11 Best Self-Catering Accommodations on Rarotonga

Enjoy light and airy self-contained units at a quiet location on Muri Beach. Muri Beachcomber offers both tranquil beachfront units for adult groups, as well as family units scattered among the gardens and creek of this spacious property.

Each unit boasts a fully-equipped and modern kitchen, as well as various barbecues throughout the gardens. As a bonus, there are a generous number of inclusions, such as airport transfers, kayaks, SUP boards, snorkelling gear, wet shoes and bicycles. We also feature this property in our list of the 20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Rarotonga.

Book Muri Beachcomber:

• Muri Beachcomber on Booking.com
• Muri Beachcomber on Trip.com
• Muri Beachcomber on Expedia

Why is Rainbow Villas easily one of the best self-catering accommodations on Rarotonga? Because your supermarket is your very own permaculture garden!

Pick whatever is in season from the lush gardens surrounding the outdoor pool and cook up a storm in your luxury villa, perfect for couples. Meals can be enjoyed on your elevated deck overlooking the golf course. See similar accommodations in the 20 Best Villas in Rarotonga.

Book Rainbow Villas:

• Rainbow Villas on Booking.com
• Rainbow Villas on Trip.com
• Rainbow Villas on Expedia

Experience island-inspired luxury at Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows on Rarotonga's picturesque sunset coast.

These boutique accommodations offer a tasteful blend of modern comfort and Cook Islands culture, featuring carved four-poster beds and classic tivaevae linens.

Enjoy the balmy breeze in your outdoor bathroom with an in-ground bathtub. The resort now offers two full 2-bedroom units and a compact option, perfect for groups or families with older children (12+ years).

Self-catering facilities include handmade ceramics, and guests have access to complimentary snorkel gear and reef shoes.

When it comes to staying connected and entertained, the resort has you well covered. All units come with free unlimited WiFi, a Smart TV with Netflix access via remote or Chromecast, and a hard drive loaded with movies, documentaries and series for those evenings when you'd rather stay in.

For eco-conscious explorers, the resort provides reusable coffee mugs and water bottles. As we discovered during our last stay, guests also enjoy exclusive rental of the resort's EVs.

Muri Retreat is a small, adults-only self-catering property on Rarotonga with four well-equipped apartments, lagoon views and everything you need to settle in and make yourself at home.

Tucked into lush, permaculture-tended gardens, the retreat's four apartments (two kings and two queens) are each named after Cook Islands creatures and plants: "Moko" (gecko), "Onu" (turtle), "Kotei" (flower) and "Kukupa" (dove). Two rooms look out over the lagoon, and two apartments can be connected via an internal door for groups travelling together.

Every apartment comes with cooking facilities, a large fridge with freezer, microwave and a smart TV loaded with movies. There's also a saltwater pool, garden loungers and a shared community pantry area stocked with items left by fellow guests; a genuinely nice touch.

Run entirely by Simon and his wife without additional staff, the retreat has a welcoming, lived-in feel. A starter pack greets you on arrival, free laundry facilities are on hand, and all water on the property is filtered and UV treated. Airport transfers and car hire are available on request.

Try a slice of home-away-from-home paradise at Mama Taras Bungalows. Set back among the fruit tree gardens in the town of Muri, a small selection of contemporary bungalows is available for families or groups of up to four.

Alternatively, enjoy an ultra-contemporary stay in the villa, accommodating up to six guests, with its own private pool. Either way, you have your own space with self-catering facilities and are within a short walking distance of Muri Beach, offering tours and restaurants.

Book Mama Taras Bungalows:

• Mama Taras Bungalows on Booking.com
• Mama Taras Bungalows on Expedia
• Mama Taras Villa on Booking.com
• Mama Taras Villa on Expedia

What's more "self-catering" than a holiday home? Arapati Holiday Homes manages the “Arapati” two-bedroom villa, which sits directly on the beach and fits up to six guests, while the “Henry Villa” sleeps a whopping 10! There’s plenty of space for groups to relax between the spacious living room, outdoor kitchen, elevated deck and the beach.

Close to the property is Wigmore’s Superstore, one of the largest supermarkets on the island. Needless to say, self-catering here is a breeze. Learn more about the store and get other tips in the A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping on Rarotonga.

Book Arapati Holiday Homes:

• Arapati Holiday Homes on Booking.com
• Arapati Holiday Homes on Trip.com

For couples or a couple of couples who are dreaming big for their self-catering holiday to Rarotonga, Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa pulls out all the stops. The villas are wrapped in luxury, each with a uniquely designed private pool (some featuring a waterfall), while guests are treated to a welcome gift basket and champagne on arrival.

The attention to detail is unmatched, down to the hand-painted dinnerware of your fully equipped kitchen, while your villa’s designated kayaks will help you explore more of the lagoon steps away. If you want to see more like this, check out the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations on Rarotonga.

Book Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa:

• Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa on Booking.com
• Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa on Trip.com
• Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa on Expedia

Get the experience of a resort with the convenience of self-catering accommodation at Moana Sands Beachfront Villas & Apartments. Situated in the quiet village of Vaimaanga on the south coast and within walking distance of Wigmore's Superstore, each of the 10 villas overlooks a deck-lined swimming pool and the lagoon.

Villas are modern with a simplistic design, dappled with Polynesian artwork. There’s also room to relax at the on-site Hibiscus Spa. Compare it to the 10 Best Spas in Rarotonga.

Book Moana Sands Beachfront Villas & Apartments:

• Muri Beachcomber on Booking.com
• Muri Beachcomber on Trip.com
• Muri Beachcomber on Expedia

Aro'a Beachside Resort is an adults-only (16+) haven on Rarotonga's western coast, perfect for couples and solo travellers seeking tranquillity. With just 18 rooms, this intimate resort boasts a white sandy beach, incredible sunsets, and great snorkelling.

Each room offers lagoon views and comes equipped with full kitchen facilities, air conditioning, free WiFi, and a private deck. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and take advantage of the swimming pool, BBQ area, and water sports equipment.

The resort also offers on-site rental for cars, scooters, and bicycles, making it easy to explore the island. With its peaceful vibe and stunning beachfront location, Aro'a Beachside Resort is a true tropical escape. See more like this in the 10 Best Boutique Resorts on Rarotonga.

Book Aro’a Beachside Resort:

• Aro’a Beachside Resort on Booking.com
• Aro’a Beachside Resort on Trip.com
• Aro’a Beachside Resort on Expedia

Located on the shores of Titikaveka Beach, Rarotonga Beach Bungalows offers both garden and absolute beachfront bungalows with kitchen facilities. The shabby chic island-inspired bungalows feature an open-plan kitchen and dining area, complete with a two-door fridge, a gas stovetop, and ample counter space.

A breakfast starter pack is included in your stay, but it's not all about the food, with kayaks and snorkelling gear also provided!

Book Rarotonga Beach Bungalows:

• Rarotonga Beach Bungalows on Booking.com
• Rarotonga Beach Bungalows on Trip.com
• Rarotonga Beach Bungalows on Expedia

Ariki Bungalows offers a unique adults-only experience in Rarotonga for travellers aged 18 and over. This budget-friendly accommodation features just three humble yet comfortable rooms, providing a quiet and intimate atmosphere.

You'll love the sociable vibe, complete with an honesty bar and communal BBQ area, where guests can mingle during high-season BBQ nights (the owners bring salads while you grill your own meat). Independent travellers will appreciate the laid-back environment and free WiFi.

Don't miss the chance to unwind in the on-site sauna after a day of exploring. With its cosy setup and friendly atmosphere, Ariki Bungalows is perfect for those seeking a more personal touch to their Rarotonga stay. We also feature this accommodation in our list of the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Rarotonga.

Book Ariki Bungalows:

• Ariki Bungalows on Booking.com
• Ariki Bungalows on Trip.com
• Ariki Bungalows on Expedia