Ariana Bungalows & Hostel

Ariana Bungalows and Hostel is located just off the circular bus route only a few kilometers clockwise from the main town of Avura.

The hostel's manager, Ronnie, does pick-ups and drop-offs at the airport, but is not entirely reliable, especially after a long night at one of the many pub-sponsored backpacker nights in Avura. He is a pretty good bloke, though, and serves up a fine fish barbecue and mango curry potato salad on Sundays, when many businesses on the island shut down. Guests usually bring side dishes as well. Ronnie is also a good source of information about the island, as he seems to know everybody and done just about everything but invent the sport of scuba diving (and that's still up for debate).

The property is located a hundred meters or so inland, between the outer and inner island roads, so no ocean views here. But there is a pool that's well-kept and the bungalows are set in a lush garden area, which provides guests with free fruits such as bananas. The private bungalows are rustic, and are in need of some rehab as the mosquito screens are a little swiss-cheesed. Each has a small lanai with table and chairs. Guests should make sure to ask for a fan, as Ronnie has several sitting in his bus-cum-office at the back of the property. The dorm building is not too crowded, though the bathroom stalls and showers are pretty cramped and the kitchen not too inviting too use.

There is a TV room with a VCR and a smattering of movie tapes, with a couple of couches and a very tired pool table that should be donated to the next bonfire. There's also a small collection of books available.

The place certainly has character, though it's pretty quiet, as most people seem to stay in the private bungalows -- Ronnie will cut you a great deal for an extended stay. While the bus does stop here, it's advisable to rent a scooter or bicycle (Ronnie will help with either) to get around, though Rarotonga is still laid-back enough that locals will still stop and offer you a ride even if you're not sticking your thumb out. The ocean is not really accessible here, so sun-seekers will need to continue heading clockwise for the good beaches.

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