Moana Sands Lagoon Resort
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Moana Sands Lagoon Resort

Traveller (116)
Pool & Beach (44)
Room & Suite (24)

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Avg. $448 /night, 2/21 - 2/22
$448
per night
$399
per night
$350
per night

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About

#2 of 2 resorts in Muri
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Service
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
(Adults Only 18+ years) 4* Situated on the famous Muri beach overlooking Rarotonga’s famous pristine lagoon, our modern ‘adults only’ 18+ resort opened in 2018. Moana Sands Lagoon Resort offers 24 deluxe studios and suites spread across two levels (ground and first floor), a large spectacular swimming pool, cabana, sun lounging deck, kayaks, guest laundry, Hibiscus Spa and the contemporary and stylish Laguna Restaurant & Bar. (note: restaurant is open to outside visitors with children aged 10yrs +). All rooms come complete with modern amenities: - air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen TV, safe, refrigerator and hair dryer. A handy shopping hub is located just a couple of minutes’ walk. Close by is famous Muri, home to the island’s lagoon cruises, night markets and a huge variety of restaurants. During your stay why not try one of Papa Ben’s famous donuts, located just down the road. This little store is a local icon, having been in operation making donuts for nearly fifty years! Wifi vouchers are available for purchase at reception. With our south-easterly aspect, you have the perfect vantage point to wake up to one of our stunning sunrises. Our resort is truly the perfect choice for those seeking a romantic, child-free, tropical escape in our island paradise.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Paid wifi
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Canoeing
Airport transportation
Spa
Internet
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Saltwater pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Snorkelling
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Waxing services
Adults only
Baggage storage
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Laundry service
Room features
Air conditioning
Desk
Dining area
Housekeeping
Coffee / tea maker
Refrigerator
Walk-in shower
Complimentary toiletries
Private balcony
Safe
Seating area
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Iron
Private bathrooms
Electric kettle
Hair dryer
Room types
Ocean view
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Trendy
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Filipino

Location

Ara Tapu Rd, Muri Cook Islands

Reviews
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Detailed Reviews
Duncan W wrote a review Mar 2022
Wellington, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We had a couple of days at Moana Sands after a week at the nearby Pacific Resort, so we are comparing it to a much more expensive and potentially one of the best in Rarotonga. Moana Sands is smaller and more compact, but is also an excellent spot and better value. The rooms are clean and bright (brighter than Pacific Resort), and have a great view out to the sea. The swimming pool is very close to the room, and the sea only a little further. The snorkeling is better at high tide at Moana Sands, and there is snorkeling gear and a few kayaks (not as many as at Pacific Resort) and it isn't too far to kayak out to the island in the lagoon. The shower was nice with little bottles of shampoo and shower gel. Plenty of towels provided for the frequent dips in the pool and sea. WiFi required a voucher but speed was fine and reasonable cost ($10 special for 15 GB). There is a charge to use the laundry facilities ($5 token for wash and $5 for dryer - there was no charge for laundry at Pacific Resort). Continental breakfast was fine, not as wide a selection as Pacific Resort, but they did have nice muffins. Cooked breakfast available on request for additional charge. There isn't much parking in front of the hotel, but plenty on the grassy area opposite (free from coconut trees). Water is filtered (at Pacific Resort it was necessary to get drinking water from one of the outlets around the hotel). As with many of the hotels on the island, there are massage and spa that can be booked, which my wife used once during our stay. Overall, a great spot to which we would love to return one day. It doesn't have the lovely grounds of Pacific Resorts, but is equal in most other respects and is much better value for money.
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Date of stay: February 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: Rooms 710 to 712 closer to the water on ground floor, or 722 to 724 on upper floor.
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.
Response from Moana Sands Group, Marketing at Moana Sands Lagoon Resort
Responded 9 Oct 2022
Kia Orana Thank you for your kind review, the team are delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay here in the beautiful Cook Islands. Meitaki ma'ata e kia manuia
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wendog28 wrote a review May 2024
Eltham, Australia
4.0 of 5 bubbles
The resort is very clean and tidy, and the rooms are well appointed. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
We were disappointed in breakfast.
We booked thus resort with the understanding that breakfast was included. On the first morning, we discovered that only a continental breakfast is included. All hot breakfasts are to be paid for. This continental consisted of bread to toast, jam, peanut butter, Marmite, oats, and sultanas, very tired looking fruit, usually just two different fruits, and a bowl of yoghurt.
The restaurant bar did not open until 3pm, and did not offer a happy hour. We had dinner a couple of times in the restaurant, and the food was very good.
This resort is close enough to the night markets, museum, and shops.
If you are looking for a quiet little resort, this one is for you.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Don't expect to fill up on the 'continental breakfast ' included in your package. No free wifi.
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.
Response from Moana Sands Group, Marketing at Moana Sands Lagoon Resort
Responded 3 Jun 2024
Kia Orana Wendog. Meitaki Maata (thank you) for your thoughts on your recent stay with us. We are delighted that you enjoyed the room and our welcoming staff. All of our room rates do indeed include a continental breakfast and additional hot items can also be ordered should you wish. Laguna Restaurant is operated by a third party, and we are pleased to hear you enjoyed your meals when you dined with them. Again, thank you for your time in writing this review and we do hope you will return to our sunny shores in the future. Moana Sands Hotel Group.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EJM223 wrote a review Jan 2023
Auckland, New Zealand
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed for a week in the lagoon suite...a room with a lovely view and plenty of space. It also has a nice big deck to sit out on.
Breakfast was included but really needs a bit more thought and attention to detail. The coffee was so weak I ended up bringing a plunger to breakfast to have a good brew. Bread and cereal choices were both extremely poor and again I ended up buying some grainy bread at the supermarket and bringing it along each morning to make toast.
The resort is adults only which is a big plus if you are not travelling with children and makes for a peaceful stay.
The other improvement I would suggest is that there needs to be more sun loungers. Only 7 loungers around the pool for the entire resort is not really good enough.
Otherwise it was a very pleasant stay, staff are very helpful and nice. The beach is good and the location is handy to Muri Beach and across the road is a supermarket and a great takeaway fish and chip shop.
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Date of stay: September 2022
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
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.
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
Sofiit wrote a review Oct 2024
Lucca, Italy
1.0 of 5 bubbles
We are on our honeymoon, it is called Resort, when we arrived we had a complimentary bottle but in the room we found nothing, we went to request it at the desk and they provided it. Resort but it can't be called that, it has nothing apart from spacious rooms. The whole structure looks like a Motel, daily cleaning is done but except on Sundays, for a Resort that costs almost 300€ per night is not conceivable. The courtesy and smiles are not at home, when you ask for some information the Response is superficial if you do not find the information somewhere .. the structure is in a non-central position and to go to the center of walls you have to walk for about 1.5 km, because bikes and scooters are available in the structure, only thing there is a bus that passes and goes around the island, but if we had to wait for that you wasted so much time. In the structure there is a restaurant that called in the evening to ask if you went to dinner we never went we always found it deserted, a reason surely there was, we preferred to try all the various restaurants and bakeries outside that offered much more choice at affordable prices. Breakfast is not continental but they give you milk coffee, tea toast jam yogurt and papaya. If you want more you have to buy it .. also I found little professionalism in the breakfast staff, who did their business sitting at a table among the guests with a speaker with music shot at full blast. the only nice and helpful people were those cleaning.
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Automatically translated
Date of stay: October 2024Trip 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.
bhrjnq wrote a review Feb 2024
Christchurch, New Zealand
+1
3.0 of 5 bubbles
During our recent stay at Moana Sands Lagoon, we encountered a mix of positives and negatives that left us feeling quite underwhelmed, especially when compared to other tropical destinations we’ve experienced in Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Positives:

• Our room was spacious with beautiful views overlooking the pool and the ocean, which was a highlight at sunrise
• The availability of snorkels, fins, and reef shoes for guest use was a nice touch, allowing for easy exploration of the ocean’s beauty.
• The provision of a free washing machine and dryer added convenience to our stay.
• The barista coffee in the restaurant was notably good, and the inclusion of soy milk was appreciated.
• The staff generally displayed friendliness and a welcoming attitude.
• The hotel’s location, just a short walk from a handy small shop and the necessity for transport, emphasizes the need to hire a car, which can be quite an adventure in itself.

Negatives:

• The overall atmosphere of the hotel was lacking. There was no background music and minimal staff interaction, which contributed to a somewhat soulless experience.
• The bar’s happy hour was disappointing, offering no happy hour prices and limited opening hours that did not cater to guests wishing for daytime cocktails by the pool or even lunch options.
• A personal instance that highlighted the lackluster service was when requesting ice; being told to fetch it myself from the bar and then feeling like an inconvenience merely for asking.
• The closure of the bar and restaurant on Sunday (and unexpectedly the following day) was a significant inconvenience, leaving us without on-site dining options.
• The fact the restaurant is is a separate business to the hotel with a limited offering does provide a bad customer experience and doesn’t reflect well on the hotel and the way customers think of the Moana Sands brand.

Overall:
Moana Sands Lagoon oozes potential but seems to be doing the bare minimum for its guests. As a no-kids resort on a tropical island, the expectation for a relaxing and indulgent experience, including cocktails by the pool, was not met. With some effort to enhance the atmosphere, service, and amenities, Moana Sands could truly become a standout destination. Until then, it feels like a missed opportunity to deliver a memorable guest experience.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip 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.
Cec666 wrote a review Aug 2023
3.0 of 5 bubbles
In the Muri area, this two-story hotel looks a bit like a clinic. The rooms are as in the photo, but the best is undoubtedly the last one in the corner. The place is perhaps the windiest in the area. The staff is very kind and helpful. They are attentive to the cleanliness of the rooms, the swimming pool and the space around it is perfect. Unfortunately, to enjoy the beach you have to leave the resort and therefore stay on the beach with a towel. Finally, breakfast. Miserable and not varied, really to be avoided. Subpar subs and ham, sandwich bread, cereals and fruit (the kind we also find in Italy, apple, orange and coconut). Finally some jam and a yogurt of dubious origin. I would say a breakfast that is not offered even in a one-star Italian hotel. What makes it worse is that if you want something else you have to pay extra for it. Otherwise, dinner, although always with the same menu, is not bad. The restaurant staff was also very friendly. In summary, I don't recommend it.
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Google
Date of stay: August 2023Trip 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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karamsay wrote a review Oct 2022
Auckland Central, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
From the moment we were greeted at the airport to the moment we checked out, the service at this resort has been excellent. The facilities, including a beautiful pool, the location - walking distance to Muri town and our room - spacious with a balcony overlooking the pool and the lagoon were beyond our expectations. We used the kayaks to paddle to the nearby island for snorkelling which was like swimming in an aquarium with a huge variety of fish. We treated ourselves to a hot stone massage at the resorts spa which was amazing. Our stay included continental breakfast at the Laguna restaurant which was deliciously simple with juice, tea/coffee, fresh fruit, cereals, toast, cheese and locally grown tomatoes (menu of cooked options available at very reasonable prices). Highly recommend this adults only hotel and hope to come back again.
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Recommend the day pass or the 10 ride pass for the bus. Te Ara museum and Marie Nui Gardens are...
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.
Response from Moana Sands Group, Marketing at Moana Sands Lagoon Resort
Responded 9 Oct 2022
Kia Orana Thank you for your kind review, the team are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay with us here in the beautiful Cook Islands to celebrate your daughters birthday. We hope to welcome you again in the not too distant future. Meitaki ma'ata e kia manuia
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Lisa wrote a review Nov 2022
Auckland, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Lovely place to stay. Very clean and modern. Leilani who checked us in/out was amazing. So friendly and helpful.
Only scooter parking onsite, but across the road there is a huge area for car parking if you've hired a car.
Our room 712 Beach Suite was huge! Quiet aircon, wonderful shower, spacious and comfy bed/pillows. Great view over the beach.
Location is close to everything in either direction i.e cafes, restaurants, shops, Muri Markets etc..
They had a great assortment of reef shoes, goggles, fins etc to go snorkelling.
The entire complex is very well maintained from the impeccably kept gardens to the great pool area and contemporary styled rooms.
If you want peace and quiet away from the maddening crowds and kids, then this is the place for you.
It may not have all the razzle dazzle and hubbub of the bigger resorts but I'd take quality over quantity any day.
There is nothing 'tired' about this place - it's modern, clean and well kept and we will be back for sure.
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Date of stay: October 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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.
raking2016 wrote a review Sept 2022
Auckland Central, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We (2 couples) have just returned from 10 wonderful days here. We loved everything about it. The very spacious, very clean rooms with a gorgeous view, the inviting pool area, the location - fairly easy walk to Charlie’s, Mooring Fish Cafe, night markets and several bakeries/cafes - the cocktails, and especially the staff. Mere and Vinnie in Laguna for breakfast, dinner and drinks were outstanding - warm and friendly, and always interested to hear about our day. Leilani at reception couldn’t have been more helpful, with great suggestions for restaurants etc, and help with bookings and confirmations. We would love to go back there one day, and will be recommending it to friends!
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip 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.
Response from Moana Sands Group, Marketing at Moana Sands Lagoon Resort
Responded 9 Oct 2022
Kia Orana Thank you for your kind review, the team are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay with us here in the beautiful Cook Islands. We hope to welcome you again in the not too distant future. Meitaki ma'ata e kia manuia
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Report response as inappropriate
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Kerry B wrote a review Nov 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We have just returned from 5 thoroughly relaxing days staying at this lovely resort.
It is modern, the rooms are large and airy and all have a lovely view of the pool and the lagoon beyond. The staff are very friendly and helpful and there is a restaurant on the property which is also great.
It is an adult only resort with only 24 rooms so it is quiet and peaceful.
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Date of stay: November 2022
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: As all the rooms have pool and lagoon views, just choose whether you want upstairs or downstairs....
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.
…
Luckyphil asked a question Nov 2021
Auckland, New Zealand45 contributions3 helpful votes
Does this resort have Wifi in the rooms?
Answer from Sumaira F
Auckland, NZ111 contributions66 helpful votes
You can buy 2.5gb for $10 at reception
Answer from Geoff L
Feilding, New Zealand84 contributions10 helpful votes
Yes, internet was available free. Airport transfers also included. Local restaurants are within easy walking distance (We loved Aqua!). Also consider the NIGHT MARKET open several nights act week, and handy to resort. Excellent food at good prices.
Budget Kiwi wrote a tip Sept 2024
Auckland, New Zealand3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Rental car is a good idea as Moana Sands lagoon resort is approximately 15-20 minutes from Avaura and 25mins from airport and Rarotonga"
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wendog28 wrote a tip May 2024
Eltham, Australia85 contributions13 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Don't expect to fill up on the 'continental breakfast ' included in your package. No free wifi. "
Read full review
Sumaira F wrote a tip May 2024
Auckland, NZ111 contributions66 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"If you have a late flight and plan to go to the beach after checkout, you can ask to book shower facilities in the hotel..as long as you 5pm"
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sharon k wrote a tip Jan 2024
20 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"You won’t be disappointed "
Read full review
Frougster wrote a tip Jan 2024
Canberra, Australia70 contributions37 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Plenty of transport options but hire a car for a couple of days to look around the island at your own pace and get to the turtle snorkelling"
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Muri area.
PRICE RANGE
$336 - $439 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Cook IslandsSouthern Cook IslandsRarotongaMuri
NUMBER OF ROOMS
24
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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MOANA SANDS LAGOON RESORT - Updated 2025 Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions about Moana Sands Lagoon Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Moana Sands Lagoon Resort?
Nearby attractions include Titikaveka Beach (2.4 km), Te Vara Nui Village (1.5 km), and Te Rua Manga (The Needle) (6.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Moana Sands Lagoon Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Moana Sands Lagoon Resort?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a desk.
What food & drink options are available at Moana Sands Lagoon Resort?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Moana Sands Lagoon Resort?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Moana Sands Lagoon Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Mooring Fish Cafe Rarotonga, Vili's Burger Joint, and Little Polynesian Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Moana Sands Lagoon Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Moana Sands Lagoon Resort have airport transportation?
Yes, Moana Sands Lagoon Resort offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Moana Sands Lagoon Resort?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Filipino.
Are there any historical sites close to Moana Sands Lagoon Resort?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Wreck of the Matai (7.8 km).
Does Moana Sands Lagoon Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
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