Moana Sands Lagoon Resort — Hotel in Ngatangiia

Disappointing Stay – Not the Luxury Experience Promised

We stayed at Moana Sands Lagoon Resort in early April 2025, drawn by glowing online reviews and the promise of a luxury adults-only retreat. Unfortunately, our experience did not meet expectations and left us deeply disappointed.

The beach adjacent to the resort was unsuitable for swimming—something we discovered only upon arrival. The "tropical breakfast" consisted of toast and cereal, with no tropical elements in sight. To access anything more substantial, guests were encouraged to purchase from an à la carte menu, which felt more like upselling than enhancing the experience.

The restaurant itself was not open every evening, and when available, the menu resembled basic bar snacks rather than the elevated dining you'd expect from a resort of this calibre. Reliable Wi-Fi was not included and had to be purchased separately, with frequent connectivity issues. Even simple comforts were missing: in-room amenities included just one small tube of toiletries daily for two adults, and no bathrobes or slippers were provided during our entire stay—despite the luxury branding.

Guest services were non-existent after 5pm, and the resort did not offer concierge support, leaving us on our own for queries or recommendations. Staff members often seemed disengaged, and routine requests were met with reluctance. Most concerning was witnessing a server pour leftover coffee from a guest’s mug back into the percolator—raising serious hygiene concerns.

We ended up renting a car to explore the island ourselves in hopes of salvaging the remainder of our trip. This stay soured our entire Rarotonga experience, especially after such a magical time in Aitutaki. Sadly, we won’t be returning—and would urge future guests to approach online reviews...

Stayed in April 25. This is one of several accommodation we have stayed in Raro. Hope this review helps someone. THE POSITIVES *Big Modern Room tilted to face the ocean. We were downstairs which is great for access and a few steps into the LOVELY POOL. (Flat and easy access). *The pool is beautiful, large & clean (Note: Be careful when hoping in - the ledge is incredibly slippery and saw a few falls) *As an Adult-Only resort - it is quiet but social as a smaller resort. *Massage - the best value and quality massage I have had in Raro. Highly recommend. *Service at Restaurant - wonderful warm hospitality. *Value - it's priced right - book direct for discount. It's cheaper than others we've stayed and better than some at higher price point. *Lovely linen and even big bath towels. *Great super large bed - very comfortable. *Airconditioning - not perfect - but it worked fine + mosquito screens if you prefer fresh breeze. *Everything is newish. *Daily housekeeping. COULD BE BETTER: *The Food at Restaurant - average. Breakfast included is very basic. but adequate for us. *Ants in our room (were bad but perhaps unavoidable). They need to bomb it. Next time I'd bring ant exterminator plug-in. *Freezer did not work and no ice machines (they should get a shared one to solve this issue). Fridge is fine though. *No Starlink or free WIFI (most do now). *Reception - not warm and friendly like you expect in Raro (Restaurant staff were though). *Location is + and -. You can't swim here (but pool is fab) and a 15 min walk to Muri or 5 min other way to swimming beach. Would we stay here...

As a business owner (Of two extremely busy business that deal with the public day in and day out) I am absolutely disgusted at Wayne the manager of Moana Sands Lagoon Resort -

I was sitting by the beach early this morning while some local beautiful dogs (harmless & so placid) were sitting next to me, At the sight of the manager coming they coward and yelped as he first reprimanded MYSELF (I am a paying guest in the best room available at the resort - Lagoon Suite for 7 nights here and have spent a lot of money on alcohol and food) He had thought it was appropriate to give it to me hot and strong that I was simply patting one of the dogs - no smile or hello, just said in a blunt horrible tone “you know you can’t be encouraging them!!” He then stood over the dogs to intimidate then and THREW A SMALL SIZE COCONUT AT THEM (I don’t mean softly threw, he pegged it over his shoulder) Then went on and said to me that they put on an act that they are hungry (how can you put on an act that your ribs and hip bones are sticking out??) and would I PREFER THE DOGS TO BE SHOT?

I do understand that some guests may not want the dogs at the beach at the resort but there is a certain way to simply shoo them off while still remaining kind.

This is disgusting behaviour for a manager to firstly speak to guests in this way and also to treat beautiful animals in such a disgusting manner.

You won’t see me & my partner here again or at any of the pacific resort chain hotels & we are frequent travellers...