The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium is a popular, full-service resort situated on the sun-drenched southwest coast of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Located directly on the stunning white sands of Aroa Beach, the resort offers direct access to the Aroa Lagoonarium Marine Sanctuary, known for its pristine, crystal-clear water and vibrant marine life. Catering to both couples and families, the resort provides a serene tropical escape with a wide array of facilities, activities, and dining options.
Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities designed for relaxation and entertainment. The resort features a large waterfall swimming pool, a day spa (SpaPolynesia), and a gift shop. For active guests, there is an air-conditioned gym, an outdoor fitness trail, tennis courts, and volleyball courts. The Activities Hut provides a central point for equipment and information, and the resort also offers guest laundries and ice machines for convenience.
The Rarotongan is known for being family-friendly, offering free and dedicated facilities for children. The Moko Kids Club provides supervised activities for children aged 4 to 11, while the Teen Zone caters to older kids. The resort also has a Little Dolphins Mini Waterpark, a games room with a pool table, darts, and a PlayStation, and a children's playground. Children up to 16 years of age can stay and play for free when sharing a room with their parents.
A complimentary daily activities program keeps guests of all ages engaged. Water-based activities include snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding in the marine sanctuary, with all equipment provided free of charge. You can also take part in unique experiences like a guided night snorkeling tour. On land, the resort offers cultural lessons such as island drumming, dancing, palm-frond weaving, and flower garland making, as well as coconut husking demonstrations and guided nature walks. Evening entertainment includes bingo, trivia nights, and karaoke.
The resort's main dining area is Captain Andy's Beach Bar & Grill, which offers casual, island-style cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features a variety of options including fresh seafood, burgers, pizzas, and traditional island dishes. There is also a swim-up bar and a dedicated "Kids Gone Troppo" menu for children. The resort can also cater to various dietary requirements including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. A highlight is the Monday night "Legends of Polynesia" Island Night, which features an authentic Umu feast and a spectacular cultural dance and fire show.
The Rarotongan offers a wide range of accommodation to suit different needs and budgets, from rooms to private villas. All rooms come with air-conditioning, a private verandah, a refrigerator, a microwave, and tea/coffee making facilities. Some popular room types include:
Beachside Rooms: These budget-friendly rooms are located in a two-story complex just a short stroll from the beach.
Deluxe Beachfront Suites: Situated directly on the beachfront, these suites offer beautiful lagoon views and direct beach access. They feature a four-poster king bed and a private whirlpool spa bath.
Grand Beachfront Suites: These open-plan suites are on the absolute beachfront, providing stunning views. They are ideal for couples or larger families with direct beach access.
Two-Bedroom Beachside Suites: Designed for families, these self-catering suites have two separate bedrooms, a lounge/dining area, and a spacious sun deck.
Villas: For ultimate privacy and luxury, the resort offers private villas, such as the three-bedroom Private Pool & Spa Villa Lime Blossom, which includes a private pool, a sauna, a games lounge, and a children's playground.
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium is located on the sunny southwest coast of Rarotonga on Aroa Beach. It is conveniently situated just a 10 to 12-minute drive from Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) and approximately 20 minutes from the main town of Avarua. Guests can easily get to the resort from the airport via a pre-arranged shuttle, a taxi, or the local bus service, which runs on an hourly schedule around the island.