Captain James Retreat
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Captain James Retreat

Traveller (27)
Pool & Beach (11)
The view from the porch
Room & Suite (4)

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About

#1 of 3 guest houses in Muri
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Location
3.9 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Service
3.6 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
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HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Charming
Room features
Kitchenette

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Detailed Reviews
falynette wrote a review Oct 2012
Hastings
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My friend from Melbourne and I have just had an amazing holiday at Captain James Retreat. The house is so spacious, and has everything you would want. Very spacious rooms, well equipped and the arrival breakfast pack was more than expected. The owners are very helpful, friendly, bringing fresh fruit and fish. Giving tips and info on the island. We had many laughs with Warren. It is within walking to Muri and many shops and resorts. Cocktails at Aqua Bar, Muri Beach Resort, short walk and great. Swimming straight out from the house wonderful. The island bus was all we used for transport and was adequate. Do buy a concession ticket, 10 rides for $25 otherwise the drivers dont tell you and just charge $4 each way for a trip.
Good internet at Sails in Muri, again walking distance. Do visit the shop, skirts to wear 100 ways, lovely helpful lady.
Unfortunately, thanks to Virgin Australia, our 8 day holiday became only 6 and that was not long enough :( I will be back.
I fully recommend this house as your accommodation.
Good food at Trader Jacks, The Moorings, Delicious Cafe, and wide range of prices available for all types of meals.
Go to the Highland Paradise Cultural evening, it may be a little more expensive, but a true experience from descendants of the original tribe. A very moving experience.
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Date of stay: October 2012
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: unless you particularly want resort accommodation, you wont get better than Captain James...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moana wrote a review Oct 2014
Sydney, Australia
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I was a bit skeptical at first reading some other reviews of our accomodation but OMG I have no idea what people were thinking! The PERFECT holiday house, comfy beds, big kitchen and the ability to bring out your ingenuity and improvisation skills if something is missing. We even got married on the property right near the beach and wouldn't have had it any other way! Great for big families to stay in while on the island and handy to everything! The buses stop when you wave them down, the locals are SUPER friendly and the local wildlife also love new visitors. Be prepared to be embrace by local the local dogs and chickens. Go looking for that one perfect passionfruit or banana and by golly ABSORB the beauty around you. The ocean is colours most only see in a book, the fish are fascinating and come close to the shore. If you want the perfect day trip - Capitan Tama's is THE BOMB. Don't miss the Saturday morning markets in town, the food markets at Muri during the week and make sure you catch a cultural night (as there are plenty). Grab a game of mini golf at Cocoputt and get some food as well - the best on the island! Embrace all the beauty Raro has to offer, hire a scooter or catch the bus (make sure u get the 10 ride ticket for $30) go snorkeling at Fruits of Rarotonga but most importantly RELAX. We spent many a day just sitting on the porch watching the waves hit the reef. I cannot rave enough about this picture perfect island, it's people, it's culture. Truly the best ever!
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Date of stay: October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Temi L wrote a review Jun 2015
Whakatāne, New Zealand
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Had an awesome stay here, very cosy and homely. Location was awesome and only had the odd couple of people walking along the beach every day so was nice and private for swimming. Woke up every morning to the sound of drums and the sight of the lagoon cruise boats going past which was nice. Only a couple of minutes away from the telecom shop for Internet, the night markets and other amenities in Muri. The local neighbours were really friendly and didn't mind us having quiet drinks with music at night time. Was also handy having the outside shower so we didn't have to wait for the inside shower or leave a trail of sand through the house after swimming. The kitchen was awesome and had everything we needed to cook our own good, as well as some basic condiments already in the fridge! The only recommendation I would probably give would be to have more towels. It was raining most of the time we were there and had to wait for washing to dry on the line so we used up the towels provided as well as our own. No biggy tho! Definately would take this place over a resort when we visit again! Not suitable for people who expect room service, daily cleaners, ice cold air con or like to live on restaurant food for a whole week 😂 cheers!
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Date of stay: April 2015Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Duffgirl wrote a review Oct 2009
Brisbane
3.0 of 5 bubbles
stayed here with 13 year old daughter and 10 year old son, photos on web page showed one bedroom with 2 single beds, and one with double, arrived at 2am to find both rooms had double beds only, my son had to sleep in the lounge room which had no curtains, none of the beds had blankets. house is not private as it provides access for 2 other houses across the road so we had a contstant stream of people walking thru the back yard, and one morning we got up to find someones child standing in the kitchen! kitchen has fridge with freezer, but you cant put anything in there because its jammed so tight into a corner that you cant get the door fully open to pull out the storage racks. cheap for Rarotonga and i guess you get what you pay for, wont make the same mistake next time.
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Date of stay: September 2009
2.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maryrose W wrote a review Apr 2014
Hamilton, New Zealand
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Despite some areas which were disappointing with this house, we made the most of our stay in Rarotonga. The house was a good size for two couples. We enjoyed the large verandah and the hammock.There were overhead fans in every room which were put to good use as it was hot and humid. the kitchen was poorly supplied with cutlery and glasses.An extra wine glass was provided on request. The bedrooms were adequate but no wardrobes. The bedding was old and faded and blankets, although not needed, were not available. The BBQ was too dirty to use. The bathroom and shower were great. The whole house was rather grubby although the price was reasonable, We felt that the standard could be much better. The location is beautiful and good swimming and snorkelling is available to the right of the house after a 5 minute walk . The one available Kayak was fun to use. The owners were away and perhaps therefor the standard was not as good as usual. Despite this, we had a lovely time on this beautiful Island which we love. yes, I agree, Dogs are becoming a real problem along the beaches and barking at night.
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Date of stay: March 2014
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
2.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James W wrote a review Oct 2011
Palmerston North, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Captain James' Retreat more than lived up to expectations. Perfect setting, great access to everything very spacious with all facilities. We and our kids loved it. We got married on the beach right behind the property and all our guests were extremely jealous of where we were staying. It is very private would recommend over any of the resorts. Great value for money and Warren was extremely helpful with tips of where to go and what to see, he was a perfect host.
Thanks for such a fantastic family holiday we will be back!!!!
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Date of stay: October 2011
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
davevalMisterton wrote a review Jun 2011
misterton
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Just my wife and I stayed here for one week.
The setting is absolutely idyllic,and the house itself is absolutely great and has everything you need for a total chill out break from the rat race of everyday life.
The kayaks are very handy and the snorkelling is out of this world.
There are loads of good restaurants within walking distance, but we found it handy to hire a car for a few days to get about the island.
One thing you must do is go to one of the cultural evenings that many of the local resorts hold every week.
They are worth every penny
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Date of stay: February 2011
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joebe wrote a review Jul 2010
Blenheim, New Zealand
3.0 of 5 bubbles
This property is set back off the absolute beach front by about 20 metres. The website photos were a good representation. Kids loved the front yard and beach front. There was a kayak and good supplies, eggs butter cereal and milk and a loaf of bread in fridge for our arrival. Modern appliances and cooking equpment, lovely deck and hammocks. Friendly dog called "puppy" and chickens, cats etc... all of which were well behaved and good natured. We felt this place was good value as well.
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Date of stay: June 2010
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
2.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JanKel3 wrote a review Nov 2013
geelong
+1
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We have been to the Cook Islands several times now and this visit decided to rent a house instead of staying in a resort. Thoroughly enjoyed having a whole house to stay in, it was great. The house was spacious and comfortable and would easily suit a small family. There was no air con but ceiling fans in all rooms and that was certainly adequate for us, might not be enough in the summer though. Kitchen was very spacious but lacked a few basic things such as drinking glasses - nothing too serious that we couldn't live without, furniture is tired and needs upgrading, bedding smells musty. One thing that was needed though was some hanging space for clothing, only 2 hooks provided behind doors and that was all. Not good enough, I think a bit more thought should be shown to travellers needs. These few things were annoying but not bad enough to ruin our stay. You couldn't possibly be unhappy here when the lagoon is just in front of you. Unfortunately not a user friendly section of the lagoon for swimming, not much good for snorkeling either. There is no break in the rocky area and it is quite shallow and loaded with sea cucumbers. This was certainly not a choice part of Muri to stay. A short walk either side of this spot however does provide both good swimming & snorkelling. The house is situated at the end of Muri lagoon and no restaurants or shops within close walking distance. Buses do go by every hour but it's worth considering hiring a car if you want to dine out, particularly at night as there is very little street lighting to be walking along roads. Thoroughly recommend Captain James Retreat though as it is very reasonably priced and comes with very friendly neighbourhood dogs.
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Date of stay: October 2013
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
2.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: rent a car so you can get around at your leisure
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ralph W wrote a review Aug 2013
sydney
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed for 6 days and enjoyed the house very much

it is well laid out, has everything you need and you have your own beach. Its next to Te Manava (rumours) which is one of the most expensive places to stay..

beach is not really great for swimming as its quite rocky (as all of Muri is) but good for snorkelling.

The house is away from the road so it nice and quiet (ignoring the roosters that roam the whole island)

Its a short 10-15 min walk to Muri and a short drive to Fruits of Roratonga and other snorkel/swim beaches

Loved having the canoe to go out for a quick spin.

Overall a great place to stay for 2 couples or a family

Would definitely recommend the place and would go back myself
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Date of stay: August 2013
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Kerrie V wrote a tip Oct 2017
Adelaide, Australia52 contributions10 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The location is awesome"
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JanKel3 wrote a tip Nov 2013
geelong220 contributions58 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"rent a car so you can get around at your leisure"
Read full review
falynette wrote a tip Oct 2012
Hastings14 contributions12 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"unless you particularly want resort accommodation, you wont get better than Captain James Retreat, you can walk into any resort and use their pool, restaurant, shops, loungers etc, so why pay the extra."
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LOCATION
Cook IslandsSouthern Cook IslandsRarotongaMuri
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
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CAPTAIN JAMES RETREAT - Guesthouse Reviews (Muri, Cook Islands) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Captain James Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Captain James Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Tik-e Tours (7.4 km), Cook Island Christian Church (CICC) (7.7 km), and Titikaveka Beach (7.6 km).
What are some restaurants close to Captain James Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Mooring Fish Cafe Rarotonga, Beluga, and The Waffle Shack.
Are there any historical sites close to Captain James Retreat?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Wreck of the Matai (1.7 km).
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