September holiday in Rarotonga or Aitutaki

Hi
We are 3 women friends older than 50 planning a lovely relaxed sunny holiday in either Rarotonga or Aitutaki in sepember. basically we would like a beachside self contained unit-- a little funky and cheaper is more appealing than modern resorty -

I wonder about Bella Beach huts, or rarotonga backpackers beach side units --Want a place where we can swim in the sea nearby and/or a pool and have nice cafes etc nearby.

I get mixed reports on snorkelling in rarotonga -

Would we be better to go to Aitutaki

and how soon should we book for september?

would really appreciate any advice

Hi EvelinT,

When I was in Raratonga I stayed at Vara’s at Muri Beach. They have a few houses scattered around Muri Beach. I liked the house I stayed in very much; it had a big balcony and a clean an spacious kitchen and bathroom. It was a couple of hundred meters from the beach but I did not find that a problem (although the walk was uphill!). I think the have places more close to the beach.
There are a few nice restaurants at Muri Beach, one were you can sit on the beach, very beautiful.

I found the snorkeling was not very special on Raratonga.

I think now is the right time to book your ticket.....

Hope you enjoy your stay.

Thanks Wouter. I appreciate your reply.
Did you try snorkling in the south or near the Rarotangan hotel? I heard that's ok.

I like the sound of the range of restaurants at Muri Beach in spite of the poor snorkling. Are there restaurants walking distance of the rarotongan backpackers on the west side do you know?

Evelyn T

In one week in Jan, I spent heavenly 5 days on Aitutaki and 2 days on Rarotonga. Was very glad I did both. On Aitutaki, stayed at Ranganui's - right on the lagoon, great swimming/lounging, easy kayaking (even for the inexperienced), - in cute little bungalow, simple (not luxury, one double, one small single bed) but adequate with kitchenette, and a pool, outside restaurant/bar/ island night location at Samade's a short walk away, lagoon cruise - your fantasy tropical paradise if weather cooperates. Dare to rent a scooter on either island. Didn't find great snokeling on either island, but it was enough to divert and easy access on Raro - you can get around the island by bus, scooter, or car rental. Muri beach beautiful. Take a good book and lots of sun lotion. I am over 50, travelled with 20-something daughter, completely loved the whole experience (part of longer trip).

I also like to split my time betwwen the Rarotonga and Aitutaki (Prefer more here), haven't made it yet to any other islands. I have stayed at Matriki bungalows. they are rather rustic but clean and there isn't a more beautiful location, in my opinion. I have travelled there alone and with 20 something son.

Oh and I would start booking soon, the smaller places might get booked up. I have also stayed at Muri beach cottages. Aloha, Joan

Snorkelling on Raro and Aitutaki is not great but both have nice spots. Aitutaki gets my vote too as the more deliriously beautiful, best snorkelling spots are off shore in the lagoon, reached by taking a day cruise round the lagoon but shore based snorkelling can see some nice areas too. I split my time 2/3s on Aitutaki and 1/3 Raro and didn't regret it. Take care if you're thinking of staying at Varas - the main complex, right on the beach, is very overcrowded and noisy. I stayed in Vara's Hillside complex, as did Wouter1979 by the look of his comments, and its much much better. Two floors, each with three large double bedrooms, shared bathroom, kitchen and lounge (all fitted to a very good standard). Top floor has nice balcony with sea views. its less than 10 minutes walk down the not-too-steep hill to the main road and Vara's beachside complex.

For snorkeling tips in the Cooks, see my post under the FAQ at the top of this branch.

Thank you all very much for your tips. We're getting on with planning now and will see what's available of the best places

Raro
Ive looked for your snorkelling tips-- can't find them. Is it my technological limitation?
EvelynT

#8 - You're probably not seeing the FAQs because you have selected to view only Cook Island posts. That is logical because that is where you are planning to go. Unfortunately the FAQs are branch wide and can only be seen if you do not select a country and view all the Pacific Island posts. You will see them as the very first message then.

we are both in our 40's and have travelled to raro 6 times now and just love it - not cluttered with tourists and plenty to see and do.
Stayed the last two times at Rarotonga Backpackers - beach side huts or larger units right on the beach. (not really swimmable but plenty of good places near by and they have a pool)
Paul and Rebecca run the place and they will guide you towards good places to snorkel - a very short scooter ride and you have the choice of about 5 or 6 places.
age is definately not a barrier in raro, we had no trouble mixing with younger backpackers and enjoyed our stay yet again.
We are off again next March back to Raro Backpackers - would highly recommend them.