Aitutaki & Atiu Accomodation

Hi everyone,
I'm leaving for the Cooks in a month and want to know if anyone has any info about cheaper (doesn't have to be cheapest) accom. on Atiu & Aitutaki. I'm looking for a nice clean prefferably beachfront place. You know, a place where I can relax. Money is less of an object if there's a really nice place.
I've been mainly hearing about Vaikoa, Tom's and Matriki. So please enlighten me.
Thanks
Uri

We stayed at Vaikoa Units in 2000 and found them to be very basic but clean - the lady running them was very pleasant and helpful. Our 2nd trip in 2006 we chose to stay at Sunny Beach Lodge. It was a bit more expensive but was larger and better laid out. We were able to arrange airport pick up with them. It was closer to town, shops, bike rental, internet,etc. The unit we stayed was steps to the beach and they have added newer units(more expensive) right on the beach. Some of the other regulars have posted about Tom's and Matriki's ,so they may add their opinions. If not run a search at the top and you should find the old threads. Also, there have been posts about Aitu so you could do a search there as well. Good luck.

I agree with what has already been said, I hear good things about Matriki's and will be staying at Tom's next week. Your selection is somewhat limited on Atiu, as there are only a handful of lodgings, none of which are beachfront. Atiu has an excellent new website, I don't recall the exact name, but you should be able to Google it. Atiu is a great spot, you may very well be the only visitors on the island, as there are less than two dozen rooms island wide. Several excellent tours are available, meals are only available at Atiu Villas as far as I know. Will have more information once I get back from my Atiu/Aitutaki trip next week.

Papa Mike

Thanks guys!
Mike, I'll be waiting anxiously for your return and more details!
Uri

We spent one night at Are Manuiri which is right in town and walking distance to some small shops. Good value at $60 for a double.

The Atiu Villas are a beautiful property a couple km down the road, current prices are $160 a night and the fixed menu dinner for $25 was excellent (anyone can go if you book before 3pm).

Birdman George does an excellent tour where he takes you all over the island to see why Atiu is nicknamed the "Land of birds". He finishes up at a banana patch where you can see the re-introduced Rimatara Lorikeets "Kura" which are stunningingly beautiful birds.