I lived there for eighteen months and love the place. The lagoons in Muri and Titikaveka are a little polluted but are still by far the most beautiful place on the island. I would recommend staying there above anywhere else. The snorkeling and swimming around that area is fine. There are particular species of fish you can't eat, just check with the locals first. I love Rarotonga -- I am very well traveled and would have to say it is my favourite place on Earth.
Rarotonga … I absolutely loved it! It's the most lovely place and very romantic too. It's also very relaxing -- the perfect holiday!
Rarotonga … Idyllic dream world, beaches, lagoons, reefs, seafood galore, friendliness -- what could be more fantastic? What a lie. Dead coral litters the beach, causes what locals call coral rash (and if not cleansed properly, it needs antibiotics). We should have gotten the hint when we didn't see locals fishing, diving, or swimming.
Rarotonga … Heaven on earth! There are great people!
Rarotonga … Vistors should avoid the beaches around Muri and Titikaveka as they are badly polluted.
Rarotonga … The most idylic tropical islands I have visited so far. Minimal commercial tourism especially if you can get off the main island to some of the smaller islands like Atiu and Mauke. Great for snorkling, diving, kayaking, or just relaxing on powder white sand beaches. Friendly islanders are always ready to share a laugh and greet you with a smile. Hostel and budget rooms are very affordable, but the price of food is rather high since most of it is shipped in from New Zealand and further abroad.
Ariana Bungalows & Hostel in Rarotonga … My family and I had a great stay at Ariana. The new owners have done an amazing job renovating the bungalows. This is absolute value for money. Many of our friends, who stayed in places which cost twice as much, came for a swim at Ariana and wished they had stayed! The new owner, Eve is friendly, always helpful and unobtrusive. The setting is peaceful and the rooms are modern, clean (i'm quite fussy), and absolute value for money. We recommended the owners increase prices! lovely deep pool and long enough to do laps, bikes to hire, BBQ area, and we ate fresh coconut and pawpaw from the surrounding trees I would book now before this place gets too busy!
Rarotonga Backpackers in Rarotonga … On my trip round the world I went to Rarotonga Backpackers which is excellent.
Ariana Bungalows & Hostel in Rarotonga … Cracking atmosphere here. Ronnie and Ian went out of their way to make our stay a great one.
Rarotonga Backpackers in Rarotonga … This place is ideal for those who want a relaxed, low-budget holiday, gorgeous views, and a friendly atmosphere. I highly recommend it!
Ariana Bungalows & Hostel in Rarotonga … We stayed at Ariana Bungalows just over a year ago. We got married on the Island and Ronnie was fabulous. Ronnie told us that it wasn't the Hilton, but in it's way -- Ariana is more than that because it gets into your heart -- there is certainly something special here and I will always be greatful to Ronnie and Ian for all there help and making our stay the best holiday we've ever had!
Backpackers International Hostel in Rarotonga … Had the time of my life. The place was spotless and there was always something to do. They drop you off and pick you up on nights out in town for a small fee, cheaper than a taxi like the rest of the hostels. There's a cafe only two minutes on the scooter, that make a really scrumptious breakfast, excellent for hangovers. Tesa's a laugh and entertaining. She's always there to help. Best of all was the friends I made while I was there and Ana's curry night. I'd recommend this hostel to everyone, it was the best week of my eleven-month holidays. I only left three days ago and I'm already missing it.
Ariana Bungalows & Hostel in Rarotonga … We'll start by saying that Ronnie (the owner) is a legend. He knows everyone and everything which is an almighty help when going around the island. The facilities are more then adequate with Blackadder and the Godfather series on tap and you are quite a useful distance from town, if no one gives you a lift, so walking really isn't an issue or if you're hammered. The only bummer is that the only eateries are the other side of town!! There's a brilliant swimming pool that lends itself to stupid tricks and dives and Ronnie's kid who doesn't object to being picked up and slung into the water in amusing WWE moves. A top hostel with an amazing atmosphere. Can't wait to get back.
Ariana Bungalows & Hostel in Rarotonga … I stayed with two friends at Ariana for four weeks in 2005. My first thought about our bungalow was "oh my god," but after a few days we loved our small "home far away from home." and Ronnie and Ian did everything to make our stay unforgettable. Especially the pool is superb!
Vara's Beach House in Rarotonga … Vara's is a great place to end your world trip, its amazing, sand is so white, the sea is so blue. Vara is clean, right on the beach, has small dorms and apartments on suite if you want to be on your own. There is so much to do here -- walks though the island, waterfalls, the best sunset i ever saw and bar for the night life of backpackers and locals. I would go back tomorrow.
Backpackers International Hostel in Rarotonga … this is the best place to stay in raro, i stayed there for eight days and it was the best eight days ever. they helped me save so much money by asking around for the best dive course. and as for people saying it was dirty, they are chatting marbles. tesa was funny, helpful, and always joked about everything. whenever we wanted to go on a night out they had a bus for us and they picked us up. not many hostels on the island do that. there is a brilliant mix of people staying there -- mind you if you are snobby and can't leave your little circle of friend to integrate with fellow travellers then this place aint for you. i had a brilliant time, and i would recommend it to anyone. it's like a home away from home in the sense you know they will help you if all goes pear shaped. and it is cheap as chips, so dont listen to all the negative crap.
Ariana Bungalows & Hostel in Rarotonga … This place is brilliant! We spent christmas here a couple of years ago and had the best christmas ever -- completely different to the norm, but so much fun! Full on bbq with all the people that were staying there (it's a great place to meet people), fresh fish/meat, fruit from the trees onsite, each of us making dishes to bring from our home countries, water volleyball in the pool. The pool was great for early morning swims to revive yourself in the South Pacific heat. Nothing is far on the Rarotonga, with the main town being about a thirty- to forty-minute walk from Ariana. We loved having our own little bungalow whilst on the Cook Islands and Ronnie is an absolute legend!
Backpackers International Hostel in Rarotonga … I only stayed at this hostel for a night but I was amazed by how friendly and relaxed it was. As soon as I exited the airport I was greeted with a smiley face. Our host kept us entertained throughout the transfer to our accommodation. The hostel is not five-star, but the rooms are comfy and the kitchen is big. I made so many friends in such a short time. Thumbs up for the free shuttle bus into town and back -- Banana Court rocks! It is also right on the beach where you see loads of fish, the beach is deserted so you could be sunbathing alone on a tropical island. What more could you ask for?
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