Moana Sands Beachfront Villas
Ara Tapu Rd Cook Islands
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About
#5 of 18 B&Bs / Inns in Rarotonga
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Located in the heart of the enchanting tapere (‘village’) of Vaimaanga, and tucked away amongst lush tropical gardens with stunning views of the turquoise lagoon, is the charming Moana Sands Villas & Apartments. The property offers ten spacious self-catering villas, apartments and studios. Each Villa incorporates both traditional Cook Island and contemporary design, with local paintings and Polynesian inspired décor. With spectacular views overlooking the pristine swimming pool (built in 2019) and breath taking lagoon, this is a stunning location. All rooms are self-catering with air conditioning, spacious living area, fully equipped kitchen (studio has microwave), safe, flat screen TV, private balcony or patio. Kayaks, guest laundry and a BBQ are available for in-house guests, and Wi-Fi vouchers are available for purchase at reception. A baby-sitting service is also available on request. This delightful property is the perfect choice from a few nights, a week or a long stay!
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Spent 5 nights at the Moana Sands Villas in a studio unit. 20 steps to the beach and 10 to the pool. Great patio looking out to the gorgeous lagoon. Perfect for afternoon drinks. Our unit was spacious, had a fresh coat of paint and was spotlessly clean. With only 10 units you almost felt you had the place to yourself. Supermarket and takeaways across the road. The Village Eatery cafe out front and walking distance to Vaima Restaurant. Go Cook car rental across the road. Great snorkelling beach.
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Date of stay: July 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.
Helpful
Response from Moana Sands Group, Owner at Moana Sands Beachfront Villas
Responded 4 Jul 2022
Kia Orana Susan w858 Meitaki for your kind words! Our maintenance team was hard at work during the lockdown freshening up the property so we are glad you enjoyed the outcome of their labour and we have such a stellar housekeeping team who keep our villas in tip top shape. The team hopes to see you again in the not too distant future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beautiful location. We had 2 units to accomodate ourselves & daughters & granddaughter. Unfortunately our units weren’t ready for us on arrival & we were given one night at a nearby resort which was not beach front & in our view not of the quality we had been expecting. Hence we effectively had one day less at the beachfront accomodation that we had paid for, which for us was very disappointing. Neither we nor our travel agent have received a satisfactory explanation as to what was the reason for the units not being available on our arrival, nor were we offered any form of compensation. Other than that issue, we loved our stay in Rarotonga & the Moana Sands Villas.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Moana Sands Group, Owner at Moana Sands Beachfront Villas
Responded 4 Jul 2022
Kia Orana Thank you for your review and we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time at Moana Sands Beachfront Villas overall. We do regret that while we did not have your confirmed reservations on file at the time of your arrival, we could arrange alternative accommodation in a 4.5 star resort for the first night, and that we were able to accommodate you for the rest of your stay in the Cooks. Again we thank you for your kind words regarding the time spent at the Villas and that you enjoyed the property overall. Meitaki Ma'ata
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We absolutely loved our stay at Moana Sands! The very spacious villa had everything we needed including bathrooms in both bedrooms and the beach right outside our room. This is hands down the best snorkelling on the island and filled our very relaxed days with fish, octopus, turtles, rays and moray eels! The pool is perfect to relax by and the cafe out front has amazing food. Rooms are cleaned and plenty of towels, snorkelling gear and kayaks available - an evening or morning sunrise/sunset kayak is a must. Would 100% stay again!
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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.
Helpful
Response from Moana Sands Group, Owner at Moana Sands Beachfront Villas
Responded 4 Jul 2022
Meitaki (thank you) for your wonderful review. We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your time with us and had a relaxing time making friends with our neighbours in the lagoon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was a great property to stay in while on holiday with my husband who was travelling to Raro for the first time. Bring my third trip a big part of my goal was to convince him that we should return to Raro regularly… it worked!! We had a fab & friendly welcome & all staff that we met throughout our stay were always helpful & friendly. The room was everything we needed & its location was FANTASTIC! Absolutely beautiful location with a pool a few steps away but also the beach literally within maybe 20 steps of our front door. We spent most days snorkeling literally right there. Having the amazing VAIMA’S just a stroll up the beach, Wigmores straight across the road & the Village Eatery right out front (with gluten free food!) was an absolute bonus! Thanks for an awesome holiday :)…
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: The beachfront studios are great for couples!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Moana Sands Group, Owner at Moana Sands Beachfront Villas
Responded 4 Jul 2022
Kia Orana Thank you for your amazing review, we are glad your plan coaxing your husband back to the beautiful Cooks worked a treat! We hope to welcome you back when you both return. Meitaki Maata
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I can't say enough about this place and actually want to keep it quiet and not make everyone aware of this amazing place - I need to keep a spot open for my next booking :):):) Can't explain the experience we had staying here!!! .... and the excellent reviews are spot on - from location to cleanliness to the staff. Kieran and the housekeeping staff are the most friendly and helpful people ever and made us feel like family. We highly recommend this place and will definitely be back again soon.
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Date of stay: February 2022
Rooms
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Room Tip: We loved the top floor as we had an amazing view
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Moana Sands Group, Owner at Moana Sands Beachfront Villas
Responded 28 Feb 2022
Kia Orana Coetzee Family. Meitaki for such a wonderful review! We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay and are looking forward to a return to the beautiful Cook Islands and Moana Sands Beachfront Villas...we will make sure to keep a spot for you! Warm Regards The Moana Sands Beachfront Villas Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Fabulous, spacious, clean accommodation with amazing staff. Loved everything about Moana Sands Villas from the delicious and generous breakfasts to the amazing snorkeling just a stones throw from our villa. Stayed for 11 nights and loved every minute of it. The stunning outdoor area was kept immaculate and the pool was lovely. Liked that the deep end was 1.7m. Wigmore’s supermarket across the road was very handy with delicious ice creams and meals for sale at lunchtime if you just wanted to spend the day at Moana Sands Villas. We would be greeted in the morning by the very, friendly staff bringing us the most fabulous breakfast, relax the day away by the pool and enjoy the fantastic snorkeling. In fact the best snorkeling I have experienced with so many different fish to look at. Fabulous, friendly Claire, from the office, gave us maps and recommendations of places we might like visiting, which were extremely helpful and absolutely perfect for the type of vacation we were wanting. Cannot recommend highly enough and definitely the best relaxing holiday ever! Loved meandering along the beach to Vaima Restaurant and Bar, or along the road to Yellow Hibiscus Restaurant. Caught the bus right outside our villa into town to explore the island. Enjoyed evenings sitting in our outdoor patio area and was impressed to find they had even provided mosquito coils! Other handy extras were the umbrella and torch for our evening strolls. There were also kayaks and reef shoes available so they really had thought of everything! Cannot wait to return again.…
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
3 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Moana Sands Group, Owner at Moana Sands Beachfront Villas
Responded 2 Aug 2021
Kia Orana Explorer795373 Thank you for your kind review and we are delighted that you enjoyed your stay at Moana Sands Beachfront Villas & Apartments. Wigmores supermarket across the road is indeed very handy for all your vacation requirements, offering an array of products and the wonderful Yellow Hibiscus and Vaima Restaurants are indeed just a short walk away and a lovely way to spend your evenings under the stars. Again, thank you for your wonderful feedback and we look forward to welcoming you back to the beautiful Cook Islands! Meitaki ma'ata e kia manuia
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My first trip to Rarotonga was amazing. A group of 3 of us stayed at the Moana Sands Villas for a month. It was the perfect location. We were right across the street from Wigmores grocery store where we were able to get everything we needed. Also the bakery delivered fresh baking several times a day. Go Cook Islands was a great place to rent a car and the owner, Jaret, was very helpful. The bus stop was right outside our door and we were about the same distance to town as we were to Muri beach. The apartment we stayed in was on the bottom level. We were only steps to the water and to the pool. We had access to the kayaks and snorkeling equipment. I think the beach where we were had the best snorkeling on the island. Lots of fish to see. Our apartment was perfect. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms, air conditioning, a kitchen and plenty of room made it a perfect month. An added bonus was the daily maid service. The girls were always singing and smiling. Also Yoga, the maintenance person and grounds keeper. He was so helpful - even when we needed his help one evening!! At the helm of these villas was Claire. She was in the office and seemed to take care of everyone. Claire gave us great advice on what there was to do on Rarotonga. Her assistance was invaluable and we appreciated her help. It was always nice to see her happy smile when we went by the office or popped in. If we were to return to Rarotonga - Moana Sands Villas would be our first choice. …
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
The villas contained two bedrooms and two bathrooms plus a large lounge dining area and full kitchen facilities. Maid service daily and private outdoor seating area as well as lovely swimming pool and great friendly community. Office staff were extremely helpful with suggestions locally to visit for dining and just relaxing and a rental car agency and supermarket just across the road. Many places to enjoy on the island and the local bus was a great inexpensive way to travel around it with locals.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Rooms
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Room Tip: Villas have sea views and a private beachfront locality.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We have just returned from a magical week at this accommodation. Claire in reception is so lovely and accommodating and always greets with a happy smile. We snorkelled in many different areas but the best fish were spotted just out from our accommodation. Supermarket, cafe, spa and takaways are just outside the property which is so handy. Thanks team for the great holiday.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
This was our second visit. They have added a pool which is great. When the winds died down and sun came out the waters were so clear you could see all the fish without snorkels. The apartment was large and ours had a full stove and oven. Wigmores across the road is great. Highly recommend, and a rental car is a good option so you can look around the island.
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Date of stay: October 2019
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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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PRICE RANGE
US$245 - US$317 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Cook IslandsSouthern Cook IslandsRarotonga
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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Claim Your ListingMOANA SANDS BEACHFRONT VILLAS: UPDATED 2022 Hotel Reviews, Price Comparison and 90 Photos (Rarotonga, Cook Islands) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Moana Sands Beachfront Villas
Which popular attractions are close to Moana Sands Beachfront Villas?
Nearby attractions include Tik-e Tours (6.2 km), Aroa Marine Reserve (2.9 km), and Cook Island Christian Church (CICC) (5.2 km).
What food & drink options are available at Moana Sands Beachfront Villas?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is parking available at Moana Sands Beachfront Villas?
Yes, parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Moana Sands Beachfront Villas?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Mooring Fish Cafe Rarotonga, Beluga, and Tuoro Tapas Bar.
Are there any historical sites close to Moana Sands Beachfront Villas?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Wreck of the Matai (6.7 km).