This accommodation is a real gem. Million dollar views from the deck for the lowest price ever. I loved every minute staying here. It is your lovely beach bach with everything you need for a quiet relaxing holiday. The best shop down the road, which never shuts. Restaurants nearby, and the bus will stop outside the gate. Bananas and pawpaws for the picking on the property if you time it right. I certainly will be back.
We have had 12 glorious days bit unsettled weather but hey. Loved it great swimming great snorkeling just great everything. The lagoon changes every day something different to look at. I adopted 3 Mumma chooks and 2 maina birds was hand feeding them. If you get the chance book you won’t regret it , it is stunning
Geoff and Dianne Bush
June 17, 2015 at 8:59 pm Reply
We loved Southside. It was a shame when we had to move on. Swimming and snorkelling at the front door, a lovely deck and a well equipped kitchen. Bed was comfy too.
Wigmores supermarket very handy as are a number of other eating places within an easy walk.
Photos are an accurate representation of the property.
Hopefully we will be back some day.
Just returned to NZ from a 7 day stay at Southside. This fully contained unit is just perfect for the discerning traveller with everything you need to enjoy a peaceful, undisturbed holiday. Wigmores Superstore and Coco Latte cafe just a hop-skip-and-a-jump down the road is so (dangerously) handy. Booking a rental car through http://www.experiencerarotonga.co.nz worked out much MUCH cheaper than doing it yourself (e.g. $28 per day for the first 5 days, then $33 per day for the last 2 days plus $7 booking fee & $30 airport drop-off fee). Since we last stayed, the owner has added 3 hammocks, a lockable safe and a lockable screen/security door which was fab for leaving open at night to let the nice cool sea breeze through, and mozzies out. Highly recommended accommodation at such a reasonable daily rate! Meitaki maata. See you again very soon 🙂 G&C
We stayed here the first time we came to Raro and LOVED it. The second time we came everything was bought for us so we had to stay in a hotel, we miss ‘our’ house so much. We cant wait to return there some time soon. No complaints at all
I stayed at Southside Studio for about 8 nights in August this year. This place is the real deal!!!! Dreaming of a return already. Right on the beach, yet very private (church/vacant lot on one side, owner’s family on the other). Nice snorkeling right out front, hammock for the deck, shop just down the road, and good basic facilities for self-catering. Beres was very laid back and friendly. There are no screens on the windows but I found the sea breeze and a Glade plug-in kept things under control bug-wise. There is a mosquito net in the wardrobe which Beres can string up if you are prone.
Lots of great local attractions on this side of the island too, I particularly enjoyed the Takitumu Conservation Area, and the Maire Nui Tropical Gardens. Also, I’d recommend a hybrid bike from Polynesian Rentals – much cheaper than a scooter, don’t need a licence, and eco-friendly.
Mine was a solo trip and I felt very safe and welcome all over the island, and in the studio too. Southside is simply brilliant value for money, you won’t be disappointed. Plenty of fancier places wouldn’t be that close to the water’s edge! Hard to beat breakfast on that deck 😉 I would love to return one day.
We spent ten relaxing days at Southside in January 2012. The studio is simply furnished, very clean, the perfect spot for people who appreciate privacy and tranquility. It is well away from the bustle of bars and resorts, but less than a five minutes from Wigmore’s Super Store and the stop for the round-the-island bus circuit. There are two restaurants in either direction, approximately a ten-minute walk away. On this visit we didn’t bother renting a vehicle, but might consider one next time, just for a couple of days to see the sights, and then retire once again to our beach-side paradise. Our thanks to Beres for all his advice and help.
Fil & Harriet
Ottawa, Canada
Mike and Maree Bange
May 7, 2012 at 11:00 am Reply
We stayed at Southside for 2 weeks from 14th April until 28th April. Had a wonderful time and must say that the studio was everything that we had hoped for. The large decking was fantastic and was much used by us both. Lazing away a few hot afternoons.The lagoon out front was fantastic, and was by far one of the best beaches for swimming and snorkeling. We hired a scooter for the duration of our time and explored every nook and cranny. A must do is the back road around the island. Go slow and enjoy the gardens and scenery.Have recommended Southside Studio to my friends. We would certainly stay there again. A fantastic spot. Many thanks to Beres and family.
Southside. What a great spot for a snorkel enthusiast! Straight out of bed and into the crystal clear water, YAY!! Other good snorkeling spots are “Fruits of Rarotonga” and “The Rarotongan”. We were a bit unlucky with the windy, wet (still warm) weather, but found spending time on the decking while it rained still very pleasant with a good book, an iPad game (offline), a drink and the view. Tax free alcohol at the airport when arriving in Rarotonga, is very cheap! Good restaurants close by. Wigmore’s takeaway serves man-sized fish and chips with even salad on the side, but also other cheap meals. Wigmore’s Supermarket’s items (across the road) are fairly priced, saves you a trip into town. And they serve whopper ice creams, yes, including hokey pokey! It is also a hotspot if you want internet. Just buy a WiFi card in the shop from $ 15. We had a wonderful time despite the weather. And last but certainly not least, our great, reliable and friendly hosts Beres and Gina. Thanks heaps you two, you’re wonderful. We would love to come again!!
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