The Top Accommodations with a Kitchen on Rarotonga
Any savvy traveller knows that the best way to save money on your vacation is to cook your own meals. Of course, we’re talking about you; why else would you be browsing the best self-catering accommodations on Rarotonga? Well, let’s cut to the chase and show you the places to stay with the best kitchen facilities. Just right after we include an obligatory link…
… Here’s your obligatory link: plan the rest of your getaway using The Complete Travel Guide to Rarotonga and the 50 Best Things to Do on Rarotonga.
1. Muri Beachcomber
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 list this property in the 20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Rarotonga.
Check Muri Beachcomber out:
2. Rainbow Villas
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 in the lush gardens surrounding the outdoor pool and cook up a storm in your luxury villa that’s 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.
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3. Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows
For a more sustainable stay, choose Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows. Their small selection of island-inspired boutique bungalows comes with delightful Polynesian touches like carved four-poster beds and classic tivaevae linens. Make use of the self-catering facilities where the reusable takeaway coffee mugs, a tote bag and water bottles make exploring the island a little easier on you and the planet. What’s more, guests get exclusive rental of the resort’s EVs. Learn more about the sustainable aspects of this resort in the 10 Best Eco Resorts on Rarotonga.
Check Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows out:
- Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows on Booking.com
- Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows on Trip.com
- Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows on Expedia
4. Mama Taras Bungalows
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 are available for families or groups of up to four. Alternatively, enjoy an ultra-contemporary stay in the villa for up to six guests with its own private pool. Either way, you have your own space with self-catering facilities and are within short walking distance of Muri Beach and its tours and restaurants.
Check Mama Taras Bungalows out:
- Mama Taras Bungalows on Booking.com
- Mama Taras Bungalows on Expedia
- Mama Taras Villa on Booking.com
- Mama Taras Villa on Expedia
5. Arapati Holiday Homes
What’s more “self-catering” than a holiday home? Arapati Holiday Homes manage 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.
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6. Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa
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 uniquely designed private pools (some with a waterfall) while guests are treated to a welcome gift basket and bubbles on arrival. The attention to detail is unmatched, down to the handpainted dinnerware of your fully equipped kitchen, while your villa’s designated kayaks will help you explore more of the lagoon just steps away. If you want to see more like this, check out the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations on Rarotonga.
Check Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa out:
- Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa on Booking.com
- Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa on Trip.com
- Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa on Expedia
7. Moana Sands Beachfront Villas & Apartments
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. See how it compares to the 10 Best Spas in Rarotonga.
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8. Aro’a Beachside Inn
Nestled in its own verdant corner of Rarotonga’s sunset coast, Aro’a Beachside Inn might be compact but that’s all part of the charm. The beachside accommodation offers decent snorkelling off its beach, as well as good times from its popular Shipwreck Hut beach bar. While the studios and apartments aren’t winning any style points, they are comfortable, functional and offer decent self-catering amenities. It’s a true boutique accommodation experience! See more like this in the 10 Best Boutique Resorts on Rarotonga.
Check Aro’a Beachside Inn out:
9. Rarotonga Beach Bungalows
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 have an open-plan kitchen and dining area complete with a two-door fridge, a gas stovetop and plenty of 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!
Check Rarotonga Beach Bungalows out:
- Rarotonga Beach Bungalows on Booking.com
- Rarotonga Beach Bungalows on Trip.com
- Rarotonga Beach Bungalows on Expedia
10. Ariki Bungalows
The accommodation of Ariki Adventures, Ariki Bungalows not only offers affordable self-catering accommodation on Rarotonga but activity combos that you can’t refuse. The compact yet comfortable accommodation features three studio rooms and a two-bedroom villa for groups of up to 10. The bungalows sleep two people and include a kitchen, ensuite and a small deck to relax on with a meal. Otherwise, hang out by the small swimming pool. We also list this accommodation in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Rarotonga.
Check Ariki Bungalows out:
More About Self-Catering Accommodations on Rarotonga
That’s it for our list of the best self-catering accommodations on Rarotonga but it’s by no means a comprehensive list. There are plenty of options when it comes to cooking in your accommodation, so check out these other recommendations if you haven’t already found “the one”.
- 5 Best Motels in Rarotonga
- 20 Best Resorts in Rarotonga
- Where to Stay on Rarotonga: The Best Rarotonga Accommodations
Finally, learn more about grocery shopping on the island with The Cost of Food in the Cook Islands: Restaurant & Grocery Prices and 15 Ways to Save Money on Food in the Cook Islands.
Author
Robin C.
This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, a local government body representing the tourism industry. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.