Take advantage of a terrace, a garden, and laundry facilities at Tropical Sands. This apartment is a great place to bask in the sun with a beachfront location and sun loungers. Stay connected with in-room WiFi (surcharge).
Located in Takitumu District, a neighborhood in Rarotonga, Tropical Sands is in the suburbs and on the beach. Muri Beach and Takitumu Conservation Area reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Tikioki Marine Sanctuary and Maire Nui Botanical Gardens. Sir Geoffrey Henry National Culture Centre and Cocoputt are also worth visiting. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby. Visit our Ngatangiia travel guide
You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Tropical Sands
WiFi in public areas, laundry facilities, and tour/ticket assistance are available at this apartment building. Self parking is free. Other amenities include a garden and a picnic area. Each apartment features WiFi and a furnished patio, plus a kitchen with a refrigerator and a stovetop. Guests can appreciate conveniences like a sofa bed and a coffee/tea maker, and other amenities include a private yard and a flat-screen TV. Housekeeping is available once per stay.
Tropical Sands offers 5 accommodations with safes and complimentary bottled water. Rooms open to furnished patios. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations include queen sofa beds. 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.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Available in the apartment: WiFi (NZD 50 per stay)
Available in some public areas: WiFi (NZD 50 per stay)
Parking and transportation
24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
Free self parking on site
Kitchen
Cleaning supplies
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Paper towels
Stovetop
Toaster
Bedrooms
Premium bedding
Queen sofa bed
Bathroom
Bathtub or shower
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Towels provided
Entertainment
Flat-screen TV
Outdoor areas
Furnished patio
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Terrace
Yard
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Comfort
Ceiling fan
Portable fan
Pets
No pets or service animals
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Accessible airport shuttle
Handrails in stairways
No elevator
Designated smoking areas
Services and conveniences
Free bottled water
Housekeeping available once per stay
Iron/ironing board
Luggage storage
Safe
Tour and ticket assistance
Location highlights
In the suburbs
Near the ocean
On the waterfront
Things to do
Bicycle rentals nearby
Boat tours nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Sailing nearby
Scooter/moped rentals nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Whale watching nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
1 floor
5 buildings
5 units
Built in 1998
Cleaning products are eco-friendly
Garden
Individual decor
Individual furnishings
Soundproofing
Traditional architecture
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: NZD 85
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
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and key retrieval information; access will be through a private entrance
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Key retrieval, private entrance
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Property payment types
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
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
Bed sheets fee: NZD 35.00 per accommodation, per stay
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
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)
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is professionally cleaned
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property
Property is also known as
Tropical Sands Apartment Rarotonga
Tropical Sands Rarotonga
Tropical Sands Apartment
Tropical Sands Rarotonga
Tropical Sands Apartment Rarotonga
Frequently asked questions
Is Tropical Sands pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Tropical Sands?
Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability).
What time is check-out at Tropical Sands?
Check-out is at 10 AM. Late check-out is available for NZD 85 (subject to availability).
Does Tropical Sands provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of NZD 25 per person applies.
Where is Tropical Sands located?
Nestled on the beach, this Takitumu District apartment building is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Avana Harbour and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Muri Beach. Muri Lagoon and Koromiri are also within 2 mi (3 km).
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Reviews
Tropical Sands Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
9.4
Cleanliness
8.2
Location
9.2
Staff & service
9.2
Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 81 out of 127 reviews
10 - Excellent
81
Rating 8 - Good. 38 out of 127 reviews
8 - Good
38
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 127 reviews
6 - Okay
5
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 127 reviews
4 - Poor
2
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 127 reviews
2 - Terrible
1
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Alan
23 September 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Villa on the beach was perfect, private, quiet, great hosts.
Alan
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Leisa
17 September 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved it there! Great spot and a cute authentic Island style room. Our hosts were the loveliest warm people. Location location location excellent
Leisa
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
8/10 Good
Tania
14 November 2025
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
clean and tidy accommodation. Friendly hosts. only downfall was you couldn’t swim because of the coral reef.
Tania
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
8/10 Good
CHERIE Wanda
19 September 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
Location and rooms were excellent, hosts were lovely.
Only disappointment was the ceiling leaking due to heavy rains on last night, woke up to very wet ankle deep water on the bedroom floor.
Would however definitely stay again and highly recommend.
CHERIE Wanda
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ian
8 October 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Lovely hosts, nice cabin very close to the beach and easily walkable to Muri.
We had an ocean view villa with a large deck overlooking the sea. The room was spacious and decorated with the owner's art and craft. Great shower and full-sized fridge.
The amenities were a bit tired, with bed linen, crockery and cutlery below par. More towels would have been good, as we only had one each for our five night stay, and they didn't dry out in-between use because of the humidity.
Sonja
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ian
17 October 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very nice place to stay if you are after basic but good honest accommodation (not the place if you are after aircon and a big multi channel flat screen TV)
The hosts Rudy and Kanoe were very friendly & helpful.
Located right on the beach (but as others have said swimming not possible) and a very well stocked store just over the road.
You do need transport to have freedom to get around - but the hire scooters from Muri are cheap, safe & really fun.
Highly recommended (with the above conditions).
Ian C
Ian
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Tessa
20 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had a wonderful stay at tropical sand and definitely would come back. Kanoi and Rudy were very caring, friendly and wonderful hosts.
Grocery store and options to eat are within walking distance and we also saw whales at the private beach at tropical sand. It was just perfect.
Thank you so much !
Best Wishes
Paula and Tessa
Tessa
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rebecca Jennifer
2 November 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This is a beautiful resort within close distance to shopping, bus stops and driving distance to the nearest beach in Muri. You also get so see beautiful art done by local artists including the owners Kanoe and Rudy all around Tropical Sands and within the rooms. We had the best time and both Rudy and Kanoe were so welcoming and kind and helpful. Very clean rooms and they were eco friendly and sustainable with organic rubbish separated from general waste and plastic. This place is an artists dream with location close to the ocean so you get nature, sand, sea and art in a beautiful location. The best stay for us!. Meitaki ma'ata to Rudy and Kanoe we highly recommend Tropical Sands to anyone traveling to Rarotonga.
Rebecca Jennifer
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Alan
12 December 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very friendly hosts. Beautiful location and view. Clean and comfortable room.
Alan
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tessa Louise
12 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
We found it perfect for a quiet getaway.
Tessa Louise
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
John
9 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Rudy and Kanoe were lovely hosts and have a beautiful property
John
Stayed 9 nights in May 2025
6/10 Okay
Mary
14 October 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Hosts pleasant & helpful. Accomodation nicely decorated by talented host. Not a swimming beach. Need transport or use bus service. A good stocked store within walking distance. A compendium of local amenities would be useful especially for 1st time visitors. Overall a pleasant 3 day stay.
Mary
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Fiona
11 August 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
A great place to stay. We were welcomed from arrival and our hosts were friendly and helpful. A small supermarket was only a 2 minute walk. We hired a 2 person scooter to get around and enjoy the island and this is a great way to explore. Snorkelling is a few kms away but fantastic. We would certainly recommend Tropical Sands and hope to go back some day
Fiona
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jeremy
1 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Nice hosts
Jeremy
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sandra
14 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Little slice of paradise
Had the most amazing relaxing time here, our hosts were just the most beautiful people. Nothing was a problem. Will be back.
Sandra
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2024
6/10 Okay
Angelina
2 December 2024
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Unfortunately was without water one day, hot water another day due to work being conducted on another unit forgot to turn back on. In heavy downpour roof leaked beside bed. 3 singles travelling 2 had to share a double bed as no rollaway available. Was quiet except for roosters. On the seafront but not ideal to swim.
Angelina
Stayed 11 nights in Nov 2024
4/10 Poor
Imogen
3 March 2026
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication
I would not recommend staying here unless you enjoy being treated like an unwanted house guest. We were made to feel uncomfortable and unwelcome multiple times by the two owners. Also, the villa was not clean (mould in kitchen draws and on utensils, dead insects on bed frame, dirty floor). To top it off, we were disturbed at 7pm the night before checkout, to be told that we had to pay a cleaning fee.
Imogen
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
8/10 Good
Wiki
26 November 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Tidy premises, helpful owners but not intrusive.
Wiki
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Latesha
24 May 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had such a wonderful time here! Right on the beach with incredible sunrises & sunsets. Friendly, welcoming and helpful hosts. It's more rustic & authentic than staying in a big fancy resort, we really enjoyed it and can happily recommend.
Das Hotel liegt nahe bei Muri Beach. Entweder in 4 Minuten mit dem Scooter oder in 20 Minuten zu Fuß. Rudy und seine Frau sind exzellente Gastgeber und können sehr gute Tips für die Insel geben. Unser Aufenthalt war trotz 2 Tagen Regen wunderschönen. Versucht einen der Bungalows mit Meerblick in der ersten Reihe zu bekommen. Der Blick ist klasse.
Lovely friendly, privately own resort with ATM, good ship and Petrol few min walk away. We booked 5 nights and after checking plenty of another hotels extended for another week))
Great value for money and super hosts.