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Rob C
New Lynn, New Zealand

The reviews dont lie!

5.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 27 Jan 2020
I understand the importance of writing good, honest, and accurate reviews. I 100% agree with most of the reviews placed on here that speak in glowing terms of just how good Ikurangi Eco Retreat really is. I was a little skeptical about booking my stay here as it looked a little bit off the beaten track, but worry not its just 5 minutes away from the main road and once there its only a 5-10 minute bike ride to several cafes which serve great coffee (Yes you have access to free push bikes and helmets too!). I would recommend hiring either a scooter or a car if you are staying here it helps you to get around the entire island and gives you that added flexibility to do just that.

When I arrived I was made to feel welcome from the moment I arrived. Ive stopped at hotels, resorts and AirBnB properties in some 30 different countries, often feeling that im an individual with no name and a room number assigned. Vicki and Alan took the time to greet me, pass on their local knowledge of where to go and what to do. They also made sure that I had everything I needed when I arrived at my room. I was a "person" to the owners which is a refreshing change to the often one line of "heres your room key off you go" How many times have I heard that before!

The room was clean, tidy and immaculately presented throughout. Theres tea, coffee and fresh milk along with plenty of fresh bottled water. One of the real bonuses of staying at this resort is that they deliver healthy breakfasts each morning which are different each day. Each breakfast was definately fresh,tasty and wholesome food that is sourced locally. If you like coffee Neil Dearlove's place is just a 10 minute cycle away; Neil is considered as Rarotonga's Mr Coffee as he roasts his own coffee beans on site, I visited each day and it didnt dissapoint, in fact the standard of coffee is good around the island.

If you want to spend time away from a highly populated resort for some peace, quiet and tranquility this retreat is your place. The grounds are also immaculately presented as is the on site swimming pool.

The Ikurangi Eco Retreat is most definately recommended, thank you for such a hassle free stay. I will come back when I next stay at Rarotonga.

Ka Kite kōrua👍
Date of stay: January 2020
Trip type: Travelled solo
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Vicki and Alan C, Owner at Ikurangi Eco Retreat, responded to this review
Responded 6 Feb 2020
Kia Orana Robert, you certainly are a "person" - a very kind one. Thank you for writing such an informative review, we really appreciate it. We are so happy to have been able to provide you with a restful space to unwind and recharge. See you next time! Kia Manuia, Vicki & Alan
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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Reviews (214)
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All reviews free bikes every morning outdoor bathroom back roads out door bathroom provide advice second honeymoon would recommend hiring a car an amazing place to stay delivered breakfast the salt water pool real highlight daily breakfast muri beach a short scooter ride no air con thoroughly enjoyed our stay
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Reviewed 3 January 2020

This was one of our most relaxing vacations we have ever taken and it was large in part due to our stay at Ikurangi! The devil is in the details and this place takes that to heart. Some of the details that we loved:

-We arrived early before the reception office opened and were led to our room by our shuttle driver. We were given a warm welcome by Possum the cat!

-After a short nap (with new cat friend) to recover from the long flight, we were greeted with a beautiful tropical healthy breakfast and met Vicky and Alan, the friendly owners of the property.

-Daily healthy and delicious breakfasts varied for all 7 days we were there.

-Free bikes to explore the island added so much fun to our trip! We rode to the needle, all around the circumference of the island, and explored off the beaten path!

-Wonderfully spacious and clean rooms serviced every day (except Sundays)

-Lovely smelling natural shampoo and conditioner

-Fresh flowers placed on the patio table and inside the room

-Environmentally conscious hosts and business model

-Excellent coffee (trust me this can be hard to find on this Island)

-Incredible view of the mountains

-Our cat friend named Possum who visited us every day but was such a smart cat that he was conscious of other guests who may not appreciate visits ;)

-Our amazing hosts Vicky and Alan who went above and beyond to make our stay as relaxing as possible. They were extremely considerate in all ways, offering us a ride into town on multiple occasions when we needed to pick up something. Or just free to chat about anything that comes to mind. By the end of your trip, they will be your friends :)

We had such a wonderful time here that we were sad when we moved to a rental on the beach! HA! It was lovely too but Ikurangi makes you feel like you're home. We can't wait to go back.

Date of stay: December 2019
    • Value
    • Rooms
    • Service
Thank Karniki403
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.
Vicki and Alan C, Owner at Ikurangi Eco Retreat, responded to this reviewResponded 7 February 2020

Kia Orana Karen and Jonathan, thanks so much for your review it really was our pleasure meeting you both - forgive the cliche but we felt you arrived as strangers and left as friends. We hope to see you again some day! Kia Manuia, Vicki & Alan & Possum -^.^-

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Reviewed 30 November 2019

My Partner and I recently stayed in one of the tents at Ikurangi for 4 nights and absolutely loved it.
Beautiful and quiet setting with a beautiful garden and a wonderful view. The owner Vicki and Alen are so friendly and helpful whether you just want to have some tips or actually need help to book restaurants, events or transportations, both are very knowledgeable about the island. We loved the breakfast every morning which was so lovely prepared and very tasty. One night we ordered a platter for dinner which was served on our terrace and it was absolutely fantastic!!!! It was too much food but we nearly finished everything and stored some leftover in the fridge, you don’t want to waste this:-). Good quality and tasty Coffee in the room as well as Bikes and snorkelling equipment are complimentary and it is easy to get around the Island. We felt very well looked after but still enjoyed our own time!
Highly recommend! We definitely would come back.

Thank you Vicki and Alen, we still talk about our stay in Ikurangi.

Note: I did not realised and considered 20hrs time difference when I booked my stay on the Cook Islands. Luckily Vicki helped me to adjust the bookings.
In addition, we had some Visa problems at the airport in Rarotonga on our way back. We are foreign pass holders and apparently, in October, New Zealand had a change in transit visa requirements . We and some other guests did not know this and had issues to check in, as we booked our flights back in September. Worth mentioning it was midnight and we had no internet access. If you fly via New Zealand make sure you have a transit visa. Anyway the staff at the airport where extremely helpful and at the end we all could board.

Date of stay: November 2019
    • Value
    • Sleep Quality
    • Service
1  Thank NicoleZ1217
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.
Vicki and Alan C, Owner at Ikurangi Eco Retreat, responded to this reviewResponded 7 February 2020

Kia Orana Nicole, thanks for your thoughtful review. We enjoy sharing our knowledge to ensure our lovely guests like you get the most of their stay here at Ikurangi and in the whole of the Cook Islands. Kia Manuia, Vicki & Alan

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Reviewed 12 October 2019

We absolutely loved our stay!! We stayed for 3 nights here and we wish we stayed here for all our nights on the island. Vicki and Alan were amazing, so friendly and helpful and we also loved possom the cat haha free bikes to use as well which came in handy and breakfasts were so lovely. So peaceful and quiet we will definitely be visiting and staying here our whole stay again. LooThanks so much Vicki and Alan!

Date of stay: October 2019
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Thank Nicpear
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.
Vicki and Alan C, Owner at Ikurangi Eco Retreat, responded to this reviewResponded 14 October 2019

Kia Orana Nicole, thanks for your lovely review. We enjoy sharing our little piece of paradise and most guests want to stay longer! Getting out and about on the bikes is a great way to explore. Until next time. Kia Manuia, Vicki & Alan & Possum -^.^-

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Reviewed 8 October 2019

I recently had a group of people stay at Ikurangi for a yoga retreat. Everything was beyond my initial expectations; the food beautiful, the location, quiet, serene, but close to everything we needed. Complimentary bikes! Which made getting around fun & fit. Beds comfy and the hosts, Vicki & Alan, were so helpful and accommodating.
Happy guests!

Date of stay: September 2019
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Thank rel_yogalife
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.
Vicki and Alan C, Owner at Ikurangi Eco Retreat, responded to this reviewResponded 7 February 2020

Kia Orana Emily, it was so nice meeting you all and seeing you connect with each other while reconnecting with your minds, bodies and nature - not to mention throwing in a bit of fun! You got the balance just right and we were happy to help make your Group Retreat a success. See you again next time. Kia Manuia, Vicki & Alan

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Reviewed 30 September 2019

I really enjoyed my stay here and as a woman travelling on my own, it was a welcoming , safe and easy place to take a week out from normal hectic life, be ‘ looked after ‘ without being fussed over, and get that much needed rest! The new owners Vickiand Alan are a great team, and made for the hospitality business. Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the island, they get the balance just right between taking care of guests and leaving you alone to enjoy their beautiful tropical setting. Breakfast is delivered daily, and what a fresh tropical tasty treat to get you going. Push bikes are easy to ride around the island- 15-20 min ride to Muri and it’s many eating places and the bus stops a five min walk away.
The bed is super comfy, room spacious and spotlessly clean, with little extras provided such as cloth shopping bag( say no to plastic!) , compost containers, reef shoes, beach towels etc. No food on premises but close to store for provisions and they will organise transfers to restaurants on your behalf if you don’t have a hire vehicle. I managed a week without one, albeit when it rained a couple of times, wished I did! A good fridge in room and crockery etc means you can bring back Food and drink for a supper on deck if want a night in.
I read four novels and managed to keep trading them at Vicki’s and other island book swaps so if you want either rest or / and adventure, away form the masses, this eco retreat is a perfect spot to chill, slumber, explore and enjoy a real taste of island life from. Go, enjoy!

Room tip: All suites seem private with lookout to garden : tents well spaced out too
Date of stay: September 2019
    • Value
    • Rooms
    • Service
Thank amhwaiheke
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.
Vicki and Alan C, Owner at Ikurangi Eco Retreat, responded to this reviewResponded 3 October 2019

Kia Orana Anna-Michele, thanks for taking the time to write a lovely informative review. It really was our pleasure meeting you and you certainly got the balance just right between activity and rest! See you next time when you need to recharge again. Kia Manuia, Vicki & Alan

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