10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations on Rarotonga 🍽️ [2025]

Last Updated: 7 June, 2025

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 feature this property in our list of the 20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Rarotonga.

Book Muri Beachcomber:

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations on Rarotonga ????️ [2023]

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 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.

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3. Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows

For a more sustainable stay, choose Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows. This boutique resort offers a range of accommodation options, including island-inspired bungalows with Polynesian touches, such as carved four-poster beds and classic tivaevae linens.

They also boast two full 2-bedroom units and a smaller version for more compact needs, perfect for groups or older families (resort child policy is 12+).

Make use of the self-catering facilities, which include handmade ceramics in the kitchen. Guests can enjoy complimentary snorkel gear and reef shoes for exploring the island’s underwater wonders. Additionally, you’ll have exclusive access to the resort’s electric vehicles, ensuring a comfortable and eco-friendly stay.

Learn more about the sustainable aspects of this resort in the 10 Best Eco Resorts on Rarotonga.

Book Magic Reef Beachfront Bungalows:

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 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:

5. Arapati Holiday Homes

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:

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 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:

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. Compare it to the 10 Best Spas in Rarotonga.

Book Moana Sands Beachfront Villas & Apartments:

8. Aro’a Beachside Resort

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:

10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations on Rarotonga 🍽️ [2025]

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 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:

10. Ariki Bungalows

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:

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”.

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.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the 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.

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