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12 Polynesian style, self-contained bungalows located right on the beach of Arorangi, with golden sunset views from each. All bungalows have sea views, comfortable super-king size beds, a private outdoor shower and bath, air conditioning and a ceiling fan. Free unlimited wifi and smart TV in each room, there is also a book library available. The boat-shaped pool, BBQ facilities and beach terrace with loungers, seating and hammocks invite you to relax. Complimentary use of snorkeling gear and reef shoes. Complimentary breakfast on arrival. Limited Electric vehicles available exclusively for guest use.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Harbour View
Location
Ara Tapu, Arorangi Cook Islands
Magic Reef Bungalows
409 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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We stayed at Magic Reef, bungalow 1, for a week and experienced the magic of sleeping to the sound of the surf, walking the beach to go to happy hour, spectacular sunsets, watching the hermit crabs, seeing a night sky full of stars and rainbows in the early morning after a rain. It was heavenly - just the place to decompress and recharge your batteries. The owners and staff are friendly, helpful and just nice to be around. The only thing I can think of to suggest is maybe having a few basic staples on hand for purchase; like snacks, beverages, bread, etc.. If you don't rent a car or scooter, there is no convenience store close by to walk to and stock the kitchenette. But honestly, I have never stayed anywhere that fit my idea of perfection as much as this place does.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Â absolute beach front was fantastic
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 Gillian F, Manager at Magic Reef Bungalows
Responded 6 Mar 2020
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are so happy that you enjoyed your stay with us as we try to make our guests as comfortable as can be. We have noted your suggestions and hope that you may return some day soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Close to the beach and surrounded by beautiful hibiscus and coconut palms, you’ll find yourself at Magic Reef Bungalows.
There are a total of 8 bungalows, so it’s not too busy like the bigger resorts so has a and a more personal touch to it and the staff are lovely.
The rooms are comfortable with a private outside shower and bath. There is a separate bathroom with a sink and toilet. The bungalows are equipped with a small kitchenette with stove top (no microwave) which is suitable for light cooking if you really want to. There is a BBQ as well as veggie bin with some herbs and salad greens which you can help yourself to. The bungalows all have a deck facing the ocean with loungers to watch the day go by. 😊
The only downsides for us were the bed was firmer than what we are used to, and if people decide to gather at the communal area near the beachfront, the noise does travel. The only other things were the TV in our bungalow was a little dated (I was told this was being changed) and WiFi wasn’t available with the room rate and was available at an an extra cost (this seems to be standard though for most resorts).
What we found to be very convenient was the ability to book and use the electric cars on site. They also had e-bikes available for hire as well as reef shoes and snorkel gear if you didn’t bring your own. We took the continental breakfast option which was priced well and delivered daily.
Overall a good place to stay away from the big crowded resorts and a little funky with a nice vibe.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip 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.
Nice comfortable bungalow with plenty of room. Outdoor shower, fridge, cooktop, air conditioner, complimentary filtered water and ice. Lovely garden and beach front area, nice pool area. Swimming with the complimentary snorkelling gear and reef shoes is best when the tide is in. Some great eating, drinking & sunset spots within walking distance. The paid wifi was good, the TV reception not so good. There are electric cars and electric bikes for hire. Currently with only 9 bungalows available the property is personal yet private. Bungalow 1, 2, 3 & 4 have the best views.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Bungalow 1, 2, 3 & 4 have the best views.
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 wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our 6-day stay here. Gill, Jane and staff were outstanding hosts who went above and beyond to make our week unforgettable. We loved Magic the dog, who came and visited us several times a day, and Captain the cat as well. The electric cars located there were a great convenience to tour the island and go shopping. Gill was especially helpful to let us know where to go for shopping. Even though we were there for the offseason, we loved the peace and quiet, the temperatures were fine, there was little rain, the sunsets were breathtaking, and the location was perfect - close enough to walk to restaurants yet far enough from the hustle and bustle. The pool was used every day (the lagoon was difficult for us to walk even with the reef shoes which were provided for us). We plan to return again to stay at Magic Reef Bungalows, and highly recommend staying there.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip 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 GillianEva, General Manager at Magic Reef Bungalows
Responded 11 Feb 2020
Thank you so much for your wonderful review - we miss you already (I think Magic is in mourning)! Give our love to Nancy, Boss, Gretta and of course George. It was a pleasure having you stay, and become part of the Magic Reef family.
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We stayed 11 nights at Magic Reef and loved every moment. The bungalows are beautiful (we were beachfront in bungalow 3), spotlessly clean and the resort itself well maintained and stunning in location.
What makes a resort special is the staff. And this is where the magic comes into Magic Reef. Simonne, Lawrence, Jayne are outstanding in meeting guests’ every need. David in servicing the rooms is attentive and happy to go the extra mile such as climbing for a coconut for an afternoon drink. Lawrence and Simonne were on site most evening for a sunset drink with guests and watching the whales breach just offshore - a definite highlight. The extra touches of home made jam and muesli, freshly ground coffee all adds to the feeling that the Magic Reef goes the extra bit in guest comfort. Head of security, Magic the dog and Captain the cat complete the team 😊
Location of the resort is great with some great restaurants easy walking distance along the beach. Electric cars and e-bikes are available for hire and staff readily available with recommendations of what to see and do around the island.
Highly recommended, the Magic Reef is a perfect place to stay in Rarotonga with the most amazing staff.
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Date of stay: August 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 Simonne Aubertin, Owner at Magic Reef Bungalows
Responded 1 Sept 2022
Thank you so much for choosing Magic Reef as your relaxation destination, and for taking the time to write such a glowing review, we look forward to welcoming you again. Kia Manuia Simonne, Lawrence and the Team!
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We stayed at Magic Reef for just one night while we waited for a connecting flight. Oh if we had only more time, we would have stayed much much longer!!!! Jill, the owner, made our short stay perfect. The bungalows are outfitted with everything you could possible need or want. Fresh, beautiful, delicious fruit, a variety of bread and jams await in the fridge along with juices and milk!! Yummm. So perfect before our early flight. The decor is beautiful with a canopy bed and the large outdoor shower was magical (again) under the stars with green plants and sunken tub. They have a swimming pool and large beanbags to sit on near the beach. Stay here if you are planning a trip to Rarotonga. You won’t be disappointed!!!!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip 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 Gillian F, Manager at Magic Reef Bungalows
Responded 19 Feb 2020
Thank you for your fabulous review, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed your night with us. We'd love to see you back at Magic Reef again one day. Meitaki ma'ata (thank you very much), Gill @ Magic Reef
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A much-needed rest was had. Lawrence and Simonne were beautiful hosts. The bungalow on the beach was well appointed with an open air shower and kitchenette. TV pre-loaded with movies (didn’t watch any - too busy swimming and reading).
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip 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.
Magic reef was special as much for the owners and staff as was the setting - sunsets to die for, Gin in hand . So many little personal touches. We loved the authentic accomodation- simple decor which created a peacefulness . It you want glitz and glam this is not the place for you . The owners have a sustainable philosophy _ down to electric bikes and cars to hire , purified water and ice always available Good snorkelling gear and advise on good spots for fish spotting We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would definitely recommend , Here’s hoping we can return soon .
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Best to have vehicle to get around island
Good food within walking distance but still good to...
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.
What a fantastic place to stay if you want a small, intimate resort. The staff couldn't be more helpful. The setting is one of the best on the Island. Our bungalow had everything we needed and we loved the outdoor shower & bath. Each bungalow has a small deck with loungers and a small table. In addition, there is a lovely deck by the beach with hammocks to relax in. There is a pirate ship shaped pool with beautiful coloured laterns that are lit up at night. We rented one of their e-cars for the week we were there and found it to be great value. We will certainly return!
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Date of stay: July 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â We chose one of the two beach front bungalows (Not the absolute beachfront) and we would chose...
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 in an 'Absolute Beachfront Bungalow' right on the beach and particularly enjoyed the outdoor bathroom (the toilet is separate and indoors).
The bungalow didn't have good airflow and the thick material above the bed made it difficult to stay cool until we discovered the air conditioner had a turbo function which worked great!
E-vehicles are available to hire for $NZ 75 a day, no cost for charging. Vehicles don't have to be hired for consecutive days which was great!
The pool was a bit too warm for summer and the beach wasn't very good for swimming or snorkelling.
The staff were friendly, and the bungalows are located within walking distance of a couple of restaurants.
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Best to organise e-vehicle hire a day or so before you need them so the staff know to charge them...
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.
At high tide it seems to be swimmable! Suggest water shoes. Talked to a guy that had been snorkelling a little further North, and he enjoyed his swim and the fishes etc. So possible- not low tide though. I would definitely talk to the resort about this, they are more than helpful and honest, if you were to email or phone them, I know they would give you their very best answer. In front of the Rarotongan, and Muri Beach seem to be the favoured snorkelling and swimming spots, and not too far south from Magic. But for peace, quiet and beautiful sunsets, Magic Reef is it. Probably because of it's location Magic Reef has it own particular intimate appeal, and further south is much busier with tourists, lovely for a visit, but so nice to get back to the beauty and tranquility of Magic, and the quiet beaches you can walk along!
The following restaurants and cafes are within a 1km walk of Magic Reef; Wilson's Beach Bar at Castaways, Beluga Cafe, the Waterline, OTB at Manuia, and Oceans Restaurant and Flambe Restaurant at the Crown Beach Resort. There is also a caterer who can deliver a breakfast platter.
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, 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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