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Main Road Ara Tapu, Titikaveka 0001 Cook Islands
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About

#1 of 4 hotels in Titikaveka
Location
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Welcome to MOTU, formerly Royale Takitumu. We are Rarotonga’s newest boutique resort. Tucked away on the shores of the lagoon, MOTU (meaning island) is a stylish haven for tranquillity and relaxation. Offering ten self-contained villas, each is secluded within tropical gardens laden with colourful native plants and flowers. The newly modernised villas invite sophisticated relaxation, with designer interiors and a collection of artworks from across the Pacific. Each villa is air-conditioned and features a spacious bedroom, living area, kitchenette and bathroom, as well as a shaded balcony. You can look forward to exploring the colourful sea life of the lagoon with snorkelling and kayaking gear included with each stay, as well as electric bicycles for discovering the beauty of this tiny nation and its people. Or recline by the fresh-water pool and enjoy a local beer on tap. In high summer you will experience blazing sunrises and sunsets beyond the reef. Our intimate size allows for personalised care for all our guests and is perfect for romantic getaways. We give our environment and our iti tangata (our people) the same care as our guests. We use environmentally friendly products, state of the art wastewater management, and electric vehicles to help preserve our piece of paradise. The majority of our profits support our island community through healthcare, education and the arts, and every stay at MOTU contributes to this. We look forward to welcoming you to MOTU – our island within an island.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Pool
Breakfast available
Beach
Bicycles available
Airport transportation
Adults only
Electric vehicle charging station
Paid wifi
Pool / beach towels
Adult pool
Outdoor pool
Shallow end in pool
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Wine / champagne
Snorkelling
Water sport equipment rentals
Aerobics offsite
Bicycle tours
Tennis court offsite
Board games / puzzles
Shuttle bus service
Car hire
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
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Room features
Air purifier
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Dining area
Housekeeping
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Private balcony
Safe
Seating area
Separate living room
Sofa
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Clothes rack
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Kitchenette
Microwave
Minibar
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Lagoon View
Ocean View
Languages Spoken
English, French, Filipino, German
Hotel links
Special Price:40% OFF
451Reviews11Q+A100Room tips
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Excursion40135790880 wrote a review Jan 2023
+1
I've been to Rarotonga 7 times and it was the first time I've stayed at Motu Villas. My adult daughter and I stayed there. Tim, Lucile and Mii were the most amazing hosts at this resort. I couldn't fault anything about the whole stay of 7 days there. Our villa was so awesome overlooking the lagoon! Although there is no restaurant on site, on arrival there was a fridge full of food awaiting us along with a basket of fresh tropical fruit. A paper was delivered each day and on Sunday they delivered pasties to our villa. I would certainly recommend Motu and I won't be looking anywhere else for accommodation in the future. Heather and Marie
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
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Room Tip: Kano store is right across the road so easy to get food
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Jennyj22 wrote a review Jun 2022
Howick, New Zealand21 contributions7 helpful votes
Hotel's Favourite
One of our best relaxing holidays ever. Fabulous place, very peaceful. So much effort has gone into creating MOTU . The service is fantastic, staff extremely helpful and all those little touches, fruit provisions and beautiful bakery products on Sunday. Loved receiving the paper in the mornings. Hope to see you again next year.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Try and book your restaurants in advance, Charlies, little Poly within walking distance.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from , Owner at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas
Responded 16 Aug 2022
Kia Orana Jenny, so lovely to see you've enjoyed your (double) stay with us. It's the little things that people remember, and we're glad that you've loved them! See you next year - we hope too! Kia Manuia, Lucile
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rolfe wrote a review Nov 2022
2 contributions1 helpful vote
I cannot speak highly enough of MOTU. The villas are excellent, comfortable and fully equipped and the setting defies description - beautiful tropical gardens with the gentle breaking of the waves on the reef as backdrop. The owners and staff are so friendly and cannot do enough, from the extensive welcome groceries in the fridge on arrival to the bottle of champagne they left for my birthday. This is definitely my idea of a tropical paradise, thank you Lucille, Tim and Mii!
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Date of stay: November 2022
Rooms
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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JBradl wrote a review Nov 2022
Cairns, Australia20 contributions19 helpful votes
+1
MOTU My wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary with a trip to the Cool Islands. We stayed at MOTU Villas on Rarotonga. The quality of the whole resort and the service was exceptional. Our Villa was right at the front with a Sandy beach and the crystal clear Lagoon at our doorstep. There was plenty of marine life in the lagoon which is easily viewed while snorkelling. Stand Up Paddle boards and canoe’s are readily available and included in the room hire. When we’re we’re there they were adding see through canoes to the fleet to provide and even better viewing if the marine wonderland. We’ll definitely be going back to MOTU
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from , Owner at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas
Responded 4 Nov 2022
Kia Orana Jim & Amanda, Thank you very much for taking the time to write such a wonderful review. It was a pleasure to welcome you all the way from Cairns! We can't wait to have you back for another fun-filled week! Meitaki e Kia Manuia Lucile - Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bingo120 wrote a review Sep 2022
Auckland, New Zealand27 contributions
A well located private setting on the attractive south coast, south of Muri. Clear waters for snorkeling, kayaking and “delicious” for swimming. Villas are well appointed and spotless, Miii, Tim and Lucile were very helpful and friendly and made our stay most enjoyable. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from , Owner at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas
Responded 16 Sep 2022
Kia Orana bingo120, Thank you so much for the short and "sweet" reply. Totally agree that MOTU is located on the best side of the island for uninterrupted views of the turquoise lagoon and perfect snorkeling! A big meitaki maata from our team for staying with us! Kia Manuia, Lucile - Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
david e wrote a review Aug 2022
Auckland, New Zealand2031 contributions379 helpful votes
Intimate hotel in a great location. Management and team are excellent and very helpful. Villas are well equipped with very comfy beds and lovely bathroom. It was great to have kitchen for self catering during our stay. Snorkelling right out the front was great. Location excellent for access to bars and restaurants.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Be prepared for roosters in early morning but they are all over the island so no escape!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from , Owner at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas
Responded 16 Aug 2022
Kia Orana StuckinBangers, Thank you very much for taking the time to review MOTU. We love seeing that you enjoyed your stay with us. In addition to the kitchens, we will soon have a pool bar with a BBQ which will allow our guests another dining option. We look forward to your next visit! Kia Manuia, Lucile
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cecilia l wrote a review May 2022
1 contribution
Our gorgeous villa was in a very tranquil setting - it had everything we needed. Beautiful pristine beach in front of the villas. All of the staff were very friendly and helpful. Nothing was overlooked. We cannot wait to return.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Location
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from , Owner at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas
Responded 27 Aug 2022
Kia Orana Cecilia & Susan, So lovely to meet with you again, on another island, and just a few year later :) We are delighted to see that you are considering to return to MOTU - and we can't wait to host you for the third time! Kia Manuia, Lucile - Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avb13 wrote a review May 2022
Auckland Central, New Zealand1400 contributions198 helpful votes
+1
Loved our stay at Motu Art Villas. A lovely boutique property in a great location. The grounds are lovely and they were adding upgrades while we were there. The entrance is the property is inviting and just steps away from the beachfront accommodation. We opted for the beachfront premium villa and were so glad we splashed out. It was like having your own private beachfront to enjoy. Steps away from the sandy beach with easy access to snorkeling, swimming and walks. The deck chairs on the raised platform were the perfect spot to spend the days enjoying the view and a drink. The hammock perfect for stargazing. So relaxing and nice to be away from a crowed resort. The villas were spotlessly clean, comfortable, with a great little kitchen. Plenty of space, comfortable beds, wardrobe to get your cases out of the way. Fantastic bathroom. So well set up with a double sink and the electrical sockets in the perfect position on either side to allow for use of hairdryer,etc. Villas was serviced everyday and on Sunday we were surprised with a bakery drop off. Perfect start. The pool is small, but a good size for the property. Even some of the villas not beachfront had a view. Fantastic helpful staff. If your budget allows I would hire a car to get around the island. Just makes it so much easier. Booking a restaurant at this point in time is recommended. Highly recommend Motu and would happily stay again.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Book your restaurants in advance and check opening times Hire a vehicle if your budget allows
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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QPR-ALLBLACKS-Fan wrote a review May 2022
Cambridge, New Zealand366 contributions200 helpful votes
What can I add that hasn’t already been said? Motu is the place to stay in Rarotonga. Stunning rooms with amazing views, friendly helpful staff, a beautiful beach in front of the hotel with the best snorkeling on the island. The place is to die for. We’re coming back again in a few months.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Parking is available at front of hotel. There are 4 e-bikes available for guest use. Staff are...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Quest56888 wrote a review Apr 2022
1 contribution
Absolutely the place for R and R . A tranquil haven . Beautiful gardens and beautiful villas with gorgeous art work , bathrooms . Nothing is overlooked and the staff could not be more helpful . A prefect tropical haven from which to enjoy the ambience of Rarotonga .
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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PRICE RANGE
US$367 - US$454 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
royale takitumu hotel titikaveka
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Royale Takitumu
LOCATION
Cook IslandsSouthern Cook IslandsRarotongaTitikaveka
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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MOTU BEACHFRONT ART VILLAS: UPDATED 2023 Hotel Reviews, Price Comparison and 542 Photos (Titikaveka, Cook Islands) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about MOTU Beachfront Art Villas
Which popular attractions are close to MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Nearby attractions include Aroa Marine Reserve (6.3 km), Titikaveka Beach (0.03 km), and Te Rua Manga (The Needle) (4.8 km).
What are some of the property amenities at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, free parking, and airport transportation.
Which room amenities are available at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a minibar, and air conditioning.
What food & drink options are available at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Guests can enjoy breakfast, barbeque facilities, and complimentary tea during their stay.
Is parking available at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Mooring Fish Cafe Rarotonga, Beluga, and Vili's Burger Joint.
Are there opportunities to exercise at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does MOTU Beachfront Art Villas have an airport shuttle?
Yes, MOTU Beachfront Art Villas offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does MOTU Beachfront Art Villas have airport transportation?
Yes, MOTU Beachfront Art Villas offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Filipino.
Are there any historical sites close to MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Wreck of the Matai (7.5 km).