Ratua Private Island Resort

“Unique and rustic”

I think this place could hit 10/10 if it pulled itself together; it’s one of the quirkiest spots I’ve visited. The beach villa, the horses, the water, the bikes, and the on‑site snorkeling were all hits, and we also tried the best of Santo tour and the Mount Hope River float, which we loved. On the downside, the service was often terrible—some of the worst I’ve seen—so I had to chase the staff for basic requests and started to lose trust. I’d have liked a broader food selection and more music; the vibe felt flat at times. Still, as a seasoned traveler used to five‑star standards, I’m not entirely disappointed.

Alessandra·2 weeks ago

The location is amazing, the team is excellent, and the restaurant is top‑tier—truly exclusive.

Carloshdaud·2 weeks ago

“stunning location”

The spot is fantastic—sheltered and the beach is stunning, with plenty of water activities. The buildings are lovely and interesting, but the interiors are very dark and the floorboards squeak loudly, which made my son’s sickness a noisy affair at night. The staff were a bit inflexible with activities and timing, never clear about what’s included versus extra, and the extra costs weren’t explained.

Miriam·2 weeks ago

“Tranquil Paradise to soothe your soul”

The staff were wonderful and eager to please, greeting us with a guitar player, fresh coconut juice, and wet towels upon arrival. Meals were plentiful and excellent, with three full courses a day; the scallops, tuna, and santo beef were divine. The setting is peaceful, with beautiful scenery and sunsets, and each villa has its own private beach. When we left, everyone gathered to sing a farewell song, and when a friend struggled to board the boat to the island, an extra staff member helped her in and out. The Wi‑Fi in the villas was weak, though it worked well in the main dining/lounge area. Note that the villas are a short walk from the dining area, and the path can be uneven—definitely not ideal for people with mobility issues. The transfer from Santo takes 30 minutes on a small outboard‑motor boat; we had to step off a bobbing floating jetty onto a similarly bobbing boat.

Peggy·A month ago

“Relaxed and beautiful”

I loved the rustic vibe of the place, the colorful coral reef right outside our rooms, and the giant turtles we saw swimming. If you’re into coffee, a better coffee machine would help.

Brendan·2 months ago