This property was more than enough for two people and was clean and centrally located on the west coast of the Island. The sunsets were beautiful when if wasn’t cloudy or raining. We were a little disappointed in the furniture, however. The two love seats in the living room were very uncomfortable to sit in as they had bars that ran through the seats so it was difficult to find a comfortable area to sit. The bed in the master bedroom was very low and the mattress and pillow quite hard for our taste. The toilet seat in the second bathroom was broken and the owner, when contacted, had to replace it. After it was replaced it didn’t seem to be centred on the toilet bowl and kept sliding sideways off centre a bit. Insects and small reptiles such as geckos are common around the property and occasionally made their way indoors despite every window and door being screened. There were tiny red ants that were particularly annoying in that their bite was quite painful.

Wonderful place to relax and enjoy Rarotonga. Very pleased we found this perfect beach front location. We are very grateful for the opportunity to stay there. Thank you

Excellent position right on the beach in very quiet area on the western side of the island. Comfortable and very spacious accommodation with eferything you may need. Friendly local beach dogs who visit regularly. Highly recommend this property for a great relaxing break on beautiful Rarotonga. Already planning next years visit. Well done Janice

The Wife and I just spent the last three weeks at the beach front home. It was everything we look for in a vacation rental. Quiet, well equipped and right on the water. Just what we needed. The bus stop is right in front of the house. Store right up the road. Perfect

My spouse and I spent 2 weeks at the Aroa Beachfront House. It was a very comfortable place and certainly more than we needed for just the 2 of us. The featured picture is literally how it looks from the back, covered veranda. The location was just great for us: walking to the beach, swimming in the reef-protected waters, lots of great fish to see while snorkelling. The outside (cold) shower was great for getting off sand and salt, and the heated indoor shower was a treat after being in the cooler water. We were somewhat taken aback to discover you can't drink the tap water on the Island (surprised due to our lack of pre-research); so we did end up choosing to rent a car for more convenience in schlepping gallons of potable water (we found 2 of us consumed 5 liters/day) which you can fill up at a filtered water station near the petrol station/convenience store not too far from the house. You could walk the distance, too, if you don't mind carrying the water. We left 10 liters of filtered and bottled water for the next guests, as we felt it would have been nice to have some water to see us through the first day or two while we were getting the lay of the land. They do have some older, used snorkel masks and snorkels and water shoes at the house, but these are very well-used; so we'd recommend either bringing your own or renting/buying your own on the island. We basically lived outside on the covered veranda facing the ocean or on the attached beach or in the water. It was lovely! The Shipwreck Bar next door was nice, too, with decent fare and drinks. Not loud, either; except on music nights, but that was pleasant and they wrap up by 9 pm (Tues/Thurs/Sat). We didn't know about the dogs roaming free on the Island, and one in particular, "Tripod", a 3 legged dog frequents the property. She seemed very nice and interested in making friends; so don't be alarmed if she is there to greet you when you arrive! She didn't beg for food and seemed keen on the odd walk and belly rub. Most but not all dogs seem friendly. The king-sized bed was rather soft for us, but we rested well, nonetheless. The queen bed seemed firmer and the 2 singles seemed soft. The facilities were clean and adequate, and the owners even came by with freshly caught tuna one day, which was a treat! We also appreciated the limes and papayas they provided at the start of our stay, and the mid-point house-keeping. All in all, a great location and space

My spouse and I spent 2 weeks at the Aroa Beachfront House. It was a very comfortable place and certainly more than we needed for just the 2 of us. The featured picture is literally how it looks from the back, covered veranda. The location was just great for us: walking to the beach, swimming in the reef-protected waters, lots of great fish to see while snorkelling. The outside (cold) shower was great for getting off sand and salt, and the heated indoor shower was a treat after being in the cooler water. We were somewhat taken aback to discover you can't drink the tap water on the Island (surprised due to our lack of pre-research); so we did end up choosing to rent a car for more convenience in schlepping gallons of potable water (we found 2 of us consumed 5 liters/day) which you can fill up at a filtered water station near the petrol station/convenience store not too far from the house. You could walk the distance, too, if you don't mind carrying the water. We left 10 liters of filtered and bottled water for the next guests, as we felt it would have been nice to have some water to see us through the first day or two while we were getting the lay of the land. They do have some older, used snorkel masks and snorkels and water shoes at the house, but these are very well-used; so we'd recommend either bringing your own or renting/buying your own on the island. We basically lived outside on the covered veranda facing the ocean or on the attached beach or in the water. It was lovely! The Shipwreck Bar next door was nice, too, with decent fare and drinks. Not loud, either; except on music nights, but that was pleasant and they wrap up by 9 pm (Tues/Thurs/Sat). We didn't know about the dogs roaming free on the Island, and one in particular, "Tripod", a 3 legged dog frequents the property. She seemed very nice and interested in making friends; so don't be alarmed if she is there to greet you when you arrive! She didn't beg for food and seemed keen on the odd walk and belly rub. Most but not all dogs seem friendly. The king-sized bed was rather soft for us, but we rested well, nonetheless. The queen bed seemed firmer and the 2 singles seemed soft. The facilities were clean and adequate, and the owners even came by with freshly caught tuna one day, which was a treat! We also appreciated the limes and papayas they provided at the start of our stay, and the mid-point house-keeping. All in all, a great location and space

This place is on the quiet side of the island. The Muri beach side is much more busy. I thought the location was nice. My kids loved it because we had dogs visit us often. The place is just okay. It is nothing fancy, but I think it is typical of the island. The couch was very uncomfortable and the snorkel gear was totally gross. It was all brown and dirty. Could not use it.

This place is on the quiet side of the island. The Muri beach side is much more busy. I thought the location was nice. My kids loved it because we had dogs visit us often. The place is just okay. It is nothing fancy, but I think it is typical of the island. The couch was very uncomfortable and the snorkel gear was totally gross. It was all brown and dirty. Could not use it.

Our family of 6 enjoyed our stay here in October. Had everything we needed to cook meals, have a bbq etc beds all good and has great undercover outdoor area, plenty of grass area then a nice beach with pretty sunsets and perfect for swimming and snorkelling for the kids and adults. We hired a car so everything was close by . Also hired a kayak to use. The kids had the perfect climbing tree right on the beach to keep them busy other than swimming. There was noisey roosters to wake us early each morning but just part of the fun of Rarotonga. We can’t wait to return again soon.

We spent five weeks at this awesome rental. The house is well equipped and I did get use to the French press coffee maker after a week or so. The photos of the house and surroundings are better in real life and the towels are plush and soft. The BBQ is new and works really well and it’s great to have the outside shower to rinse off after snorkeling. We snorkeled in every suggested spot around the island but the snorkeling in front of the beach house was the BEST...Made friends with an eel that nodded its head while I swam by. Sometimes when we went snorkeling it was like swimming in an aquarium. Having the shipwreck bar beside us was very pleasant as we could go for dinner if we wanted to or just sit and listen to the music while sipping wine. Oki and Vanine were the BEST landlord/caretakers who also became our friends. Going to a church service is a MUST as there you will feel the love ❤️ of the people of Rarotonga of the Cook Islands. There is no kayak included in the rental of this beach house as advertised but there is a place close by that you can rent them if you wish . We would go back in a heart beat to pick up the rest of our hearts left on that bench.

We would do it all again in a heart beat!! The house was perfect for our family of four (2 teenagers). It is airy and comfortable. The kitchen is large and well equipped. We took advantage of being right on the beach and snorkelled and kayaked daily. There was some snorkeling gear at the house and we hired the kayaks from just up the road. They were delivered to the house and collected again at the end of our stay. We enjoyed the very mellow live music from the Shipwreck Bar, just over the fence on Tuesday and Saturday evenings and wondered over a couple of times for cocktails and a light dinner. The bench in the picture is perfect for that early morning cup of coffee and the sunsets are out of this world! Jan was wonderful helping us with our booking and answering my many questions. The house was perfect for a very relaxed beach holiday. The kids didn't watch the television once and didn't want to leave - neither did we.

Our family have just returned from a week's holiday in Rarotonga staying at the Aroa beach house. It was perfect. The house was spacious and easily accommodated our family of 4 (incl 2 teenagers). Just 25 steps from the verandah and you're on the beach! The snorkelling was amazing, and the beach safe. A few more steps and you're at the Shipwreck bar with the beautiful and very entertaining local staff (esp the gorgeous Alone and Max!). We took some food with us to Raro (incl meat, condiments, breakfast foods etc) and cooked a few meals at the house - it was really well equipped and with a good bbq (we ran out of gas at one point but called Oki and he came straight over with a new gas cylinder). A very generous fruit bowl was awaiting us in the kitchen when we arrived which we found had all come from Oki's property and he kindly replenished our supply during the week! Like others before us, this was one of the most perfect holidays for our family and we honestly can't wait to go back! Activities we would recommend while there would be the Storytellers Bike Tours - brilliant - and the Highland cultural night. Recommended places to eat would include Kikau Hut, the Moorings (fab spot for lunch) and Charlie's (another fab spot for lunch esp if you have hungry teenagers!).

We enjoyed three nights in this lovely island style home and I would recommend it for families. The location is terrific - in Aroa and right on the beach, although not too close to the waves. The grass lawn was an easy few metres to walk across to the sand and the outdoor shower was very conveniently placed. The home is comprised of a spacious room that feels airy (even when it's hot) and the bedroom and bathroom (1.5) are off to one side. There are many sliding screened windows. The kitchen is truly huge - almost catering kitchen size - and the biggest I have experienced in many trips to Rarotonga! We had extended family staying in another private home and they would come to our place for BBQ's and dinner because the tables were larger and there was much more space for us all. Beds were comfy and ceiling fans appreciated on the humid days we were there. Laundry is in the carport and there are plenty of clean towels for showering and/or the beach. The double basin-ed spacious bathroom with a separate toilet was very useful. We were a bit worried that the bar next door would be noisy or intrusive, but it was quite the opposite. It gave just a little bit of atmosphere and one night a vibraphone musician gave us a private concert while we drank cocktails on our porch overlooking the sunset! Bliss. I can't think of any negatives as such. The water boost switch may not have been working for us so we change the timing of our showers, but that was no big deal as it was really hot weather anyway. There were a few mosquitoes, but nothing a plug-in repellant couldn't deal with. Our ten-year old son was a little scared by noises of the waves to sleep in the big room by himself, so he ended up in the single bed that was in our room - lucky it was available! All in all, we would recommend and would return given half the chance! Thanks Jan and family.

I would like to first take the opportunity to give a warm thanks to Jan and Jim for sharing their house with my family. This home is just that - A HOME - and not just another vacation rental. The location is perfect. My family and I spent just about 8 days on the Rarotonga, and this home and its location really was so memorable. The Aroa Beach house far exceeded our expectations. It is an absolutely beautiful home overlooking a wonderful and safe for kids snorkel beach, positioned to take full advantage of the most spectacular sunsets we have ever seen. Our sons only speak of this amazing holiday and beautiful marine life they have seen. We also enjoyed so much Aroa Beach Bar, their local fruit breakfast and BBQ nights. We can´t thank enough to Jan and Jim for their hospitality, warmth and help. As we reluctantly left, I know we all took one lasting memory picture of the view.

My husband and I and our 9 year old son stayed here for 3 weeks. We cannot forget this trip. Everyday we talk about how we can't wait to come back as soon as possible. Not only was this the absolute best beachfront location on Rarotonga to stay for snorkeling, sunsets, great food and atmosphere, but the owners are truly the kindest and most fantastic hosts you will ever meet. The beach house was very comfortable and well equipped and as soon as we walked in the door, we felt like it was our second home. The wonderful food and music at the Shipwreck Hut bar next door is greatly missed. All of the staff were very friendly and went out of their way to please. We are already planning our next vacation here and the memories of this relaxing, quiet paradise will carry us through our days until our return....Thank you Jim and Jan and all the staff of the Aroa Beachside Inn and Shipwreck Hut for a truly memorable family holiday

My friend and I had a brilliant 10 days here. I have been to Rarotonga three times and it is my favourite south seas island. Rarotonga's gorgeous flowers, stunning lagoon, great cafes and ease of use mean you get off the plane already in rest mode. Jan's place totally exceeded our expectations, being just that right mix of homey comfort and laid back tropical beach ambience. As my friend was recovering from knee surgery, the level floor out to the terrace then to the lagoon beach was ideal. We practically lived on the roofed terrace, reading, doing jigsaw puzzles and having frequent leisurely swims. Company, when we felt the need, was right next door on the beach at the small but perfectly formed Aroa Beach Bar (rated 3rd best beach bar in the world!). We wandered over there most mornings for their local fruit breakfast with delicious fresh muffins made with mangoes, pawpaw or banana) and often had evening bar meals from their simple but good menu along with yummy cocktails served in their distinctive jelly jars! Their special BBQ nights were also fun with local music and the chance to meet Aroa's guests and locals. The house has all the facilities you need to enjoy a south seas island paradise. We hired a car at a good rate through Jan and thoroughly explored the island's great restaurants, cafes and museums and the awesome saturday market of course. Can't wait to go back to Jan's - and Raro.

We have rented Jan's house for the last five years. What a great spot for a relaxing holiday! Privacy if you wish, or friendly company just through the Hibiscus hedge, to enjoy BBQs and the beach bar which is frequented by both locals and tourists.The house is well furnished with all the amenities, We especially enjoy the patio for dinner parties and to have our own friends visit, as we have been vacationing in Rarotongs for the past 30 years. The fabulous white sand is only a few steps from your doorway. Great for swimming, snorkling, and kayaking. Jim and Jan, you'll find, are most helpful for any of your particular needs.

If you want your very own slice of paradise, then look no further than this lovely house set amidst palm trees on the edge of the Aroa lagoon.A magnificient white sandy beach and glorious sunsets add to the charm and beauty of this lovely place.End the day with an exotic cocktail and BBQ next door at the "Shipwreck Hut". Your hosts Jan and Jim will ensure that your holiday will be one to remember for many years to come. Edith & Derek

For those wanting the penultimate tropical holiday in a relaxed and informal setting then look no further than this accommodation on Aroa Beach. I found it to be a clean, spacious, well-stocked, self-catering facility that could, at a pinch, sleep 6 people. It comprises a master bedroom with king-sized bed plus a single bed, a large tiled bathroom with shower and toilet, a second separate toilet and an exceptionally large open plan living room where there is another double bed and a single bed. All on the one level it opens out onto a covered patio which we found ideal on very hot days. A mere 15 metre stroll across the lawn through the palms and tropical foliage that line the property are the white sands and the turquoise and blue waters of the lagoon which are clearly visible from the house, For those wanting to be a little more social through the fence is the "Shipwreck Bar" where one can relax over a drink whilst watching the sun go down. When we didn't feel like cooking Jim's barbecues were a treat. All in all this is a truly magical spot where hosts Jan and Jim go out of their way to make this an unforgettable "Rarotongan experience". DON'T GO PAST IT - YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED - WE CERTAINLY WEREN'T!