Self contained accomodation Raro

hoffy1413:50 UTC05 Jul 2010

Hi TT'ers

My partner and I are on a six month world trip and at the end of it we are spending a week in Raro (November). After much persuading, my Dad has agreed to come and meet us there.

Due to the fact that we are travelling for six months, we are on a budget. Would anyone know of any self contained accomodation/villas that are close to or on a nice sorkelling beach that would recommend? We are not so budget that we would stay in a backpackers (although that is what we are doing around india at the moment but dad wouldnt have a bar of that) but a simple clean and nice apartment would suit perfectly. I know from experience staying in Fiji that if you stay on the mainland, nice snorkelling beaches are a bit of a rarity, and I wondered if Raro was the same? Having a nice beach to snorkel in is almost equally as important as the accomodation

Thanks for any advice :)

newfie4322:58 UTC05 Jul 2010

We rented a one bedroom house called Rona Kaitangata (has an extra bed for a single in the lounge) across the street from the beach in Titikaveka for a reasonable price for the week. If you check out www.ck.com you will find quite a few places that should meet your requirements - from apartments to hotels to houses. The area from Titikaveka to Muri Beach has nice beaches and snorkeling. Getting around is easy as the bus service is excellent - getting to a supermarket is very simple for picking up supplies. There is a nice morning market in Avarua if you want to experience some of the local color. November is the start of the warmer, more humid weather and if you or Dad are bothered by the heat you may want to look for A/C accommodation - unfortunately will cost more!

Edited by: newfie43

turou23:23 UTC05 Jul 2010

Hi Hoffie,

Since you have successfully persuaded your Dad to join you in Rarotonga, he deserves to have his own attractive space in a 2 br property. If I took my parent on holiday, I would treat him/her like royalty, as our parents deserve. Besides, you may be night-owls while your Dad maybe a lark (I'm sure he is a humous guy as well as being an early-bird). There are many wonderful 2 br self catering villas around Raro. The best snorkelling sites on Raro are in Tikioki (opposite the Catholic church), Aroa (at the Rarotongan Beach Resort) and in Arorangi (Edgewater Resort).

Tikioki - Titikaveka: consider Makea's Bungalow, Maeva, Whitesands, Tanara Villa and Makayla Palms.
Aroa: Vaikoi, Kavera villa, Lagoon Lodges, Puaikura motel.
Arorangi: the Edgewater 2 br apartments, Arorangi Beach Lodge, Oronga Beach, Ruaau Units.

The backpacker properties in Muri and Aroaangi also have self-contained beachfront studios - may be too small for a family of 3 though.

Rarotonga is very fortunate to have a number of good snorkelling beaches within easy access around the entire island. Although there is more coral along the NW and Western sides of the island, compared to other areas of Raro, the beaches are all very attractive and clean. Snorkelling opportunites abound, and are no more than 30 minutes away from the furtherest point at the most. Bus service is great for a tiny island! Plenty of hire scooters and vehicles available, with good deals if you book online. November is a lovely time of year to visit the Cook Islands.

agingaquarian01:26 UTC06 Jul 2010

Late October through to mid November is my favourite time of year on Raro.

You might like to check out this site. You will be dealing direct with the property owners. Makea's bungalow, which was mentioned above, appears on the site as do several others in the vicinity.

http://www.holidayhomes.co.nz/for-rent/pacific-islands/cook-islands-rarotonga-/

jwa18:20 UTC18 Jul 2010

Beach Lodge, next to the QR's residence in Titikaveka, has two bedroom flats that were renting for about NZ$100 per night. It's right across the road from the QR's beach and the bus stops at the property. Not in the same class as the houses listed above, but also not in their price range either. Good luck with your search and enjoy Raro.

hoffy1401:01 UTC21 Oct 2010

Hi everyone thank you sincerely for all of your suggestions. I've since found out that dad has booked somewhere called sunrise beach bungalows. I've just checked them out and am horrified to read the terrible reviews. I'm hoping someone has been there recently and has something good to say about the place.

Perhaps we will get there and end up changing accomodation and I will use your suggestions after all.

Thanks anyway

Self contained accomodation Raro Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands
hoffy1413:50 UTC05 Jul 2010	Hi TT'ers My partner and I are on a six month world trip and at the end of it we are spending a week in Raro (November). After much persuading, my Dad has agreed to come and meet us there. Due to the fact that we are travelling for six months, we are on a budget. Would anyone know of any self contained accomodation/villas that are close to or on a nice sorkelling beach that would recommend? We are not so budget that we would stay in a backpackers (although that is what we are doing around india at the moment but dad wouldnt have a bar of that) but a simple clean and nice apartment would suit perfectly. I know from experience staying in Fiji that if you stay on the mainland, nice snorkelling beaches are a bit of a rarity, and I wondered if Raro was the same? Having a nice beach to snorkel in is almost equally as important as the accomodation Thanks for any advice :)
newfie4322:58 UTC05 Jul 2010	We rented a one bedroom house called Rona Kaitangata (has an extra bed for a single in the lounge) across the street from the beach in Titikaveka for a reasonable price for the week. If you check out www.ck.com you will find quite a few places that should meet your requirements - from apartments to hotels to houses. The area from Titikaveka to Muri Beach has nice beaches and snorkeling. Getting around is easy as the bus service is excellent - getting to a supermarket is very simple for picking up supplies. There is a nice morning market in Avarua if you want to experience some of the local color. November is the start of the warmer, more humid weather and if you or Dad are bothered by the heat you may want to look for A/C accommodation - unfortunately will cost more! Edited by: newfie43	1
turou23:23 UTC05 Jul 2010	Hi Hoffie, Since you have successfully persuaded your Dad to join you in Rarotonga, he deserves to have his own attractive space in a 2 br property. If I took my parent on holiday, I would treat him/her like royalty, as our parents deserve. Besides, you may be night-owls while your Dad maybe a lark (I'm sure he is a humous guy as well as being an early-bird). There are many wonderful 2 br self catering villas around Raro. The best snorkelling sites on Raro are in Tikioki (opposite the Catholic church), Aroa (at the Rarotongan Beach Resort) and in Arorangi (Edgewater Resort). Tikioki - Titikaveka: consider Makea's Bungalow, Maeva, Whitesands, Tanara Villa and Makayla Palms. Aroa: Vaikoi, Kavera villa, Lagoon Lodges, Puaikura motel. Arorangi: the Edgewater 2 br apartments, Arorangi Beach Lodge, Oronga Beach, Ruaau Units. The backpacker properties in Muri and Aroaangi also have self-contained beachfront studios - may be too small for a family of 3 though. Rarotonga is very fortunate to have a number of good snorkelling beaches within easy access around the entire island. Although there is more coral along the NW and Western sides of the island, compared to other areas of Raro, the beaches are all very attractive and clean. Snorkelling opportunites abound, and are no more than 30 minutes away from the furtherest point at the most. Bus service is great for a tiny island! Plenty of hire scooters and vehicles available, with good deals if you book online. November is a lovely time of year to visit the Cook Islands.	2
agingaquarian01:26 UTC06 Jul 2010	Late October through to mid November is my favourite time of year on Raro. You might like to check out this site. You will be dealing direct with the property owners. Makea's bungalow, which was mentioned above, appears on the site as do several others in the vicinity. http://www.holidayhomes.co.nz/for-rent/pacific-islands/cook-islands-rarotonga-/	3
jwa18:20 UTC18 Jul 2010	Beach Lodge, next to the QR's residence in Titikaveka, has two bedroom flats that were renting for about NZ$100 per night. It's right across the road from the QR's beach and the bus stops at the property. Not in the same class as the houses listed above, but also not in their price range either. Good luck with your search and enjoy Raro.	4
hoffy1401:01 UTC21 Oct 2010	Hi everyone thank you sincerely for all of your suggestions. I've since found out that dad has booked somewhere called sunrise beach bungalows. I've just checked them out and am horrified to read the terrible reviews. I'm hoping someone has been there recently and has something good to say about the place. Perhaps we will get there and end up changing accomodation and I will use your suggestions after all. Thanks anyway	5