Sorry, I previous posted a review for the Tripadvisor Forum. The feedback for Kathy's should be as follows: We (a group of 5 adults) are now back from Taipara Retreat aka Kathy's Place in Rarotonga. We arrived in Rarotonga at about 6.45am on Saturday the 3rd and the car we had arranged to be delivered to the airport by Island Car and Bike was there waiting for us. We drove straight to Taipara Retreat which is in Vaimaanga. As the owner, Kathy, had had to take her daughter to New Zealand for urgent medical treatment, she had advised me that the house would be open provided me with a list of people and their telephone numbers in case we needed anything. I was a little worried about whether or not the house would be good as I had organised it on behalf of our group. It had great reviews and photos so I was hopeful and reasonably confident. Well, we arrived at the house and were absolutely amazed. The house was stunning! We ALL loved it! The photos did not do it justice at all. It was immaculate as was the swimming pool. Upstairs has a very modern kitchen, with stainless steel appliances, including dishwasher. There was also all necessary cleaning products, teatowels, etc. The kitchen flowed to a huge open-plan dining and lounge area with a massive wrap-around deck. Off to the side was a television area with DVD player, which didn't encroach on the general loungeroom. There was also a Bose sound system, so you can either bring your CDs or your Iphone. The master bedroom is also on this level with its huge walk-through robe and ensuite bathroom. The views from the bedrooms were amazing. Off the bedroom is a staircase leading up to a mezzanine level which would be great for a quiet area to read a book or perhaps use your laptop (if you must). If you venture down the stairs (off the loungeroom), you will find a huge, very well equipped, laundry with large washing machine, clothes dryer and inside line, together with an abundance of linen, ironing board and iron. Outside was a clothes line. Kathy left us with laundry powder which was appreciated. Further on is another two king-bedrooms, both with built-in robes and another loungeroom with television and DVD player. There is also another single bed outside one of the bedrooms. For anyone with small children, there is even a kiddy-gate at the top of the stairs. Will we back? You bet! Thank you Kathy and Tony.

Awesome house for families or groups. Hospitality was unbelievable and everything was provided. The pool was amazing and kept the kids entertained well into the night. I can't rave enough about this place. Thank you Kathy and Tony for allowing us to experience a home away from home in the islands.

This place is great. Feels luxurious while still feeling like a home away from home. The views are amazing from the huge decked area, the large bifold doors from the open plan lounges opening out on the deck and offering brezes throughout the house. Kathy's place is down a long driveway/ road so is very quiet and private. The pool is awesome to cool you down when you can't be bothered heading to the beach. Nice and close to the local shop which will easily meet your food shopping needs or just a leisurely 20-25min drive to the main town centre if that's what you're after. There were 8 of us in the house and we never felt like we were falling over each other. We also had a BBQ with 25-30 people and the ample room for everyone with room to spare. I would definitely recommend this place. We loved it so much we've booked again for next year!!