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Sunset Resort is a 3.5 star property and is idyllically situated on the sheltered western side of the island only minutes from Avarua township. The secluded beachfront location provides guests with an unspoilt view of Rarotonga's crystal clear aqua blue lagoon and breathtaking sunsets. This personally managed, privately owned resort has an intimate atmosphere that will make every guest feel welcome and ensure they experience the magic of Rarotonga and its people.
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
Quiet
Modern
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Ara Tapu, Avarua Cook Islands
Sunset Resort
825 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
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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One of the few places you can stay in Rarotonga for less than 3 nights (but in a poolside/garden view room only). The beachfront rooms have great views and the beach is good for snorkelling. We enjoyed the bird cage swim-up bar and the atmosphere of the whole resort. Staff are friendly and helpful, and self-serve washing facilities are free to use (note there's no facilities to hang clothes but there are dryers with tokens for NZ$2 each). There is a restaurant on-site and continental breakfasts are included. There are also several other restaurants within walking distance. Would recommend this resort to anyone thinking of going to Rarotonga.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Book dinner at the on-site restaurant on Wednesdays - they do a barbeque with live music
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 Sunset Resort, General Manager at Sunset Resort
Responded 3 Mar 2024
Kia Orana MJoy93 Thank you for taking the time to post your review - we really appreciate the feedback. Guess what is on our list of "to dos" a guest washing line! Great to read that you enjoyed the resort and you found your stay here with us really enjoyable. We will pass you review onto our staff. Have a wonderful year ahead Kind regards Kev Cathy and the Sunset Resort Team
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We were recommended to the Sunset Resort and couldn't have been happier with it. It is an adults only resort. The staff and management are all so friendly. There are two pools one of which has a bar that opens at 3:30pm, a restaurant and the beach out the front of the resort is excellent for snorkelling. There are sunloungers and hammocks on the beach as well as loungers by the pools. Although the resort was full there were days when we had the beach and pools to ourselves, there never seemed to be many people about. The breakfast is continental - fruit, cereal, yoghurt, toast, juice, coffee & tea. You can pay for a cooked breakfast if required. The pool areas are well maintained and clean. We had an upstairs unit which backed on to the main rd and we did notice traffic noise but the roosters on the island can outdo any other noise - they crow 24/7 it seems. One of us was more affected by the roosters crowing than the other. Our first night there, there were also dogs barking until about 3am which was a one off thankfully. We managed to deaden the noise a bit the following nights by shutting the little louvre windows above the door and in the bathroom and keeping the bathroom door closed. We wonder if a ground floor unit would be quieter. The sealing in the shower could do with either being replaced or bleached as it is quite mouldy, other than that, the unit was very clean. We were there over a long weekend which was a public holiday and unfortunately, had the need to buy / get some meds but the chemist was closed so after going to Reception at the resort it was suggested we go to the hospital. The receptionist was amazing and even loaned us a car which was so kind of them as we got to the hospital and they sent us to a health centre so there was no way we could have walked. We were blown away by their kindness. On our last day we had the use of the pool and a bathroom - certainly a great way to spend the hours while waiting to go to the airport. Would definitely recommend the Sunset Resort to others.
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep 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.
Response from Sunset Resort, General Manager at Sunset Resort
Responded 16 Dec 2024
Kia Orana botherway1 Thank you for your lovely review we really appreciate all of your comments. With regard to the roosters and the dogs! Its a difficult one and tends to be island wide, yes we are going to replace the lourves above the those doors with a solid fitting that we believe will assist reduce the noise. Re the shower thank you for your feedback - this is on our maintenance and will be rectified. We wish you a safe and happy Christmas and all the very best for 2025 Kind regards Sunset Resort Team
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We have absolutely loved our stay at the Sunset Resort. The staff are wonderful: friendly and helpful, always smiling. The room was spotless, the food in the restaurant was top quality, the setting by the lagoon was beautiful, peaceful and gave a great view of the whales passing on migration. We will definitely be back!
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Date of stay: September 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.
Response from Sunset Resort, General Manager at Sunset Resort
Responded 30 Sept 2024
Kia Orana WaihiBarb Thank you for taking the time to post your review - we really appreciate it. Yes, the whales are fantastic to see from the beach ae and there have been a lot this year. Great to hear that you enjoyed The Anchorage Restaurant & Bar thank you. Have a lovely festive season and we do look forward to hosting you here with us at Sunset Resort when you return to the lovely Cook Islands. Kind regards The Sunset Resort Team
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Our travel agent recommended the Sunset Resort on the island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands and it truly exceeded all of our expectations. I wanted to visit somewhere special to celebrate my 60th birthday and we selected the perfect spot. From the warm and inviting welcome of the receptionists including Robyn, Tina and Haley along with the management, they couldn’t have made our stay any nicer. They were always smiling and helpful, answering all our questions. And on my actual birthday, which Robyn shared with me, they presented me with a lovely card and a bottle of sparkling wine in order to celebrate. What a lovely touch.
We stayed in one of the wonderful beachfront suites, which is steps away from the palm tree lined white sandy beach and crystal clear turquoise waters. The whole island has a protective reef around it and coral in abundance. The snorkeling was excellent, as was the swimming.
They are two pools on the property and a bar beside one of them, which has a great happy hour. The Anchorage restaurant beside the entrance where breakfast is enjoyed, also has wonderful meals at lunch and dinner. And their staff were also extremely friendly and great at their jobs.
The location is great being only about a 10 minute drive from the capital Avarua and on Saturday we enjoyed the open market there. At the end of the road of our resort, there’s a fabulous little bakery serving homemade sweet and savoury items.
One highlight was daily watching the manager’s dog Lilo (sp?) come running down the side road and rushing into the water with such joy pouncing around.
It’s a birthday and vacation we will always hold dear to our hearts and thank everyone at Sunset Resort for making it so special and memorable.
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Date of stay: November 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep 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.
Response from Sunset Resort, General Manager at Sunset Resort
Responded 3 Feb 2023
Kia Orana FandFFandF We are so pleased to hear that you had a fabulous 60th Birthday - it is really important to us here at Sunset Resort that people have a very special and memorable experience when staying with us. Thank you for sharing this. We will pass this onto our team. Have a great year ahead - and welcome to the special over 60s club. Kind regards Kev Cathy Leilo and all the team here at Sunset Resort
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Had a great time. Beach is beautiful and great snorkeling. Room well appointed. Was able to buy groceries at local market, and cook in room, to cut down on costs for lunches and dinners. Enjoyed complementary breakfast each morning. Staff knowledgeable and very friendly. Would like to salute Kevin, the manager, who let us use his car for three days! Both pools were beautiful as were the grounds. Beach had lots of lounging chairs to watch sunsets in the evening. Please note: Make sure you book rental car before you arrive as all were in use for all our time in Rarotonga (thanks again to Kevin). Great stay ~ Thanks
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
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.
Response from Sunset Resort, General Manager at Sunset Resort
Responded 20 Jan 2024
Kia Orana steveIP7720QI Thank you for taking the time to post your lovely review, we really appreciate it and will pass this onto our team here at the Resort. Great to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us and that Sunset Resort provided the accommodation that you were expecting. Yes, with regard to rental cars at times it can be very difficult and we do try to let people know this in advance - very sorry if we had not given you a heads up in your case. Once again thank you for your lovely comments - we will salute Kevin on your behalf :-) - have a wonderful year ahead Kind regards Cathy Kev and the Sunset Resort team
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My wife and I have just completed a 7 night stay at Sunset Resort. This place is perfect for a quiet relaxing break. It's much more laid back than the bigger resorts with kids and bars that are open all day. There are a number of poolside areas where you can choose the mingle with other guests or find some quiet space to yourselves. Or there are loungers and hammocks on the beach. The location of this resort on the NW of the island offers calmer conditions. There are a couple of roosters on the Resort but everyone has those. We weren't bothered by them at all in the garden rooms around the main pool. WIFI vouchers are best bought at receptions and reception is generally good but there are "blind spots". The staff are fantastic and keen to make you stay a memorable one. Snorkelling is OK strain off the resort but better further around the island next to the Rarotongan Resort. For those looking for a friendly, quiet, relaxing holiday; you won't do better than this.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Garden rooms by the main pool are good value. Beachfront rooms are also great but may be more...
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 Sunset Resort, General Manager at Sunset Resort
Responded 18 Jun 2022
Kia Orana Secala Thank you for your lovely review - we are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us here at The Sunset Resort, and we look forward to hosting you on your next visit. Kind regards
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Our 3rd time to Rarotonga, our first on this coast and this resort. Where to start? Beautifully set out in immaculate gardens. All staff from reception to housekeeping to ground staff to bar and restaurant staff all very friendly and attentive. Beach is lovely with good snorkeling with amazing hammocks to rest after. Breakfast was well stocked with breads for toast with lots of jams, marmalade marmite etc and yoghurt and local fruits. Good selection of restaurants close by. Wouldn't hesitate to come back. Only one main complaint...time goes by very quickly there. Good cocktails at happy hour (3-7 !) by the birdcage bar. Shout out to Bai and Junior in the main restaurant and Hailey for her amazing efficiency at cocktail happy hour time. Apologies to all the others whose names we can't remember who ALL do an incredible job to make your holiday special.
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Date of stay: June 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep 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.
Response from Sunset Resort, General Manager at Sunset Resort
Responded 9 Jul 2024
Kia Orana D6408GJchrisd Thank you for taking the time to post your review, we really appreciate it. Great to hear that you loved the resort, enjoyed the various amenities and loved our team. We are sorry about your complaint :-) - we just cannot slow time down... but hey we will be here and you can always come back!! Cheers and have a great year ahead Kev Cathy and the Sunset Resort Team
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As we traveled during "low season" during the rainy season, the site was not full. But we SO enjoyed it. Even the "garden studios" by the pool were simply gorgeous, and very roomy with a bathroom, kitchenette, king-size bed, table and chairs, and sofa and coffee table. A large balcony, which on the second floor really added to the living space. (Note no elevator so you will need to carry your suitcases upstairs.) But mostly you will want to enjoy the great snorkeling right off the Resort's own beach. We saw lots of fish, a few "giant clams," blue starfish and many different kinds of coral. We really enjoyed their bar area from 4-7 pm, Monday-Saturday as a place to meet other guests and just enjoy the time and atmosphere. Continental breakfast was adequate, with fresh fruit and breads daily; although it became somewhat repetitive after 6 days! We found the main restaurant (Anchorage) a little pricey and with a limited menu, mostly fish. The staff are friendly and helpful. Housekeeping kept the room pristine despite our constantly bringing in sand! This is definitely not your cheapest place in Rarotonga, but people who stay here do come back year after year, mostly Canadians while we were there. And there's an absolutely great bakery just across the main road with pastries, sandwiches, meat pies, cheese cakes, etc. We plan to return to Rarotonga AND to Sunset Resort.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Upstairs, garden rooms give more privacy if you want that and are close to the 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.
Response from Sunset R, Manager at Sunset Resort
Responded 3 Mar 2020
Kia orana Thank you for taking the time to write a very detailed review. We appreciate all feedback and I will hand your comments onto the Restaurant as well as our housekeeping staff. Our breakfast is complementary but guests can purchase additional cooked breakfast items from the Restaurant menu. I am please to read that you enjoyed your stay and we would love to have your return again soon. Meitaki
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Stayed 7 nights at Sunset Resort at the recommendation of a Cook Islands Tourism rep at the 2020 NY Travel Show. This trip was postponed from 2020 because of youknowwhat... Sunset Resort...staff excellent! Extremely pleasant, fun, friendly everyday from airport pickup by Kimmie to my farewell at the front desk Hayley. Jo and Evelyn at the Birdcage Bar were aces. Always smiling, laughing with the guests. Anchorage Restaurant staff Judy, Wise, Isais, Tui and the rest, wonderful service everyday. Manager Kevin and his dog....always checking up on the guests. Housekeeping staff were great as well. I stayed at 2 other accommodations while on Raro and none beat these folks! Facilities were good. Room spotless, and well appointed with full fridge, fresh water, all kitchen needs. Aircon,no issues. There was more than enough room for a solo traveller. Did not use either of the 2 pools but they looked refreshing. Beach was good for snorkeling and sunsets. Anchorage Restaurant was very good for breakfast and dinner (did not eat lunch). I ate the continental breakfast (enough variety for me) so cannot comment on cooked meals. Used the laundry facilities once, free washer, dryer paid and inexpensive. Paid wifi vouchers available at the front desk. When it ran out I opted to get a data plan from Vodaphone in town which lasted me the remainder of my CI and NZ trip. All in all a great stay at Sunset Resort and look forward to returning!
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
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 Sunset Resort, General Manager at Sunset Resort
Responded 30 Jun 2023
Kia Orana No1Ma Thank you for taking the time to post your review - we really appreciate it. Lovely to read this detailed review and we have passed copies to our staff and also to the staff at the Anchorage. We do hope that you will return one day to our little piece of paradise here in the Cook Islands and we will ensure that your experience staying with us is as good as this time. Take care and have a wonderful year ahead. Kind Regards Kev Cathy and the Sunset team - not forgetting our lovely dog Leilo
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Great place, small, quiet, friendly staff will visit with you, included continental breakfast. Chickens wander in and out with their cute chicks but the roosters can be annoying in the early morning. Poolside room is nice. Windows are all vented so not a noise barrier. Bring earplugs. 2 pools one you can walk in shallow, the other one is underwater lit at night. Beachfront is awesome with hammocks , numerous loungers and deck chairs and lots of palm trees for shade. Snorkeling out front in the lagoon is great when the waves are calm and beach walk is accessible in both directions. Resort provides reef shoes as the water is shallow and lots of rock/coral. The 2 pools are nice and never crowded. There is a waiting area by the pool with showers and towels in change rooms for those who can’t get early check in or late checkout. The Anchorage restaurant on-site is on par with any of the others nearby, meals available all day.
Tip: Avoid visiting in January which is the wettest month of the rainy season November to April. It rained almost every day, mostly light showers and still warm but we got stuck in 10 days of high wind and surf so no ocean activities.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:Ocean front is best but comes with a cost. Stayed poolside second floor more private but ground...
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.
There is no free wifi available on the island apart from at the airport. From memory about an hour free access. Admittedly we were on bikes so I dropped back on the way home a few times to catch up on FB & upload a few happy snaps. Otherwise the hotel offers paid access or you can a buy blue sky pass & there are a few hotspots around the Island to connect to.
There are more places to choose from in the Avarua area.
PRICE RANGE
$319 - $389 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the sunset hotel arorangi, sunset hotel arorangi, sunset resort rarotonga
LOCATION
Cook IslandsSouthern Cook IslandsRarotongaAvarua
NUMBER OF ROOMS
35
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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