Little Polynesian Resort

The beachfront accommodation was comfortable and spotless, and the food was incredible. The staff were super friendly, too. My husband and I have just got home from a wonderful stay at Little Polynesian Resort. Everything about it was amazing. I’d give it six stars if I could, and can’t recommend it highly enough.

We had a fantastic first dinner, with fresh, delicious prawns, fish, and salad. At lunch I ordered just prawns since I’m not much of a fish fan, and the portion left me a little disappointed. I’d recommend coming for dinner more than lunch. The staff are really friendly and the service is great, though it’s a little pricey. The mojitos and piña coladas are worth trying, but they cost more than at other places around Rarotonga.

The restaurant team, including April, Kristine, Tomasi, Jay, and Miri, made us feel so welcome. They greeted us by name and even posed for photos. We ate most of our meals there, and the food was delicious. Try the Ika Mata and the Ruby Rare Tuna. Breakfast was lovely too, especially with an extra dish from the menu. We spent eight days in a beachfront bungalow and loved every minute. It had everything we needed, and was clean, modern, and well kept. The view from bed was spectacular. The lagoon was just steps from the door, with free SUPS, kayaks, flippers, and life jackets close at hand. Our room also had personal snorkeling gear and goggles. Snorkeling in the lagoon felt safe and easy, and the views underwater were spectacular. We’d happily recommend a stay here.

There were some real positives: the rooms were clean and well maintained, Wi-Fi was free, Netflix was available, and the outdoor shower was handy for hanging wet clothes. The beach was easy to reach, and Florence, one of the waitresses, was lovely. The complimentary breakfast was nice, but anyone wanting savory food had to pay extra. The only extra savory option was toast with butter, and the bread served to us was moldy. The staff were mixed. The local employees were friendly and welcoming, while some others seemed less suited to hospitality. I was especially disappointed that they had run out of coconuts, given how abundant they are on the island. It felt like poor inventory management and a focus on making money got in the way of our experience. The shuttle was pricey at $140 return for two people on a 25-minute ride, while other places offer free pickup. There’s nothing nearby, and the hotel is small with limited facilities. The pool is right by the main restaurant, which felt awkward in a bikini next to dressed-up guests. There were no beach chairs or umbrellas either. It’s expensive for what you get, with lots of extra costs. I’d choose somewhere else.