Nautilus Resort

Exemplary experience, our small wedding (elopement) at Nautilus Resort. Professional co-ordination and suggestions of celebrant (classy, kind and extremely well organised), live music, florist, hair/make up and chefs special menu were all spot on. Our expectations were exceeded in every way. It was the PERFECT day, thank you Jane, Mii and the Nautilus kitchen … photos tell it all, marvellous in all ways.

Totally stuffed up. Had had lunch there 3 times ~ excellent - had also really enjoyed staying there before. BUT….. Wanted our last night in Raro to be spectacular… booked in for dinner with a particular table… confirmed. 3 times …..turned up to be told there was a wedding so all the front tables were out. No acceptance of our prior booking -as if the wedding took total priority ( even though 2 hours later none of the supposedly priority tables !,!! Were occupied) Had lamb curry - asked for chainsaw to cut it - was replaced so only need a scalpel. Wanted to stay there next year but!!!”?? It’s a management issue. - not staff!!,!

We spent those wonderful nights at the Nautilus resort. Friendly, smiling, always helpful staff. Our room had its own small pool directly on the beach. The food was excellent. One day we rented e-bikes and cycled around the island. We will definitely come again

Super rude host. Commented on my attire asking me to cover up… this is a beach front and pool front restaurant so you would think that they would be used to less attire. I’m wearing a crop top and look fabulous. I told her it’s rude to comment on peoples attire and walked away and sat myself.

the Cook Islands has a staff shortage at the moment, but it was most notable at the Nautilus. we were told on three separate occasions that the bar was closed for the afternoon as they didn't have a bar tender. there was also no room service available for the duration of our stay. what staff they had were friendly enough, but very busy trying to keep up. we did note that some of other resorts we went to looked to have plenty of staff, so not sure what the issue was. the room was nice, although a bit tired and could do with a freshen up to bring it up to the photos on the website. for $900 a night, we were left underwhelmed.

We had a wonderful holiday in Rarotonga. Our stay at the Nautilus was perfect and made especially special by the wonderful staff. A special thanks to Rea (breakfast), April (dinner), Koca Ng and his beautiful Nindris, Waqe, Osea, Ken, Tex and a special thanks to Vailiane who cleaned our Are every day. The pool and maintenance people who were very friendly and professional. The Are was big and beautifully decorated. The cookies were superb. The food in the restaurant very good. We only have a couple of negatives. When you are paying $1000.00AUS per night for bed and breakfast only, wifi should be unlimited and you shouldn't have to pay extra for a barista coffee. We would definitely come back in a heart beat.

My friend and I loved our stay at Nautilus Resort. We stayed 5 nights after NZ’s school holidays had finished as we didn’t want to have too many kids running about. This time of year was great for those wanting something really quiet but without going to a child-free resort. This is quite a pricey accommodation, however we were keen for a bit of a splurge and afterwards felt it was well worth it. The complimentary breakfast was excellent, although we were sad the breakfast burrito wasn’t ever available as they didn’t have any tortilla stock (Raro comes with the territory of relying on a lot coming in from boats/NZ). All of the staff were lovely and friendly too and super cute turn down service where they give you a jar of fresh home made cookies every day! Location: Nautilus is at an amazing spot on Muri Beach. The lagoon right outside is breathtaking and you can swim directly out from it without it being all rocky. The islands in the lagoon area very easily to walk/swim/kayak/SUP to and the ocean there has plenty of great coral areas out from it to snorkel around. Loads of colourful fish, starfish and even turtles! I also loved that this resort was just far enough away from the two lagoon cruise boat companies (an easy 3 min walk to them) that the drums from these were soft sounding from the resort. I imagine a resort closer to those you could get tired of hearing it so loudly. (Btw highly recommend Koka’s Lagoon Cruise while you’re there!). Within a 10 min walk from the resort are the Muri Night Markets (epic for dinners), Mooring Fish Cafe (delicious fish and chips), a few bakeries, convenient stores and liquor stores. Amenities: Awesome to be able to grab snorkelling gear, kayaks, SUPs and reef shoes any time to use. The main pool was wonderful - sometimes we had it entirely to ourselves, other times a few people were dotted around the pool but it never felt too busy. The on-site Spa is great too - we both got massages which were lovely and relaxing. Room: We initially wanted a Beachfront Are’ but they had none available so we settled on a Garden Are’, however after being there we were so glad we got the Garden one. They felt much more private as they have a fully fenced courtyard that no one could look into, where as the beachfront ones we could just end up standing right by someone in their pool if we were using the pathway. The private plunge pool was the best (it was one of the reasons we booked Nautilus originally as we were worried the main pools would be busy). Loved the sun loungers too. Restaurant: Shout out to Keenan from the restaurant for making our breakfast visits so enjoyable! We also booked a dinner there for one of our nights and that was great too. Food was excellent and yummy cocktails! I would definitely stay here again!

This resort has a lot going for it, but a lot that needs attention (somethings beyond their control, but others in their control). Located at the south end of Muri Beach - the beach is more grit than sand, but still attractive - the water/lagoon in this area is literally as much sharp coral heads as sandy bottom and covered in thousands upon thousands of squishy sea cucumbers (you definitely need water shoes of some sort) - not nice for wading or swimming. The hotel in general is showing a lot of signs of age and needs a make over. The netting on/around the bed in our room was torn in many areas - don't know how many mosquitoes that would keep out. The gardens are very attractive and well maintained. The staff is friendly, helpful and efficient (top of our list Rea and Keenan in the restaurant). Restaurant menu for dinner is small but varied (pretty well the same as every restaurant on the island) - breakfast is a continental buffet plus you can order plates from the kitchen, so quite adequate for a good start to the day. Garden Are with your own plunge pool is nice after a day in the ocean, hiking or out and about. Cook Islands is very much on the pricey side for everything, but this hotel/resort is a little high for what they have to offer.

The staff are absolutely amazing! Nothing is ever a issue. Breakfast every morning with Keenan serving was always a delight. He is always happy and smiley and remembers every little detail. All the staff here are great and always make you feel welcome.