Name: Couples solo retreat
Item: Sanctuary Rarotonga-on The Beach
Rating: 5
Author: Jackie W

5 - 10 of 713 reviews

Jorose26

Reviewed 21 October 2024

Just returned yesterday from this beautiful resort and it exceeded our expectations! Also stayed here 18 yrs ago when part of the Rarotongan.
This trip we had 5 couples staying for a 50th. We were lucky enough to get our request of ground floor beachfront rms next to eachother.
The rooms were great and well kept, the location was right on the water which was beautiful and we had our own loungers with these rooms.
We had cooked breakfast included which was delicious and we ate a couple of dinners there too which were nice.
It really was a Sanctuary and although full at times it felt like it was only our group there. The Rarotongan next door was much busier and noisier.
The staff also made our trip. So friendly and personable, even surprising one of our group with a bday cake. They make some great cocktails and always had a smile on their faces.
Thoroughly recommend this resort to adults. Also recommend hiring a car so you can get around the island.

Date of stay: October 2024

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Kia Orana Jorose26,

Thank you for your fantastic review of Sanctuary Rarotonga-On the Beach! We are delighted to hear that your recent stay with us exceeded your expectations, especially as you returned after 18 years. It’s wonderful that your group of five couples could enjoy the ground floor beachfront rooms with easy access to the water and loungers.

We’re glad you enjoyed our delicious cooked breakfasts and dinners, and that our team made your trip even more special with their friendly service and thoughtful surprises like the birthday cake.

Thank you for recommending us to fellow travelers, and we hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable moments in paradise!

Kia Manuia,
Haimona Browne
Resort Manager

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Nettygirl76

Worongary, Australia

Reviewed 13 October 2024

What a Holiday should be - great location and relaxation in paradise

What an incredible location. We stayed at an ocean front villa and the view was incredible! Perfect for our 20th wedding anniversary! The staff were extremely friendly and added to the experience. We ate mainly at the resort as the food was high quality and great value. Highly recommend staying at this gorgeous location.

Date of stay: September 2024

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Kia Orana Nettygirl76,

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience during your recent stay at Sanctuary Rarotonga-On the Beach! We are thrilled to hear that you chose to celebrate your 20th wedding anniversary with us and that our oceanfront villa exceeded your expectations with its stunning views.

It’s fantastic to know that our team made your holiday even more enjoyable with their friendly service. We're also glad to hear you appreciated the quality and value of our food offerings.

Thank you for your high recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for more relaxing moments in paradise!

Kia Manuia,
Haimona Browne
Resort Manager

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KiwiRoadrunner

Havelock North, New Zealand

207176

Reviewed 5 October 2024

Dreary and rundown

Avoid at all costs. This is honestly the worst hotel I can ever remember staying at. Think flea-bag motel that you rent by the hour (and, yes, my husband was covered with bug bites after less than a full nights sleep).
The adult side of the resort is old and rundown. The poor excuse of a pool is dark even in the middle of the day because it's surrounded by the buildings. No view of the ocean at all. The beach is really pebbly sand with the only access being a boat ramp. There are no amenities on the adult side. No beach towels. No snorkeling equipment. Nothing. And you are only allocated one threadbare beach towel per person per room.
The room was a shoe box of a room and very dark. the bathroom was so tiny only one person can physically be in there at a time. There are two lounge chairs per room but you can touch your neighbours chair by stretching out your arm.
The lagoon right outside the adult area has a strong current so you need to bring your flippers or be a very strong swimmer.
The adult restaurant is inside (with a sand floor to make you feel like you're on the beach. But you can't see the ocean. The food is barely edible and forget any kind of wine list.
Staff across the property were rude, surly and generally ignored guests.
Do not expect to get into your room before 3pm. We told them we'd be arriving at 10am from Aitutaki (and had to leave at midnight to return to NZ) and asked if we might get in earlier. When we arrived, we were told we could wait in a windowless "guest" lounge that had hard settees and not much else. There was no access to secure storage for our items, no changing room to try to take advantage of the beach, nothing. We basically had to sit for 5 hours waiting for our room. Even at 3pm, we were refused access to a room and had to demand to see a supervisor (who magically found an available room immediately).
The cab driver did warn us that this was the oldest and most rundown property on the island. Wish that person had posted here. I hope this helps others of you avoid this place.

Date of stay: August 2024

Ask KiwiRoadrunner about Sanctuary Rarotonga-on The Beach

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Kia Orana KiwiRoadrunner,

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback regarding your recent stay at Sanctuary Rarotonga-on the beach. We are truly disappointed that your experience did not meet your expectations.

Firstly, I’d like to address your concern regarding your husband’s bug bites. Please be assured that Sanctuary does not have bed bugs. It's more likely that your husband was bitten by mosquitos, which are common in tropical environments like Rarotonga, particularly in the warmer months. We do take great care in pest control and hygiene throughout the property.

I’d also like to clarify some points regarding our facilities. Sanctuary Rarotonga offers a swim-up pool bar, a Games Room, as well as complimentary kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and beach towels, which are provided in each suite. Our beach towels are refreshed daily to ensure guest comfort. Additionally, our beach and lagoon have received many excellent reviews from previous guests for their beauty and accessibility. While you mentioned a boat ramp, Sanctuary does not have one; our beach is easily accessible on foot, and it's possible you may be referring to another property.

In terms of the swimming pool, while it may appear shaded at certain times of the day due to the surrounding architecture, this is designed to provide shelter from the prevailing winds, making the pool enjoyable in most weather conditions.

With regard to your room, check-in is at 3pm, and while we always aim to accommodate early check-ins whenever possible, particularly during high occupancy periods this can be challenging. That said, we do encourage guests to make use of our public showers and changing rooms, enjoy the beach or lagoon, or perhaps have a cocktail while waiting for their room to be ready.

Lastly, you mentioned that the room was not to your liking in terms of space and natural light. I’m sorry this detracted from your stay. We do have virtual tours available on our website to give future guests a more accurate understanding of the room layout and facilities, and I encourage you to explore these when considering future bookings.

We are also sorry to hear about your experience with our staff. This does not reflect the warm, friendly service we are known for, and I will be following up with the team to address this issue.

Again, thank you for sharing your feedback.

Kia Manuia,
Haimona Browne
Resort Manager

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Aussie_Retirees_64

Brisbane, Australia

7571

Reviewed 23 September 2024

Perfect location and great staff

This is my 18th trip to the Cook Islands and this trip we stayed at Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach for a month. The location is superb with some of the best snorkelling on the island. There are plenty of activities within the resort and the staff are friendly and helpful. A special shoutout to staff members Loata, Alice, Memory, Moana & Moana (Moana x 2), Rachel, Dave and Christopher. Due to our long stay we got to know the staff well and saw their interactions with other tourists. They were always so helpful and friendly. I believe that a new executive chef will soon be on board along with new staff/chefs which will be great and we are looking forward to tasting some new food creations on our next trip. If you are looking for a relaxed holiday in a serene location then I highly recommend Sanctuary Rarotonga.

Date of stay: August 2024

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Kia Orana Aussie_Retirees_64,

Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful review and for choosing Sanctuary Rarotonga – On the Beach for your extended stay during your 18th trip to the Cook Islands! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our serene location and the fantastic snorkeling.

It’s heartwarming to hear your kind words about our team. I’ll be sure to pass along your special shoutout to Loata, Alice, Memory, Moana, Rachel, Dave, and Christopher – they will be thrilled to know they made such a positive impression on your stay.

Thank you again for your recommendation, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Sanctuary Rarotonga for another relaxing and memorable holiday.

Meitaki ma’ata,
Haimona Browne
Resort Manager

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RosieRosieSydney

Sydney

Reviewed 10 September 2024

Kia Orana - And enjoy your stay in this beautiful location

We have just returned from an 8 night stay at The Sanctuary Rarotonga. Having read some of the negative reviews on Trip Advisor I was a bit concerned that it would not be the break we were so looking to as we were pretty stressed out beforehand.
Our experience was the total opposite to what I read. We did receive a welcome drink, check in was smooth and efficient and we were one of approx. 12 people who descended on Reception at the same time!

The resort is in the best location on the lagoon and is typical of this type of venue, surrounded by lush tropical plant gardens and a sandy beach. The whole atmosphere was calm and relaxing, just what we needed. The pool was good, the bar and restaurant service good. Always greeted with a smile and can I help you attitude from the staff. We didn't experience any kids migrating over to the adults only areas.

If you are there when the Island Night is on just go. It was a great way to finish off our stay. Gorgeous young men and women performing their cultural dances to the beat of the drums. I’m not sure where they get their energy from 😊 I wish I had some!

Given our experience the Sanctuary Rarotonga in highly recommended. Special thanks to Loata (and her cheeky sense of humour) 😊 Ringi, Aku and Sake, housekeeping, in fact everybody for making our stay relaxing and memorable. Great people. We plan to return to the Sanctuary Rarotonga if life does not get in the way!

Room tip: Next time I would request a ground floor room so I could walk out the door and wriggle my toes in the sand.

Date of stay: August 2024

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Kia Orana Rosie,

Thank you so much for your glowing review of Sanctuary Rarotonga – on the Beach! We are thrilled to hear that your 8-night stay with us exceeded your expectations and provided the much-needed break you were seeking. It’s wonderful to know that the welcoming atmosphere, our tropical surroundings, and the relaxing vibe of the resort all contributed to making your stay memorable.

We’re particularly delighted that you enjoyed our Island Night! The performances are always a highlight, and it’s great that the energy and passion of our cultural dancers made a lasting impression on you.

Your kind words about our team, especially Loata with her cheeky sense of humor, as well as Ringi, Aku, Sake, and the housekeeping staff, have truly brightened their day. They will be overwhelmed with joy to know they played a part in making your stay special.

Thank you again for recommending us so highly, and we sincerely hope that life allows you to return to Sanctuary Rarotonga soon for another relaxing and memorable getaway.

Meitaki Maata,
Haimona Browne
Resort Manager

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