The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

4.0 star property

Photo gallery for The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

Outdoor pool, pool loungers
Meeting facility
Grand Suite, Beachfront | Beach
Room amenity
Daily continental breakfast (NZD 28 per person)

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Breakfast available
  • Gym
  • Room service

Explore the area

View map
Aroa Beach Marine Reserve, Arorangi, Ara Tapu Rd, Rarotonga
  • Place, Aroa Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Te Vara Nui Village
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Muri Beach
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rarotonga (RAR-Rarotonga Intl.)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

2-Bedroom Beachside Suite

  • 80 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds

Beachfront Room

7.8 out of 10
Good
(11 reviews)
  • 30 sq m
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Deluxe Beachfront Suite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 50 sq m
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Deluxe Beachside Suite

  • 50 sq m
  • Partial sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Grand Beachfront Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 103 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Honeymoon Pool & Spa Bungalow

  • 75 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

3-Bedroom Private Pool Villa (Onemaru)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 770 sq m
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 King Beds

3-Bedroom Private Pool & Spa Villa (Lime Blossom)

  • 900 sq m
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 King Beds

2-Bedroom Beachfront Interconnecting Family Suite

  • 60 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

2-Bedroom Beachside Interconnecting Family Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 60 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Beachside Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(13 reviews)
  • 30 sq m
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

3-Bedroom Beachside Interconnecting Family Suite

  • 90 sq m
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 12
  • 3 King Beds and 3 Twin Bunk Beds

3-Bedroom Beachfront Interconnecting Family Suite

  • 90 sq m
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 12
  • 3 King Beds and 3 Twin Bunk Beds

4-Bedroom Beachside Interconnecting Family Suite

  • 120 sq m
  • 4 bedrooms
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 16
  • 4 King Beds and 4 Twin Bunk Beds

4-Bedroom Beachfront Interconnecting Family Suite

  • 120 sq m
  • 4 bedrooms
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 16
  • 4 King Beds and 4 Twin Bunk Beds

2-Bedroom Grand Beachfront Suite

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Bunk Beds

Similar properties

About the area

Rarotonga

With a stay at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium in Rarotonga (Arorangi), you'll be a 1-minute drive from Aroa Beach and 6 minutes from Wigmore's Waterfall. .This beach hotel is 6.1 mi (9.8 km) from Muri Night Markets and 6.3 mi (10.1 km) from Te Vara Nui Village.

What's nearby

  • Aroa Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Wigmore's Waterfall - 6 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Te Vara Nui Village - 13 min drive - 10.7 km
  • Muri Night Markets - 13 min drive - 10.7 km
  • Muri Beach - 13 min drive - 10.7 km

Getting around

  • Rarotonga (RAR-Rarotonga Intl.) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shipwreck Hut - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Charlie's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Tamarind House - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Trader Jacks Bar & Grill - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Rehab Nightclub, Rarotonga, Cook Islands - ‬14 min drive

About this property

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

On private beach with outdoor pool, near Wigmore's Waterfall
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium offers 104 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature safes and coffee/tea makers. Each accommodation is individually decorated. Beds feature premium bedding. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with satellite channels. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.

This Rarotonga hotel provides wireless Internet access for a surcharge. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and ceiling fans. Housekeeping is offered daily and in-room massages can be requested.

A private beach and an outdoor tennis court are featured at the hotel. In addition to an outdoor pool, other recreational amenities include a fitness center.

Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the fitness facility or hot tub.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Make yourself at home in one of the 104 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring refrigerators and microwaves. 32-inch flat-screen televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment, while wireless internet access (surcharge) keeps you connected. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Relax on the private beach or enjoy other recreational amenities such as an outdoor pool and an outdoor tennis court. Additional amenities at this hotel include wireless internet access (surcharge), concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge). Guests can get to nearby shops on the shuttle (surcharge).
Enjoy local and international cuisine at Captain Andys Bar & Grill, one of the hotel's 2 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Relax with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar. Continental breakfasts are available daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include wired internet access (surcharge), a computer station, and express check-out. Planning an event in Rarotonga? This hotel has 4306 square feet (400 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Continental breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
Captain Andys Bar & Grill - This beachfront restaurant specializes in local and international cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Happy hour is offered. Reservations are required.
Te Vaka Restaurant - This beachfront restaurant specializes in local and international cuisine and serves breakfast only. Reservations are required. Open daily.
Onsite venue #5 - bar. Happy hour is offered. Open daily.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi (NZD 10 per day)
  • In-room WiFi has a 2-device limit
  • Available in some public areas: WiFi (NZD 10 per day); wired internet (surcharge)
  • WiFi in public areas has a 2-device limit

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking within 20 metres
  • Shopping centre shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: NZD 28 for adults and NZD 16 for children
  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A swim-up bar
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Captain Andys Bar & Grill
  • Te Vaka Restaurant

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Beach volleyball
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Free children's club
  • Gym
  • Karaoke
  • Kayaking
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Outdoor tennis court
  • Playground
  • Shopping
  • Snorkelling
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Baby bath
  • Children's games
  • Children's toys
  • Free children's club
  • Free supervised activities for children
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • In-room babysitting
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Trampoline

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Computer station
  • Conference centre (4,306 square foot of space)
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Free beach cabanas
  • Garden
  • On a private beach
  • On the waterfront
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Spa

  • In-room massages

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 12 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Banquet hall
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1977
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable/satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Composting
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Fan
  • Individual decor
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Recycling
  • Safe
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Access code, staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
17 children can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately NZD 28 for adults and NZD 16 for children
  • Fee for in-room wireless internet: NZD 10 per day (2-device limit, rates may vary)
  • Fee for wireless internet in public areas: NZD 10 per day (2-device limit, rates may vary)
  • Fee for wired internet in public areas: NZD 18 per hour (rates may vary)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Parties and events are allowed on site
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the fitness facility or hot tub

Property is also known as

Rarotongan Beach Resort
Rarotongan Beach Resort Lagoonarium
Resort Lagoonarium
Rarotongan Beach Lagoonarium
The Rarotongan Beach Resort Spa
The Rarotongan & Lagoonarium
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium Hotel
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium Rarotonga
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium Hotel Rarotonga

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 159 out of 471 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 191 out of 471 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 79 out of 471 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 471 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 16 out of 471 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Danielle Varie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Worth it for the amazing snorkeling. Super friendly staff. Not flashy but has everything you need.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Luxury on the lagoon.

We stayed in the beautiful villa across the road from the main resort. The facilities were exceptional. We very much enjoyed our daily private spa and the privacy provided by staying in the villa.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Kerri

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Kerri

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Rarotongan was a great family retreat with lots of entertaining activities and attractions. However, we felt compelled to use the facilities due to the small size (which isn't reflected in the images online) of our room and the bugs (cockroaches) that were in our room throughout our stay. It actually made it hard to sleep after seeing the first one. Then we saw them through facilities, in bathrooms and other areas around the resort. The bathrooms and pool area had a lingering sewage smell, and the details about the gym where just as misleading as the room size. The restaurant was fantastic, staff were incredibly friendly and their attention to detail was amazing! The kayaks and other boards were limited due to other families monopolizing them. The pool was small but fairly safe for children under 5. The Moko Club had great activities for smaller children and the staff management drinks were a great personal touch to making us feel welcome. The Rarotongan was a good experience for us, however the conditions of the resort are showing signs of wear and tear that don't reflect the cost of the rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Ronald

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Lisa Leanne

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Rarotongan is gorgeous- beautiful food, beautiful beach and fantastic snorkeling. It is clean with good room servicing, and most staff are great.
Lots of fish by the restaurant area- lots of kids feeding them (allowed)
Great kayaking gear
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Miss

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wanda

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was right there in the resort beach , snorkeling, restaurant, They had kayaks,paddle boards , snorkeling gear. Lots of activities for all ages. One thing I wish they had was a kitchen area in rooms. Other wise had a amazing time..
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

DAISY Yao

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I’ve travelled a lot, and honestly, this place felt way overpriced for what it offers. $650 a night! I understand it’s school holiday season, but we stayed at a resort expecting decent service — and didn’t get it. Breakfast was pretty poor — by 9am most of the food was already gone, and they barely refilled anything. Our room felt old and not properly cleaned, with sticky furniture surfaces. We stayed for 4 nights and only got proper housekeeping once. One day they made the bed but didn’t change towels, refill soaps, or even clean the mugs. When we asked a staff member directly for supplies, they told us housekeeping only comes once — like we were asking for too much. Another frustrating part — the TV in the room had a Netflix screen, but we couldn’t connect it to WiFi. We called three times, waited over 5 hours, only to finally be told “it’s not a smart TV.” Super confusing and a waste of time. Beach towels were “limited” because apparently a group had reserved them — which is just odd for a resort. The only positive part of the stay was one really lovely security guy from Fiji. He was genuinely kind and helpful — and honestly, he’s the reason this place gets 2 stars instead of 1. Kayaks and paddleboards were free, which helped a little, but overall it just didn’t feel worth it. Definitely won’t be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Katene

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Not the worst place in the world, but for what you pay for it’s pretty bad. Rooms are over priced and old, the staff look like they don’t even want to be there, the food is absolutely horrible. Better off staying
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place great stay. Loved it
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Olga

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The snorkeling was amazing, the nature was beautiful, the staff was nice and helpful, kayaks and snorkeling gear could be rented for free. Really great vacation. . the only thing we didn't like was the breakfast. The chef should learn how to properly prepare eggs and bacon.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Dirty, dated, and workers will not lift a finger to help you. Go elsewhere.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nigel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Maureen, Rolleston

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Check in was a breeze. The lady allowed us to check in early as our room was ready. Thanking you. You made us enjoy more time of our holiday. The beach view is amazing.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ardelle

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Linda

Travelled with family and small children
On arrival at the Rarotongan, we were greeted by an older grumpy lady on reception, no help offered with suitcases or showing us to our rooms - 5 suitcases, backpacks, pushchair and two tired children, we eventually found our rooms, located on the first floor. Took several days to get maintenance issues resolved. Dogs on the beach, very annoying, one dog even came up and peed on the sandcastle our grandson had built. And the barking dogs at night waking you up. Beach towels were tatty, Where the tiled floor by the restaurant/bar area finished the edges were sharp/broken and a trip hazard. We again encountered the grumpy older receptionist when we enquired about a late check-out. Her response was, best I can do is 10:30, you can use the guest lounge until your airport transfers arrive". Departure day: it was pouring with rain, we went to reception to check-out, no secure luggage room, suitcases just abandoned in reception. Guest lounge - curtains drawn and almost every sofa had a person sleeping on it. Games room - Being used for screen printing, lots of wet paint and rollers. Neither room child friendly. Eventually we find a dry place to wait for 3 hours down by the bar area. The staff in the bar, restaurant and beach activities were all nice and helpful, reception not so much. Overall, the resort looks tired and in need of some TLC and probably relies on the fact that it has a good position on the beach, good snorkelling and beautiful sunsets, to attract holiday makers.
View from room 7323
Beautiful sunsets
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very friendly and helpful. Grounds and beach were fabulous. Breakfast was very good.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything you needed for a memorable holiday
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nisala Munidasa David

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Sophia, Piangil

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed it. Not over crowded with people. A little old but can see they are trying to improve it. Snorkelling was amazing right out the front of the accomodation. Cocktails were delicious. Worst part was the last half an hour of our time there, the transfer bus organised through the Rarotongan resort forgot to get us even though was reconfirmed the day before, so they had to chase them up and it put pressure on us getting to the airport for our flight out.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Hasantha

OK but designed for families with kids

The Rarotongan side of the hotel is very much a child-focussed establishment. There is an adult only section on the left side from reception with a small pool. The Beach Deluxe rooms are actually not right at the water (unless you are at that end of the line!) but run inland, but have sand on the backdoor so you can walk to the beach. The rooms are OK but the resort is very run down. Breakfast was greasy fried hot options and packeted pastries, however, they did have soy milk and a large variety. The best thing is reasonable snorkelling right off the beach. I didnt see turtles here (4 on the Muri Lagoon tour) but others saw them regularly, but you need to swim out to the reef side (which I did but unlucky I guess!). Kayaks and standing boards available for free.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Definitely skewd towards young families and retired couples. The resort is very much the same as it was when I first stayed there 20 years ago so perhaps could benefit from a refresh. Some staff were outstanding and some only good. Only criticism is the room cleaning staff start very early and as our room was located near the cleaning supply room, we were woken several times very early in the morning (5.30am - 6.00am). The cleaning team were cheerful, so were laughing and such, however the rooms are not very sound proof. We loved the lagoon and snorkelled there a lot. We even saw 3 different turtles just off the beach right in front of the resort. A magical spot!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025