サンズ ヴィラズ ラロトンガ(Sands Villas)

Unfortunately, the pictures on the website for this unit are a bit deceiving, other than the fabulous location. The kitchen was well stocked and the bathrooms had newer cabinets and sinks but the unit is quite old and not well cared for. The air conditioner didn't work in the master upon arrival, eventually came on but was out the last two days of the trip and it was incredibly hot in the villa as there is no air in the main living area and only one small ceiling fan. Unfortunately the unit apparently had not been fumigated in a while and there were a lot, I mean a lot of really big cockroaches (we know there are bugs in tropical places, that's why fumigation is necessary). After a phone call, it was sprayed the day after our arrival so we dealt with dead and dying roaches each morning. A few days into the trip there was no water which was eventually restored after another call. The wicker furniture had balls of debris and hair caught in the bottom and there were dead bugs under the beds, they'd been there for a while. We were so disappointed after planning for a year for this trip. We would have moved to a different location if we could have found other accommodations and been assured of a refund. We didn't expect luxury, we've stayed at rustic places and we knew it was a small island but a well cared for and clean environment was absolutely expected, especially for the cost. The other 2 villas are much nicer for the same price.

Very easy to communicate with the owners and prime snorkelling directly in front of the rental. We saw stingrays, turtles, eels, and ton of beautiful fish. Our kids were 3&5 and both were able to have a good first snorkelling experience. We enjoyed our stay and hope to return. Wouldn’t look anywhere else.

This was our second time to stay at the Vaka Villa at the Sands. We’ve also stayed at the Coral Villa. We arrived late in the evening and the lovely manager, Ronga, was there to help us settle in. She continued to be a wonderful and helpful presence during our stay. Location, location! Our multi generational group included a 6 year old granddaughter so the beautiful shaded outdoor deck with its two steps to the beach was perfect. The kitchen was outfitted for making fresh fruit smoothies, French press coffee, and bbqing dinner to eat at the 6 person deck table. The location is close to restaurants etc. at Muri Beach and great grocery shopping at Wigmore’s (passion fruit ice cream cones too!). The property managers reply to emails promptly. We reported a door that needed repairs and it was fixed the next day. This tropical paradise home is perfect for making great memories three couples to share or extended family.

We stayed at the Coral Villa for 8 days with our daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandsons aged 4 1/2 and 5 months. We had an amazing holiday although the first 4 days were quite windy but very warm. “Our holiday home” was a perfect home away from home. You could just walk in and feel at home. It is spacious, clean, modern and had good ventilation, fans, aircon and screened windows that could be left open. It was fully self sufficient, including full size fridge, all the basic kitchen appliances and cooking utensils you might need for self catering and a good washing machine. A cot was supplied for our baby. The Villa had a good TV we utilised at various times to encourage some rest and down time for the young ones with kiddy programmes. Being only 3 or 4 metres from the edge of the lagoon meant that we did not feel excluded or disconnected whilst supervising the sleeping infant. It meant the rest of the family could go swimming, snorkelling or kayaking while we could relax and watch from the deck. It was fun discovering hermit crabs, various shells and different pieces of coral that kept our 4 year old busy for hours, all this on our doorstep. We didn’t mind sharing the home with a few geckos that kept us entertained and were fascinating to watch. Staff were very friendly and attentive to our needs. We will be going back to stay again.

We booked all 3 Sands Villas for our family group of 13 to celebrate our Golden Wedding anniversary . The position was perfect , right on the beach and reef . Wonderful for snorkeling and using the kayaks which were provided by the villas . The villas themselves were spotlessly clean and well appointed with comfortable beds , nice big balconies with sun lounges and thoughtfully a few grocery essentials to get us started . Our daughter and family recommended this place , it was the 3rd time they have stayed here which speaks for itself . A piece of paradise indeed !

As a repeat visitor over many years Sands Villas never fails to deliver. Properties overseen by helpful & efficient Rongo. Well appointed with the beach & lagoon a few steps away. Snorkels,kayaks all available. Paradise!

Wow i highly recommend staying at the Sands Villas. What a hidden treasure it is. Feeling hot……walk out the door and straight into the water! Clean tidy and spacious with great amenities! if you don’t mind roosters crowing all the time 🤣 (which will be everywhere you stay) then this is the option for you. Thanks for making our stay so enjoyable!

Fabulous location , great accomodation , well appointed . This is a great property , 20 steps to the water. Has sports gear to use. Welcome on arrival , close to great eating options. On bus route if needed.

This place was awesome. We stayed in the Vaka Villa right on the beachfront and had everything we needed from a BBQ to a fully-functional kitchen. The two bathrooms/showers was also appreciated for our 5-person group. The place was kept spotless and the team were so welcoming. Thank you!!