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LITTLE POLYNESIAN
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
“Imagine if you can this setting: waves breaking on the horizon, a beautiful beach, a clear evening sky, a bed facing the ocean, a tropical balmy breeze, a smooth beverage of choice, a South Pacific song playing softly in the distance, an intimate yet elegant lodging and paradise just oozing at every turn. You have entered a world of romantic bliss; you have entered the world of Little Polynesian Resort in Rarotonga, the Leading Boutique Hotel of the Cook Islands (World Travel Awards 2008, 2009 & 2010) World Famous In the Cook Islands
For more than 30 years the Little Polynesian has been catering to international guests seeking a richer experience of the true South Pacific. Situated directly on a white sandy beach of world class beauty and nestled within the foliage of palms and lush tropical greens, our intimate lodgings in Rarotonga, Cook Islands traditional architecture and grounds have been designed with one purpose: to integrate harmoniously with nature's beauty and charm. Our multifaceted staff will seek to provide you with whatever accompanying desires you may have, from great food to the various resort amenities or access to many of Rarotonga's surrounding activities.
The magic of Little Polynesian and the Cook Islands await you. With only 10 over-beach Ares (bungalows) and four Pia Tiare (garden units), you can rest assured that you are among the most fortunate to enjoy a way of Polynesian life that few can claim to have experienced.”
Our Thoughts on Little Polynesian
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. Until 2006, when it was completely rebuilt, the accommodation etc was fairly modest, but you should see it now! The Resort rates themselves at 4 Star – we think they’re being a bit modest!
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 the lagoon takes centre stage throughout the Resort. From the Reception area guests arriving at Little Polynesian look out through the lovely little open-space restaurant and lounge and over the horizon swimming pool which seems to meld with the lagoon beyond. From the bedroom and the living space of the Over-Beach Ares (Absolute Beachfront Bungalows), the private decks also seem to meld with the lagoon.
Architecture is probably best described as “contemporary Cook Islands Polynesian”, with vaulted ceilings with lightened lime-washed look roof beams, wooden floors and decks and tasteful, light coloured décor and furnishings.
The 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 breakfast included in the tariff and this can be delivered to your Are or taken in the restaurant. 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 here!
On each side of the pool there is a thatched gazebo, each of which can be transformed into a private and romantic dinner area for two people with the addition of lovely light fabric screens that float on the evening breezes.
This is an ideal spot for weddings, honeymoons and couples of all ages. Guests aged under 15 years are not accepted at Little Polynesian.
Your Accommodation Options
All accommodation is air-conditioned. There are only two options; either the 10 Over-Beach Ares or the 4 Pia Tiare garden units. The Pia Tiare garden units are closer to the road and are located in two blocks of 2 units each. The Over-Beach Ares are exactly that – virtually a metre-or-so above the beach with decks that almost border the sand. There are 5 Over-Beach Ares on either side of the pool/restaurant complex.
Room Categories
 Pia Tiare (Garden Units)
Two separate blocks, each containing 2 spacious, modern, open-plan studio units. Each Pia Tiare unit 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 Over-Beach units. There is another walled courtyard off the bathroom and this courtyard contains a private spa bath and optional-use outdoor shower. Floors throughout the unit are tiled. These units include a light kitchen with 2 burner gas cook-top, a microwave oven, toaster, small fridge and kitchen sink. A table and 2 chairs as well as a lounge setting are also provided.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Adults
Existing Bedding Configuration: 1 King or 2 Singles
Over-Beach Ares (Bungalows)
Big, airy, suite-like bungalows perched right on the beach. Each Over-Beach Are 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. The lounge, which includes 2 day beds as well as a small table and 2 chairs and an occasional table and settee, opens up to wooden decking which ends right above the beach with a thatched gazebo containing another lovely big day bed. Each bungalow is screened from its neighbour and coconut palms have been strategically planted on each side of the day bed/gazebo to provide more shade.
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 spa-bath and a separate outdoor shower.
Getting to and from Little Polynesian
We will provide a coach or private car arrival/departure transfer from/to Rarotonga International Airport.
Kids Policy
Children aged 15 years and under are not permitted at the Resort.
Check-in/Check Out
The hotel will make every effort to ensure your rooms are available at your time of check-in; however, the Hotel standard times and rates are as follows:
Check In Time: 12.00pm
Check Out Time: 10.00am
 Day use rooms can be provided at 50% of the nightly contract rate between 6.00am - 12.00pm or 10.00am - 6.00pm.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made in writing.
If cancellations are effected between 30 and 15 days of scheduled arrival, a cancellation fee equal to one night’s accommodation will be levied.
If cancellations are effected between 14 and 8 days of scheduled arrival, a cancellation fee equal to two night’s accommodation will be levied.
If cancellations are effected within 7 days of scheduled arrival including no shows, a cancellation fee equal to 100% of total stay will be levied.
The information on this page was correct as at 11 Oct 2011 and is subject to change without notice.
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