Sea Change Villas

Sea Change Villas On our trip to Rarotonga last week, we stayed four nights at Sea Change Villas, in Titikaveka on the south side, halfway around the island from the main town of Avarua. The resort is virtually adults-only and accommodates guests over 16, except for one Executive Villa that can take children of at least 12 years old. This is the first time we have stayed at Sea Change, although we have passed by the villas many times over the twelve years we have been visiting the Cook Islands and wondered what they were like. We booked a one-bedroom Beachfront Villa with a private pool and after seeing the pictures on the Sea Change Villas website we were excited to see what it was like inside. Stephanie met us at Reception and took us across the main road (Ara Tapu) that runs through the resort and unlocked the gate to our Villa. Wow! We walked onto the large front deck, with a plunge pool on the left, a small tropical garden set back on the right and a couple of sun lounges, chairs and tables as well. Straight ahead was the glass door to the kitchen and dining area. A well-appointed kitchenette on the right, with full-size fridge, two gas jets on the cooktop, a microwave oven, dishwasher, kettle, toaster, Nespresso machine, and enough crockery, glassware and cutlery for four. Pots, pans and a supply of utensils completed the stock. The fridge had milk, tropical juice, six eggs, a loaf of bread, butter and a bowl of various breakfast spreads, such as marmalade and jam. On the left was a dining table with six chairs. Further in was a large lounge area with two three-seat sofas, a coffee table and a reasonably sized smart TV. The far wall was completely glass, with a door leading out to the back deck. This deck had a round wooden table with four chairs, two more sun lounges and an outdoor shower. It was quite well concealed from the beach, and there was a rock track leading down to the sand. This was not considered safe for people of our age, as there was no handrail, and it was uneven. That was not too much of a problem, as we could go back out the Villa’s gate and walk along a deck past the resort’s kayaks and stand up paddle boards and then down nine or ten wooden steps to the beach. Back inside, the bedroom was past the kitchen area. This had a four-poster king bed, with a huge picture window facing the lagoon. It gave a picture-postcard look, and the glass was exquisitely clean, giving it the look of no glass at all. Between the bedroom and bathroom was a dressing closet, with a full-length mirror and an open wardrobe with shelves and a rail. The huge bathroom had a two basin vanity, a toilet and a large shower, with a large rain showerhead and a smaller hand held head. Various fancy toiletries were available for guests. There was an air-conditioning unit in the dining/lounge area, which only ran when the key tag was inserted in the power slot. However, there were also three ceiling fans – one each in the dining room,

A wonderful get-away in a spacious and comfy villa. Large rooms, great showers, comfy beds. Pool, hammock, bikes, paddle boards, kayaks and snorkel equipment available. Games room for rainy days. Views of the lagoon, where we saw whales!

Sea Change Villa's has captured our hearts. We have been back multiple times and will return again multiple times. We love everything about the place. From the spacious villas with their uniquely island feel, comfortable bed, equipped kitchen and breakfast starter pack. A view directly into the lagoon and mere steps to the beach. The location is quiet but also close to cafes and Wigmores supermarket. A walk along the beach to Charlie's bar of an afternoon for a quick drink is bliss. Snorkelling spots galore and access to SUP's, kayaks, reef shoes and snorkelling equipment. Access to a laundry is also great if you're running short on clothes. Steph and the staff seal the deal, Steph in particular - Nothing is a bother, any requests are sorted quickly and great advice and tips for eating out and things to see and do. This was our first time ordering in a seafood platter - would highly recommend, it fed us well for two days!! Thank you so much, we'll see you in a couple years :)

Beautiful location on the beach. The bed (four poster) was along with the pillows , incredibly comfortable. This bed had the most magnificent sea view. The kitchen was well equiped with a full sized fridge and excellent equipment. The size of the villa was amazing both inside and out. The deck overlooking the ocean was beautiful as was the private pool to the rear of the villa. Having a local supermarket was really helpful but we did hire a car for convenience. The staff were incredibly helpful even ringing to ask what time we wanted our villa servicing. There was a wide range of beach and swimming equipment some of which was kept in the handy laundry. Unfortunately the provider for the TV was changed whilst we were there so we had to abandon some of our viewing. Overall I think it is a little overpriced but I would still return.

Sea Change Villas exceeded our expectations in all respects. Luxurious and spacious accommodation, fully equipped and very well furnished. Great location, beautiful beach right there. Water sports equipment is provided (no charge) - we really enjoyed the snorkeling and kayaking, also just swimming in the sea and lying on the whitest beach sand. Bicycles are also provided, we enjoyed some cycling too. Our villa also had a table tennis table and a dart board, which we made good use of. The swimming pool was also great. Very nice complimentary food and snacks were also provided, not expected by us. Steph and the management team were very helpful and nice to deal with.

My brand new husband and I had a wonderful time at these beautiful villas. They were lovely, comfortable and clean. Judith and Bruce and their whole staff went above and beyond to insure our comfort and happiness during our stay. Raratonga is a beautiful place; full of friendly people and wonderful beaches and hikes.