Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa

We stayed at a two bedroom villa at the Te Vakaroa Villas in June 2024. What an elegant and wonderful boutique resort. Perfect location right on Muri Lagoon, near some restaurants, grocery stores, activities and some other nice resorts (The Pacific is next door). Te Vakaroa is very well run, led by owner Nick and a very capable and friendly staff. Our villa was spacious, with two big bedroom suites, modern kitchen and large living room. I was pleasantly surprised by the two floors (bedrooms upstairs) which provided great views.

We really enjoyed the large pool and the paddle boards, which we used daily on the Muri Lagoon right outside.

Almost perfect. The Villa, beds, pillows, the view, the pool, and grounds, the location and the staff were all incredible. The breakfasts delivered to our room each morning were lovely, fresh and enjoyable. The only thing that could have improved was varying the food every couple of days. Highly, highly recommend

"Located in the heart of Rarotonga, this property offers the quintessential island experience. With its pristine beach boasting warm, inviting waters, it truly embodies paradise. Each villa provides breathtaking views, ensuring every moment is picture-perfect.

The staff's hospitality surpassed our expectations. Despite our late arrival due to a flight delay, Nick warmly welcomed us and guided us to our spacious 2-bedroom villa, perfectly accommodating our family of four.

Throughout our stay, the property's upkeep was impeccable, allowing everyone to find their own serene space, whether lounging on the beach or by the pool. It provided the ideal setting for us to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life, offering a truly relaxing retreat.

As seasoned travelers, having explored numerous islands across the globe, we confidently recommend this hidden gem. Its intimate, personalized atmosphere sets it apart from larger resorts, aligning perfectly with our preference for a more authentic experience. Booking here guarantees an unforgettable getaway; you won't be disappointed."

We stayed in December 2023.
3 out of 5 stars. Would give 5 stars if not for the gardener and reception.
The villas at Te Vakaroa are centrally located in the suburb of Muri right on the Muri beach lagoon next door to the Sailing Club and short walking distance to the Muri Night Markets and Te Vara Nui Village Spectacular which is a cultural overwater night show and traditional buffet dinner of the local people.
We stayed in a one bedroom villa which was roomy and comfortable and nicely decorated. The complex is beautiful and the design is stunning and excellent. The views overlooking the pool and Muri Lagoon out to the ocean are beautiful.
On arrival all the lounge cushions for all the chairs was piled high under a villa balcony, which looked a tad uninviting.
This place has an excellent location with well equipped villas.
HOWEVER, This place had one very big major downfall. “The gardener”. When you pay good money to go on a holiday and relax, and these villas are not cheap accommodation, the last thing you need or want is a person using a leaf blower at 7.30am in the morning. For an adults only boutique resort, to escape noisy children, no one needs this noise. There is no sleeping in at this place, even with ear plugs. On day one of our stay, I asked him why he was using a leaf blower waking people up and why he couldn’t use a broom considering the place is a small complex with only 6 luxury villas. No apology for waking you up, just the gardener advising that it is less noisy then their old blower as it is electric and not petrol and he replied “It would take all day and that I would be woken up anyway at 8am by next door using their petrol blower”. After being abruptly woken up, I then sat there having a few cups of tea and advise by 10.30am, no one else in the area was using any power tools, petrol or electric leaf blowers. Whilst sitting under the outside balcony watching the pool and lagoon having been woken up by the gardener, we noticed the gardener blow all the leaf matter and dust into the pool and then spend an hour and a half using a net to get it out. Would have been quicker to sweep it up with a rake, broom and dust pan and not dirty the pool water which he rectified by putting a bag of salt chlorine into the pool. Would have also been more environmentally sustainable using a broom for such a small area and more importantly respecting paying guests to enjoy their holiday. The next day after being woken up again, the gardener used a broom. At the 2 other resorts in the Cook Islands we stayed at, no other venue was using any power tools before 10am (ie. Checkout Time) this was probably because paying guests could sleep in on their holidays.
The day after that, the gardener was back to using the leaf blower but this time at 7.50am.
As for reception we found Poko to be a tad apathetic and was hardly ever there. Reception was open only for a couple hours on most of the days we were there. The cleaning staff were friendly and helpful. The ice machine is an excellent feature and needed in the Cook Island weather.
The gardens and water features are well designed and aesthetically pleasing and nicely landscaped in a secure boutique complex.
The gardener and the use of leaf blowers so early in the morning let the atmosphere of such a well appointed design of boutique villas in a perfect location down.

Kia Orana

Thank you for your detailed review.

I am very sorry you had to endure the noise in the morning which is totally unacceptable as is rudeness and apathy.
I explained to the staff that the guests are on holiday and want peace and quiet, even a sleep in, not too much to ask.
I have had a meeting with my staff Poko and Jerson the gardener about your review and expect some commonsense, manners and diligence in their work in future.

The neighbour has also been asked to not use his petrol blower until at least 8.30am in future, just plain ignorant.

The cushions piled up was due to them being wet after a rain storm and they were piled in there to attempt to dry them.
I have advised the staff to put them else where to dry.

Staff are one of my biggest challenges here on a small island, believe me and I really do appreciate feedback, both good and bad.

I sincerely apologize and do hope you can accept this.

Meitaki

Nick Reeves

I can not say enough good things about this place. Our host Nick, was amazing and really made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Our villa was incredible and honestly made us feel at home. So spacious and top quality and the views from the balcony were breathtaking. The swimming pool and spa were honestly a highlight and the grounds were immaculate. The use of snorkeling gear and SUP boards were a hit with the teens as the beach was meters away. Highly recommend and we will honestly be returning when we can!