Raro Beach Bach

We chose this place for its ocean views, room for five and three bedrooms, and the location really was excellent. The host also let us check out late, which we appreciated. Still, the stay was disappointing. The photos were very out of date and made the property look better than its current condition. The house felt old and neglected, the furniture and appliances were worn, and it wasn’t clean. Dust and grime were evident, and the kitchen and bathrooms had been poorly maintained. The BBQ didn’t work, there were no sun loungers, and we had no hot water for the first two days. When we tried to sort things out, the host’s replies were slow and unhelpful. The views and location were great, but the poor cleanliness, maintenance and communication made for a disappointing stay. I wouldn’t recommend it unless substantial improvements are made.

Ngā mihi nui to host Ian. We booked the whole property through Expedia in June 2024 for family staying in March 2025, and they loved the beach bach and would gladly recommend it. We’d read the few recent reviews, which were mixed. A key thing to know is that contact and support are minimal. There’s no compendium or pre-arrival instructions, though Ian got in touch the week before to confirm room setup and arrival time. If you need lots of communication or get stressed when details aren’t provided, this may not suit you. Our whānau is relaxed and self-sufficient, so we figured things out. We couldn’t reach Ian when we arrived on the island, but the house was open and the rooms were made up. There was no key for the main house, so we kept an eye on our belongings, and the studio keys were inside the studios. The gas for hot water was off, but we found the connection and turned it on. The home was clean and tidy, like a lived-in house. We were staying at the Rarotongan too and split our time between the two places. It’s an affordable option for large groups, with lots of parking. We often had a van, car and several scooters there without any space problems. The location is stunning, beside a rocky lagoon that’s swimmable at high tide, and only a five-minute drive from the Rarotongan and a Wigmores. There’s outdoor seating and room to gather or spend time alone. It’s peaceful and beautiful all day. The photos don’t quite convey how spacious the studios are. Each is self-contained with a kitchenette and microwave, and we had two people in each. The main house has an open-plan lounge, a bar area with a sink and a full kitchen with stove and microwave. There was enough equipment to cook and serve meals for a large group, though it helps to be resourceful. The kitchen microwave wasn’t working during our visit, so we brought one over from a studio. There’s lots of pantry storage. We had no trouble with ants or bugs, and kept sweet foods in the fridge. There are three double bedrooms, all with nice water views. The largest is spacious and has an ensuite. Another separate bathroom has a washing machine. Clothes horses are provided for laundry, and there’s a large washing line by one of the studios. The tiled bathrooms had good water pressure. Outside the main house, we made good use of the dining area and BBQ in the evenings. Each studio also has patio seating, useful when we split into smaller groups. There’s another covered, elevated dining area with a lovely 360-degree view, but we didn’t use it. The steep stairs and our post-drinks laziness won out. The property has some snorkelling gear, and everyone enjoyed gathering and husking coconuts. Bins are provided for recycling and general rubbish. We usually compost, but there wasn’t a compost bin, so food scraps went in the general rubbish. A few cute, friendly dogs came around for dinner every evening, like many dogs on the island. One important downside is the lack of aircon. There are a few fans, but they only help so much. We found ways to cool off during the day, but some of us struggled a bit at night.

Gorgeous views, a great location and Ian’s hospitality made us really appreciate our stay. My family, two adults and two small children, rented Raro Beach Bach while attending a wedding elsewhere. Ian let us use more of the facilities than we’d paid for, which we were very grateful for. When our other plans fell through, he even drove us to the airport. Talk over your needs with Ian, as he’s very accommodating. Highly recommend. Thanks again, Ian.

We hired the whole place and had a great stay. It’s ideal if you want your own space, with beach access right out front and a 24/7 grocery store not far away. There’s a coconut husker and shaver if you’re up for it, plus BBQ and cooking facilities. Each unit has a shower and toilet, and everything you need is there. Thanks to Ian for a great experience.