cluelesss

I was wandering if anyone stayed at the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort recently. We're going there for our honeymoon in September, but I've heard that the rooms are in serious need of refurbishment and that the resort is being renovated. If that's the case can anyone suggest an alternative place to stay on Aitutaki?
Many thanks

LordBalfor

Okay, here's my take on the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort (and Aitutaki in general) - at least pre-cyclone.

Aitutaki Lagoon Resort has the prettiest location with the best views on Aitutaki and there are nearby motus (islets) to explore, but the water there tends to be a bit murky so snorkeling is apparently not that good. I was inside one of the "overwater" (only partially overwater actually) units (3 years ago)and it was just gorgeous. However, I know of numerous folks who have mentioned that the beach and especially the garden units have long needed refurbishment. I would think that the storm damage last year would have accelerated any refurbishment schedule but I don't know for sure that that has happened - and indeed it seems like it may not have.

The other very fancy (and expensive) place on the island is the Pacific Resort - just being built when we were there, but even then it was obvious that the place was going to be BEAUTIFUL. If you have a big budget, it's the logical choice on Aitutaki (it's on the west side of the island where the swimming is better anyway).

Since then a few other nice places have been built along this same nice stretch of beach. When we were there only the very nice (but a bit cramped) Are Tamanu (http://www.aretamanu.com/) was completed - which was where we stayed, but since then another small resort been built - the Etu Moana - that seems to be getting very good press (http://www.etumoana.com/) along with a number of rental bungalows that look pretty decent (for a honeymoon however you may want more of a resort).

Ken

LordBalfor

PS - Here's a few links you may find useful - on the chance that you may decide against a resort and be willing to rent a small, beachside bungalow. They will be much cheaper but will not have the full-service facilities of a resort:

http://www.seaside-aitutaki.com/bungalows.htm

http://www.inanobeach.com/Index.html

http://www.esmavillas.com/Index.html

The places at the bottom of this webpage will give you COMPLETE isolation (chance to "live the dream" of being alone on a remote tropical island):

http://www.jetsave.co.ck/aitutaki_island.htm

This is on a remote motu of Aitutaki. Though a bit basic, you would have the islet pretty much to yourselves:

http://www.ginasaitutaki.com/ginas-beach-lodge.html

Ken

cluelesss

Thanks a lot for all the info.
Unfortunately, our budget doesn't stretch far enough for the overwater bungalows at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort or the Pacific Resort (as much as we would love to stay there). We're just going through the comprehensive list of places you've supplied us and hopefully we'll find something that would suit us and our budget...
Thanks again

matnikstym

try samade's on the beach, beautiful location, reasonable prices and nearly new accommadations