LITTLE POLYNESIAN RESORT
Our Resort Report
OUR Thoughts on Little Polynesian Resort, Titikaveka, Rarotonga
The Little Polynesian (affectionately known locally as “Little Poly”) on the beach at Titikaveka, Rarotonga has always been in a perfect location for a great holiday. Little Polynesian is Rarotonga's only member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Titikaveka Beach is on the southern side of the island of Rarotonga which is as far away from Avarua, (the main town and capital of the Cook Islands), as you can get, although that’s still only around 15-20 minutes by road. It’s quiet and secluded out here and the beach and the lagoon are picture-perfect. Little Polynesian is virtually right on the beach, and access to and views of the lagoon takes centre stage throughout the Resort. From the Reception area guests arriving at Little Polynesian marvel at the view through the lovely little open-space restaurant and lounge and over the horizon swimming pool which seems to meld with the lagoon beyond. This architectural style is repeated in their Beachfront Bungalows where, from the bedroom and the living area, the private decks also seem to meld with the lagoon.
The architecture of the Are Nui (central facility) is probably best described as “contemporary Cook Islands Polynesian”, with vaulted ceilings, lightened lime-washed-look roof beams, timber plank floors and decks and tasteful, light coloured décor and furnishings which totally compliment the colourful tropical gardens and the horizon pool.
Their little restaurant is a gem. With only 14 accommodation units, the restaurant is an intimate size and guests tend to chat and mingle over breakfast. Little Polynesian’s restaurant is known throughout the island for its daily changing menu and its reputation for great food. Guests staying at Little Polynesian have a Tropical Continental Breakfast included in the tariff. In Rarotonga, resort guests tend to dine-around for dinner at the many restaurants which dot the island. In our experience, guests staying at Little Polynesian dine out less – the food and the atmosphere is so good right there!
The ultimate "Couples Resort". Little Polynesian is best known as a relaxing, romantic hideaway for couples of all ages and only guests aged 18 years or over are accepted at this remarkable little resort.
Included in the tariff at Little Polynesian for all guests:
● Arrival tropical welcome drink (placed in guest room) & scented cold towels
● Tropical Breakfast daily
● Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi
● Complimentary use of kayaks
● Complimentary use of Stand-up Paddle Boards
Click to view the Little Polynesian Resort Factsheet
Click to view the Little Polynesian Resort Map
Click to view the Little Polynesian Virtual Tour
Your Accommodation Options
All accommodation is air-conditioned. There are only two options; Beachfront Bungalows or Garden Studios. The Garden Studios are located in 2 blocks of 2 units per block, closer to the road. The Beachfront Bungalows are exactly that – virtually a metre-or-so above the beach with their front decks almost encroaching on to the beach. There are 5 Beachfront Bungalows located on either side of the pool/restaurant complex.
Room Categories (in ascending order of tariff)
Garden Studios:
Click to view floor plan
Each Garden Studio is enclosed in a private garden courtyard by a brush wall; access is via a door in the courtyard wall which can be closed for total privacy from the rest of the resort or opened providing views out through the resort gardens with a peep of the sea between the Beachfront Bungalows. There is another walled courtyard off the bathroom and this courtyard contains a optional-use outdoor shower. Floors throughout the unit are tiled. These units have "light" kitchen facilities which includes a small fridge and kitchen sink. Rooms include a small dining table and 2 chairs as well as a lounge setting.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Adults
Existing Bedding: 1 Super King Bed which splits into 2 Single Beds when twin bedding is required..
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding is accommodated.
Beachfront Bungalows:
Click to view floor plan
At 88m2 in size and recently refreshed, these big, airy, suite-like bungalows are perched right on the beach. Each Beachfront Bungalow comprises 2 distinct rooms although the beautifully-built high cathedral-style ceiling is open throughout the bungalow. The floor is polished wood and compliments the light-coloured décor and furnishings perfectly. The bedroom and its ensuite bathroom is raised 2 steps above the lounge room and the large windows, all of which have roll-down blinds, provide a wonderful view of the lagoon from the bed and the lounge. The lounge, which includes a small table and 2 chairs and an occasional table, opens to spacious wooden decking protruding above the beach. Each bungalow is screened from its neighbour and coconut palms have been strategically planted on each side to provide shade and romantic tropical ambience.
The bathroom is very modern and tastefully decorated. There are twin basins and a huge shower which provides an option of a massive, fixed, rain-shower head immediately above and another mobile shower head. The bathroom opens on to a private walled courtyard which contains a separate outdoor shower.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Adults
Existing Bedding: 1 Super King Bed which does not split.
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding is accommodated.
Getting to and from Little Polynesian Resort
choice of seat-in-coach or VIP private car (at additional cost) arrival and departure transfers are available between Rarotonga International Airport and Little Polynesian and will be included in package prices as required/agreed.
The Round Island Bus anti-clockwise schedule departs Little Polynesian on the hour and takes 20 minutes to reach Cooks Corner in Avarua Town from Little Polynesian. On the return journey, the clockwise service departs Avarua Town on the hour and also takes 20 minutes to reach Little Polynesian. It takes 35 minutes on the bus if you take the “long way around”.
Kids Policy
Little Polynesian is an Adults-Only property. Only guests aged 18 and over are accepted for stays at this Resort.
Check-in/Check Out
Hotel standard check-in and check-out times are as follows:
Check In Time: 2:00pm
Check Out Time: 10:00am
Early Check-in and Late Check-out
Early check-in and late check-out may be requested but will always be subject to availability once guests have arrived at the hotel.
Guests' luggage can be stored in the event that an early check-in or a late check-out is not available
To guarantee an early check-in or a late check-out, guests are recommended to pre-book the night before arrival and/or the night post departure.
The information on this page is correct as at 03 November 2023 and is based on our supplier contracts which are valid for stays to 31 March 2025. All information shown is subject to change without notice.