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MOTU Beachfront Art Villas

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Traveller (575)
Pool & Beach (135)
Videos (1)

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About

#1 of 3 hotels in Titikaveka
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Welcome to MOTU, formerly Royale Takitumu. We are Rarotonga’s newest boutique resort. Tucked away on the shores of the lagoon, MOTU (meaning island) is a stylish haven for tranquillity and relaxation. Offering ten self-contained villas, each is secluded within tropical gardens laden with colourful native plants and flowers. The newly modernised villas invite sophisticated relaxation, with designer interiors and a collection of artworks from across the Pacific. Each villa is air-conditioned and features a spacious bedroom, living area, kitchenette and bathroom, as well as a shaded balcony. You can look forward to exploring the colourful sea life of the lagoon with snorkelling and kayaking gear included with each stay, as well as electric bicycles for discovering the beauty of this tiny nation and its people. Or recline by the fresh-water pool and enjoy a local beer on tap. In high summer you will experience blazing sunrises and sunsets beyond the reef. Our intimate size allows for personalised care for all our guests and is perfect for romantic getaways. We give our environment and our iti tangata (our people) the same care as our guests. We use environmentally friendly products, state of the art wastewater management, and electric vehicles to help preserve our piece of paradise. The majority of our profits support our island community through healthcare, education and the arts, and every stay at MOTU contributes to this. We look forward to welcoming you to MOTU – our island within an island.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Pool
Breakfast available
Beach
Bicycles available
Airport transportation
Adults only
Electric vehicle charging station
Paid wifi
Pool / beach towels
Adult pool
Outdoor pool
Shallow end in pool
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Wine / champagne
Diving
Snorkelling
Water sport equipment rentals
Aerobics offsite
Bicycle tours
Fishing
Tennis court offsite
Board games / puzzles
Car hire
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
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Room features
Air purifier
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Dining area
Housekeeping
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Private balcony
Safe
Seating area
Separate living room
Sofa
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Clothes rack
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Ocean View
Languages Spoken
English, French, Filipino, German
Hotel links
Special Offer:30% Off When You Book Direct With Us*
486Reviews11Q+A100Room tips

Reviews
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Alan C wrote a review Feb 2024
Fareham, United Kingdom78 contributions86 helpful votes
We looked hard at accommodation on Rarotonga and Aitutaki and was very pleased with our selections. The Motu is extremely clean, well located and very well managed. The beach area is excellent and lots of tropical fish not far from the beach. Good selection of kayaks and the electric bikes were a brilliant addition. We ate at the little Polynesian and had beers at Charlie’s. Rarotonga and the people of the Cook Islands is very special. All gardens with cut grass and no litter anywhere. A very chilled and strong community. The roaming dogs around the island are a downside if you are frightened of them. Totally recommend.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Book early and spend 3 nights minimum. We did 3 on Rarotonga and 4 on aitutaki and would do it...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Jennyj22 wrote a review Jun 2022
Howick, New Zealand22 contributions9 helpful votes
Hotel's Favourite
One of our best relaxing holidays ever. Fabulous place, very peaceful. So much effort has gone into creating MOTU . The service is fantastic, staff extremely helpful and all those little touches, fruit provisions and beautiful bakery products on Sunday. Loved receiving the paper in the mornings. Hope to see you again next year.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Try and book your restaurants in advance, Charlies, little Poly within walking distance.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from , Owner at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas
Responded 16 Aug 2022
Kia Orana Jenny, so lovely to see you've enjoyed your (double) stay with us. It's the little things that people remember, and we're glad that you've loved them! See you next year - we hope too! Kia Manuia, Lucile
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Dion and Colette wrote a review Jan 2024
Pokeno, New Zealand16 contributions2 helpful votes
Thankyou team MOTU. You made our short escape to Raro truly memorable. From the minute we checked in we felt welcomed and well looked after. We felt blessed to share this small paradise with you and look forward to returning. All the best from Dion and Colette.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Be sure to ask the MOTU team for more information on things to do on this island. They have a...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Thomas B wrote a review Dec 2023
1 contribution
+1
This is the nicest place my wife and I ever stayed at. Everything was absolutely fantastic. The lagoon was one the best snorkeling spot around the island (hundreds of fish, giant clam, turtle...), the villa was stunning, the common grounds absolutely beautiful. Add to that the fact that the staff was simply perfect, everyone was nice, friendly and caring. We had the chance to meet Mii who made us feel really cared for and treated us in such special ways that we felt like family. This is quite possibly the best holiday we've ever been to, it was that good that on the last day, we were already looking into booking our return trip next year. Could not recommend enough and would highly encourage everyone to go there for a very special time away!
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: It takes time to learn how to unwind and relax for some of us so make sure to book enough time to...
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ReebEztam wrote a review Dec 2023
145 contributions42 helpful votes
+1
My wife and i have had an amazing Stay at Motu. The hosts Tim and Lucile did make sure that all our expectations have been exceeded. The beach front villa with direct access to the beach, access to stand up paddle board and kayaks and just simply all the amenities made our stay one of the best we ever had. We would highly recommend this Place to our friends and families and consider also our selfs to return one day
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: The Beachfront Villas are Top
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Nora J wrote a review Nov 2023
1 contribution
+1
The experience of staying at Motu beachfront is one I would recommend to any couples that are wanting private adults only accommodation that comes with stunning full service and amazing managers and workers that make you feel well cared for. My husband and I stayed here the week of our wedding in Raro and would choose to stay only here on any future trips! The villas are beautiful and so close to the water it felt like our own little paradise. From the layout of the villas to the decor and design of the main foyer and swimming pool it was perfect. The overall property felt luxurious and what’s not to like about an honesty bar that is open to guests even on Sundays!! The staff were so accommodating it was unexpected as we didn’t realise the extent of the full service we’d receive from a boutique resort of villas. Our stay was amazing and everything was so picture perfect for our likings. Would 100% recommend!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from , Owner at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas
Responded 6 Dec 2023
Kia Orana Nora & Barry, It was such a pleasure having you at MOTU for your big week, and to welcome you back for a short day after your honeymoon in Aitutaki. So glad to hear that MOTU is now your top pick in Rarotonga as there are other wonderful properties on the island. We can't wait to welcome you back again :) Lucile
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Michael C wrote a review Nov 2023
Melbourne, Australia18 contributions5 helpful votes
If you're after absolute beach front in an idyllic tropical setting, then MOTU fits the bill perfectly. We stayed for a week, swapping between two villas, both of which were comfortable and clean. Having only 10 villas on the property contributed to a tranquil experience, as did the helpful, but never intrusive advice and help from Lucille, Tim and Mii. We got around largely by bus and the village's e-bikes, but worth considering hiring a car if you have a longer stay, with only a couple of places for dinner within walking distance.
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Date of stay: July 2023
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Shona wrote a review Nov 2023
Tauranga32 contributions18 helpful votes
An idyllic spot on the idyllic island of Rarotonga. We loved the warm friendliness of the staff and the immaculately kept villas and grounds. Our beach front villa was perfect for snorkelling, whale watching and quiet relaxation under the palm trees. We made good use of the kayaks, paddle boards and bikes that were available. We also hired a car which enabled us to explore the top class restaurants and places to visit all over the island. We were very lucky - we saw whales every day (mid August) from the shore on all different places around the island. We highly recommend Motu Villas and hope to visit again next year.
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Date of stay: August 2023
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: A hire car is great and then you do not have to wait for the bus.
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Lisa P wrote a review Nov 2023
Auckland Central, New Zealand4 contributions5 helpful votes
We had a great stay for our honeymoon in August. The rooms are so comfortable with everything you need in the fully equipped kitchen. The welcome basket of food, fruit and wine was amazing and kept us going for days, full of lovely nibbles and eggs, milk ,bread. Sunday we got lovely fresh baked pastries and goodies delivered to our room, so unexpected. The views from our deck were amazing. Already booked to come back next year:)
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Ken K wrote a review Nov 2023
158 contributions56 helpful votes
Loved our stay at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas! Plenty of room, a nice kitchen stocked with some items (including eggs which helped us get our mornings off to a great start) and a gorgeous beach out front with excellent snorkeling were highlights! Also loved seeing whales in the distance swimming right beyond the reef breakers...very cool! Oh, and free self-service laundry came in super helpful after our long trip on the road!
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PRICE RANGE
£235 - £337 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
royale takitumu hotel titikaveka
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Royale Takitumu
LOCATION
Cook IslandsSouthern Cook IslandsRarotongaTitikaveka
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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MOTU BEACHFRONT ART VILLAS - Updated 2024 (Titikaveka, Cook Islands)

Frequently Asked Questions about MOTU Beachfront Art Villas
Which popular attractions are close to MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Nearby attractions include Aroa Marine Reserve (3.9 miles), Titikaveka Beach (0.02 miles), and Te Rua Manga (The Needle) (3.0 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, free parking, and airport transportation.
Which room amenities are available at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Guests can enjoy breakfast, barbeque facilities, and complimentary tea during their stay.
Is parking available at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Conveniently located restaurants include Beluga, The Mooring Fish Cafe Rarotonga, and The Waffle Shack.
Are there opportunities to exercise at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does MOTU Beachfront Art Villas have airport transportation?
Yes, MOTU Beachfront Art Villas offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Filipino.
Are there any historical sites close to MOTU Beachfront Art Villas?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Wreck of the Matai (4.7 miles).
Does MOTU Beachfront Art Villas have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.