Club Raro is set on the north east corner of Rarotonga, where the lagoon edge sits close to shore. This location delivers excellent, uninterrupted ocean views and makes it a particularly appealing spot for whale watching during the July to October season.
While the lagoon here is shallow and not always ideal swimming, the shoreline itself is interesting to explore. Broken coral and rock formations give the beach a rugged, natural character, and it is a lovely place to watch the changing colours of the ocean, spot marine life and simply take in the outlook.
The resort offers a good range of accommodation options, including ocean front and pool side rooms, as well as self contained rooms and studio apartments, catering to different budgets and travel styles.
We stayed in a Tamure room facing the garden at the back of the resort, close to the main road. Our first floor room had a balcony with seating, which was a nice inclusion, although the placement of the air conditioning unit on the balcony did limit how much we used the outdoor space.
Inside, the room was clean and functional, with simple furnishings, tea and coffee making facilities and a compact ensuite bathroom with shower. Everything was well maintained and practical for a comfortable stay.
The pool area is a real highlight of Club Raro, particularly the swim up pool bar, which adds a fun and social touch. While shaded seating directly around the pool was limited, there was more comfortable shaded space nearby along the oceanfront, which worked well for relaxing with a drink.
In the evenings, the dining and pool area took on a lovely atmosphere, with festive lighting reflecting on the water and creating a warm, inviting setting.
We enjoyed the Umukai buffet dinner, which offered a taste of traditional Cook Islands flavours, with meat and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves and slow cooked in an underground oven. Christmas celebrations were taking place during our stay, giving the evening a lively and social feel.
Club Raro also offers a small selection of massage and facial treatments, which could be a nice addition to a relaxed stay, although we did not personally try them.
The continental breakfast included the usual options, with a particularly good selection of fresh tropical fruit. A chilled water dispenser in the bar area was a thoughtful and practical touch, especially in the island heat.
Overall, Club Raro is a solid choice for travellers keeping an eye on their budget who want a relaxed, adult focused place to sleep, swim, enjoy a drink and use as a base for exploring Rarotonga. It may not have the picture perfect swimming beach, but for the right traveller it offers good value, atmosphere and a memorable island setting.
Read more about our stay in the Cook Islands in Cook Islands 101: Where to Stay, What to Eat and What to Know and Cook Islands 101: Two Islands, Two Moods
Our stay was hosted by Club Raro.
