We liked it but can see why the other reviewers mightn't if they are single backpackers. It's not really what I would describe as a backpacker place and is a bit more upmarket. (The grounds are much larger than Rarotonga backpackers so you have a little more in the way of privacy). The rooms were quite nice. We had no... more

myself and my partner stayed here for 10 nights. we stopped in a beach house which was 10 secs walk from muri lagoon (though we didnt manage to get a sea view). we originally wanted a beach hut but as they were fuly booked we got $20 oer night knocked off the original price!. we wouldnt recommend the hillside accom... more

Please read all the below before chosing were to stay, i'm not biased just telling you exactly how i saw it when staying in both backpackers. Ok this is the best advice you will hear when chosing were to stay. Its between Rarotonga backpackers and Vara's and from personnally spending 2 weeks in both. Rarotonga bac'packers wins hands down no... more

che ka wiz a wow wow! Varas is some luxuary accomodation for the budget types. we had this spacious bungelow up on the hillside - named after vara's miss cook island daughter. talk about glamour haha but we had good views from the room and a real cool guy named anton - looking out for us. We had no problems... more

When we arrived at Varas we'd already stayed in the Cook Islands for a week and were accustomed to the countries high price level . Varas is reasonably priced, offers basic rooms with shared facilities. There are a very good equiped kitchen, a huge lounge and a terrace with sunbeds overlooking the Muri-lagoon, probably the best view of all Rarotonga.... more

Please don't believe any of the negative comments written about this place. Vara's is an honest, family business and has been for many years. My partner and I booked a couple of weeks prior to arriving and a good job we did too. It was so busy we only just managed to get a place at Ariki's Lodge a couple... more

We arrived in the wee hours of the morning (1am) There was a a rep from Varas to meet and greet us and take u to the accommodation.. Made landing and finding our way very easy. commend if you go to Raro for any reason you organise transfer from airport and even better get it thrown in as part of... more

Firstly, the description of this place in the Lonely Planet is utterly false. It is not notorious on Rarotonga for anything else other than decent budget accomodation in a fantastic location. We arrived here after a short flight from Fiji and found the free pick up service extremely helpful - this should be offered to you via email if you... more

We arrived at Varas in the middle of the night, along with other backpackers who were availing of the accommodation's free airport transfer. When we got to our accommodation we were given the key to our room and allowed to go straight to bed, with check-in being the following morning which was nice! We had originally booked a standard private... more