The Black Pearl Beach Side Apartments

Large room and wonderful to be able to cook. Food on the island is expensive and since we did not rent a car or scooter- it would have been a hassle to eat out for all of our meals. The hotel grounds are lovely and they had a great pool and patio and barbecue etc. The location is great - very central. We loved the dive shop next door - Adventure Cook Islands.

The black pearl is a motel style gem on the sunset side of Rarotonga. It is across the road from the beach, literally a stones throw from white sand heaven. Because it is motel style we had a twin gas cooker, decent size refrigerator, microwave, kettle, toaster, pots, pans cutlery tea towels etc. I didn't have to go out and find breakfast every morning. Get up late and rattle up whatever you fancy, perfect. (Local supermarkets have loads) They provide bath towel and beach towels. They have rock shoes you can borrow and masks and snorkels and even umbrellas. You really could turn up in your shorts and jandels. Jane gave flawless advice on the best places to eat and the bar down the road (5 minutes on foot, along the beach) is rated by CNN as No. 3 in the world for beach sunset bars. The small staff are genuinely lovely (though all the people we meet were friendly and chilled). Its not the Ritz but you knew that from the price. It is however an absolute bargain. Its not party central either. Its a fantastic place for stressed out grown ups to chill out, unwind, de-stress... No reason not to take kids but the pool (like all of them there) in not fenced. If you like to sleep in or like sunsets, stay on the west side. It was also sheltered from the wind. It was blowing the whole time we were there and the black pearl was calm and warm. I would thoroughly recommend the black pearl to my friends and family. I wouldn't bother to stay anywhere else.

Very close to good snorkeling beach. Nice spacious rooms. Good snorkeling gear. Friendly staff showed us how to shuck coconuts. Lovely gardens, good pool area

We stayed at the Black Pearl for one night only and were pleasantly surprised.We expected older fittings etc like most Cook Islands accommodation but it was decorated beautifully and freshly painted so very clean and bright. It was roomy and the shower deliciously hot which was wonderful after a week of cold 'solar heated' showers on Aitutaki. And extra unexpected and most appreciated surprise was the delightful fruit platter we discovered in our fridge. We didn't use the pool as we were due to fly the next day and didn't want wet washing but saw parents relaxing whilst their children swam. The beach is just a stone's throw away and very pretty. Jane and her lovely staff were most helpful and very friendly. I'd recommend The Black Pearl to all. We'll be back :)

The Black Pearl resort is peaceful and relaxing. I was travelling with a friend, our Garden view room was very spacious and was everything that we needed. Our room was very clean and well equipped. The pool is surrounded by beautiful gardens and an outdoor BBQ area. The beach is directly across from the resort entrance and is great for swimming. The bus stop is only a few metres from the resort entrance. There is a convenience store, takeaway and petrol station next door to the resort. The staff at The Black Pearl are amazing! All of the staff went out of their way to make sure that we enjoyed our stay and no request was ever a hassle. The ladies in the office are more than happy to assist with booking day tours. The location of the resort is perfect; it is a short distance to all areas of the island and in close proximity to restaurants and bars. I would definitely recommend The Black Pearl Resort to anyone who is visiting Rarotonga. I will definitely return in the near future.

Nice rooms, good location. Very clean. Any issues dealt with in a timely manner. Reasonable rates on special.

Great place to stay but some might find the expensive WiFi and no TV difficult to handle.

I enjoyed my stay at the Black Pearl Puaikura (Puaikura Reef Lodges) the only disadvantage was there was no air conditioner otherwise it would be perfect. I was impressed with the fact there was a platter of fruit in the fridge with cold water upon arrival, kitchen and tea/coffee facilities, the house keeping on time and room was always serviced daily. If I was to choose between the Black Pearl and the previous resort I stayed at I would choose the Black Pearl.

First visit to the Cook Islands, won't be the last and won't be the last time we visit the Black Pearl. Spacious, clean and comfortable with sitting area, kitchenette and en-suite afforded everything we required of the room itself, whilst the patio afforded privacy with its curtain of tropical plants. The pool, set in a well maintained tropical garden was equally well maintained. Additional facilities included poolside BBQ, snorkelling gear and reef shoes all provided free. The beach is readily accessible and a perfect spot to watch those sunsets. The staff with the new owner Jane leading from the front were exceedingly cheerful and helpful. Wifi access whilst not free was available though patchy in reception, good in the common areas, some black spots in the room, but as we were happy to get a break from the Internet/social media this was a bonus!

We had a wonderfully relaxing time, bars and food within easy walk personally loved the snorkelling and scuba just down the road at the marine reserve. The Black pearl was clean and well appointed, staff were awesome we couldn't have asked for more. We will definitely go back again.