"Great location, right on the beach with excellent snorkelling with tons of fish."
Catherine from United States
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"The use of the lagoon equipment is very good and made good use of the kayaks in the beautiful lagoon."
Tracey2205 from Australia
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"Swim up bar, well kept facility, a range of bars and restaurants within the complex, fins, goggles and snorkel provided for the lagoon."
Adrian
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Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach (Adults Only) is a 4-star boutique resort featuring absolute beachfront access, a swim-up pool bar, and lagoonfront dining at Captain Andy's Beach Bar & Grill. This adults-only accommodation provides an authentic Polynesian experience with its distinctive design elements and tranquil surroundings.
Rooms & Amenities
Each suite at Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach offers a private balcony, with Beachfront Suites providing direct access to Aroa Lagoon. The rooms are designed with rattan walls, thatched roofs, and black pearl accents, ensuring a comfortable and stylish environment. Complimentary amenities include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and soundproofed rooms.
Dining Options
Dining options include the casual gourmet restaurant, BlueWater Grill, offering local cuisine with lagoon views. Guests can also enjoy light meals at the swim-up bar. A daily tropical island-style breakfast buffet featuring fresh fruits and baked goods is provided.
Leisure & Entertainment
Leisure activities at Sanctuary Rarotonga include snorkeling in Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve, tennis, and access to a games room with pool and table tennis. Guests can indulge in spa treatments at SpaPolynesia, with therapists using island-developed products. Regular live entertainment is scheduled during dinner.
Location & Transportation
Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach is situated on Rarotonga's preferred southwest coast, allowing easy access to attractions like Highland Paradise Cultural Centre and Cook Islands Cultural Village, both within 5 km. Rarotonga International Airport is 10 km away, with bus stops nearby for convenient transportation.
Must-do experiences
Visit Te Vara Nui Village for a cultural night and feast.
Sample fresh poke bowls at The Crafty Trooper nearby.
Explore Muri Beach for stunning sunsets and kayaking adventures.
Check out the Punanga Nui Market on Saturday for local produce.
Hike the Papagoa Waterfall trail for breathtaking island views.
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Select your room type
The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Beachfront Suite
2 persons
35 m²
1 King-size bed
Shower
Balcony
room details
2 Bedroom Beachside Suite
2 persons
70 m²
1 King-size bed
Shower
Balcony
room details
Honeymoon Spa Suite
2 persons
50 m²
1 King-size bed
Shower
Sauna
room details
Beachside Suite
2 persons
35 m²
1 King-size bed
Shower
Balcony
room details
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Facilities
The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
General
Non-smoking rooms
Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Adults only
Luggage storage
Private beach
ATM/Cash machine
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Diving
Snorkelling
Canoeing
Hiking
Cycling
Tennis court
Golf course
Billiard tables
Darts
Table tennis
Fishing
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Paid shuttle service
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Shops/Commercial services
Welcome drink
Happy hour
Dining
In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Poolside snack bar
Snack bar
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Dinner
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Children
Board games
Game room
Spa & Leisure
Saltwater pool
Beach access
Sun loungers
Karaoke
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Pedicure
Manicure
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Body wraps
Back massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Foot massage
Shallow end
Room features
Air conditioning
Soundproofed rooms
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
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Dining Onsite
Experience the exquisite culinary offerings at Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach, featuring the Blue Water Grill. This adult-only retreat invites guests to indulge in a diverse range of flavors while soaking in the stunning coastal views of Rarotonga's white sands and azure lagoon.
Blue Water Grill
Casual gourmet with a focus on seafood and contemporary dishes
Ambiance
Open-air beachfront setting with a romantic and traditional atmosphere, perfect for intimate dining against the backdrop of the glistening lagoon
Key Offerings
Delight in an array of fresh gamefish, grilled BBQ options, and a variety of international dishes. Enjoy live entertainment during dinner to enhance the dining experience.
Vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life make this reserve ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Aroa Beach
5 minutes' walk
Beautiful sandy shores perfect for sunbathing or swimming, with stunning sunset views in the evening.
Highland Paradise Cultural Centre
5 minutes' drive
A cultural experience showcasing traditional Cook Islands customs, complete with dance, crafts, and food.
Raemar
5 minutes' drive
Relax by the stunning natural lagoon featuring soft sands perfect for family outings and tranquility.
Snorkeling at Aroa Marine Reserve
5 minutes' walk
Accessible snorkeling adventure to see tropical fish and coral formations. Equipment can be rented nearby.
Kayaking
5 minutes' walk
Engaging water sports experience available through local rental services, ideal for both solo adventurers and families.
Yoga on the Beach
5 minutes' walk
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions offered with stunning ocean views. Classes are suitable for all skill levels.
Captain Andy's Beach Bar & Grill
2 minutes' walk
Casual beachside eatery known for fresh seafood and tropical cocktails, with beautiful ocean views.
The vaka restaurant
10 minutes' drive
Offers a delightful mix of international and local cuisine, focusing on fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.
The Edgewater Resort Restaurant
5 minutes' drive
Known for its fine dining experience and elegant atmosphere, perfect for couples looking for a special night out.
The Island Night
5 minutes' drive
Weekly cultural shows featuring live music and dance performances, ideal for families and couples alike.
Koka's Bar
10 minutes' drive
Popular local bar with a lively atmosphere, known for strong cocktails and weekly karaoke nights, great for socializing.
Getting around
City Centre
Rarotonga8 min
·
5.0
km
Airports
Rarotonga International (RAR)13 min
·
8.4
km
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
7.9
7.9/10 based on 410 reviews
Alexander
United States,
March
2025
7.2/10
Rooms
Service
Location
Dining
Facilities
Bill
United States,
March
2025
9.0/10
We had such a wonderful week in paradise! The view from our beachfront suite was absolutely worth the upgrade, and the staff were incredibly helpful and friendly throughout our stay. However, there was a hiccup at the beginning with my booking being changed without communication, and despite this, the fantastic restaurant staff made up for it. Overall, it was an amazing experience, just a few food options could improve.
Rooms
10.0
The beachfront suite was perfectly suited to our needs, with stunning views that made it feel luxurious.
Service
9.0
The staff, especially at the bar and restaurant, were amazing and made us feel very welcomed despite the initial booking confusion.
Location
10.0
The resort is right on the beach with some of the best snorkeling you can find in Rarotonga.
Dining
7.0
Dinners had some great options, particularly for seafood, though I found some of the dishes to be a bit heavy on carbs.
Facilities
9.0
The amenities were great, especially the beachfront access for snorkeling and finding our own slice of paradise.
Stunning beachfront views
Booking confusion
Eric
United States,
November
2024
8.6/10
I had a wonderful experience at the Sanctuary Rarotonga, with beautiful beachfront access and stunning views. The staff went above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of, and the amenities like the kayaks and pool added to the fun. However, there were a few hiccups, such as the cleanliness of the pool and communication issues at the start of my stay. Overall, it was a great value for a relaxing getaway.
Rooms
10.0
The room was amazing, clean, and the bed was incredibly comfortable. I loved that we had a gorgeous view of the lagoon right from our balcony.
Service
9.0
The customer service was outstanding! The team worked hard to resolve any issues and always greeted us with cheerfulness.
Location
10.0
The location is perfect, right on the beach at Aroa lagoon, making it a fantastic spot for snorkeling and swimming.
Dining
7.0
Dining at the resort was a good experience with tasty meals, but there were a few mix-ups with charges on my bill that need to be addressed.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities were great, with plenty of lagoon equipment available for use. However, the pool could use better regular cleaning.
Kate
United States,
October
2024
8.4/10
We had an amazing 7-day holiday at the Sanctuary, where the staff was incredibly helpful and the accommodation was fantastic. Our room had a lovely view of the lagoon, and the daily continental breakfast was one of the best we've ever had. We enjoyed the delicious dinners too, although our peaceful experience was slightly disrupted by loud guests. Overall, the location is perfect for a relaxing getaway, but make sure to keep an eye out for rowdy visitors.
Rooms
8.0
Our upstairs room offered a fabulous view of the lagoon and was very comfortable, though it could use a bit of updating. The cleanliness was top-notch, and we appreciated the daily replacement of towels and supplies.
Service
9.0
The service was outstanding, with staff going above and beyond to assist with any requests, making our stay very enjoyable.
Location
10.0
The Sanctuary is situated on the beach at Aroa lagoon, which is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, making it a perfect location for beach lovers.
Dining
8.0
Dining options were great, especially the dinner menu with daily specials. The continental breakfast included a wide variety of items, though we felt some of the dining options were a bit pricey.
Facilities
7.0
The resort facilities were well-maintained, including the beautiful pool area and other amenities. However, it would be better if they could reduce noise levels to enhance the peaceful atmosphere.
Douglas
United States,
September
2024
7.4/10
I had a mixed experience at the Sanctuary. The beautiful lagoon views and clean beachside room were highlights, and the staff truly made us feel welcome. However, I felt the food options were lacking in creativity and could use improvement. Overall, while it was a relaxing stay, a few updates would enhance the experience significantly.
Rooms
7.0
The beachside room we stayed in was clean and offered a fabulous view of the lagoon. It was comfortable, but a bit dated, reflecting styles from years past.
Service
9.0
The staff were fantastic and truly friendly, going above and beyond to enhance our stay. They helped us check in early and ensured our needs were met.
Location
10.0
The Sanctuary is right on Aroa Beach, which is fantastic for snorkeling. It's quiet and picturesque, making it perfect for relaxation.
Dining
5.0
While breakfast had great choices, including fresh fruits and pancakes, the lunch and dinner menus felt uninspired, despite large portion sizes.
Facilities
6.0
The pool area was nice, but the overall facilities felt like they could use a bit more updating and creativity to match the stunning setting.
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 01:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach (Adults Only) guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2010
Number of rooms:
50
FAQs
About Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach (Adults Only)
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach (Adults Only)?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 10:00.
How far is Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach (Adults Only) from Rarotonga International Airport?
The hotel is 5 km from Rarotonga International Airport.
What type of amenities are included in the rooms at Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach (Adults Only)?
Rooms include air-conditioning, an extra-large king-size bed, a flat-screen TV, and Wi-Fi access.
Is there on-site dining available at Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach (Adults Only)?
The hotel features the BlueWater Grill restaurant, which serves gourmet cuisine.
What recreational activities are offered at Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach (Adults Only)?
Recreational activities include snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and a variety of games in the games room.
Is parking available at Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach (Adults Only)?
Public parking is available on-site for free without the need for a reservation.
What services are available at SPAPolynesia located in Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach (Adults Only)?
SpaPolynesia offers a range of wellness treatments including massages and facials using island-developed products.
What breakfast options are provided at Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach (Adults Only)?
Guests can enjoy a complimentary tropical island-style continental breakfast buffet.
How far is Aroa Beach from Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach (Adults Only)?
Aroa Beach is located only 0.5 km from the hotel.
What type of environment does Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach (Adults Only) provide for guests?
The hotel offers an adults-only, serene ambiance ideal for couples looking for relaxation.
What are some nearby attractions to Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach (Adults Only)?
Nearby attractions include the Punanga Nui Market in Avarua and Muri Lagoon for snorkeling and water excursions.