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Reviews of Avana Waterfront Apartments

3 out of 5
Avana Waterfront Apartments
Kaireva Drive, Ngatangiia, Rarotonga

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 76 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 76 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 76 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 76 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 76 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Constance

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
The owners were very caring and good at communicating. When a cyclone was looming. A little dated.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic apartment with sea views and a pool. The manager Desiree made us feel very welcome.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Russell

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Desiree was a wonderful host, nothing was a problem, knowlegeable about area, helped with WIFI and taxis. Pool area was immaculate
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

ARTHUR DENIS

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff and cleaned the outside surroundings every day
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Christine

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
I personally loved being away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy spots. I am not so sure that my hubby felt the same!!You need a car or scooter - which are cheap as chips. The staff could not have been more lovely - they are superb. I will be back with the grand children.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Desiree on 14 Oct,2023
Meitaki maa'ata for your recent stay with us.We are looking forward for your next holiday with grandkids.Kind regards.

6/10 Okay

Judy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
I liked the view of muri lagoon from our studio and that it was situated off the main road. However, it is not a quiet place to stay as it faces the lagoon and on a windy day (which we had many during our stay) it howled through the studio. Roosters and barking dogs also made it a challenge to sleep. Ear plugs were essential.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Desiree Palomo on 30 Sept,2023
Kia orana Paul and Judy,Meitaki maata for your recent stay, unfortunately we had really stormy weather during your stay. Roosters and dogs are part of the Rarotonga environment and short of eating them I am sorry but we can't do anything about them. I hope you will come back to Rarotonga again during better weather.All the best in the future.

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the kitchen with all utensils and BBQ area to cook outside. Desiree was lovely to deal with would stay again if we go back.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Desiree Palomo on 6 Sept,2023
Meitaki maata Julie, see you in some future time again. Cheers!

10/10 Excellent

Maxine Mary, Maiden Gully

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was quieter than the huge resorts. The staff were so friendly and went out of their way to make sure we had a great time.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Desiree Palomo on 26 May,2023
Kia orana Maxine,Meitaki maata for your recent stayed.Lovely to hear your feedback :)All the best!Cheers,Desiree and Avana Team :)

10/10 Excellent

Brent

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
First trip 4 2023
Back on the rick for a week with work, great to stsy at Avana, staff fantastic, service top, i will be back
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael Graham

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place that enabled versatility on how we could experience Rarotonga
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2023
Response from Desiree Palomo on 26 May,2023
Kia orana Michael,Looking forward for your next visit in Rarotonga!Cheers,Desiree and Avana Team :)

10/10 Excellent

Terue

10/10 Excellent

Marcos

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful place.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2022
Response from Desiree on 17 Oct,2022
Meitaki maata Stella and Marcos!See you in the future!Desiree

10/10 Excellent

Kate

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great stay at Avana Apartments! Rooms were spacious and had everything we needed. Pool was lovely with plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas. Great swimming and kayaking around the jetty area and lagoon. Would recommend as an affordable and great place to stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Response from Desiree on 6 Oct,2022
Meitaki maata for your recent stay!See you again in the future :)

10/10 Excellent

Jane Andrea

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly helpful support and communication
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2022
Response from Desiree on 30 Aug,2022
Kia orana Jane Andrea,Meitaki maata for your recent stay with us.We are looking forward to see you again someday!Kia Manuia,

10/10 Excellent

Brent

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022
Response from Desiree on 18 Apr,2022
Meitaki maata Brent! See you again in July for your special day :) Cheers, Desiree

10/10 Excellent

Kelly, Auckland

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Very homely, bachy feel..super helpful and caring onsite manager. The pool is pretty small, but the set up around it is fun bright colours, nice BBQ area and a bonfire site. We probably won't book again because the location is right on one of the 7 channels, which are sometimes dangerous depending on the tides...and my eldest kid is a very confident spearo and diver...and didn't feel safe to swim in the water. Though a very dynamic piece of water to look at, and the views are great from your rooms.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from Desiree on 27 Jul,2021
Kia orana, We had a strong on shore winds during your stay and the harbour can be dangerous in these conditions. But it is not far (10 minutes) to drive to other off weather snorkelling spots so make sure you book a rental car when you book with us. We appreciate your feedback and we do value your comments. Meitaki maa'ta and kia manuia.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property had its own jetty right outside room great to snorkel off and great to catch giant trevellys also,my husband had a great time fishing.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from Desiree on 27 Jul,2021
Meitaki maata and we are glad you enjoyed your holiday with us. All the best, kia manuia!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location next to water and close to Muri. Swimming pool and kayaks used everyday. Excellent friendly service. If we go back this is were we will stay
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2020
Response from Kind regards,Elyn on 17 Mar,2020
Thank you so much for staying with us and a really lovely reviews. Hope to work with you again in future time.

8/10 Good

Brent

Business traveller
irst call 2020
First time to stay here, Avana that is, great location, a few things surprised me, room only cleaned once in the 7 days there, down staairs toliet lecked, no aircon, in a 2 story complex, made for a realy sticky stay, pool was great apart from ladder step breaking when getting out, would I stay again, possibly not.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020
Response from Elyn on 9 Mar,2020
Hi, Thank you for staying with us. Sorry we have a room service every 3 days, and because of the high cost of electricity that is why we have an extra charge of using the aircon as also noted in our book(Compedium). We can make the repair for the pool ladder and the leak on the toilet, thank you for your comments and we can make good as possible.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our host made us feel very welcome during our short stay. Room had amazing view and great size for a studio. No beach out front but we just jumped off the jetty into clear warm sea. Great location too within short stroll to village shops. Would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Response from Elyn on 5 Jan,2020
Kia Orana, Thank you for staying with us. Looking forward for your stay in future time. Kakite,

8/10 Good

Elliot

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Short stay on Raro
Clean and tidy place, kayak available. Older condition but no issues Ideally need transport, like staying most areas on Raro
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Response from Elyn on 28 Nov,2019
Thanks for your nice review. Kakite.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2019
Response from Elyn on 10 Nov,2019
Thank you very much.

10/10 Excellent

Antoinette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Returning for another stay!
This was a return trip for us as a couple, having previously stayed as a family group. Lovely place to stay, friendly staff and atmosphere with well appointed rooms, everything you need for a self catering holiday (although not far at all from Muri for the night market restaurants and supermarkets and only 10 minute drive to town). Very comfortable beds and nice swimming pool and bbq area. Will definitely be back to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Elyn on 26 Sept,2019
Thank you, we are really happy that you enjoy your stay here at Avana Waterfront Apts. Looking forward for your another stay. Kakite.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice spacious units with a lovely view and good amenities for cooking. Management very pleasant. On the water, and near the bus. Night market for evening meal was just in walking distance, and there is a eating place for lunch close. We mainly cooked for ourselves.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Elyn on 18 Sept,2019
Thank you and hope to work with you again in future time. Kakite.

8/10 Good

Janet, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the spacious apartment and the fact that it was right on the waterfront, with lovely views. The staff were warm, friendly and helpful.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Elyn on 1 Sept,2019
Kia Orana. Thank you for staying with us. Kakite!

10/10 Excellent

Helen, Wellington

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic staff and great location . Loved the pool and BBQ area
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Elyn on 28 Aug,2019
Thank you very much. Hope to see you again here. Kakite.

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely setting and peaceful.
Lovely place. Ellyn and Nolli were excellent. Ellyn went out of her way to make our stay great. The place was spotlessly clean, very well managed and the rooms are spacious with great views an excellent bed with a few little food extras on arrival. Nice pool too. Thank you Ellyn. Pete & Bron.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Elyn on 19 Aug,2019
Hi Pete & Bron, Thank you for staying us, and with the nice review. Hope to work with you again in future time. Godbless! Kind regards,

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Probably the best thing about this property is that every unit faces the ocean/lagoon. It is a gorgeous view! There is also really good snorkelling right in front of the resort, especially at the end of the dock/pier. The beach in front of the resort is not good for swimming, but the island directly across from it is awesome. It is only a quick kayak paddle across or you can just swim across like I did, and you'll likely have the whole beach to yourself. Muri Beach, which is where you will want to go for restaurants and shopping, is about a km away. We walked back and forth daily, but it might be a bit far for some people. We also rented ebikes for a couple of days that were super handy - we should have rented them for the entire week. The pool area is clean and lovely. The staff are friendly and helpful. The resort is off the main road which eliminates traffic noise - leaving only dogs and roosters, both of which are unavoidable on this island. I would recommend this resort to anyone who wants a quiet place that's not too far from the action of Muri Beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Elyn on 15 Aug,2019
Kia Orana, Thank you for the nice review. Hope to work with you again in future time. Meitaki ma'ata,

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a lovely stay. The staff are awesome and helpful. Nice big accommadation . Pool and BBQ area was lovely.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Elyn on 6 Aug,2019
Kia Orana, Thank you, hope to see you again here at Avana. Meitaki ma'ata,

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice, quiet location. Our 2 bedroom unit was a good size for 2 adults and two teenagers.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Elyn on 18 Jul,2019
Thank you. See you in future time. Meitaki Maata.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Self-contained unit with everything we needed. Fridge, microwave, washing machine, cook-top, washing line, access to free BBQ. Food is expensive in Rarotonga (I brought most packaged food items from Australia) so having the option to cook at home was brilliant. Filtered water is provided, and some fresh fruit was in our fruit bowl when we arrived. Access to free kayaks and snorkels, masks, and flippers. Pool is lovely. Has a fabulous jetty straight out the front you can jump off. Apartment is spacious, lots of room to relax. Definitely recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Elyn on 17 Jul,2019
Thank you very much. Hope to see you again in future time. Kind regards.

8/10 Good

Nic, N Z

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a 15 month old and a 7 year old. Didn’t expect we would be in a 2nd storey unit with balconies both ends with no safe rails baby could fall off. So easy for 7 year old to leave door open for 1 minute. Everything else good. Had pool to ourselves loved kayaks and beautiful island with snorkelling with tropical fish. Rental car needed.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2019
Response from Elyn on 4 Jul,2019
Kia Orana, Sorry for the inconvenience but we can work it out on future as the ground floor is occupied and requested. Thank you.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is the second time we have stayed here. Love it because it is so nice n quiet. The staff are lovely n non intrusive. They gave my husband a huge Birthday cake for his 60th which was ao lovely of them
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019
Response from Elyn on 18 Jun,2019
Thank you for staying with us again. Hope to see you in future time. Meitaki.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
3 generations on holiday ,we had 3 units so it was great for organising everyone ,everyone really enjoyed the amenities ,the views and the relaxing time
Stayed 7 nights in May 2019
Response from Elyn on 18 Jun,2019
Thank you so much for staying with us. Hope to see you guys in future time for your holidays. Meitaki.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Excellent choice for peace and privacy with lovely outlook. Welcoming and helpful staff with problems quickly fixed. Rooms a bit dated but spacious with good bed and shower. Super clean property. Not great for swimming but Muri Beach nearby. Would recommend a car to get around around. Good rates for car hire and removes frustrations that could come from the location.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019
Response from Elyn on 18 Jun,2019
Thank you all for staying with us. Hope to work with you again in future time. Meitaki.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Room comfort
We are a family of four, went to Rarotonga durning school holidays and stayed at Avana Apartments. The apartment itself is spacious, to be honest, but the cleanness, the location, the facilities (hot water) are the downside of this place. If you are adults, these won’t be issues at all, but we travelled with young girls, so the street dogs became our concern, and most days we all showered with cold water. I would suggest you to hire a car if you stay here with younger ones (we didn’t in the first two days, but changed our minds on the third day), because some parts of the road are very dark for them to walk.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019
Response from Elyn on 18 Jun,2019
Sorry for the inconvenience cause. But we will work it out as your concern. Hopefully to see you again in future time. Thank you. Meitaki

8/10 Good

Machiko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Great apartment for a big family
We enjoyed our stay at Avana waterfront apartment. Swimming pool was always nice and clean. We borrowed kayaks and crossed to Motutapu island. Not far from Muri beach shops and Sunday night market was great. Elyn was so friendly and kind.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019
Response from Elyn on 23 Apr,2019
Hi Machiko, Thank you all for staying with us. Hope to see you again in the future time here.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Large size apartments at quite a magical spot. Its not a typical swimming beach outside but this can be found just a short drive down the road at Muri. Plenty of fish at the end of the jetty and you can potter on the beach at low tide and find crabs. Property is dated but thats what we expected from the photos. The pool was wonderful, salt water and very easy access from the accommodation. Plenty of shade and loungers. Very few apartments means not many people to share the pool with..unlike the big resorts. Just up from the pool are a couple of seats which look directly at the harbour opening...you can spend all day sitting there. Free bananas were delicious. View from upstairs was great. Beds comfortable although pillows too high. Kitchen did have musty smell in draws (common in chipboard kitchens) but i'd read that before so expected it. Washing machine was a life saver. There were relatively few bugs despite a hole in the insect screen. A couple of mosquitos and ants which you should expect anywhere on raro. Once this property is refurbished, it will be amazing.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2018
Response from Elyn on 1 Jan,2019
Thank you for staying with us. We make the area as clean as possible as we can for your satisfactions and convenience. Hope to work with you again in future time. Kakite.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Elyn in reception was wonderful. Took care of our every need with
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2018
Response from Elyn on 4 Jan,2019
Thank you for staying with us. Hope to work with you again in the future. Regards.

10/10 Excellent

Paulette, Christchurch, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Although our apartment was a little tired, the service we received from Elyn was excellent. Nothing was ever a problem to her and her wonderful staff. The situation of Avana is great but you do need a car as it takes about 25 minutes to walk to Muri. Lovely and peaceful, great pool and would thoroughly recommend if you want a nice quiet time, but still quite close to the action in Muri. Can't speak highly enough of Elyn though. She is a wonderful asset to Avana Waterfront Apartments.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
Response from Elyn on 13 Oct,2018
Nice to have you here, thank you for your kindness too. Hope to work with you in the future time here at Avana Waterfront Apts.

8/10 Good

Jenny, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean comfortable apartment, close to the beach
Comfortable large studio apartment. Good cooking facilities and large fridge. Nice pool with loungers. Easy to borrow snorkels, kayaks etc. Very friendly staff.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Julz, Muru, Rarotonga

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awesome spot, nestled in the heart of Muri Beach. Own jetty alive with an array of fish life, swimming pool and coconuts x Spoilt by our hosts Thank you x
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2018

6/10 Okay

Glenn, NZ

Stay OK could be much better
Outwardly a great place but when you get down to it the place is looking a little tired. TV did not work very well, remote broken, asked for help, not fixed. That is one example. The current "minders" (in the absence of Dessiree?) do not seem to be very experienced in running a top quality holiday venue. Our gas bottle ran out and there was no spare. The manager had to take one from another apartment that was currently unoccupied! The snorkeling equipment for use by guests was old and broken as well. And, as many have commented - the wifi is super expensive. All in all quite a disappointing stay. Could have been way better.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Christine, Oregon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean, quiet, friendly with efficient staff
We felt right at home in the spacious studio apartment. Our kitchen was well-stocked, the bed was comfortable, and the view was unbeatable from the deck. Poolside or on the beach by the lagoon gave us a place to unwind after a day of cross island hiking or snorkeling.The manager was always helpful with answers to all our questions and good suggestions for places to eat and things to do. My emails were answered in a timely manner before our arrival.
Stayed 13 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous waking up to the Lagoon every morning - wiht Muri only a few minutes down the road.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2017
Response from Desiree on 29 Jan,2018
Thank you that you've enjoyed your holiday!

10/10 Excellent

Madi, Auckland NZ

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect holiday spot!
Loved our stay, thank you very much to the welcoming staff who were very accommodating of our late night flights and therefore check in/out. Definitely plan to be back again soon.
Stayed 14 nights in Nov 2017
Response from Desiree on 29 Jan,2018
Meitaki maata for your stayed with us. Ka kite sometimes in the future. Lovely to have you again :). Cheers.

10/10 Excellent

carly, auckland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful staff and heat location
Desiree knew me and my friend were celebrating milestone birthdays on this holiday and gave a complimentary bottle of wine to help us do this! We arrived to find fresh fruit for breakfast after a late arrival which was well received! Location was great - only 20minutes walk to Muri or a very short bike ride/ scooter ride. Right on the beach with a lovely little jetty and free kayak hire. Very informative and accommodating staff I’d recommend this accommodation if you’re planning a trip to Rarotonga.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Sue, Tauranga NZ

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Location
We arrived late at night, taxi took us to the door. We were welcome in the morning from a very lovely lady called Desiree. She organised our pick up from the airport, our car (Raro Cars) and gave us great ideas of things to do on the island (e.g. walk across the island and snorkeling spots and a bonfire every night). A very peaceful place to stay with children, you could fish, kayak or snorkel from the pier. We were 5 minutes drive from Muri Night Markets and The Mooring Cafe for lunch. Our 2 bedroom apartment has a self contained kitchen, washing machine and a view to the lagoon, the pool, bbq area and relaxed atmosphere was a totally enjoyable experience. Clean and serviced every 3 days. You must take insect repellent, snorkel equipment if want to snorkel everyday like we did. Thanks Avana, we really enjoyed our 7 nights.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017
Response from Desiree on 18 Oct,2017
Meitaki maata Sue and family. We are happy that you'ved enjoy your holiday! Ka kite in some future time.