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 … 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.
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 … I absolutely loved it! It's the most lovely place and very romantic too. It's also very relaxing -- the perfect holiday!
Vara's Beach House in Rarotonga … If you're looking for a friendly, social, lively place to stay, Vara's is it. The location couldn't have been better if I wrote the screenplay of my vacation myself -- best beach/lagoon on the island with a view of three islets in the distance. From your dorm it's literally a few steps to the shimmering, turquoise, crystal clear water. Unlike many hostels, the dorms are big and roomy so there's no sense of being crammed in. It has a huge sun deck, two kitchens, plenty of bathrooms, internet access, and all the other little conveniences good hostels have. Most importantly, it has a warm, homelike ambiance that makes it easy and pleasant to settle in.
Rarotonga Backpackers in Rarotonga … We just got back from two weeks at the Rarotonga Backpackers in a beachfront unit. The hostel and owners are fantastic. They even arrange weddings, and we were married down the road on a gorgeous beach. I couldn't say enough good things about this hostel. We've stayed at many, and this was by far our favourite. We even thought it was better than the resorts, as we had more privacy, space, and a better location as the beach was not too crowded, and it was a quarter of the cost!
Rarotonga Backpackers in Rarotonga … On my trip round the world I went to Rarotonga Backpackers which is excellent.
Rarotonga Backpackers in Rarotonga … This place is excellent. It's really clean and it has a pool, which is a nice touch! I would definitely stay here again. The owners were really nice and their home brew wasn't bad, either.
Ariana Bungalows & Hostel in Rarotonga … What can we say? During our 3 weeks there, Ronnie went out of his way to make sure our stay was perfect. This included much vitamin B, and the always popular and always tasty Sunday BBQ. The bungalows themsleves are excellent, and the pool made for some intresting times when arriving back from a night on the tiles. All in all, a great place, run by a great group of people.
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!
Tiare Village in Rarotonga … I stayed here back in July 2000 for three months and loved it so much that I am planning to go back in a year's time. I just hope Lily and Poco are still there, as they are the most helpful staff you could ever meet. Thanks for everything and see you soon.
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!
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?
Backpackers International Hostel in Rarotonga … I had the time of my life here. There were so many things to do and it was so easy to get to know everyone. A lot of the people I met here I ended up seeing during the rest of my travels. The location is great, the staff were really helpful, always advising me on the best way to do things without hurting the pocketbook too much. Everything was so organized, like the kitchen, I was just so impressed. I've recommended it to everyone that loves to have fun. I'm already planning my return trip.
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 … 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!
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