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Your Polynesian Paradise at Manuia Beach Resort awaits you... Marvel at the magical sunsets over a sparkling blue lagoon, while lounging on your sheltered, white sandy beach fringed with swaying coconut palms. Wander through the tropical gardens on your way to the beach side infinity pool. Rest your elbows on the pool edge and soak in the view across the beach, through the lagoon onwards to the waves crashing on the barrier reef beyond. Sip a refreshing tropical cocktail delivered to you from the Beaches Restaurant and bar, or enjoy your Polynesian inspired meals in the restaurant while you trail your toes through the sandy floor. Manuia Beach Resort - your Cook Islands resort accommodation - is set right on the beach in private and peaceful surroundings on the sheltered sunset coast of Rarotonga. You will love the authentic Cook Islands style accommodation, with the coconut thatched suites complete with island style decor and modern amenities such as air conditioning. Walk through the sandy path down to the water and be stunned by the beauty of the poolside area. The infinity pool, Beaches Restaurant and Bar with its relaxed authentic Polynesian cuisine, loungers set invitingly facing the beautiful lagoon, and attentive local staff, will all set the stage for your dream Rarotongan get-away.
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This resort turned out to be a perfect choice for us. We loved the relaxed atmosphere and the central location. While the area fronting the resort is a bit rocky, only a short stroll down the beach you'll find sandy snorkeling spots or take a quick drive to premium snorkeling areas a few minutes away. Across the street is a local store & Island Car and Bike Rental. Because our flight from Hawaii landed at 10:30pm we used the hotel's free airport pickup service to get there and then just grabbed our car the next day. Victor (Night Manager) made a great first impression with his friendly welcome. He also dropped us off for our late-night flight on departure day. Anna at the Front Desk was exceptionally cheery and helpful. We booked a premium garden suite and found it perfectly peaceful as it was tucked in the corner of the resort so there weren't people walking by our room, though the wifi was a bit spotty there. Housekeeper Litia was awesome. GM Ross does NOT sit in his office all day - he's always walking around the property, hosted a manager's cocktail reception, drove our van on a "mystery tour". We were impressed by his "hands on" style and it's apparent why all of the employees are equally hospitable. Resort offers other activities such as ukulele lessons and drop off/pickup for Sunday church service which was a wonderful experience. The resort was extremely accommodating to the fact that our Hawaiian Air flight did not depart until 11:30pm. After checking out of our room, they stored our luggage while we enjoyed the island on our last day. We returned our car at 2:30pm just before Island Car closed and then simply walked back to the resort. We were offered use of the guest lounge to shower and get ready for our flight. You have several nearby options for dinner before a late flight: The fire dance dinner/show at the resort; walking to Waterline down the beach; or nearby Kikau Hut that offers pickup service. We enjoyed dinner at Kikau Hut, returned to the hotel in time for their complimentary 9:00pm shuttle to the airport. We felt extremely cared for during the week we spent at Manuia Beach Resort and can't wait to return. Though I'm a bit late in posting this review - we are still basking in the wonderful memories of our time in Rarotonga and thank the staff at Manuia for a fantastic stay!
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Date of stay: June 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Use the resort's free shuttle to/from airport, then rent/return your car from Island Car & Bike...
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.
We cannot fault our stay at Manuia. Perfect setting with well appointed villas. Loved the outdoor shower, the gardens and ON THE BEACH restaurant being on site. We didn't have to head out if we didn't want to - everything was available within the resort. But let me tell you about the people rather than the facilities as that was what made our time there so wonderful. Anna is witty, welcoming and warm - one of the best people on this planet - she made our stay extra special for my husband's 70th. Ross is the most engaging, attentive and thoughtful manager. Can't speak highly enough of him. And Sammie brightened our mornings each breakfast time! The housekeeping and garden staff were full of smiles which gave off the best vibe - truly beautiful people. We cannot wait to return - worth every cent!
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Date of stay: August 2024
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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.
Stayed here for 12 days and found the resort to be so relaxing and the villa with the outdoor shower was awesome! Spacious rooms with great outdoor lounging area, perfect for curling up with a good book! The pool is very refreshing and the loungers are great. The property has sand paths that are raked at least once a day, and the gardens are vibrant and well maintained. The daily tropical breakfast is a bit basic but there is the option of ordering a la carte for a cost. OTB restaurant is excellent but you must book in advance. All the staff were fantastic and always accommodating any request. Highly recommend the Manuia and will definitely be back ❤️
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Perhaps some earplugs for the Rooster calls in the early hours! Bug spray for the mozzies, small...
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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Already on arrival there was no warm welcome. Nobody else seemed to care how we were either. The manager sometimes walked around the area, but didn't feel it necessary to talk to his guests (at breakfast or as you know it from good hotels). Otherwise, too, he gave a reserved and cold impression. (This was also felt by other guests).
Housekeeping was a disaster. On the second day they simply forgot to make the room, on the third everything was done quickly, quickly. (The beds and furniture have just stopped, they have not been put back together after mopping), on the fifth day a somewhat overwhelmed elderly lady, who was injured in the foot, asked us if she should make our room. Out of pity we refused!
In the room hangs a white lamp, which is already thick black on the cable, because it is never cleaned. I hung my flowers there, which were available at the airport to greet. The dried flowers were still hanging there on the last day (I am almost sure they are still hanging on today).
The rooms would be nice. Also the size is great and the outdoor shower is nice when it is not cold and not raining.
Breakfast: At the buffet, the advertising is "house made bread". Every day there is a sign on the buffet, but unfortunately there was no bread on any day, only toast!
Then why not take the sign away?
On request we were told; the baker did not come today", a few days later I asked again for this bread and after 30 minutes I got 4 small pieces, heated in the pan, one still had leftovers of olive oil on it.
One night we were going to make tea. In the room and in the common room next to the reception there are tea bags and coffee for free use. Unfortunately, chamomile tea was used up and we wanted to get a tea bag in the restaurant, there the waiter wanted to charge us 5.- dollars (for a tea bag that is actually everywhere else). Not a good service at all!
The beach is ok, but for swimming it is not really nice. Since we did not feel comfortable in the complex anyway, we were every day at Muri Beach (about 15-20 minutes away by car).
In general, I can say: The hotel has potential. But hospitality and warmth is missing! I would therefore not recommend this hotel to my customers. (I myself have been employed by the travel agent for 30 years and work as a store manager).
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Date of stay: September 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Ohropax mitnehmen. Überall auf der Insel sind Hähne die die komplette Nacht durchkrähen!
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.
Overall Manuia Beach Resort is a great place to stay. It's a small adults only place which means there are not lots of people everywhere.
Well equipped rooms are all close to the pool and the beach and the outside private shower is a nice touch. Rooms are air conditioned which is a nice feature and useful when you are in the room.
The restaurant provides a good range of food and I recommend the $69 three course meal option as great value for money.
Staff are friendly and we're always happy to help book excursions etc.
The only thing, which is outside their control, is the constant crowing from the Rarotonga Roosters....a common issue all over the island..it seems these roosters have no sense of time as they started at 11pm and went through the entire night....so take some decent earplugs.
Don't let the roosters put you off going though, as Manuia Beach Resort is a really relaxing place to have a holiday.
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Date of stay: August 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Take some good ear plugs for the roosters!!!!!
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.
My partner and I stayed at the Manuia for a week at the end of May and it was absolutely glorious. The villa was beautifully set up and located in the garden, so really private and quiet. The pool was cold but perfect for cooling down on hot days, and loungers around it and on the beach were excellent for sunbathing and book reading. OTB was brilliant with a great selection of food and drinks, and reasonably priced if you got the 3-course deal. The staff were so friendly and welcoming and nothing was a problem. Oh, and the view! Absolutely stunning sunsets! We’d go back in a heartbeat, and really hope to soon!
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Water is treated and drinkable. Transport provided to and from the airport. Was relatively quiet...
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 is our idea of a holiday! Beautiful surroundings, lovely room, uncomplicated environment and quiet (apart from a few noisy roosters and the odd dog barking at night). On The Beach restaurant is wonderful and we enjoyed a couple of meals there, including daily breakfast (continental). The whale watching in the afternoons from the deck/pool is fabulous. Staff were always helpful...we can't wait to return!
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Date of stay: October 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:You can hire a car opposite the main entrance to Manuia Beach, otherwise the public bus will pick...
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.
Absolute beachfront, quite simply it could not have been better. I now know why others rate this resort so highly. The rooms are immaculate always, the service impeccable. Staff are incredibly friendly. There are so many choices of spaces to enjoy and the On The Beach restaurant is the best in the Cook Islands.
We enjoyed entertainment every night which even included fire dancers next to the infinity pool one night. We arrived in the 3rd week of the Cook Islands bubble opening with all rooms freshly refurbished and the pool completely revamped.
we could not have been happier.
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Date of stay: June 2021
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Room Tip:Spend a little more like we did and get a beach front room, it is definitely worth it.
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.
We stayed at Manuia over the period 31Jan20 to 04Feb20 for our wedding anniversary and had the most amazing and relaxing stay. Being an adults only resort, there were no children to interrupt the serenity of sitting on our verandah gazing across the infinity pool to the beautiful beach. If possible, book one of the beachfront villas to enjoy the beach view. The villas are comfortable with both air conditioning and fan, an outdoor shower, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities. There was no radio or tv (although the accommodation guide mentioned a clock radio which we were unable to locate). The staff are friendly, particularly Riko from the front office, Victor from the airport pickup and Victor from around the gardens. The car/scooter hire is just across the road and I highly recommend your own transport, unless you wish to wait for the bus which runs every half hour clockwise or anticlockwise. OTB Restaurant has great food and even better sunsets and it is recommended to book to ensure you get a table. If nothing on the Al a Carte menu takes your fancy, you can ask for something off the pool menu. Snorkelling is great from the beach and you can get snorkel gear, along with reef shoes from the front office. The friendly dogs and chickens come to say hello and have a pat and you might even find eggs in your garden. Thanks also to Sue for sorting out our little problem with our account. If in Rarotonga, I highly recommend a stay here.
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Date of stay: February 2020
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Room Tip:Beachfront villas are the best as you can enjoy the views of the infinity pool and beach.
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.
Ricky, Mama Sala and the staff were all friendly, accomodating and professional. The stay was such a comfortable and relaxing one. It was our honey moon and I e thoroughly enjoyed our stay whilst here. We would highly recommend this hotel to everyone especially since it has an awesome cafe right on the beach, the view of the sea and beach are stunning and it’s location is top notch. We even got to see whales breaching which made our stay all the more special. Thanks again for having us
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Date of stay: October 2023
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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.
Hazlemere, United Kingdom170 contributions104 helpful votes
We had a beach front villa number 2 , fabulous location for views and beach . We didn’t have a private plunge pool but the sea on our door step. Have a fabulous time take lots of mozi spray , the worst bites I have ever had.
Sorry, I may be too late to answer your question but either way you have decided you won't be disappointed with this venue. The hosts are marvellous. The beach front is amazing and I would have chosen that had it been available when we booked. The main pool isn't busy, busy at any time and given its a 'child free' resort all the other residents are very respectful. Hope you have a lovely time.
You can call the hotel direct to arrange early check in - if there is room! There is a great air conditioned room beside reception with tv shower toilet and tea and coffee facilities. There is also a shop across the road. You can use the pool etc while waiting to check in as well as after you check out until you leave.
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