Manuia Beach

The resort is nicely laid out, sloping gently down to the pool, loungers/umbrellas, restaurant, and bar. Rooms 1 through 6 have views of the lagoon and reef. The pathways are Sept, compacted pumice sand that is kept well groomed by the staff. The staff are really nice and friendly, willing to assist with what's required.

We were there to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and generally enjoyed our stay. The staff were very friendly and polite and we were made to feel very welcome. We were advised by the hotel reception to book directly with the hotel if we wanted to come again as it is quite a bit cheaper than booking via a travel company. The resort was well away from the main road and traffic noises and was generally well maintained. Some other eating places were within easy walking distance but you needed to take a short bus ride to reach most restaurants and tourist attractions. Lots of lush planting made the resort feel very secluded and romantic, with private villas providing good accommodation, if slightly basic but functional. The food was tasty but compared to other restaurants on the island was slightly more expensive, with a 3% surcharge on overseas cards including NZ bank cards. We noticed some other places did not include this surcharge. It would have been nice to have poolside service, and I think they have missed out with not providing this, as from speaking to other guests it was needed. You could take food and drink back to the poolside, but you had to make a trip to the restaurant to place an order, which they would then bring out to you. Dirty dishes tended not to be cleared away too readily. Our room (Villa 11) was clean, tidy and comfortable. The outside shower was showing signs of wear and tear and could have done with a little touchup. It took a long time for the hot water to come through with the water pressure dropping noticeably when other guests were showering. However there was always plenty of hot water. The room was regularly serviced by the maid and the bed linen changed every three days. Plenty of drawer and hanging space, with a safe fitted in the wardrobe. Dirty washing could be collected every day, and would be returned the same day if you left it out before 8:30.am each morning. A standard fee of NZD20.00 was charged irrespective of how much washing you left out. This turned out to be great value and we took good advantage of this service. The resort is rated as a four star which I think is probably a fare reflection on the room and service standard. However many of the sunlounges were a kind of soft lounger which whilst comfortable could hold on to rainwater or water from wet swimwear. Other loungers were fitted with a mattress which again although very comfortable could remain wet for some considerable time. This was a slight issue but didn't put us off from using them. As an adults only resort this is a great place for couples looking for a romantic and quiet stay. The soft sandy beach is well protected by a coral lagoon which can be explored by kayak or by snorkeling with equipment provided by the resort. Evening sunsets are magnificent and the position of the resort takes full advantage of the evening views. All in all I found my stay here to be enjoyable and very relaxing. A slightly more varied lunchtime and evening menu would have perhaps kept me away from other eateries which I felt I needed to explore more than I wanted to. I would definitely come again.

What a beautiful place to relax & just leave all your stress at home. The location was perfect. The staff were exceptional. And the restaurant & bar, literally on the beach, with an infinity pool was awesome. Away from the busier areas on the island, but within easy reach if you wanted some of that as well. Set within beautiful tropical gardens, the rooms were delightful and private.

We loved Manuia Resort, nice big rooms with good balconies and lush gardens with shade trees. The lagoon is good for swimming and snorkeling. The pool area and restaurant are right on the beach because as we learned is this is the sheltered side of the island.

We only stayed for dinner this time. But this beautiful resort came highly recommended on the Cook Islands face book page, both for dinners and the stay. A beautiful adults only resort with the most beautiful view of the beach. The restaurant is also right on the beach with sand as the floor, very cool! Very welcoming staff, cocktails were amazing, food was devine is every way possible. And killer sunsets. A definite must when you come to raro. We would love to stay here. The place feels calm and relaxing with the most beautiful foliage surrounding the rooms. I also saw beautiful bowls with some flowers in them by the deck of each room, I later found that it was to dip your feet in to remove the sand, such a cool idea. Sunday night buffet style dinners look incredible! They were fully booked out for that but we cant wait to experience that next time. Thanks for a great meal out