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Walter M

Sanctuary Rarotonga and The Rarotongan EXCELLENT

5.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 16 May 2024via mobile
Every staff member was most gracious and extremely helpful. Excellent insights in all the nooks and crannies of the island became our insights from the staff . Wake up to see turquoise water is a real treat. Staff constantly tidying up everywhere.. I thought we were on a high end cruise for all the staff ready to help.. Thank you Sanctuary Rarotonga and The Rarotongan, Cook Islands..
Date of stay: May 2024
Room Tip: Check the seasons as they vary widely…
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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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.
Haimona Browne, Owner at Sanctuary Rarotonga-on The Beach, responded to this review
Responded 16 May 2024
Kia Orana Walter,
Thank you so much for your glowing review and for sharing your experience at Sanctuary Rarotonga and The Rarotongan. We are thrilled to hear that you had such an excellent stay with us.

Your kind words about our gracious and helpful staff mean a lot to us. We take great pride in ensuring our guests have memorable and enjoyable stays, and it's wonderful to know that our team's efforts made you feel well cared for. The turquoise waters and the serene surroundings truly make for a special experience, and we're delighted you enjoyed them.

We strive to maintain the highest standards of service and cleanliness, and we're glad to hear that it made a positive impression on you. Your comparison to a high-end cruise is a tremendous compliment, and we appreciate it greatly.

Thank you once again for your kind words. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sanctuary Rarotonga and The Rarotongan for another fantastic stay in the Cook Islands.

Warmest regards,
Haimona Browne
Resort Manager
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
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    7 - 12 of 701 reviews
    Reviewed 14 May 2024

    I had such high expectations, as colleagues had just stayed and raved about the place, alas our experience was not a great one.
    Bar service was extremely slow, despite not being particularly busy.
    The meals were hit and miss, after waiting almost 2 hours for dinner one night, for the steak to turn up blue and cold not medium rare, honestly think they forget our order altogether, restaurant closes 9pm, dinner received 9:45pm.
    I also ordered a fish dish, expecting amazing fresh fish, but what I got was over cooked and appeared to be old, a.k.a from the freezer.
    House keeping kept forgetting to give us beach towels and activities hut were mad when we asked for more.
    No hot water for last 3 days of our stay, so cold showers only.
    Staff were friendly (mostly) but seemed really short staffed.
    On a plus the snorkelling was incredible and helped somewhat redeem our average stay

    Room tip: The swim up bar was not staffed properly so don’t expect quick service
    Date of stay: May 2024
    • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
      • Value
      • Location
      • Sleep Quality
      • Rooms
      • Cleanliness
      • Service
    Thank Odyssey22787329323
    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.
    Haimona Browne, Owner at Sanctuary Rarotonga-on The Beach, responded to this reviewResponded 16 May 2024

    Kia Orana,

    Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.

    We are disappointed to hear that your experience did not meet the high expectations set by your colleagues who recently enjoyed their stay with us.

    We appreciate your positive comments about our snorkeling, and we’re glad it was a highlight of your visit. However, we regret to learn about the challenges you faced with bar service, meal quality, and housekeeping. Your experience with slow service and inconsistencies in the restaurant, as well as the issue with hot water, are not reflective of the standards we strive to maintain.

    Our Guest Services Manager, Loata, would have been more than happy to personally address your concerns during your stay to ensure a more enjoyable experience.

    We always aim to resolve any issues promptly and ensure our guests have a pleasant and comfortable visit.

    We value your feedback as it helps us to improve our services.

    Warm regards,

    Haimona Browne
    Resort Manager

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 12 May 2024 via mobile

    We were here for 3 nights and had the best time.

    Check in and out are quick, easy and efficient by the friendly front of house staff.

    The pool and swim up bar are great.

    Food in the restaurant at breakfast, dinner and lunch is fantastic. There are also some awesome veggie and vegan options. We had the tofu scramble one morning and it was so good!

    The location is next level. Perfect for snorkelling, kayaking and SUP-ing…all of which are provided by the resort.

    The rooms are set out so you have a great view from your bed and an area to sit and enjoy the surroundings outside. Bathroom was big and clean. They also offer a $10 credit if you complete a form to not have your room made up daily which I think is great. Who really needs fresh towels and linen daily!!

    The staff are all incredible. We had some great conversations with them and equally great cocktails.

    We couldn’t have been happier with our stay and it really made our trip to Rarotongan that much more special.

    Thank you!! We will be back

    Room tip: The restaurant can get busy so plan ahead.
    Date of stay: May 2024
    Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    Thank 4576A
    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.
    Haimona Browne, Owner at Sanctuary Rarotonga-on The Beach, responded to this reviewResponded 14 May 2024

    Kia Orana,
    Thank you for choosing Sanctuary Rarotonga - on the beach for your recent stay and for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with us on TripAdvisor!

    We are thrilled to hear that you had an amazing beachfront stay with us and that you enjoyed every aspect of your time here. From our efficient check-in and check-out process to the fantastic pool and swim-up bar, we are delighted that you found everything to your liking.

    It's especially heartening to hear that you enjoyed the food at our restaurant, including the fantastic veggie and vegan options like the tofu scramble. We take pride in catering to diverse dietary preferences and ensuring that our guests have a memorable culinary experience.

    Our location indeed offers unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP-ing, and we're glad you were able to take advantage of these activities during your stay. We're also pleased that you appreciated the efforts we make toward sustainability, such as offering a credit for opting out of daily room cleaning.

    Your kind words about our staff are truly appreciated. We strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and it's rewarding to hear that our team's hospitality enhanced your overall experience.

    We look forward to welcoming you back to Sanctuary Rarotonga - on the beach in the future. Please feel free to reach out to us directly if there's anything we can assist you with in planning your next visit.

    Warm regards,
    Haimona Browne
    Resort Manager

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 6 May 2024

    Staying at Sanctuary and Rarotongan resort has been such a positive and unforgettable experience! From the moment we stepped into the friendly reception to our beautiful beachfront room, or at the restaurants, we have been welcomed by the friendliest and most professional people! The resort offered us lots of different activities, from palm leaves crown weaving to night snorkeling, pareo dyeing, etc., and also moments of total relaxation in a paradise of perfect sandy beaches surrounded by lush tropical gardens! We were impressed by the beauty and attention to detail, all in natural materials that perfectly blend with the stunning beauty of its location. A special thank you to Laisa, who has been so helpful to us, and to the wonderful crew at breakfast and dinner! We couldn’t have expected more; you made our stay even more special! Meitaki!! Sylvia and Yasmin

    Date of stay: April 2024
    • Trip type: Travelled with family
      • Value
      • Location
      • Sleep Quality
      • Rooms
      • Cleanliness
      • Service
    Thank Pantarei4ever
    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.
    Haimona Browne, Owner at Sanctuary Rarotonga-on The Beach, responded to this reviewResponded 7 May 2024

    Kia Orana Sylvia and Yasmin,

    Thank you for sharing your delightful experience at Sanctuary Rarotonga - on the beach. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that your stay with us was a dream come true and that you had such a positive and unforgettable time.

    It brings us immense joy to know that you felt warmly welcomed from the moment you arrived at our reception and throughout your stay. Our team takes great pride in providing friendly and professional service to ensure that every guest feels valued and appreciated.

    We are delighted that you enjoyed the beauty and attention to detail of our resort, from the natural materials to the lush tropical gardens that complement our stunning beachfront location. It sounds like you made the most of our diverse range of activities and also found moments of total relaxation in paradise.

    Laisa and our wonderful breakfast and dinner crew will be thrilled to receive your special mention. We will be sure to pass on your kind words to them as they take great pleasure in creating memorable experiences for our guests.

    Thank you for choosing Sanctuary Rarotonga for your getaway, and we are truly honored to have been a part of making your stay even more special. Should your travels bring you back to Rarotonga, we would be delighted to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience.

    Meitaki nui!

    Warm regards,
    Haimona Browne
    Resort Manager

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 19 April 2024 via mobile

    Had another wonderful week at the Sanctuary.... always stay there when I visit Rarotonga.... staff so friendly and helpful.... room with a wonderful view... amazing swimming and snorkeling.... sunsets and menu and entertainment.... love this place!!

    Date of stay: March 2024
    Trip type: Travelled solo
    Thank Sunshine04839971831
    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.
    Haimona Browne, Owner at Sanctuary Rarotonga-on The Beach, responded to this reviewResponded 20 April 2024

    Kia Orana,

    Thank you so much for your glowing review and for choosing Sanctuary Rarotonga - on the beach as your go-to destination in Rarotonga!

    We are thrilled to hear that your recent visit felt like a "home away from home" and that you enjoyed another blissful holiday with us. It’s wonderful to know that our staff made a positive impact on your stay with their friendly and helpful service. We strive to create a welcoming and memorable experience for all our guests, and it’s rewarding to hear that we’ve succeeded with you.

    We're glad that you appreciated your room’s wonderful view along with the amazing opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the sunsets. It's also great to know that our menu and entertainment continue to be highlights of your stay.

    Thank you once again for your kind words and loyalty to our resort. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for yet another wonderful week. If there’s anything you’d like to experience on your next visit or any way we can make it even more special, please let us know.

    Warm regards,

    Haimona Browne
    Resort Manager

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 12 April 2024 via mobile

    I was booking 6 days and paid for the booking. When I added one more day, I was charged for the extra day and there changed my paid booking and charged 400$ more for a fully paid up booking and refused a refund.
    The Hotel self is in need of an up date
    The breakfast is poor and cheap spam style ham, small amount of fresh fruit
    Dinner comes out of the same kitchen as next door due to this chips cold and a long wait
    The only highlights are the staff very friendly and the snorkeling.
    The Hotel is not worth the price as special when they rip you off

    Date of stay: March 2024
    Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    Thank Gerd H
    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.
    Haimona Browne, Owner at Sanctuary Rarotonga-on The Beach, responded to this reviewResponded 16 April 2024

    Kia Orana Gerd,
    Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback regarding your recent stay at Sanctuary Rarotonga - on the beach.

    We apologize for any confusion and frustration that occurred during the booking process. As our room rates are dynamic and subject to change daily, the rate can vary with additional nights. We understand how this can be surprising and are sincerely sorry if this was not clearly communicated at the time of your modification with the online travel agent you had booked with.

    We are also disappointed to hear that our dining options did not meet your expectations. Your comments about the breakfast and dinner services have been forwarded to our kitchen team for immediate consideration and improvement. We are continually working to enhance our menu offerings and the overall dining experience.

    Despite these aspects, we are pleased that the friendliness of our staff and the quality of snorkeling at our location were highlights of your stay.

    Thank you once again for your review.

    Warm regards,

    Haimona Browne
    Resort Manager

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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