What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 2:00 pm and check-out is by 10:00 am. Early check-ins and late check-outs may be available on request and are charged at $25 per hour or $75 for up to four additional hours; longer extensions require another night. Free luggage storage is available. Room access can be arranged at any time when accommodation is prepaid and arrival flight details have been supplied. Remember that Rarotonga is one calendar day behind New Zealand.
Are the Cook Islands in the same time zone as New Zealand?
No. The Cook Islands are roughly 23 to 24 hours behind New Zealand. A flight leaving New Zealand on Friday normally arrives in Rarotonga on Thursday. Flights returning on Friday usually arrive in New Zealand on Saturday, or early Sunday if departing late. Always check dates carefully and ask for help if you are unsure.
Does Muri Retreat have reception, and can we pay on arrival?
There is no reception office and the hosts do not live on-site. The four apartments are intentionally private and relaxed. Simon and Denise coordinate transfers and bookings and visit regularly to maintain the gardens, pathways and pool. Accommodation is paid before arrival, except approved cash payments connected with host-provided airport transfers.
How can I get to Muri Retreat from Rarotonga International Airport?
Options include Muri Retreat's pre-booked meet-and-greet return transfer, a private shuttle, a pre-booked hire car, bus, taxi or walking. The host transfer is approximately 20 minutes and the original service is listed at $50 per person return. Contact Muri Retreat for current availability and pricing.
How close are the beach and lagoon?
The closest Muri Beach and Lagoon access is about a five-minute stroll away. At the end of Ambala Road, turn right and cross the road, then walk about 30 metres to the well-used path beside The Beach Hut. It leads to a quiet white-sand beach with shade, safe swimming and good snorkelling near Taakoka Island. Simon, Denise and Jimmy often see turtles here and can advise about SUP and snorkelling.
Is Muri Retreat private?
Yes. The retreat is in a relaxed tropical foothill setting about 500 metres from Muri Lagoon. Each of the four apartments has private outdoor space. The pool and activity hut are shared, so guests can choose how social or private they wish to be. The whole property can sometimes be booked in advance for families or friends, providing four bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms plus shared gathering spaces.
What is there to do at Muri Retreat?
The hosts can provide information and advice about SUP, cycling, hiking, snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking, mini golf, walking tours, the swimming pool, party buses, bike tours, cultural nights and local dining. Charges may apply. You can also arrange everything independently or simply do nothing and relax.
Does Muri Retreat have a pool?
Yes. The private tropical-garden pool is salt-water treated, gentle on the skin and maintained to a high standard, with ladder access. The adjacent activity hut has sun loungers, an outdoor shower, seating, a shared fridge and freezer, Weber BBQ, utensils, cooking oil, paper towels, salt and pepper, a book exchange and Wi-Fi coverage.
How many guests can sleep at Muri Retreat?
The current bed configuration accommodates eight guests, with two guests in each apartment. Kukupa and Kaute can connect through their covered verandas. Moko and Kukupa are also linked by a back door and stairwell, and Moko's large patio can accommodate a gathering of four to six people.
How far is Muri Retreat from Avarua?
Avarua, Rarotonga's central business district, is about 12 km or a 15-minute drive away. Island buses run approximately hourly and stop at the bottom of Ambala Road when waved down. Cars, scooters, bicycles and e-bikes can be hired in Muri; pre-booking is recommended in high season.
Does each room have a Wi-Fi-connected Smart TV?
Yes. Each room has a modern Smart TV connected to reliable Wi-Fi and a hard drive of films. Onu, Moko and Kukupa have 43-inch Samsung televisions; Kaute has a 55-inch OLED Panasonic. Guests can use their own streaming subscriptions. Some on-demand services may require a VPN and a third-party device. Please keep volume low after 10 pm.
