I invariably stay in one of the charming bungalows at this little complex next door to the Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel and the Paw Paw Patch Restaurant & Bar (discussed later). These are the most Tahitian units on Rarotonga, and with good reason. They were designed and built by Tom Fearon, whose family was involved with the Hotel Bora Bora in the 1970s; who lived most of his adult life in French Polynesia; whose brother, Steve Fearon, operates Matira Pearls on Bora Bora; and whose Cook Islander wife, Tere, is on the staff of James Norman Hall's Home on Tahiti. Tere's twin sister, Luckey, looks after the guests here, so this is very much a family affair. Built of local hardwoods, the spacious bungalows have thatch-covered roofs lined inside with pareu cloth, ceiling fans, walls of woven split bamboo, living rooms with sitting areas and full kitchens, air-conditioned bedrooms with king-size beds and televisions, and 18-foot-wide front porches with teak furniture. Borrowing from the original Bali Hai hotels in French Polynesia, Tom installed bathrooms with outdoor showers almost surrounded by gardens. Each unit has complimentary snorkeling gear and two kayaks for use in Titikaveka Lagoon, Rarotonga's best. The beachfront bungalows sit high enough off the ground to give unimpeded lagoon views. Complimentary tropical breakfast is served in an open-air lounge. Don't expect grass here; the grounds are all pure white sand -- a la Bora Bora, of course. Children under 12 aren't allowed here.
Facilities:
Complimentary kayaks and snorkeling gear; laundry service
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
