Cook Islands accommodation for all budgets and interests. Beautiful Pacific provides an efficient booking service for all cook islands resorts and offers unbeatable knowledge with discounted hotel rates as well as fantastic holiday packages
Muri Beach is Rarotonga's most picturesque and popular tourist area and sits on the south east coast of Rarotonga in the Cook islands. Muri's main attractions are the tranquil sandy bottom lagoon which is excellent for swimming, its picturesque sweeping beach and snorkelling and kayaking around the four uninhabited islets within the lagoon. This is the place to go for water activities (sailing, kayaking, wind-surfing and even kite-surfing) and there's a nice beach bar and restaurant at the Sailing Club to sip beers and watch people. The only drawback (apart from lack of seclusion) is that the wind tends to pick up in the afternoon and, being on the east side of the island, the sun disappears early behind the mountains making it less appealing at sunset.
It's easy to wade (or kayak) across to the uninhabited islets at both low and high tide and spend a day relaxing on the quiet beach and looking back towards the mountains of Rarotonga. Snorkelling in the lagoon is good only for marine life - there's no coral here and the lagoon is only waist deep in most places which makes it easy for beginners. Muri Beach has the highest concentration of accommodation on Rarotonga from a small 65-room resort to lots of self-catering bungalows. There's several independent restaurants and takeaways in the Muri Area. Climb the hill opposite Pacific Resort for excellent views of the lagoon and islets.
On the north end of Muri opposite Motutapu islet is Avana Passage where the Cook Island Maoris departed in double hull catamarans to colonize New Zealand. The passage here is the best and most reliable surfing spot in the Cook Islands and allows entry for protected anchorage for yachts and motor boats. Inland from Avana is the extremely attractive and peaceful Turangi Valley. A dirt track leads almost 3 miles inland into the heart of Rarotonga and makes for excellent walking past small plantations and lush tropical forest. There's a lovely church a mile or so north of Muri which is built from limestone blocks and makes a good choice for a Sunday Church service.
Rumours Luxury Villas, Rarotonga NZ$ 850 - 1,800 per couple
Rumours Luxury Villas features five luxuriously appointed villas on the beachfront adjoining popular Muri Beach in Rarotonga, and three similarly stylish villas on Amuri Beach in Aitutaki. These villas are exceptionally well furnsihed with fine attention to detail and suit honeymooners and executive travellers on holiday.
Sokala Villas is a collection of single storey and split level villas, some with private pools, at the northern end of Muri Beach. With simple pine furnishings and four poster beds, large decks with lagoon views and a dazzling lagoon directly in front, Sokala is a popular spot for Honeymooners looking for intimate living.
Muri Beach Club, Rarotonga NZ$ 468 - 669 per couple
Muri Beach Club is located on a fantastic section of Muri Beach with a clear lagoon out front and fabulous views of the offshore motu. This is a modern contemporary style resort aimed exclusively at couples with a no child policy of 18yrs or under.
Pacific Resort, Rarotonga NZ$ 400 - 695 per couple
Pacific Resort is set in landscaped tropical gardens and boasts a prime location on Muri Beach. This medium size hotel is undoubtedly the most relaxed and down-to-earth fully serviced accommodation in the Cook Islands. Facilities include restaurant and bar, swimming pool and water activities.
Manea Beach is a collection of eight self contained bungalows and fully appointed villas situated on the north end of popular Muri Beach. Manea Beach is walking distance to several excellent restaurants and small shops and 150 metres from the road ensuring a noise-free stay. Complementary kayaks and snorkelling gear.
Muri Beachcomber, Rarotonga NZ$ 275 - 380 per couple
Muri Beachcomber is in a prime location on the beachfront in the heart of Muri Beach yet offers a serene atmosphere in beautifully landscaped gardens. This beachfront property offers excellent value for money with friendly staff and is close to restaurants and activities.
Muri Beach Resort, Rarotonga NZ$ 270 - 440 per couple
Set at the southern end of Muri Beach with nine contemporary units. and three self contained apartments, Muri Beach Resort boats a pleasant swimming pool setting opening out to Muri Beach. Good value and on site managers make this a good place for families to enjoy a quiet holiday.
Muri Beach Hideaway, Rarotonga NZ$ 230 - 300 per couple
Muri Beach Hideaway is a delightful small property owned by a local Cook Islander who lives on property. There are nine individually styled deluxe bungalows located in the heart of Muri Beach overlooking the beachfront with bungalows set in beautifully landscaped gardens and beside the swimming pool.
Kura's Kabanas is a small family run property on the edge of Muri Beach and offers affordable self contained bungalows. This is a good base for those looking for a quiet holiday but with easy access to the water activities and restaurants of Muri.
Kings Beach Villas, Rarotonga NZ$ 159 - 189 per couple
King's Beach Villas is located at the Southern end of Muri Beach along a quiet yet picturesque stretch of white sand, facing the island of Taokaa. With just two duplex cottages and self catering facilities, this is a good choice for budget travellers looking for comfortable yet simple living.
Tiana's Beach Villas, Rarotonga NZ$ 120 - 150 per couple
Tiana's is a small family run property situated in the quiet south side of Muri Beach. The five self catering units are found down a small track 100 yards off the main road and offer excellent privacy. This is a great spot for those looking for a beach holiday on a budget with a gorgeous beach location
Five self contained budget bungalows set in the hills overlooking Muri Lagoon offers holiday-makers some of the most affordable accommodation in Rarotonga. It's a five minute walk to the heart of Muri Beach and its restaurants, convenience stores and activities centre.
Vara's Backpackers, Rarotonga NZ$ 55 - 130 per couple
Varas Backpackers Rarotonga is the liveliest Cook Islands backpacker hostel with a great location between in popular Muri. With budget style accommodation mostly set in the hills overlooking Muri Lagoon, this is a great place to meet fellow travellers, relax on the beachfront, snorkel in the lagoon and explore the island.
