Magic Reef Bungalows

White sand runs to the door of the absolute beachfront bungalows here, and the lagoon holds its colour until the reef breaks the water beyond. Magic Reef Bungalows sits on the western shore of Rarotonga, in the Arorangi district, facing a stretch of coast that catches the sunset rather than the sunrise. Nine standalone bamboo bungalows make up the property, each with a kitchenette, living area and private bathroom, plus air-conditioning and a ceiling fan for the humid months. The absolute beachfront units stand directly on the sand; the beachfront bungalows sit one row back, roughly 10 metres from the shore; oceanview and premium oceanview bungalows step further into the garden, the premium units fitted with teak furniture and stone-topped kitchens. A two-bedroom premium bungalow sleeps four and looks out over the lagoon through the palms. You can hear the water from most of the rooms after dark. A pool, a garden and a barbecue area sit on site for guests who want to stay put rather than walk the beach or snorkel the reef offshore. It is a quiet, self-catering stay, built for couples and small groups rather than families with young children. Check the Wi-Fi hotspot coverage before relying on it beyond the property. Only guests over the age of twelve are accepted.