Muri Shores

Paddling out from the sand at Muri Shores puts guests directly into one of Rarotonga's calmest lagoons, kayaks and bicycles included in the stay. The property sits on the eastern side of the island, in Ngatangiia district, on Muri Beach itself, with the Muri Night Market operating just behind the villas most evenings. Locally owned and run since 2013, it is a small, adults-only property: four villas sit directly on the beachfront, and three lagoon-view villas stand just behind them, two raised 2.5 metres up for a clear line over the water. Each villa is self-contained. Every unit has its own kitchenette with a stovetop, microwave and fridge, air-conditioning, and a private deck built for lounging rather than passing through. Interiors draw on Cook Islands Polynesian design, with palm-frond detailing and tiled floors throughout. The beachfront villas look straight onto the lagoon from the bed itself, while the lagoon-view rooms trade proximity for a wider outlook toward the motu of Taakoka. A sister property, Muri Serene, sits inland across the road and gives its guests the same beach and kayak access. Restaurants, cafes and lagoon tour operators are within walking distance, and the sailing club sits next door. It is a compact, unfussy base, built for mornings on the water and evenings at the market.