Hello-
We are trying to put trip together for the end of May.
6 nights in Rarotonga and 6 nights in Aitutaki @ Etu Moana
Where should we stay in Rarotonga? Aaroangi, Titikaveka, or Aroa?
We like small properties with privacy.
We want to be on a beach that has good snorkeling and close to restaurants.
We would prefer breakfast and a bar if possible.
Thanks!
Robbie
I have two favorites, Aroa and Papaaroa. Aroa is in the South West and Papaaroa is more directly South. Aroa area has a mix of swimming and snorkeling areas, great sunsets, several restaurants in close proximity. Papaaroa, is a quieter area with beautiful beaches but not many restaurants and you can't really see the sunsets.
I would suggest staying in the Aroa area and alternate your days at the Aroa area and the Papaaroa area, with the odd jaunt down to Titikaveka for some spectacular snorkeling. For accommodation ideas in Aroa, there is Aroa Beachside Inn, Lagoon Breeze Villas or the Rarotongan Sanctuary. There are other smaller private houses as well, for those, check out the Holiday Homes site or the www.ck website also has some private homes listed.
Great suggestions from MsV.
Mine would be Palm Grove in a beach bungalow.
Thanks- I checked out the Palm Grove. The location looks fantastic.
It's less $ than the other place we had considered- Manuia Beach
but I am wondering if it's in need of some TLC as some have posted?
Take a look at Sea Change Villas as well.
We loved Heliconia in Titikaveka - they have one gorgeous villa and a two-bedroom bungalow (we stayed in bungalow) You'll have pretty much a "private" beach with good snorkelling, and the Maire Nui gardens/restaurant are across the street.
Thanks, I will check it out.
I kind of want a place that serves coffee and breakfast.
Are there other restaurants fairly close by?
I love to cook but really enjoy going out when I'm on vacation.
Hi
Maybe a bit bigger than you're looking for, but Moana Sands Resort is on that same stretch of Tikioki/Titikaveka beach. A nice little resort, with restaurant and bar.
It's also walking distance to the Little Polynesian Resort which has a beautifully sited café/restaurant. A lovely boutique resort but top-end in price but they sometimes offer deals if you ask, I think.
When the café is open, Maire Nui Gardens does open for breakfast on weekdays but only after 9 (or later?) which is a bit late for many people. Also lunch and occasionally dinner but no bar.
I can vouch for Sea Change Villas - filled with TLC, extremely private, excellent snorkelling out front. You can have their sunset BBQ where a private chef will cook for you in your villa :) They can also arrange free transfers to and from 2 nearby restaurants, Vaima restaurant and The Sands restaurant (located at Moana Sands hotel) so you can have a few drinks and not worry about driving home. They don't serve breakfast but Saltwater Cafe is just next door and open 5 days a week and serves excellent coffee and breakfast all reasonably priced.
Most of the smaller places on Raro don't have bars. Then again 'larger' places like Moana Sands really aren't that big and would be considered very small when compared with the Carribbean or many places in Asia.
But really any of the above suggestions are good. There is probably more in the way of restaurants and bars around Aroa/Arorangi but more secluded beaches with better snorkelling around Titikaveka and Vaimaanga. My choice would be the south, but I think you really need to work out what is more important to you and read the reviews closely and make your own decision.
If you are still considering Heliconia, the cafe at Little Polynesia is practically next door, and opens from breakfast through to dinner; including coffee and lunch. Alternatively, Moana Sands with its licenced restaurant is barely a 5 minutes stroll from Heliconia.
Thanks everyone,
After reading other threads, we have decided to stay on the west side of the island-6 nights- Manuia Beach for the sunsets and less wind w/restaurant & adult beverages!! but will definitely explore the south beaches/restaurants on day trips!
And then 6 nights at Etu Moana on Aitutaki .
We've got our flights and are all set!
Thanks again!
Robbie
