The spacePerfectly sized villas with tall ceilings, free WiFi, filtered water, insect screens on windows and sliding door, aircon, a smart TV, a modern bathroom with shower, queen bed and 2 lounge chairs and a coffee table. Sliding doors out to a covered deck with a 2 person outdoor setting and a sun lounger on the lawn. The kitchenette has a bench height fridge with small freezer box, a microwave and kitchen sink. There is an outdoor covered in area for the two villas to share which includes a BBQ, a 4 seater dining set, a little oven with hobs plus utensils. There is a lawn area to bask on your own sun lounger or dip in the pool.
Guest accessThe 2 villas are located near each other and collectively share the pool and BBQ area. There is plenty of parking located behind the villas.
Additional notesSea Turtle Lodge & Villas are located in Vaimaanga, the stunning south side of the island with pristine sandy beaches, about 200m back from the ring road at the very centre bottom of the island. Our side road is opposite the popular turtle diving channel experience.
The villas have initial provisions tea/coffee, salt/pepper, toilet paper, etc provided for your use. They are equipped with a brand new UV filter system so it is safe to drink the tap water plus free wifi, provider is Starlink. Swim towels are also provided.
Things to Do
• Right here & along the road
Without leaving the house you can experience the amazingly large fruit bats just before dusk souring into the neighbouring trees. The best viewing deck is the one outside kitchen with blue picnic table. If there’s been a bit of rain and the creek has water, there is a track to the creek where you may see eels and/or hilarious looking lobsters/yabbies, very fun to take a spotlight at night. Also fun at night is viewing the crabs on the beach.
• Snorkelling/Swimming at the Beach
You will have noticed it’s just a 5-minute stroll to the beach. As there is a channel through the reef where the turtle viewing tours take place, when on the outgoing tide it is unsafe to swim near there. We recommend just strolling further along the beach either way to avoid any danger. There are many areas on the island with really good snorkelling, take a left towards Muri, best snorkelling is the Fruits of Rarotonga (you’ll find it on the tourist map), take a right and head to The Rarotongan resort, snorkelling there is good as they feed the fish plus they welcome visitors as long as you’re at least buying a drink, they have a good pool as well. And then there’s another great place with snorkel hire gear just past the Rarotongan Resort, opposite Adventure Cook Islands, you may even be lucky enough to swim with a turtle. If you want just a safe gorgeous wallow turn left onto ring road and swim opposite the Kings Representative Home, a pristine beautiful beach, just past Sea Change Villas.
• Coffee
There are a couple of newish coffee stalls at the end of our road around the Sea Turtle tours area, one on the beach and one across the road, not sure of their spasmodic hours though but super handy! Failing that there’s a café opposite Wigmores Supermarket, a 20-minute stroll to the right.
• Raro Mud Buggys
Absolute must if you’re up for the challenge, it's super messy and amazing but you need to book
• Dining Out- there are many dining options in Rarotonga catering to every budget, here are some:
-Muri Night Markets
Based in Muri, held on Tues-Thurs & Sat evenings from 5-7.30pmish, mostly all food stalls, delish casual picnic type set up, can BYO if you’d like a beverage with your dinner. Priced around $23 a meal, but very large.
- Yellow Hibiscus (Palm Grove Resort)
Beautiful meals, not beachfront, lovely staff, turn right on ringroad, a 5-minute drive
- The Waterline Restaurant and Beach Bar
Beautiful food, stunning, quirky, beachfront restaurant, often have entertainment, must book, on the western side of island
- Vaima Restaurant
Great meals, outdoors seating the best, feet-in-the-sand dining, located just past Wigmore’s Supermarket, an 8-minute drive to the right. Closed Tuesdays.
- Charlie’s Beach Bar & Café
More casual option, often has entertainment, very popular, elevated beach front, approx. 15 minute drive towards Muri. Closed Sundays
- Maire Nui Gardens and Café
Brunch/lunch Tuesday to Friday, incredible gardens to peruse, left at ring road, approx. 15 minute drive.
- Beluga Café
Very popular, open from early until 2pm Tues-Sat. Western side of island, turn right at ring road, approx. 20 minute drive.
- The Rarotongan Resort
A great resort to visit, very casual resort type food, if ordering food & drinks can use their pool, a lovely sandy beach, amazing fish to view over restaurant balcony, good snorkelling, service is not the best
• Saturday Markets in main town
Every Saturday, starts at 7am, produce and gift stalls, a definite must
Sunday Church
A must if you enjoy stunning singing, usually 10am start, you can attend any.
• Anti-clockwise/clockwise bus
Leaves every half hour from 7am up to 10pm daily (not sure re Sundays), if no hire vehicle or scooter this is your next option
• Lagoon Cruises
There are 2 tour groups, Captain Tama’s or Koka Lagoon Cruises and both are awesome, a four-hour trip departing mid-late morning both near Muri, first stop lagoon snorkelling, they have a glass-bottomed boat to cater for those that prefer not to get in the water, then taken to island opposite Muri for a delish lunch and cultural entertainment. A great family daytime outing, turn left on ring road, a 10-minute drive approximately, towards Muri.
• Movies
There’s a movie theatre in town opposite Trader Jacks Bar & Restaurant
• The ‘Cross-island Track’
It is classified as a challenging hike, taking 3-4 hours, north to south is best and the good news is that it ends at the Wigmores’ waterfall which is about a 30-40 minute walk from Sea Turtle Lodge & Villas. It starts just outside Avarua, the main township. Prepare to be wowed by tangled tree roots, meandering streams, cascading waterfalls, spectacular rock formations and the iconic Te Rua Manga (The Needle). The Needle is a 413m high volcanic plug sitting in the very centre of the island and offers unbeatable views of Rarotonga. Although the descent to the top of The Needle is recommended for experienced climbers, the rest of the Cross-Island Track is suitable for hikers above the age of four with average fitness levels.
Guest interactionIf there are any problems during your stay the Property Manager will be available to assist. You may come across Bobby the grounds man or Rob the Pool Doctor but otherwise you will not be disturbed unless you require assistance.
Neighborhood overviewNestled in the heart of Rarotonga, our neighbourhood is a captivating blend of natural wonders and local charm. Just steps away from the renowned Turoa Beach, known for its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters, it's a paradise for beach lovers. The area is surrounded by lush jungle and the majestic mountain backdrop, offering endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Within this serene setting, you'll find a vibrant community, rich in culture and warmth. The nearby beaches, each with their own unique allure, invite you to relax, swim, and soak in the stunning sunsets. This neighbourhood is not just a place to stay; it's a gateway to experiencing the best of island life, where every day is an invitation to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Rarotonga.
Getting aroundSea Turtle Villas are located within a 30 minute stroll along the ring road or beach to a few restaurants, more casual takeaway eateries or a small dairy or larger supermarket for your food/drink requirements.
Alternatively there are several car/scooter hire companies, most allow airport pick up/drop off or there is a clockwise and anti-clockwise bus that travels the whole island on the half hour with a nearby collection point a short walk to the island’s ring road.
There is also e-bike hire available.
