Muri Beach Haven

My Cousin's place was super handy for coffee, and the garden and porch were lovely spots to spend time. Shops and cafes were nearby, so the location was very convenient. We enjoyed the fruit and coconuts provided for us. It’s also close to Muri beach and its safe lagoon, where kayaks and snorkels are free to use. We kayaked pleasantly and safely around the islands. Snorkelling was better on the southern coast than in the lagoon. The rooms were nice, the kitchen facilities were good, and Wi-Fi was available if you paid extra.

My friend and I arrived just before 2 p.m. on check-in day, but no one was there to meet us and we hadn’t been sent any check-in details. The Nuku bungalow door was open, with the key on the bench. The bed had been made as a double, even though the pictures showed two separate beds, one of the reasons we booked. No one had told us about the change. The place was very cramped, with nowhere to put our luggage, and not clean. There was a mouldy smell from the cupboard where the kitchen dishes and equipment were stored, so we washed everything before using it. The microwave and TV weren’t working, and the shower fitting came off the wall. Shirley later said we had “manhandled” it, even though we’d just arrived. I contacted her about the shower and TV and had to phone to get the Wi-Fi password, which cost extra and hadn’t been provided. She blamed us for not following the TV instructions, although the TV never worked because the Chromecast and power cables were missing. We stopped asking because of her mean attitude. After our first interaction, I was too scared to ask for anything else. I found her very rude and unhelpful. Her handyman was lovely and friendly, though, and I appreciate him trying to help. I’ve been coming to Rarotonga for many years and move around to support different places. I wish I’d read the bad reviews about Shirley before booking. She’s not a good person, in my view. We ended up checking out two days early after arguments and blame about money transfers and cash exchange. We’d paid for the full stay because she wouldn’t negotiate or take accountability for her attitude. She threatened to call the police and wouldn’t let us leave until she got her money. It was a threatening situation, even for a hardened South African like me. A public holiday and money transfers were involved, but she’d left them to the last minute and was slow to reply to texts, emails and Booking.com messages. It was a horrible experience, and I really don’t recommend anyone deal with this person on holiday. I can see why her accommodation is empty while others are fully booked. There are friendlier, nicer and more affordable places around Muri, including Muri Lagoon View Bungalows - Hillside Bungalow, Black pearl appartments, Moana Sands group and Seaspray, to mention a few. Have a look, you won’t be disappointed.

The router seems pretty good, which I hear is unusual here, and the TV lineup was a fun surprise. I found Japanese and South Korean channels and enjoyed watching them. Since I don't have a car, being close to the beach and the little local store is handy. I did wake up on the first morning to ants in my bed and inside my computer. Once I found where they were getting in and sprayed it with bug killer, they disappeared. I've been having a lovely stay otherwise.

Shirley was so welcoming, and the accommodation was great. We had a fantastic 12 days at Muri Beach Haven and will definitely come back.