit. Like I stayed a few nights at a beachfront resort and a few nights in inner island accommodation.
Location- Where to stay in Rarotonga
Rarotonga is a small island, and it’s super easy to get around the island regardless of where you stay. But choosing the right location is still super important, it will save you time waiting around for the bus, and money on bus/gas.
And if you are looking for a more quiet place, away from the hustle and bustle; the inner island would be a better choice than the beachside. Whereas, if you want to be in the middle of all things happening, the beachside would be an ideal choice.
Your plans while in Rarotonga
If you’re snorkel lover, staying near Aroa Beach or Tikioki Beach would be ideal as they’ve got the best snorkeling spots in Rarotonga.
If you love doing different sorts of water activities/tours, Muri Beach is where to stay in Rarotonga as most tours run from here.
And if Rarotonga is just a transfer hub for you to the outer islands, staying around Avarua District would be the most convenient. This is also where to stay in Rarotonga if you want to be close to the Punanga Nui Market, and some of the must-eat restaurants in Rarotonga. But I don’t really recommend staying here, as the lagoon here is not as beautiful as in other places in Rarotonga.
Amenities/ Facilities the accommodation offer
Have a look at what facilities/amenities each accommodation offers, it could potentially save you much hassle and money.
Free snorkel gear/ kayak/ SUP for use is a bonus as it saves you the hassle and money to rent it elsewhere. Especially snorkeling gear, if you are not planning to bring them yourself, as snorkeling is one of the most popular activities in Rarotonga.
Kitchen facilities will come in handy if you miss home-cooked meals, or if you’re on a budget as eating out in Rarotonga isn’t cheap; the pricing of the food is roughly the same as in New Zealand but with bigger portions.
Air-conditioning- Not every accommodation has this, it’s generally fine but if you’re traveling during the warmest months from November to March, or you’re a very heaty person. It might be a smarter decision to book a place with air-conditioning.
Save it for future planning!
Rarotonga Travel Tips
How to get around Rarotonga
Walking, Bus, Driving, and Scooters, are the most common ways people get around on the island. Rarotonga is like a ring circle, there’s only one main road that circuits around the island, very straightforward and easy to navigate.
There are two buses on the island, clockwise and anti-clockwise. You can wave down the bus from anywhere on the main road, if there’s a spot to pull over the driver will always stop for you. Buy the tickets onboard, let the driver know where you want to go, or just shout out when you’re ready to get off. It is Island time, everyone’s very chill 🙂
Car Rental
It is highly recommended that you pre-book your cars well in advance, so you don’t end up being disappointed. I’ve seen many people try to rent a car at the last minute but there was nothing available.
There are a few rental companies around the Island, Island Car and Bike hire offers free pick-up and drop-off services. The usual minimum age is 18 to rent a car, and a full international license, if your license is not English, you’d need a translation.
What to eat in Rarotonga
It is a small island, but it has got a variety of places to eat in Rarotonga. From cafes, and food trucks to restaurants, etc. You should try as many island unique foods as possible, like Ika Mata, Rukau (Taro leaves), island fries, etc.
If there’s a kitchenette in your accommodation, you can always buy some groceries from the supermarket in town. But they might be quite expensive, it’d be worth bringing some food with you from home.
What to do in Rarotonga
Key to enjoying Rarotonga is to enjoy the island time, be laid back, and not rush anything.
Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities to do in Rarotonga, which is not a surprise given how beautiful and clear their lagoon is.
Immerse yourself into their culture, join an island night, progressive dinner, or UMU night. There are so many tours you can join to experience their cultures.
Find out everything you need to do in Rarotonga here
Walk or drive around the island without any real purpose, just enjoy the scenery along the road. You might end up finding a hidden gem that becomes your favorite place in Rarotonga!
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