Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# accomodation on Aitutaki with views or motus? Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
raideress 06:12 UTC 06 Sep 2012 | HI all, Im just wondering is there accomodation in Aitutaki with views of the motus from the nearby beach? And what area/s of Aitutaki and Rarotonga have that perfect clear blue lagoon rock free sandy bottoms i see in so many pics thanks for any advice kim |
h2ooh 17:35 UTC 06 Sep 2012 | The best view of Motu are from the east side of Aitutaki... I'd say the view from Aitutaki Lagoon Resort would offer the best motu views from the main island, (it's actuall on Akitua Motu but has an on-demand ferry since the bridge washed out.) You can also stay on Akaiami Motu. Both places have the white sandy shallow lagoon waters you're looking for. For lazing on the beach while watching your kids play in the lagoon in seclusion I'd recommend Gina's Akaiami Beach Lodge ( http://www.ginasaitutaki.com/ginas-beach-lodge.html ) as the least expensive option. However, you might find being isolated on a motu for more than a couple of days inconvenient. So ideally I suggest a while on Akaiami and a while on the main Island of Aitutaki. It will be a memorable experience for the whole family. | 1
raideress 13:22 UTC 12 Sep 2012 | Thanks, i cant wait, should be booking in about 6 weeks all going well, once its booked its real :) | 2
lagoon 01:11 UTC 29 Sep 2012 | Kim, If this post isn't too late, & with a family needs in mind, consider either Ootu Beach House, or the Ootu Beach Villa, on Aitutaki. Both rental homes are situated on Ootu point and look directly across the lagoon, to Akitua and the distant motu- listed on http://www.aitutaki-accommodations.com/index.html. Both are s/c villas. Yet you are only a short distance to Samade, Koru cafe, the Boat Shed and Aitutaki Lagoon Resort for a meal out. Also, in another post you were enquiring about feeding lagoon fish - both these accommodation options would be suited to this activity from the beachfront; or the estuary around the corner. Rental cars available in this small locality, but no village store however. Take some supplies over from Raro, to get your Aitutaki stay started. The lagoon water around Ootu can be cloudy/obscure at times. But not always, depending on tidal flow (more so in the channel) & wind direction. Beautiful spot all the same, and just heavenly for a relaxing holiday. There is another accommodation property located on the eastern side of Aitutaki, that may have reopened for business in recent months. Think it was called Aitutaki Lodges or similar. S/c family apartments and handy (short walk) to the best grocery store on the island, located in Vaipae. Additionally, Maina Lodges is under new ownership & management. Located on the western side of Aitutaki - say 1km from town, it overlooks Maina island and the lagoon there. Swimming pool, onsite casual dining/beach bar, self catering 1 br units. May be worth considering. For Rarotonga, Muri is the premium spot for low coral and a large swimming area. Otherwise parts of Titkaveka, parts of Vaimaanga and also areas in Aroa - Kavera beach would meet this requirement. | 3
raideress 13:16 UTC 09 Oct 2012 | Thanks again :) not too late still looking at booking soon, savings going up slowly and almost there :) so hard to decide, i read Ootu can be windy, not sure i want too much wind, i get headaches sometimes with too much winds, i think i need to get online and do an image, you tube search of each area and see where i think looks nice, all looks so awesome in pics, may is soooo far away :| | 4
h2ooh 16:35 UTC 09 Oct 2012 | The tradewinds generally blow from the east. That makes the west side of the island have less wind than the east side. It also makes for calmer, clearer water. On the other hand when it's hot, or the mozzies are about, a breeze is nice. Try using Google Earth. It will give you a good look at Aitutaki from above and there are pictures posted at specific locations. | 5
raideress 00:53 UTC 10 Oct 2012 | thanks :) will have a look, ive seen it from above and its amazing :) are the trade winds usually a strong winds or just a cool breeze or a mix of both :) without ever having been there its so hard to choose things :) i think im reading too much :) | 6
lagoon 21:17 UTC 10 Oct 2012 | The trade winds can be low key and indeed stronger at times. This year has seen the SE trade-winds arriving from a more southerly direction on Rarotonga and remaining for a longer period of time. I spent 5 weeks on Rarotonga this August to September. The southerly was remarkably cold and biting if you were staying on the southern side. Even on the north side we felt it, inspite of the high mountains providing shelter for the north. Let's hope that May next year is more settled than it was in 2012. Ootu point won't experience the SE breeze in the same way that the exposed ocean side of Aitutaki will. This spot is tucked into the toe or imaginery 'fishing hook' of the island's appearance. Yet, Inano Beach Lodges will provide more shelter again, compared to Ootu point which has a clear view down lagoon to the distant motu. The western side of Aitutaki does receive shelter from the hills on Aitutaki, but with less breeze to deter mossies from settling. Amuri - Anaunga areas are closer to the shops and island facilities. Accommodation choices in these areas include Paparei, Rino's, Sunny Beach, Aitutaki Beach Villas, Paradise Cove, Are Tai and Are a Matatui villas. Gina's Garden Lodges are centrally located inland, and while they aren't near the lagoon there is a fresh-water swimming pool onsite. These lodges offer good value for money. Another pool property is Amuri Pool Villa. Elevated above the coastal plain to catch the breeze and harbour views, this villa is exceptionally handy to the township and the calm lagoon water in the Ureia - Amuri area. | 7
raideress 05:00 UTC 11 Oct 2012 | Thanks Lagoon :) so in two minds about the best spot to try to get, every place you look at claims to have the best beach area, thinking now i will try find a place in Aitutaki that has a sandy not rocky or coraly bottom to avoid stepping on stone fish, i hate wearing beach shoes, but ive been reading stories of stone fish, which we have here too but never seen one at a beach, lets face it where ever we stay the areas probably going to be pretty awesome :) | 8