Tropical Sands

Location: Muri Village (4 minutes away), Rarotonga, Rarotonga, CK

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Apartments

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 01:00 PM - anytime

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Instructions: This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply). To arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. There is no front desk at this property. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and key retrieval information. Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance.

Amenities & Facilities

• Boat tours nearby
• Terrace
• Garden
• Luggage storage
• Designated smoking area
• Wheelchair accessible
• Outdoor furniture
• Picnic area
• Golfing nearby
• Snorkeling nearby
• Bicycle rentals nearby
• Hiking/biking trails nearby
• Kayaking nearby
• Sailing nearby
• Scuba diving nearby
• Scooter/moped rentals nearby
• Ecotours nearby
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Free self parking
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Beach sun loungers
• Boat tours nearby
• Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
• Fishing nearby
• Handrails in stairways
• Accessible airport shuttle
• No accessible airport shuttle

Rooms Available

• Two-bedroom Villa

  2 Queen Beds

  1033-sq-foot individually decorated room, furnished patio with beach and garden views

  
  

  Layout - 2 bedrooms, dining area, and sitting area

  Internet - WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV

  Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, stovetop, cookware/dishware, and coffee/tea maker

  Sleep - Premium bedding

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, bathtub or shower, and shower or rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Yard, queen sofa bed, and safe

  Comfort - Ceiling fan

  Accessibility - Wheelchair-width doorways

  Eco-friendly - Eco-friendly cleaning supplies

  Need to Know - Limited housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Toilet paper
  • Sofa bed
  • Bottle of water
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Yard
  • Ceiling fan
  • Premium bedding
  • Separate sitting area
  • Separate dining area
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • Separate bedroom
  • Portable fan
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products
  • Paper towels
  • Wheelchair-width doorways

• Villa with Sea View

  1 Queen Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

  861-sq-foot individually decorated room, furnished patio with ocean views

  
  

  Layout - Bedroom

  Internet - WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV

  Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, stovetop, oven, and cookware/dishware

  Sleep - Premium bedding

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, bathtub or shower, and deep soaking bathtub or rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Yard, queen sofa bed, and safe

  Comfort - Ceiling fan

  Accessibility - Wheelchair-width doorways

  Eco-friendly - Eco-friendly cleaning supplies

  Need to Know - Limited housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Oven
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Toilet paper
  • Sofa bed
  • Bottle of water
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Yard
  • Ceiling fan
  • Premium bedding
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bedroom
  • Portable fan
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products
  • Paper towels
  • Wheelchair-width doorways

• Villa with Garden View

  1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

  517-sq-foot individually decorated room, furnished patio with beach and garden views

  
  

  Layout - Bedroom, dining area, and sitting area

  Internet - WiFi 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV

  Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, stovetop, cookware/dishware, and coffee/tea maker

  Sleep - Premium bedding

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, bathtub or shower, and shower or rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Yard, queen sofa bed, and safe

  Comfort - Ceiling fan

  Eco-friendly - Eco-friendly cleaning supplies

  Need to Know - Limited housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Toilet paper
  • Sofa bed
  • Bottle of water
  • Yard
  • Ceiling fan
  • Premium bedding
  • Separate sitting area
  • Separate dining area
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • Portable fan
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products
  • Paper towels

Guest Reviews

• Alan (10/5): - Villa on the beach was perfect, private, quiet, great hosts.
• CHERIE Wanda (8/5): - Location and rooms were excellent, hosts were lovely. Only disappointment was the ceiling leaking due to heavy rains on last night, woke up to very wet ankle deep water on the bedroom floor. Would however definitely stay again and highly recommend.
• Sonja (8/5): - We had an ocean view villa with a large deck overlooking the sea. The room was spacious and decorated with the owner's art and craft. Great shower and full-sized fridge. The amenities were a bit tired, with bed linen, crockery and cutlery below par. More towels would have been good, as we only had one each for our five night stay, and they didn't dry out in-between use because of the humidity.
• Leisa (10/5): - Loved it there! Great spot and a cute authentic Island style room. Our hosts were the loveliest warm people. Location location location excellent
• Fiona (10/5): - A great place to stay. We were welcomed from arrival and our hosts were friendly and helpful. A small supermarket was only a 2 minute walk. We hired a 2 person scooter to get around and enjoy the island and this is a great way to explore. Snorkelling is a few kms away but fantastic. We would certainly recommend Tropical Sands and hope to go back some day
• John (10/5): - Rudy and Kanoe were lovely hosts and have a beautiful property
• Alan (10/5): - Very friendly hosts. Beautiful location and view. Clean and comfortable room.
• Angelina (6/5): - Unfortunately was without water one day, hot water another day due to work being conducted on another unit forgot to turn back on. In heavy downpour roof leaked beside bed. 3 singles travelling 2 had to share a double bed as no rollaway available. Was quiet except for roosters. On the seafront but not ideal to swim.
• Rebecca Jennifer (10/5): - This is a beautiful resort within close distance to shopping, bus stops and driving distance to the nearest beach in Muri. You also get so see beautiful art done by local artists including the owners Kanoe and Rudy all around Tropical Sands and within the rooms. We had the best time and both Rudy and Kanoe were so welcoming and kind and helpful. Very clean rooms and they were eco friendly and sustainable with organic rubbish separated from general waste and plastic. This place is an artists dream with location close to the ocean so you get nature, sand, sea and art in a beautiful location. The best stay for us!. Meitaki ma'ata to Rudy and Kanoe we highly recommend Tropical Sands to anyone traveling to Rarotonga.
• Tessa (10/5): - We had a wonderful stay at tropical sand and definitely would come back. Kanoi and Rudy were very caring, friendly and wonderful hosts. Grocery store and options to eat are within walking distance and we also saw whales at the private beach at tropical sand. It was just perfect. Thank you so much ! Best Wishes Paula and Tessa
• Tessa Louise (10/5): - We found it perfect for a quiet getaway.
• Jeremy (10/5): - Nice hosts
• Sandra (10/5): Little slice of paradise - Had the most amazing relaxing time here, our hosts were just the most beautiful people. Nothing was a problem. Will be back.
• Ian (10/5): - Lovely hosts, nice cabin very close to the beach and easily walkable to Muri.
• Latesha (10/5): - We had such a wonderful time here! Right on the beach with incredible sunrises & sunsets. Friendly, welcoming and helpful hosts. It's more rustic & authentic than staying in a big fancy resort, we really enjoyed it and can happily recommend.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Lovely friendly, privately own resort with ATM, good ship and Petrol few min walk away. We booked 5 nights and after checking plenty of another hotels extended for another week)) Great value for money and super hosts.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - It was lovely,quiet and, safe. The bed was a little hard, lovely hosts, Rudy and Kanoe. Ngaa mihi
• Verified traveler (8/5): - My unit was right on the beaachfront. It was not always easy to find the owners when I needed to to. There was no hot water after the first day.
• DAWSON (10/5): Amazing place to Stay in Rarotonga - Amazing View...lovely host close with grocery shop...
• Verified traveler (8/5): - The homely relaxing environment supported by the friendly and helpful releaving management plus access to scenic beach
• Orrsrus (8/5): - The nighttime hermit crab festival on the lawn was awesome. The grounds and folks that ran the place were nice. Beds and accommodations were not high end, but pleasant and acceptable. I’d stay there again.
• Irf (8/5): - Rudy and Kanoi are wonderful hosts. The property is very well maintained and has many artistic touches.
• Murray (10/5): Great Value, Clean and comfortable stay! - Amazing experience in an amazing location! Great Value. Had the privilege of enjoying our morning coffee while watching whales play and breach just a short distance from the beach. Rooms are always spotless. Same as the property. Rudi and Kanoi are always helpful and friendly. Very close to a new grocery/gas station and walking distance to Muri. I am a happy return customer, and would recommend anyone visiting the Island to stay at Tropical Sands.
• Stacey (8/5): - For us, great location, bicycles were available for free and we took advantage to go exploring!!! Coffee down the block was great for breakfast and the gas station nearby had great selection for cooking at the room. Bacon, eggs, salad and chicken to name a few things. Bus stops right there so that is perfect as well.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Fantastic location for families or groups. Not 5 star, but friendly hosts and other guests make up for it!
• Alan (10/5): - Great property to relax at close to ocean with great view of mountains. Owners present when needed and very friendly and helpful. A place to stay many days for sure. Felt like being home versus at a hotel.
• Rose (8/5): Pleasant unit close to beach - Very clean, well equipped units look out onto garden and have their own sheltered porch with seating area from which you can see the sea. Good access to shops and within walking distance to Muri village. Nice to have filtered water on tap when many other places in the same price range need you to boil water or buy it. Friendly hosts who were knowledgeable and responsive to requests. Very pleasant place to spend a week and excellent value for money as very reasonably priced. Would have liked better beds, but otherwise a very good place to stay
• Carron (6/5): Lovely Villa but... - Arrived at night 10pm Raro time and was pleased with layout of the Villa. Nice open plan kitchen, lounge/bedroom and a seperate bathroom. Everything was really nice and clean and there was a really good breeze. Security was on all windows and we felt ourselves and our stuff was safe. Woke up the next morning to find that there was a building site next door and they started at 7.30am, everyday that we were there. The building site meant that more than half of our view of the beach was covered by framing from the new buildings and the rest was pretty much covered by palm trees. When booking we liked the idea that little children werent going to be around but the owners grandkids (4 & 2 I believe) were there. When we introduced ourselves there wasnt really an apology but a they are our grandkids so what can you do about it. The owners were friendly and were able to help us get to a scooter place so we could hire one. We found contact with them was at the minimum which suited us but was surprised too find other guests were continually contacted by them and not always in a friendly manner.
• Neil (10/5): Waterfront bungalow with amazing sunrise - Despite some atrocious weather we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Tropical Sands and when or if we get to return to Raratonga it will be our preferred accommodation destination. Our hosts were friendly and helpful, the accommodation was awesome right on the beachfront and between the use of the bycicles provided and the public bus stop at the resort entrance we had no trouble getting around Raratonga. A holiday that will long be remembered
• The Greens (8/5): Right on the beach - Clean and comfortable. Amazing views, beautiful well kept gardens. Meet all our expectations. Hosts friendly and approachable. Enjoyed our stay.
• ian (10/5): Great apartment, wonderful hosts - Basic but lovely, well maintained apartments in lovingly maintained gardens on the edge of a lagoon. What more can you ask for? Don’t expect air conditioning because few places on Rarotonga have it, and it is a huge premium... just open all the insect screened louvred windows and let the sea breezes blow through! Although small, the kitchens are well enough equipped that we ate in most evenings during our stay. I cannot praise the property, it’s location or the hosts, Heidi & Rudi highly enough.
• Fluffy (10/5): Private and near the beach - Host are very friendly, bed not comfortable kept running into the corners of the bed which is solid wood. Inside the venue is very welcoming with beautiful natural wood furnishing.
• Verified traveler (8/5): Right on beach - Friendly hosts. Weather wasn't great for our stay so we weren't able to enjoy the free use of the bicycles to explore. Nice quiet spot for relaxing.
• Veronica (10/5): Serene setting - My daughter & I stayed for 9 days & enjoyed the simple & easy facilities. Easy access to local attractions. The various chill areas available. Hosts Rudy & Kanoe were excellent! Can’t wait to come back!
• Dawn (8/5): quiete place, a bit far - a condo without suplementary service, on a nice couple's resort. the place looks great, beautiful ocean view, but the shore is not suitible for swim and you need to walk around 20 min-half an hour to get to shore. if you have car then you have no problem. however, the island have much better shore views
• Lisa (10/5): Peace of Paradise - Good location. Peaceful and tranquil - away from the busy resorts it is a very nice retreat for couples and small families. Only 10min up the road from Muri Beach and the night markets. Bus stops right in front. Lovely villas situated right on the beach front we woke up to the most beautiful sunrises. Will definitely be staying here again.
• Paul (10/5): Friendly staff - Having just 5 villas you have the beach to yourself, but what made it awesome was the owners who treated you like old friends
• Rhona (10/5): A quiet little place to stay away from the crowds - Tropical Sands is a really special little place. It was immaculate, well maintained and well away from the crowds. The hosts Rudy and Kanoe were very welcoming. You can't swim at the beach here, but sitting under a palm and hearing the waves crash was so relaxing. I walked into Muri to the beach it was a good half hour but the bus service is great if you don't have a car or moped and don't want to walk. Just up the road is the best coffee and fresh croissants Ive had in a long time! At night the garden becomes home to all these wee hermit crabs, so cool to watch. My unit didn't have air con, not sure if the others do, it wasn't a problem at this time of the year but I think in the hotter months if that is something that you need when it's really hot, you might want to consider. Bed was comfy and the roosters (everywhere on the island) were easy enough to ignore and go back to sleep! I would definitely recommend this place if the resorts are not your thing. Thanks for a great stay.
• Murray and Andra (10/5): What a great little gem! - Beautiful! Clean accomodations, up-kept property with a whole lot of personal touches from the owners. Great place to get away for a while, and close to Muri, probably the nicest beach on the island.
• Robert & Carole (10/5): Tranquil and right by the beach - We recently spent a wonderful week at Tropical Sands with Rudy and Kanoe as our lovely hosts. For perspective, if you are after 5-star amenities and entertainment, please look elsewhere. But if you are looking for a small resort in a serene setting with personal flair and loads of artsy touches, then Tropical Sands is for you. Located in what's probably in the nicest part of the island, your are steps from a quiet, uncrowded beach, but never far from shopping, entertainment and activities when you crave them. Get yourself a scooter like the locals (available for as little as 15 dollars for multi-day rentals), and ride to Muri in 5 or Avarua in 15 minutes. Or just stay at the resort and take in the sunrise, the beach, the water, the waves, it's an experience you won't soon forget, and you'll wish you had done more of when you are back home.
• Amy (8/5): Cute wee villa outside of Muri - Lovely wee villa, about 20min walk from Muri centre. 5min in car. Close to the beach, but can't really swim there though, as lots of rocks. Rooms are is a little dated, but very clean and have everything you need. Hosts offered us separate beach towels we could take which was nice :) I would stay again.
• Garry,Alison (8/5): Very nice hosts. Rooms were clean and comfortable. - We had a lovely view from our room, unfortunately the wind was blowing for the first few days of our stay. Our hosts were really nice people. The beaches we went to were lovely and safe swimming beaches. We did a couple of the touristy things and enjoyed them all. The only negative comment would be that unfortunately the BBQ was not available and we understand why but it would have been nice. Cheers thanks for the hospitality of Rarotonga.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - uncomfortable seating.But close to the beach and the locals were very friendly
• Michael (8/5): - 6 great (although unseasonably windy and rainy) days. Only wish towels could be replaced more often.
• Adrienne (10/5): Pretty and Peaceful - A beautiful, quiet place with lovely views and friendly, helpful owners. Room 5 was clean and brightly furnished and elevated with a large deck to relax on and keep a look out for whales. Perfect for couples. Highly recommended. Thank you Rudy and Kanoe for a really enjoyable stay in your little piece of paradise. Adrienne and Ted
• Mitch (8/5): Idylic location - Peaceful, beautiful, in harmony with nature; this is the Tropical Sands. If you want to get away from the crowds and relax, this is the place for you. The owners couldn't be more helpful and friendly. Rudy even played music and sang at our beach wedding. Top notch.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Inaya's tropical trip - Even though children not allowed, they made an exception for our little granddaughter. Kanoe was up at 6am to greet us and get us situated in our bungalows. They had put in some milk, sugar, tea, coffee and water for us. It was a great help, because after a long flight, a good cup of tea was due. Their garden was so relaxing and they put lot of effort to make it enjoyable. Beach was nice for long walks.
• Di (10/5): TROPICAL SANDS - 4th visit to CI, 1st visit to TS. Wonderful setting, great chooks, crabs, views and cultural ambiance.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Awsome - Staying here was so peaceful and relaxing . Rudy and kanoe are the best people ever . Villas are tidy .place is clean . A+++ Will definitely be back to the tropical sands
• Matthew (10/5): Great standalone unit lose to Muri Beach - Fantastic spot! Great friendly owners made stay very enjoyable. Just out of Muri Beach so perfect location if you get a scooter. Next to a beach with seating, shade and great sunrise views. Feels very private. Would 100% come back to this place. Perfect for people who don't mind being a little further out of a main area and don't mind organising there own activities. We were able to use there bikes, reef shoes and snorkel gear. Accommodation prices I thought were very reasonable. Thanks again!!
• Rhodes (10/5): Charming beachfront bungalows. - Thoroughly enjoyed the well presented and well cared for beachside bungalows. Artwork and gardening captures the true essence of beachside lifestyle. Beach is reef/oceanfront (not really a swimming beach) with cool seabreeze most of the day.
• eddie (10/5): Self catering but close to Muri - Bill and Jan are great hosts and really look after you
• Gloria (10/5): Beautiful beachfront cottage - We spent a week in the beachfront cottage (the nicest one) and loved it. The cottage is very private and is literally on the beach. It has a large deck overlooking the ocean, where we spent a lot of time listening to and watching the waves crashing. The beach is great for walking and collecting shells, but the coral makes it too shallow for swimming. There are only 5 rental cottages so it is a quiet, relaxing spot. The owners (Rudy and Kanoe) are very helpful and accommodating. The location is close to the restaurants and snorkeling in Muri, but you have to take the bus or rent a scooter. The cheapest rentals we found were Polynesian Rentals($15 per day), but if you don't have a motorcycle license you have to do a test in Avarua and pay $90. If you are looking for a perfect place to relax, we highly recommend Tropical Sands. It is very good value for your money.
• Caroline (10/5): Hut by the Sea - I had a awesome time staying at Tropical Sands. Rudy and Kanoe are excellent hosts, friendly and very helpful giving me tips about what to do and not do. You can't swim in the sea but you can sit on the rocks and let the waves wash over you and watch the little fish and crabs. Very relaxing and quiet place to stay.. A little piece of Paradise. I used the local buses to get around the Island. I would recommend if staying a week to hire a car for a three days and for the two days or so use the buses to get a overview of the experience. There is eating places but spread out around the island. I found the cost of food to be expensive.. But most of the foods is imported that is why. I would bring more foods as you can.. dried foods such as instant potatoes packets, rice, noodle processed food stuff. Meat is same as NZ prices and is good prices to buy. I booked Koka Lagoon Cruise and Te Vara Nui Village experiences before leaving NZ and totally recommend to do both. When you arrive in Raratonga you need to confirm your booking and bring emails with you that state they have confirmed your bookings just in case. You need to do Punanga Nui market on Saturday great experience local foods and fresh fruit smoothies a must. With souviers etc I bought coconut soaps as presents much cheaper to buy there. Overall there isn't much to buy or shopping in Raratonga but it's more experiencing the cultural and people. I would recommend to wear your swimming under your clothes.
• Chris (10/5): A virtually private paradise - There is a reason that the tropical sands is rated high, it's worth the rating! The location and condition of the property is fantastic and the owners are lovely people. Would absolutely book again.
• Nancy (2/5): thanks for nothing - I was unable to go because my passport expires in less than 6 months. I did not know this rule and imagine my distress and loss of money on airline tickets, but this hotel manager would not refund even one penny of the 7 nights I had paid for. Heartless if you ask me.
• Tio (8/5): - great hosts
• Sue (10/5): Highly recomend - We've been to Rarotonga 3 times before and wanted self catering for this trip. We had the two bedroom villa which is perfect for two couples. It had two comfortable queen sized beds and each room had ensuite bathrooms. There was a kitchen with good amenities, including large fridge freezer, microwave, and hob. The villa was exceptionally clean. Outside was good sheltered decking area with table, chairs and a sun lounger. The villa is very close to the beach, but perfect for shelter against any wind or rain. ( if you're unlucky with the weather). There are only 5 properties on this resort, so it's very peaceful and relaxing. The owners have done an amazing job with the garden area, with lots of artwork around the place. Very pretty. The owners are very helpful and friendly. They lent us snorkelling gear for the whole time we were there and asked the hire car company to pick us up so we could arrange a car. They recommended good beaches and cafes etc, which saved us time and money. If we needed anything, all we had to do was ask and nothing was too much trouble. The beach is landscaped beautifully, but you can't go in the sea because of the coral. This didn't bother us as we had transport and wanted to try other beaches. (All close by). Fruits of Rarotonga beach excellent for snorkelling, And the beach at Charlie's cafe was a favourite and can hire kayaks and paddle boards Would highly recommend this resort if you want a relaxing place to stay. Well worth the money.
• Peter (10/5): - Awesome place to stay, relaxed, very friendly, kid free, clean and tidy, nothing was too much of an issue, was a pleasure to stay and would very much like to do so again, great hosts.
• Julia (8/5): Beautiful setting right on the beach. - We enjoyed our stay at Tropical Sands and the hosts were helpful and charming. The unit itself was basic but we had everything we needed at a very reasonable price. My shower was brilliant. It was nice to sit on our deck relaxing and listening and watching the ocean. The only fault I could claim was that my bed was very hard but I guess that is personal preference. All in all, great value for money and away from the bustle of the big resorts. Thanks.
• Hun (10/5): It's a hidden gem, the island, hotel and the host. - One of my best time holiday experience. very friendly staff, close to Muri beach. the way the hotel located is perfect. Appreciate your kind gestures, will definitely visit again.
• terry (8/5): elevated haven - When we arrived we were given an excellent elevated, separate and delightfully private room close to the beach. We were greeted by the extremely friendly owners and given the orientation. close enough to Muri with out being busy. Why given the ratings was the final not 5? not from any issues with the tropic sands, but rather the lack of snorkeling immediately in front.. This being our 4th visit to Rarotonga we can claim to have stayed at a variety of resorts/accommodation. This would challenge my previous favorite place. Much to think of next trip.
• M (10/5): A hidden gem in Rarotonga - A wonderful place to stay with warmth, hospitality and utterly charming gardens and seating areas......don't forget that gorgeous view! The only downside was the hard bed which left us longing for our bed at home after 8 nights :-( But that was the only thing as everything else was fantastic!
• debbie (8/5): You can hear the ocean and see the sunrise. - Our transfer did not happen and although it was not their fault, the explanation and comment was not good. Our initial welcome did not happen. We did not feel like we had made the best choice in accommodation because of this. However when the female owner came to greet us she resolved all our issues and made us feel welcomed and was very accommodating. All in all a beautiful stay. The village is a long walk away but easy by car or bike.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Secluded hideaway, simple and beautiful - We cycled to muri and the lagoon each day, hosts could not be nicer, very artfully decorated all around the garden and rooms, you can feel the love put onto this place, peaceful, tranquil and a haven, will definitely be back!
• Verified traveler (10/5): Creative, Clean, and Comfortable - I stayed 2 weeks at Tropical Sands and enjoyed the time immensely. I had an upper deck waterfront studio that featured two superb views: Out one window was the raging Pacific crashing on the outer reef. Out the opposite window were the lush green inland high mountain peaks of Rarotonga. The accommodation was clean, comfortable. and had an artist's creative decorative touch throughout ... both in the room and out on the grounds. The owners are very interesting, (South Pacific) knowledgeable, and kind people who add to the pleasure of the stay. The location is good being between Muri Beach and Avarua townsite. Although, the beach at Tropical Sands is not swimmable, most visitors rent a scooter or a car, or take the local bus to wherever they want to go for the day.
• Merrilyn C (8/5): Comfortable, relaxing stay, beautiful ocean views. - We had a lovely time at this hotel. We stayed in a self contained, 2 bedroom hut, with kitchen. We had a view of the beach from our verandah - Beautiful views of the beach situated just a few metres away. It was comfortable and clean. The managing staff were very accommodating and interesting to chat to.
• Robert (10/5): Very beautiful - Its in a beautiful location, the owners are very nice and all the art around the hotel are a great touch.
• Fraser (10/5): Tranquil gettaway - Well situated right on the beach with sea sand and palm trees right outside the deck. Self contained kitchen and bathroom facilities. Small dairy/petrol station about a minutes walk away and not too far from Muri villiage. Perfect if you are looking for a quiet tropical gettaway.
• Belinda (10/5): Beautiful, quiet, beachfront stay. - Fantastic accommodation providing everything you need. We had everything we needed to cook our own meals when we didn't want to eat out and could eat while watching the sea from our deck. Accommodation is clean, spacious and has everything you need. The whole property is also beautifully decorated with artwork which I believe was created by the very talented owners!
• Jennifer (10/5): Our Garden Bungalow - We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Tropical Sands. Our garden bungalow was all we needed for the two of us. I couldn't see it being very comfortable for three, even though it provided a bed-sittee. However each to their own. I am very impressed with the owners Rudy & Kanoe for their Hospitality which I class as Exceptional to say the least! We were made to feel very welcome and at home immediately. Our bungalow was described as being the Garden Bungalow, but we were so close to the beach calling it a beach-side bungalow would fit too. Also the location of Tropical Sands we found to be very central to all the areas of Rarotonga we enjoyed the most i.e. snorkeling and board paddling beaches, shows, food markets, cafe's and other Resorts we frequented. All in all we had a wonderful time there, and would we go again, most definitely YES!
• sue and jim (10/5): Tropical Sands is an exceptionally beautiful place - The welcome we received was extremely friendly, we felt as if we'd known the owners all our lives. The accommodation was very well maintained and artistically decorated. The huts are well designed, we lacked nothing.
• Verified traveler (8/5): very clean and bright beach front studio apartment - great reort for the independent traveler looking for a no fuss no frills apartment with great location, full self catering facilities and a beautifull setting in mature tropical garden, friendly owners.. Whale watching from your own balcony if you take the beach front option
• Michele & Peter (10/5): Ocean front, peaceful and private, handy location! - If you want perfect golden sunrises in a handy location to the action and eateries in Muri or Avarua, in a gourgeous, unique setting then this is the place for you. The hosts who live unobtrusively on site are friendly, warm and gracious....it felt like our own home away from home, rather than a cookie-cutter hotel/motel room. The island/beach inspired art and craft work is prevalent around the property and inside your room, a constant reminder to the holiday seeking soul that you are in paradise! Sure you can't really swim here, but there are many places within minutes that offer all the watersport activities. But the rock pools and the edge of the reef at low tide offer opportunities for sighting blue starfish, spiny sea eggs, crabs and various other small fish and aquatic life. We even saw whales from our deck late one afternoon, their shiny backs breached the surface and we witnessed their water spouts and felt privileged and special to have done so. Oh yes, we'll be back! Meitaki Maata
• Dianne (8/5): We will return - Great people - could be a bit better at changing linen - twice in 12 days not really great- loved the fact that only 5 bungalows - nice and peaceful- need a laundry tho.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Great place to relax - Great Welcome upon our check-in. flowers and sign to our cottage. Owners are very friendly. the decorations and grounds are excellent. the cottages are simple and work great for comfort and convenience. the beach is great for someone trying to see shells and coral.
• Christopher (10/5): Great place to stay - Wonderful hosts who go out of their way to make sure you're comfortable. We stayed in the beach front unit that has great views and a large porch that you won't want to leave. Quiet, yet short scooter ride from the action in Muri. Only disappointment is that we were too early for the whales.
• Kat (10/5): Fantastic hosts - The unit was clean, well equipped and we'll maintained. We were right on the beach with an uninterrupted view of the sunrise. The hosts were great, super friendly and helpful. Their local knowledge really turned a good holiday into a fantastic one.
• Robbie (10/5): Right on the beach - Had a fantastic stay. Was in a bungalow right on the beach. Listening to the waves was relaxing and the sunrise was awesome. Rudy and Kanoe couldn't be more helpful if they tried giving good advice on things to do. Went to shipwreck bar to listen to Rudy play on the Thursday and watched the sun go down over the pacific. They arranged scooter hire for us at a good rate and it is the only way to get around. We have already made plans to return and I for one cannot wait.
• Lucian (8/5): Very nice holiday on a tropical island - Our hosts welcomed us very warm. The bungalow were we stayed was very spacious, clean and well furnished. It was an ideal place to recover after hard work, watching and hearing the sea from the veranda. Of course, there were a lot of pleasant activities to do on the island.
• Titia (10/5): Beautiful garden and beach setting and sunrises - The location is beautiful and also enhanced by the artworks of the owners The scale of the place, 5 units that are self contained, make it a very personal and private experience and the service by the owners is thoughtful and friendly. We had the double advantage of staying in the beachfront unit, but all units have a lovely surround, privacy and views! You cannot swim or snorkel here (too shallow, you would get hurt on the coral etc.), but the good snorkel/swim/canoe/fish/paddle board and kite surfing beaches are just around the corner, together with good places to eat/drink/hire equipment etc. The beach is good to walk on and beautiful shells are everywhere to be found. The owners are talented artists, making wall murals, mosaics and carvings and the owner Rudi is a very talented famous musician who performs at different venues on the island. Make sure you go and see him perform!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Wonderful place. Amazing couple that run it. We plan to go back!

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