Looking for family accommodation in Rarotonga? This review of the White House Villa covers space, pool, beach access, who it’s suitable for and who it’s not.
“Mum, look! We can jump from one bed to the other. This is awesome!” the kids yelled out excitedly.
Okay, so the kids have completely different ideas from us on what makes accommodation great, but honestly, they weren’t wrong. If you’re searching for family accommodation in Rarotonga that isn’t a resort but still ticks all the comfort, space and location boxes, White House Villa is a top choice.
We stayed here during our first week in the Cook Islands and immediately knew we’d made the right call.
Why we chose a private villa in Rarotonga
One of the easiest ways to keep family travel costs down in the Cook Islands is by choosing self-contained accommodation. Compared to resorts, private villas or apartments often offer:
- More space for kids
- A full kitchen (hello, affordable meals)
- Better value for longer stays
- Less “resort chaos,” more relaxed family time
White House Villa delivered all of that and then some.
First impressions: space, greenery & coconut trees
The villa is set on a lush, grassy property lined with coconut palms. With younger kids at the time, the outdoor space was an instant win.
Pre-dinner entertainment quickly became coconut lawn bowls, while a very confident rooster and his group of admirers wandered in from next door to supervise.
And yes, you will hear roosters in Rarotonga. No matter where you stay. It’s basically part of the soundtrack of island life.
Inside the villa: easy living with kids
This is where White House Villa really shines as family accommodation in Rarotonga.
The villa includes:
- Two separate bedrooms
- Two bathrooms (a big win with kids)
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Open-plan living and dining
- An undercover outdoor dining area with loungers
It felt like a proper home base, not a place you had to tiptoe around with kids in tow.
Pool & property setup
Yes, there’s a pool, and yes, despite the fact that we also swam at the beach daily, the pool also got used daily.
The owners live in a separate residence on the property, but privacy is well managed with fencing and a thoughtful layout. The grounds are immaculately maintained, and it never once felt intrusive or crowded.
Location: 100-metres from one of Rarotonga’s best beaches
If we had to name the single biggest reason this villa stands out as one of the best family accommodations in Rarotonga, it’s the location.
White House Villa is just a 100-metre stroll down a quiet, tree-lined street to Aroa Beach – a beach we genuinely preferred over the more famous Muri Beach.
Why families love Aroa Beach:
- Soft white sand
- Calm, shallow water for kids
- Coral patches are perfect for beginner snorkelling
- Enough open water to swim comfortably
It’s one of those beaches that works for everyone in the family.
Who is this accommodation best for?
White House Villa is ideal for:
- Families with young or school-aged kids
- Families wanting space and flexibility
- Travellers wanting beachfront access without resort prices
- Those planning to stay several nights or longer
If your idea of a great family holiday includes beach mornings, pool afternoons, and relaxed dinners at “home,” this place fits beautifully.
Who is it not for?
Families seeking a resort experience with kids’ club, onsite restaurants and the works.
Watch: Our White House Villa Rarotonga stay
If you’d rather see it for yourself, here’s our short YouTube clip from the stay:
Final verdict: Is White House Villa worth it?
Absolutely.
For families looking for family accommodation in Rarotonga that offers space, value, an unbeatable beach location, and a relaxed island feel without the price tag of a large resort, the White House Villa remains one of our top recommendations.
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Let me know what you think!