Insider’s Review Of The Black Pearl At Puaikura In Rarotonga
Rarotonga in the Cook Islands is the perfect tropical vacation in the heart of the South Pacific. I spent nearly 3 weeks in Rarotonga on my voyage across the South Pacific Islands, with 5 nights in The Black Pearl At Puaikura. Recently renovated from the ground up, the resort welcomes couples and families with its warm hospitality, intimate setting and spacious rooms – in one the island’s most peaceful spots. Here’s a full review of The Black Pearl At Puaikura in Rarotonga.
Traveling to the Cook Islands? Start planning with The Cook Islands Travel Guide!
The Location
The Black Pearl At Puaikura Resort is located in the quieter Aroa District on the west coast of Rarotonga. Avarua, the main village, is just 15 minutes away, and it’s just 10 minutes to the island’s airport and 20 minutes to busy Muri Beach. You’ll find a grocery shop, internet cafe, takeaway restaurant, car/scooter hire, dive shop, and the Shipwreck Hut (the best beach bar in Rarotonga), all within walking distance. A short drive brings you to the island’s premier restaurants, though some offer a complimentary pickup from the hotel.
Aroa Beach is one of the prettiest and quietest beaches in Rarotonga, and it lies just across the road from the Black Pearl At Puaikura. You can easily find your own spot and stroll in any direction. Thanks to its marine reserve status, snorkeling is great, as is swimming. Oh, and it’s a magical spot to watch the sunset!
The Story
The friendly owner Janelle has been in the travel industry for over a decade. Originally from New Zealand, she’s also lived in Australia and Los Angeles before taking over the Black Pearl and completely redoing it from the ground up. I mean, this place was absolutely spotless when I visited. Janelle’s philosophy is to focus on personal service – ensuring guests enjoy themselves throughout their precious vacation. Aside from warm hospitality, she puts an emphasis on vibrant interior decor – stimulating your senses and getting you into holiday mode.
The Rooms
Intimately set in tropical gardens around a central saltwater swimming pool, The Black Pearl’s 12 suites are spacious with high vaulted ceilings. The suites are decorated in an ocean color palette and are all on the ground level. Each suite has a private patio with a view of either the lush garden or sparkling pool (or both). They are self-catering, allowing you to prepare your meals – simply pop into the supermarket next door to the ice-cream parlor and for all your food, drinks, alcohol, and gas, and you’re ready to go! You can also use the poolside BBQ and enjoy our al fresco dining area.
Pool View
These extra spacious units will comfortably sleep two adults in a separate king-size master bedroom and one or two children (or adults) in the living area on two single beds.
Garden View
Similar in layout to the Pool View rooms but slightly ‘smaller’.
Cabana
I stayed in one of these units, essentially a very large, brightly-colored open studio. The Cabanas are equipped with a king-size bed alongside a single bed – suitable for a couple or three guests. Your large patio overlooks the swimming pool and tropical garden.
What Else?
Janelle and the friendly local staff will be able to get you the best deals on the island for car/scooter hire and tours. Airport transfers can also be arranged. Here are a few extras:
- Free filtered water
- BBQ area
- WiFi hotspot
- Drinks on sale at the reception
- Free use of snorkeling gear and reef shoes
- Free introductory scuba diving lesson in the saltwater pool every Monday
- Laundry service upon request
- Book library
- Ice-cold drinks on sale in the main reception
Come Here If You Are…
A couple or a family traveling seeking a comfortable self-catering accommodation in an intimate environment. Book here!
Exclusive Offer
Get a free three-day scooter rental when you book a stay of 5 nights or more. Mention the promotion code ‘X Days In Y’ when making an inquiry directly with the hotel. Lastly, check out the resort’s Facebook Page.
What’s Next?
Start planning your visit to paradise with the Cook Islands Travel Guide, complete with lots of tips, tricks, and in-depth travel guides to Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
