Reviews of Serenity Villas Rarotonga
Ara Tapu Arorangi, Arorangi, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

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Reviewed: 5 September 2025 · Stayed in September 2025
Verified reviewRick and Jo have done a beautiful job with the villas and the gardens/beachfront. Everything you could need for a luxuriously self-sufficient stay on Raro. Great location for access to town, airport and watching whales and sunsets. Nice area to swim directly in front of the villas.
While there weren't 'many' mozzies and the mozzie net over the bed worked well... I would recommend installing flyscreens on the doors and windows, so that fresh air and the beautiful ocean noise can be enjoyed through the night. The mattress is also very soft (akin to a marshmallow 😅) so take that into account if you prefer a firm mattress.
Reviewed: 31 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewRick was amazing great induction at the start amazing property 🙌
Reviewed: 28 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 24 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewNo breakfast provided but not expected
Didn't like being asked to vacate the premises after checkout when we could see no harm in sitting by the pool or the beach reading a book for two hours while waiting for airport shuttle. Especially when the offer had been made to stay so no other arrangements were made.
Thank you for sharing your feedback—we’re pleased to hear you enjoyed your time with us overall. We completely understand the appeal of lingering longer on the property by the pool or beach before a flight, and we’re sorry if our request to vacate the property felt abrupt. To help guests transition smoothly after checkout, we offer several options, including complimentary use of our luggage lockers, suggestions for nearby amenities such as The Islander Hotel, and the opportunity to extend your checkout until 2pm for a small fee. In this instance, you chose to check out at 10am, and while we appreciate your wish to enjoy the property a little longer, we do need to manage space and resources for incoming guests and those with early or extended stays. Our check-in and check-out times are clearly communicated, but we’ll continue working to ensure expectations are even clearer in the future.
Thank you for sharing your feedback—we’re pleased to hear you enjoyed your time with us overall. We completely understand the appeal of lingering longer on the property by the pool or beach before a flight, and we’re sorry if our request to… Show more
Reviewed: 17 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewGood size, very clean, well appointed, and close to all facilities, couldn’t ask for more
Nothing
Thanks for sending us a review Kevin. We are happy to know that you had a good stay with us. It was a pleasure to host you all.
Reviewed: 29 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewBeautiful villa’s in a private enclave right on the beach. Gorgeous pool, all the amenities you could wish for and wonderful, friendly hosts. I’d highly recommend if you’re looking for a relaxing retreat.
Thanks for your endorsement! It was nice to know that everything was as you would wish!
Reviewed: 24 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewImmaculately presented property with nice little touches in kitchen etc that were well thought out and meant have everything needed. Small enough to be very quiet and relaxing, but good amenities, access to Kayaks and snorkelling gear etc. Good communications before and during visit with owners being around as needed but careful not to intrude. Although no restaurant on property - there is a good restaurant next door and other good ones within walking distance and good facilities in the rooms for cooking etc.
We really appreciate you taking the time to write a review - thank you. And we are very happy that you found that Serenity was what you needed for your holiday break.
Reviewed: 24 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewLack of roosters
Thanks for rating us so highly, and LOL, we do work hard to keep them away but never any guarantees!
Reviewed: 21 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewLocation, style, comfort, sunsets.
Reviewed: 18 July 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 29 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewAnything you think you might need was available in your villa or within the complex. It felt like stepping in to a private sanctuary with few guests and lovely maintained gardens. Great pool, amenities and of course beachside with excellent snorkelling.
If I was to be extremely picky, we could easily hear our neighbours chatting, foot steps and preparing meals through the walls.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. So pleased that you both enjoyed your stay here. If you ever do manage to come over again we would love to welcome you back!
Reviewed: 31 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewThe villa was clean, well equipped, and the bed was comfortable. The bathroom was fabulous, with indoor and outdoor showers. The grounds were beautiful and well kept. The attention to detail was impressive. Beachfront location with amazing views and the sunsets were breathtaking. Good snorkeling right outside the villas. Numerous restaurants to choose from.
Nothing.
Thank you for your rating and review. It is always great to know that we have impressed our guests with our villas and property. We are fortunate that the sunsets and lagoon are stunning and wonderful to have at our doorstep.
Reviewed: 25 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewLoved the quietness and beautiful surroundings
Snorkeling isn't great right out front of property so we drove round to the other side every day to go snorkeling. This is literally the only downside of the place as snorkeling was our main activity here. I can't say enough about every other aspect of this resort as it is absolutely amazing.
It was a real pleasure to welcome you back! We're sorry to hear the snorkelling didn’t quite meet your expectations this time—unseasonal conditions can occasionally affect visibility and marine activity. Typically, guests are amazed by the vibrant underwater life right off our beach, with the current record being 36 different species of fish photographed in just one hour! For even more variety, the nearby marine reserves at The Rarotongan and the Fruits of Rarotonga are also fantastic spots to explore. Thank you for sharing your experience, and we truly hope to welcome you again on a future visit.
It was a real pleasure to welcome you back! We're sorry to hear the snorkelling didn’t quite meet your expectations this time—unseasonal conditions can occasionally affect visibility and marine activity. Typically, guests are amazed by … Show more
Reviewed: 17 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewWalking into the unit (#3) was just jaw dropping to start with. we were in heaven. Then through to the absolutely gobsmacking front view of the lagoon and ocean from the huge balcony. Everything is here for our stay. Rick and Jo welcomed us with a overview on things and during our stay nothing was too much trouble. Best things.... ...the VIEW, walking straight out onto the beach from our balcony. ample comfy seating /table on balcony. No roosters/chickens around here, king size soft comfy 4 poster bed, huge shower, plus outside shower, great hot water, full size fridge, microwave, toaster oven, heated pool, located on sheltered side of island, netflix on TV. overall quality of furnishing are like new, clean. only 4 beachfront villas so Very private. the photos cannot match reality. Got to be 6 stars if I could give.
Leaving
The delight on your faces during your stay said it all, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share that in your review. It means a lot to us. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing our guests enjoy what we've created. Thank you again for choosing to stay with us. If you ever find yourself back in Rarotonga, we'd be absolutely thrilled to welcome you again.
The delight on your faces during your stay said it all, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share that in your review. It means a lot to us. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing our guests enjoy what we've created. … Show more
Reviewed: 14 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewQuiet private location. Thanks Rick for bringing Suzi’s sunglasses to the airport.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review and for your kind rating—we really appreciate it! I'm glad we were able to get your item back to you; it often comes down to timing and a bit of luck when things are found. Happy it worked out well in your case!
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review and for your kind rating—we really appreciate it! I'm glad we were able to get your item back to you; it often comes down to timing and a bit of luck when things are found. Happy i… Show more
Reviewed: 25 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewThe location was perfect for me, I LOVED the pool, and the little extra's like fly spray/glad wrap, click clacks, night light in bathroom, + the time Rick spent providing an overview of all things Raro made for an amazing experience
Thank you for your review. We were delighted to hear happy that all the little touches that we have in the villa helped to make your stay so perfect (including floating in the pool). We look forward to welcoming you back again.
Reviewed: 20 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewVillas and amenities were fantastic. Right on the most beautiful stretch of beach. Rick was the best host. Just wonderful.
Nothing
Thanks so much for sharing. So pleased you were happy with our little piece of paradise
Reviewed: 4 February 2025 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewWe had an absolutely amazing stay in Serenity villa! The accommodation was stunning—beautifully maintained, peaceful, and perfect for relaxation. Every detail was thoughtfully designed, making it a true island paradise. We never wanted to leave. Jo and Rick were exceptional—warm, welcoming, and always ready to assist with anything we needed. Their hospitality made our experience even more special. The location was perfect, allowing us to enjoy the breathtaking surroundings and stunning beaches. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to unwind. Highly recommend this beautiful retreat for anyone looking for a relaxing and unforgettable stay in Rarotonga! We can’t wait to return
Thank you for your review. Meitaki! It was very nice to meet you both and see the joy as you experienced Serenity and the island. If you ever get the chance to visit us again you will be most welcome.
Reviewed: 2 January 2025 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewGreat location: quiet, peaceful and so relaxing. Picturesque tropical gardens and fabulous fresh fruit frequently delivered by the owner. Lots of little touches that made our stay so easy.
Leaving!!!
Thank you so much for writing a review. Knowing that you enjoyed the peaceful location, the gardens, and the little touches makes us very happy. It was a pleasure having you stay and we’d love to welcome you back anytime!
Reviewed: 4 December 2024 · Stayed in November 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 21 November 2024 · Stayed in November 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 8 November 2024 · Stayed in November 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 8 November 2024 · Stayed in November 2024
Verified reviewFabulous view of the beach and lagoon with out own private beach. Lovely snorkeling in the lagoon with corals and plentiful fish. The owner, Rick, was very helpful and unobtrusively attentive.
The option of thinner pillows
Reviewed: 28 October 2024 · Stayed in October 2024
Verified review