DELUXE LIVING IN RARO
Two resorts, 10 days, many highlights. Tessa Stockdale has one tough assignment.
TE VAKAROA VILLAS
From Muri Rd, Te Vakaroa doesn’t look like much. It’s down the end of a small gravel driveway and you’ll be craning your neck to get a glimpse of the lagoon. Once you have arrived, however, if the entrance to the property that boasts a jungle waterfall doesn’t blow you away at first sight, the room definitely will. The modern-meets-traditional interior of these boutique villas had us in zen mode before we’d even set eyes on the beach. Our canopy bed looked pretty appealing, as did the plush cane-backed sofas dotted throughout the villa. It wasn’t till we pulled back the french door’s blinds and stepped into the courtyard that we could appreciate the true beauty of the property. The lagoon is the front yard, plus there’s a beautifully tiled infinity pool and jacuzzi. The lagoon is 23 steps from our courtyard, and gated exclusively for Te Vakaroa guests. Next door, Captain Tama’s boat cruises (a must-do), act as our personal island-time alarm, the island drums letting us know it’s approximately 11am. Te Vakaroa is an adults-only resort, so blissfully free of the shrieks of young children. A portable speaker in each villa provides the sounds you’d rather hear, poolside, bedside or down on the beach.
Each villa is tucked away and private, while still easily accessible to the lagoon and the pool. A delicious and simple continental breakfast , including exotic fruits, yogurt and fresh baked goods from LBV deli, is delivered to our villa daily.
Tip: Nestle into the poolside cabana and enjoy your breakfast with a view of the lagoon. Afterwards, opt for a dip into the 2m pool to cool off, or relax in the jacuzzi. Te Vakaroa Villas are ideal for larger groups of friends, birthday party getaways or pre- and post-wedding celebrations. The intimate location allows for a private and inclusive accommodation. If you don’t feel like dining out or finding the dance floor at Rarotongan party hotspot, Rehab, Nick and Poko at Te Vakaroa are happy to organise their in-house chef and resident DJ to make a party of it, right in your villa.
NAUTILUS RESORT
Nautilus Resort has the finer touches that made our stay special. We’re welcomed by a signature bottle of Nautilus Brut and fruit platter and evening treats are served just in time for a post-dinner cocktail. We choose to enjoy it next to our private plunge pool, set in front of the lagoon, while the sun set. The open-plan ares (traditional houses) are perfect for relaxing. J ust a few steps from the comfort of our canopy bed is a private front deck with sun loungers and a private plunge pool. It’s also a great spot to admire the view of the lagoon. Nautilus provides complimentary use of snorkel gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and more. We saw turtles and fish every colour of the rainbow. Just across the infinity pool is Nautilus Restaurant. Breakfast there includes continental and a la carte. With choices from lime and coconut pancakes to three-egg omelettes and
homemade coconut custard with fresh figs, your morning should certainly start here. Dinner menu options allow diners to customise meals to their own tastes and size preferences. Although we eat our body weight in raw fish, the ika mata dish is worth going back for. Order a cocktail from their extensive list or have bartender Davide whip up something special.
Tip: Grab some homemade coconut soap and bath salts from one of the many stalls in town to turn your spa bath into tropical waters. Nautilus’ onsite spa also has a plethora of treatments, including Thalgo facials, deep-tissue massages and pedicures. I recommend the Indoceane body ritual for anyone in need of the extra TLC factor. Including a body scrub, a decadent Thalgo body wrap finishing with a soothing massage, this is something to rid you of all that work or study-related tension. For blokes, there’s the Polynesian body ritual, a body scrub and massage.