Aro’a Beachside Resort

My husband and I stayed here for a week in early March. We loved every minute of our stay. Our room was lovely, with air conditioning which was very much needed! The staff were all super friendly and helpful, especially Loretta the manager. The pool right by the beach was...

My husband and I stayed here for a week in early March. We loved every minute of our stay. Our room was lovely, with air conditioning which was very much needed! The staff were all super friendly and helpful, especially Loretta the manager. The pool right by the beach was absolutely beautiful. We would absolutely stay here again.

Aroa Beachside is a very nice and well-maintained resort on the west side of Rarotonga. The location is perfect, and the accommodation is very clean. We were made very welcome by Loretta who is incredibly helpful and looks after the guests very well. Snorkeling right outside the resort is amazing...

Aroa Beachside is a very nice and well-maintained resort on the west side of Rarotonga. The location is perfect, and the accommodation is very clean. We were made very welcome by Loretta who is incredibly helpful and looks after the guests very well. Snorkeling right outside the resort is amazing and there was plenty of snorkeling gear, quite a few kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to use. Shipwreck Inn is a very nice place to chill and also for dinner. We caught the island bus to a few other restaurants as well. The breakfast was basic and could be improved a little - filtered coffee would be great. A beautiful place to stay on the Cook Islands and I am sure we will be back.

We enjoyed 4 nights in a clean, well appointed, beachfront, self-contained room. Having the Shipwreck Bar on-site gave this place character and a good place for the sunset, meals and nightly entertainment. We loved the live music at the Bar, which always finished at 8-8.30pm. The owner has two beautiful...

We enjoyed 4 nights in a clean, well appointed, beachfront, self-contained room. Having the Shipwreck Bar on-site gave this place character and a good place for the sunset, meals and nightly entertainment. We loved the live music at the Bar, which always finished at 8-8.30pm. The owner has two beautiful friendly dogs, who make friends easily with guests and Bar visitors too. We saw some reviews about children at the resort - while it is an adult only resort, some outside restaurant patrons bring their children for dinner, which is fine - they don't stay overnight and the few that were there were never a problem. The owners, his sister and all the staff always provided excellent, friendly and responsive service. The resort provided kayaks and we enjoyed using these. We would definitely come back again next time we are in Raro.

We stayed at Aroa Beachside Resort for 2 weeks in September 2024. Overall, we had a wonderful time. Here is what we experienced: The staff were kind and friendly, as was the manger, Lisa. We got to know several of the staff and most times were greeted in the morning...

We stayed at Aroa Beachside Resort for 2 weeks in September 2024. Overall, we had a wonderful time. Here is what we experienced: The staff were kind and friendly, as was the manger, Lisa. We got to know several of the staff and most times were greeted in the morning with big smiles and the occasional hug. Lisa was knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and customs of the island and would give good suggestions and information regarding most things, as well as where to find the resident eel in the coral in the water off the beach. Al, the owner (also friendly), had added a new swimming pool and had extended the Shipwreck Restaurant and Bar in the last few years and was gradually upgrading the rooms. The rooms themselves were clean and comfortable and basic and were equipped with a kitchenette and enough cookware to be able to make our own meals (who does this on vacation?). There were some things that could have been updated, like the towels, but as I said the owner was gradually updating the rooms. We would use the kitchen for snacks and finger food. There was a small range top and a microwave and refrigerator. The grounds of the resort were planted with beautiful flowers and tropical plants. The beach was white sand and raked every morning. When walking down the beach either way from the resort, you needed to be aware of broken glass and other trash. At times, I would take a bag with me and pick up the trash I found. Others would do that too, so much so that there was a trash can outside the Shipwreck Restaurant for the rubbish. We spent many afternoons lazily reading and sipping a tropical drink around the pool between dips in the ocean to snorkel. It is a nice, clean, new pool with warm fresh water and new umbrellas and lounge chairs. I brought my own air mattress and used it in the pool. The snorkeling was good. We saw many tropical fish, eel, turtles, clams and eagle rays. There is a barrier reef around the island, and we snorkeled inside of it, which made snorkeling safe and easy. You just need to watch the tides so you won't scrape on the coral heads due to low water. A Tropical breakfast was included every morning. It included fresh fruit (papaya, limes, sometimes bananas and pineapple), tea, instant coffee or hot chocolate, several kinds of cereals (one gluten free at times) and granola, at times yogurt, toast, jam and at times peanut butter and vegemite. I would have liked more variety and consistency, especially with the yogurt and gluten free items. You could have a hot breakfast but had to pay for it. The Shipwreck had good food and entertainment every night as well as music during business hours. There were a few times the music was too loud but overall it was ok. I enjoyed the salads and fish and chips. There were special tropical drinks for sale as well as wine, beer and other drinks. I also liked the Ginger Beer that was brewed right on the island. There is a Happy Hour every day from 3-5pm with the drinks discounted. If you were staying at the resort you could run a tab. The restaurant was open to the public as well. There was seating in the restaurant (outdoors but covered) and picnic tables near the pool and beach with umbrellas for sun protection. This is a good place to take kids because they could play on the beach while the adults ate. The resort also had the Cook Islands Fire Dance every Monday at 6:30pm, which consisted of male drummers and male and female dancers. It was free for those staying at the resort but outsiders needed to pay. The dancers and music were good and spirited. Speaking of kids, the website for this resort says on the first page that no kids younger than 16 are allowed to stay there (this was our biggest issue). After about a week, all of a sudden a bunch of kids showed up! They were staying at the resort with their families. The youngest was about 5 up to teens. There was a hammock right outside our room and that acted like a kid magnet. They would play and swing in it and be very loud. Same as with the pool and the beach. We were confused as the resort listed that there were no kids allowed. We like kids but wanted quiet. We found out that the owner was having a birthday soon and invited his family to come and stay and celebrate with him. While I think that was very generous of him, it was misleading for his guests. Several other people mentioned this to us. Generally speaking, the people of the Cook Islands were friendly and spoke English. There were dogs and 'free range' chickens roaming every where. I like dogs so that was ok with me but at times the roosters would crow outside our windows at a very early hour. All in all, we enjoyed our stay and would stay here again.

Accommodation is right on a beautiful white sandy beach away from the crowds. I felt it had a more personalized feel than the big noisy resorts which was nice. The snorkeling was mind-blowing and all so close to the resort. The water's edge literally 40 feet from our balcony. The...

Accommodation is right on a beautiful white sandy beach away from the crowds. I felt it had a more personalized feel than the big noisy resorts which was nice. The snorkeling was mind-blowing and all so close to the resort. The water's edge literally 40 feet from our balcony. The lagoon is safe even for novice snorkelers with the most amazing array of tropical fish which are almost close enough to touch. I saw well over 30 species of fish plus a turtle, octopus and an eagle ray. July to October is when the whales pass through. We watched the humpbacks from the restaurant and photographed them breaching, a sight I will never forget. Our accommodation was clean and comfortable with air con and everything you need. The staff are all friendly and helpful and always willing to help out. Nothing was too much trouble and always done with a smile. The Shipwreck bar and restaurant had great food and excellent pina coladas :) We planned on dining at a different restaurant every night but ended up having almost all our meals onsite as the food was really good, reasonably priced and it was just a great place to hang out. I loved the music which was just the right laidback vibe. The complimentary breakfast was good and had gluten free options available. I can't wait to go back!

The resort was very clean and tidy, the staff were very friendly and helpful. The manager, Lisa, went out of her way to exceed by far our expectations. The food in the Shipwreck Hut was excellent. Our room was brilliant with fantastic views of the ocean and a great added...

The resort was very clean and tidy, the staff were very friendly and helpful. The manager, Lisa, went out of her way to exceed by far our expectations. The food in the Shipwreck Hut was excellent. Our room was brilliant with fantastic views of the ocean and a great added attraction was the whakes that came past and breached right in front of the resort. I would go back there in a heartbeat. A great experience.

This was the perfect place for a wonderful eleven night stay. Everything you need is right here. Great location right on the beach (lovely sunsets). The accommodation has really good sized rooms; a new pool and the Shipwreck Hut bar where you get good meals and live music in the...

This was the perfect place for a wonderful eleven night stay. Everything you need is right here. Great location right on the beach (lovely sunsets). The accommodation has really good sized rooms; a new pool and the Shipwreck Hut bar where you get good meals and live music in the evenings. The bus stops right outside so easy to get around the island. Also just a short walk to the general store for supplies, so everything is very handy. The staff are very welcoming and friendly and the great service was consistent throughout our stay. Lisa the manager went out of her way to ensure our stay was stress free and comfortable, going above and beyond our expectations. She is a real gem. Many thanks to the whole team. Denise and Rob

We recently stayed at the A’roa Beachside Inn and would definitely stay here again. The location is amazing as you can walk straight into the lagoon for great snorkling or laze by the pool. The manager Lisa is amazing at running the place. The owner, Al, was went out of...

We recently stayed at the A’roa Beachside Inn and would definitely stay here again. The location is amazing as you can walk straight into the lagoon for great snorkling or laze by the pool. The manager Lisa is amazing at running the place. The owner, Al, was went out of his way to assist us. Overall all the staff are terrific! Our room was as per the listing and it was comfortable and provided all that we needed. The Shipwreck Bar serves yummy food and great cocktails and is popular with those staying at the inn and also with visitors. There is live music most nights but you don’t need to worry as it doesn’t go too late.

We are so lucky we found this little slice of heaven. It really is the best. The manager Lisa is legend and does a fantastic job running the resort. The shipwreck bar has to be the best on the island with gorgeous food and yummy cocktails. Come here to see...

We are so lucky we found this little slice of heaven. It really is the best. The manager Lisa is legend and does a fantastic job running the resort. The shipwreck bar has to be the best on the island with gorgeous food and yummy cocktails. Come here to see the best sunset on the island.

A summery to start this off. During our stay at Aro’a Beachside Inn we experienced genuine hospitality, idyllic surroundings, and memorable experiences, making it a destination worth revisiting. The intimate atmosphere, coupled with its casual beach vibes, creates an inviting environment for those seeking a more personal and relaxed holiday...

A summery to start this off. During our stay at Aro’a Beachside Inn we experienced genuine hospitality, idyllic surroundings, and memorable experiences, making it a destination worth revisiting. The intimate atmosphere, coupled with its casual beach vibes, creates an inviting environment for those seeking a more personal and relaxed holiday experience. We started our journey to Aro’a Beachside Inn / Resort with booking our room through their website. The process was seamless, with an automated confirmation of our reservation. Adjustments, when needed, were handled by Lisa, with efficiency and without any fuss. We asked for a quiet room, and Lisa gave us one. The staff welcomed us in warmth and hospitality. Led by Lisa, the manager, every member, from the kitchen and bar staff to property maintenance, extended a friendly hand and offered tips and assistance. The staff alone are a good enough reason to stay, and I truly mean this. Aro’a Beachside Inn / Resort is in the Arorangi district. It’s an awesome location, on a snorkel beach away from the hustle and bustle of the island. It is about 10 minutes’ walk from a convenience store, and conveniently placed at an actual bus stop. Aro’a Beachside is described as an Inn and a Resort, depending on where you see it advertised. It is has characteristics of both. It is not a stereotypical resort, large, sprawling and “commercial”, but it is self-contained, and you would never really need to leave the property during your stay. You can get food, entertainment, bookings etc right on site. They can loan you snorkel gear. Kayaks and paddle boards are also free for guests. We loved that is was smaller, more personal, less busy. The pool was never too crowded, we always had access to a hammock or sun lounger. Aro’a Beachside has casual, beach-vibes and if people know to expect this, they will be really happy. Our room was quite spacious. It had a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, fans. The bathroom was spacious. And in general, a good standard of cleanliness. There were plenty of hooks right around the room for hanging towels etc. The outdoor shower facilities came in very handy. The deck faced the sea and was awesome to hang out on. Perhaps the lighting design needs further thought, and some people might feel that the décor is dated but was a very comfortable experience. A couple of things to watch out for. Like all the Cook Islands, the Wi-Fi is patchy. It’s fine in the bar/restaurant, but inconsistent in our room. There are pros and cons to this of course. This is beach-side, so you’ll track sand everywhere! Bring lots of insect repellent or get some mossy coil. One more thing worth mentioning, one night, the fire alarm went off due to damp in the room, so make sure that your room is well ventilated when you leave the air-con when you sleep. The Shipwreck Hut, is the bar and restaurant attached to Aro’a Beachside Inn / Resort, and is awesome. The staff are awesome. The food is tasty and fresh, and I particularly recommend any local specialities on offer. The bar offers a good range of cocktails, but we had Cook Islands Lager from the Rarotonga Brewery every single day. Live music most nights. If you never ate anywhere else on you stay, you wouldn’t be missing out. Breakfast was included with our room. It is a simple continental breakfast, though additional options were available at a cost for those seeking more substantial. While you’re there, here are some recommendations for things to do: • Snorkel on the beach right by the resort - a real highlight • Highland Paradise Cultural Show and Feast – 5 stars from us • Use the bus to get around! Forget about hiring a car. • Cook Islands Snorkel with turtles • Muri night market • Discover Marine & Wildlife Eco Centre • Maire Nui Gardens - totally under rated. I had one of the best meals there • Falafel Shack – they say that they open on “island time”, so you need to keep an eye out for this outstanding food shack One final point. The week before we arrived, the Cook Islands experienced an unexpected tropical storm that was very wet. This caused a bit of storm damage to the property. The week we were there, it was also very wet. The result of these events that a leak in our room. It was not in a place that caused us any great inconvenience apart from a little puddle by the front door. I reckon that this was one of those unforeseeable things. But the team worked hard to make this right, and to make sure we were not inconvenienced. Lisa felt so bad that she loaned us her car for a couple of days. This is a really outstanding personal touch that we will never forget.

Great location, spacious rooms and friendly staff who make you feel welcomed and right at home! The bungalow we stayed in was a little dated but everything worked well and the location was just great. We spent most of our time in the lagoon. Best snorkel experience we had was...

Great location, spacious rooms and friendly staff who make you feel welcomed and right at home! The bungalow we stayed in was a little dated but everything worked well and the location was just great. We spent most of our time in the lagoon. Best snorkel experience we had was right in front of our beachside bungalow. There is also a salt water pool that is delightful. I cannot say enough good things about the staff, but especially Lisa, who checked us in and took care of us like we were family. Thank you for a delightful stay. Aloha nui!

What a beautiful spot to have accom and eating area. Right on the beach. The gardens are kept immaculate. The rooms are clean. They will clean every day or only if you need. totally self contained Locker with padlock. You have the key Al is the boss. This bloke will...

What a beautiful spot to have accom and eating area. Right on the beach. The gardens are kept immaculate. The rooms are clean. They will clean every day or only if you need. totally self contained Locker with padlock. You have the key Al is the boss. This bloke will do anything to make your stay easy and comfortable. He unlocked our room twice, drove us around to find a car rental. The staff are awesome, always ready to help, give you a heads up on what activities are top of the list to do The food from the shipwreck bar is always good. The vibe is just right People come in from all over to eat there but it’s never overcrowded Also whales every day out front (spot a whale. Get a free cocktail). Snorkeling right out front This place is the bomb

This was our first trip to Rarotonga and we stayed at Aro'a Beachside which was perfect as a couple being adults only accommodation. Really helpful & friendly staff. The units have everything you need and are comfortable & just a few steps away from both the beach & the bar/restaurant...

This was our first trip to Rarotonga and we stayed at Aro'a Beachside which was perfect as a couple being adults only accommodation. Really helpful & friendly staff. The units have everything you need and are comfortable & just a few steps away from both the beach & the bar/restaurant (Shipwreck Hut). Good value food & drinks & live music at the bar some nights. Great views everywhere & the beach is beautiful. Being September, we were able to see whales cruising past regularly at breakfast or in the evenings from the accommodation - truly amazing! The snorkelling in front of the accommodation was pretty much as good as anywhere on the island & we were in there most days. Borrowed kayaks as well. If you are without transport, the bus stops right outside and there's a supermarket a few minutes walk down the road. Other bars/restaurants etc are a bit more spaced out on this side of the island but there are a few other places within an extended walking distance along the beach or road - the Rarotongan, Beluga, Castaway, Falafel Shack, On the Beach etc....just might need to taxi back at night. Overall, we would totally recommend & wouldn't hesitate to stay here again!!

Our second visit to Aro'a and we weren't disappointed. We had arranged with the resort to have a very small, simple beachside wedding and they went out of their way to assist us. Thanks to Lisa and Sonny for being our witnesses and for making it a memorable day. This...

Our second visit to Aro'a and we weren't disappointed. We had arranged with the resort to have a very small, simple beachside wedding and they went out of their way to assist us. Thanks to Lisa and Sonny for being our witnesses and for making it a memorable day. This is our favorite part of Rarotonga with fabulous snorkeling off the beach in front of our unit. Great relaxed atmosphere with fabulous live music. Thanks again to Lisa and all the staff for making this a memorable visit. Donna and Steve.

Lovely beach front Hotel, with friendly staff. Breakfast is included, which was nice but the same every day!! Room was basic but clean, with air conditioning. The pool was nice & gardens well tended. The beach is not private & needs more parasols for the sun loungers. We ate in...

Lovely beach front Hotel, with friendly staff. Breakfast is included, which was nice but the same every day!! Room was basic but clean, with air conditioning. The pool was nice & gardens well tended. The beach is not private & needs more parasols for the sun loungers. We ate in the restaurant a couple of times, good food & nice cocktails with lovely view of the beach . It does state that the Hotel is adults only. Not quite true, children can’t stay but at one point there were a few in the pool . Not a problem for us as we love children . The biggest problem for us was the resident dogs!!! Do not stay here if you don’t like dogs wandering around . They will come into your room, bark a lot and scavenge for food in the restaurant . The worst thing was coming down in the morning to find the dogs lying on the sun loungers & poo on the beach!!! If you love dogs you will like this place, but personally not for us.

We loved this resort and had a cute studio room only steps from the beach. The Shipwreck bar is lots of fun, and the food was great—especially the Ike mate. The staff are friendly and helpful. The rooms have a bit of a rustic vibe, which I love, but if...

We loved this resort and had a cute studio room only steps from the beach. The Shipwreck bar is lots of fun, and the food was great—especially the Ike mate. The staff are friendly and helpful. The rooms have a bit of a rustic vibe, which I love, but if you’re accustomed to fancy 5-star places, go somewhere else. We’ll definitely go back here again.

Aroa Beachside is THE hidden gem on Rarotonga! From the moment we arrived we were treated like family. The rooms are clean, safe and quiet. The location is pure paradise. The staff are unbelievably kind and bent over backwards to ensure our every need was met. The Shipwreck beach bar...

Aroa Beachside is THE hidden gem on Rarotonga! From the moment we arrived we were treated like family. The rooms are clean, safe and quiet. The location is pure paradise. The staff are unbelievably kind and bent over backwards to ensure our every need was met. The Shipwreck beach bar has a fabulous vibe and excellent food… we just can’t say enough about Aroa Beachside Resort. An especially big thanks to Loretta and Grace for making our holiday the best we've ever had. We will be back!! Mike and Beth, BC, Canada