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4.7 out of 5

"Lovely hosts, nice cabin very close to the beach and easily walkable to Muri. " More

By a verified traveller on Sun 08 Oct 2023

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Hotel Description

At Tropical Sands you'll be within just a 15-minute stroll of Avana Harbour and Muri Lagoon.

Each apartment is soundproofed and features a furnished patio, a private yard, and WiFi. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a refrigerator and a stovetop. Nice touches to enhance your stay include free toiletries and premium bedding. A flat-screen TV, a coffee/tea maker, and free bottled water are also available. Housekeeping is available once per stay.

Spend the day at the beach where you'll find sun loungers. Other amenities include WiFi in public areas and laundry facilities. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle.

Two-bedroom Villa

Bed Count 2 Queen Beds Maximum Occupancy 4 Max

Villa with Sea View

Bed Count 1 Queen Bed Maximum Occupancy 3 Max

Villa with Garden View

Bed Count 1 Queen Bed Maximum Occupancy 3 Max

Tropical Sands ratings based on 10 Verified Reviews

Review Summary
4.7 out of 5 4.5 out of 5.0
Room cleanliness 5.0 out of 5.0
Service & staff 5.0 out of 5.0
Room comfort 4.5 out of 5.0
Hotel condition 4.5 out of 5.0

Guest reviews for Tropical Sands

Everyone (7) Couples (3)
5 out of 5
Lovely hosts, nice cabin very close to the beach and easily walkable to Muri.

Posted by on 8 Oct. 2023

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4 out of 5
The homely relaxing environment supported by the friendly and helpful releaving management plus access to scenic beach

Posted by on 17 May 2019

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Comment from Hotel Management

17 May 2019 by Cath

Thank you for your kind words, glad you enjoyed your stay with us. Meitaki Maa'ta

5 out of 5

Waterfront bungalow with amazing sunrise

Pros: The location, the hosts, the bycicles provided and the fact that that though our location was private we were only 2-3 kms from the nearest township
Despite some atrocious weather we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Tropical Sands and when or if we get to return to Raratonga it will be our preferred accommodation destination. Our hosts were friendly and helpful, the accommodation was awesome right on the beachfront and between the use of the bycicles provided and the public bus stop at the resort entrance we had no trouble getting around Raratonga. A holiday that will long be remembered

Posted by , from Ballina NSW Australia on 12 Apr. 2018

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Comment from Hotel Management

26 Apr. 2018 by Rudy & Kanoe

HI Neil, Thanks for staying with us at TROPICAL SANDS and hope to see you again in the near future.

4 out of 5

Right on the beach

Clean and comfortable. Amazing views, beautiful well kept gardens. Meet all our expectations. Hosts friendly and approachable. Enjoyed our stay.

Posted by , from New Zealand on 28 Mar. 2018

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Comment from Hotel Management

3 Apr. 2018 by Rudy

Thank you for your nice review please visit us soon. Warm regards, Rudy & Kanoe

5 out of 5

A quiet little place to stay away from the crowds

Pros: Small quiet away from it all.
Cons: Option of air con in the hotter months
Location: Coffee and garage/dairy 50metres away. 10 mins to the airport by car, 5mins to Muri by car. Half hour walk to Muri.
Tropical Sands is a really special little place. It was immaculate, well maintained and well away from the crowds. The hosts Rudy and Kanoe were very welcoming. You can't swim at the beach here, but sitting under a palm and hearing the waves crash was so relaxing. I walked into Muri to the beach it was a good half hour but the bus service is great if you don't have a car or moped and don't want to walk. Just up the road is the best coffee and fresh croissants Ive had in a long time! At night the garden becomes home to all these wee hermit crabs, so cool to watch. My unit didn't have air con, not sure if the others do, it wasn't a problem at this time of the year but I think in the hotter months if that is something that you need when it's really hot, you might want to consider. Bed was comfy and the roosters (everywhere on the island) were easy enough to ignore and go back to sleep! I would definitely recommend this place if the resorts are not your thing. Thanks for a great stay.

Posted by , from Christchurch NZ on 28 Oct. 2017

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Comment from Hotel Management

2 Dec. 2017 by Rudy & Kanoe

Thank for the heads up on air conditioning. The rising cost of electricity and maintaining air conditioners plays a major part in raising the cost units per night we think that having fans is sufficient so the price and discounts remain the same and guest knows it is a great value.

5 out of 5

TROPICAL SANDS

Pros: Manicured and culturally designed outdoor environment. Garden units had a sea view. Helpful caring owners.
Cons: Provide hair dryer and iron/board in unit, instead of having to be asked. Parking space needs to be extended to accommodate a full house.
Location: Muri is nearby where activities, restaurants and night life avail.
4th visit to CI, 1st visit to TS. Wonderful setting, great chooks, crabs, views and cultural ambiance.

Posted by , from NZ on 5 Jul. 2017

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5 out of 5

Charming beachfront bungalows.

Pros: Clean rooms, quiet, self serviced cottages, great natural light. Hosts were genuine and ready to assist at all times.
Cons: Parking area at the front manageable yet is restrictive for more than two vehicles, otherwise cannot fault the stay.
Location: 5 minute drive from town, otherwise a great beachside location.
Thoroughly enjoyed the well presented and well cared for beachside bungalows. Artwork and gardening captures the true essence of beachside lifestyle. Beach is reef/oceanfront (not really a swimming beach) with cool seabreeze most of the day.

Posted by , from Melbourne on 4 Jun. 2017

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4 out of 5

Beautiful setting right on the beach.

Pros: It was quiet and the hosts were just lovely. No children under 12. Not that we don't like children but we like peace on holiday
Cons: My bed was very hard like sleeping on a plank. Apart from that it was very good.
Location: We were close to Muri and hired a car for our stay there... though the younger ones hire scooters.
We enjoyed our stay at Tropical Sands and the hosts were helpful and charming. The unit itself was basic but we had everything we needed at a very reasonable price. My shower was brilliant. It was nice to sit on our deck relaxing and listening and watching the ocean. The only fault I could claim was that my bed was very hard but I guess that is personal preference. All in all, great value for money and away from the bustle of the big resorts. Thanks.

Posted by , from New Zealand on 31 Jul. 2016

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5 out of 5

It's a hidden gem, the island, hotel and the host.

One of my best time holiday experience. very friendly staff, close to Muri beach. the way the hotel located is perfect. Appreciate your kind gestures, will definitely visit again.

Posted by , from Melbourne on 27 Jul. 2016

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5 out of 5

Tropical Sands is an exceptionally beautiful place

Pros: It was peaceful, well maintained and artistically decorated
Cons: nothing
Location: Close to the lovely Muri Beach which has lovely restaurants great swimming.
The welcome we received was extremely friendly, we felt as if we'd known the owners all our lives. The accommodation was very well maintained and artistically decorated. The huts are well designed, we lacked nothing.

Posted by , from Thames nz on 19 Sep. 2015

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Property Features

Tropical Sands offers its guests a terrace, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden. WiFi is available in public spaces for a fee. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. Tropical Sands also features a picnic area and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available. Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3-star Rarotonga apartment.

  • 1 floor
  • 5 guestrooms or units
  • 5 buildings
  • Built in 1998
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Self-service laundry
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas

Family Friendly Amenities

  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry facilities
  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave

Internet

Available in all rooms: WiFi (surcharge)

Available in some public areas: WiFi (surcharge)

Parking

Free self parking

Transport

  • Property shuttles: Airport shuttle
  • Parking: Free self parking

Room Amenities

Tropical Sands offers 5 accommodations with safes and complimentary bottled water. Rooms open to furnished patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature premium bedding. Accommodations at this 3-star apartment have kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers, stovetops, cookware/dishes/utensils, and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. This Rarotonga apartment provides wireless Internet access (speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)) for a surcharge. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and ceiling fans. Irons/ironing boards and hair dryers can be requested. Housekeeping is provided once per stay.

  • In-room kitchen
  • Private patio (furnished)
  • Private outdoor space
  • Flat-screen television
  • Refrigerator (full size)
  • Stove
  • Coffee maker
  • Kitchenware
  • Luxury bedding
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Housekeeping (once per stay)
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe
  • Toiletries (free)
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Sound-insulated rooms
  • Ceiling fan
  • Ensuite bathroom
  • Unique furnishings
  • Unique decor
  • Wardrobe or closet

Hotel Policies

Check-in

  • Check-in time starts at 1:00 PM
  • Minimum check-in age is: 21
  • Check-in time ends at anytime

Special check-in instructions:

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply). To arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. There is no front desk at this property. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and key retrieval information. Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance.

Tropical Sands offers transfers from the airport (fees may apply). Please contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation 48 hours prior to arrival with your arrival details. This property does not have a front desk. To arrange for check-in, guests must contact the property at least 72 hours prior to arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in information and key retrieval information. Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance.

Check-out

  • Check-out by 10 AM

Payment types

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Pet Policy

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Tropical Sands

Policies

Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.

A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.

Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit in each accommodation. The property is professionally cleaned. Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.

  • No cots (infant beds) available
  • No lifts
  • Service animals not allowed
  • No front desk
  • Debit cards not accepted
  • Private entrance
  • Property uses a professional cleaning service
  • Property is cleaned with disinfectant
  • Contactless check-in is available
  • Property confirms they are implementing enhanced cleaning measures
  • No gap period between guests' stays
  • Bed sheets and towels are washed at a temperature of at least 60°C/140°F
  • Commonly touched surfaces are cleaned with disinfectant
  • Property confirms they are implementing guest safety measures
  • Contactless check-out is available
  • Property does not follow sanitisation practices of any association

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Shuttle transfer per adult: NZD 25.00 (one-way)
  • Shuttle transfer per child: NZD 20.00 (one-way), from 12 to 18 years old
  • Cleaning fee: NZD 35.00 per accommodation, per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for in-room wireless internet: NZD 50 per stay (rates may vary)
  • Fee for wireless internet in public areas: NZD 50 per stay (rates may vary)
  • Airport shuttle fee: NZD 25 per person (one-way)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: NZD 20.00 (one-way), (from 12 to 18 years old)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: NZD 85 (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

Hotel Names

  • Tropical Sands Apartment Rarotonga
  • Tropical Sands Rarotonga
  • Tropical Sands Apartment
  • Tropical Sands Rarotonga
  • Tropical Sands Apartment Rarotonga

You should know

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.
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Frequently Asked Questions

*Price based on the lowest price found within past 24 hours and based upon one night stay for two adults over the next thirty days. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.