Escape to the enchanting shores of Aitutaki and discover the unparalleled serenity of Etu Moana, an award-winning boutique resort exclusively designed for adults. Situated on a pristine white sandy beach caressed by the crystal-clear waters of a mesmerizing turquoise lagoon, Etu Moana beckons you to experience a perfect place for being, transcending the ordinary and embracing the extraordinary.
Personalized Hospitality and Sustainable Tourism:
From the moment you set foot in Etu Moana, a profound commitment to personalized hospitality awaits. The dedicated staff welcomes you to a world where the art of being takes precedence over doing. Moreover, the resort is dedicated to sustainable tourism, evident in its exclusive use of e-vehicles. As you glide away on eco-friendly e-scooters to explore the wonders of Aitutaki, you directly contribute to the ongoing mission of creating a sustainable, eco-friendly destination.
Polynesian Villas: A Harmonious Retreat:
Etu Moana offers eight spacious Polynesian villas, each a haven of tranquility adorned with a natural thatched palm roof. Inside, a king-sized bed beckons you to relaxation, complemented by a self-contained kitchen, a sun-protected veranda, and the luxury of a private outdoor shower. Immerse yourself in the authentic charm of Polynesia, where modern comfort meets traditional allure.
Taste of Paradise: Complimentary Healthy Breakfast:
Begin your days in paradise with a delightful taste of fresh seasonal tropical fruits grown on Aitutaki. Etu Moana invites you to indulge in a complimentary healthy breakfast, a celebration of the island’s bounty that sets the tone for a day filled with exploration and relaxation.
Explore Nature’s Bounty: Complimentary Water and Land Activities:
Etu Moana provides a canvas for exploration and reconnection with nature. Embark on complimentary kayaking adventures, glide across the waters on a stand-up paddleboard, don flippers and reef shoes for underwater exploration, or set off on a scenic journey with a provided bike or Yoga mat. The resort encourages you to immerse yourself in the natural wonders that surround you.
A Symphony of Relaxation and Adventure:
Etu Moana orchestrates a perfect symphony of relaxation and adventure. Whether you choose to bask in the tranquility of the beach, embark on island excursions, or simply revel in the joys of being, the resort caters to your desires, creating a harmonious blend of experiences tailored for your idyllic honeymoon.
A Journey Beyond:
Etu Moana beckons you to embark on a journey beyond the ordinary, where each moment is a celebration of love, nature, and the sublime beauty of Aitutaki. Immerse yourself in the tranquil embrace of Etu Moana, where the art of being becomes a timeless celebration of your union.
Map of Etu Moana
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What Honeymooners Love Above Etu Moana
Summary of Verified Guests at Etu Moana
Honeymooners and romantic travelers loved their stays at Etu Moana Resort on Aitutaki Island. They praised the beachfront location and the privacy provided by the limited number of villies. The hosts and staff were commended for their friendly and accommodating services, always ready to help arrange dining reservations, tours, or vehicle rentals. Many guests enjoyed the available amenities, including a pool, an honesty bar with a wide selection of drinks, complimentary breakfast, and outdoor equipment such as kayaks and bikes. The resort's commitment to sustainability, the stunning views and the overall relaxed, peaceful atmosphere were other highlights for these travelers.
Reviews of Etu Moana
A great resort on Aitutaki
A great resort on Aitutaki. We were there out of season and got an upgrade to an ocean view villa right on the beach. We liked the clean rooms with large veranda, indoor and outdoor showers. Ocean kayaks and SUP boards are available on the beach and bicycles are available...
A great resort on Aitutaki. We were there out of season and got an upgrade to an ocean view villa right on the beach.
We liked the clean rooms with large veranda, indoor and outdoor showers.
Ocean kayaks and SUP boards are available on the beach and bicycles are available for a quick trip to the shops. We particularly liked the electric golf carts that can be rented for a leisurely ride around the island. It's a very relaxed way to explore the island and a lot of fun.
We really appreciated the honesty bar. There is a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and you can refine your drinks with lime slices.
Management and reception are very helpful and courteous. Because we were there at Christmas, all guests received a bottle of champagne in their villas. The room service is friendly but has that relaxed island style.
All in all, the Etu Moana is a great resort in a wonderful location. Unfortunately, it's a long way from Europe,...
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This was our eighth visit to Aitutaki, and we have stayed at Etu Moana every time. With only eight villas it is very peaceful and private; you often feel like you are there on your own! The pool is a particularly great spot to relax and unwind. Our first two...
This was our eighth visit to Aitutaki, and we have stayed at Etu Moana every time. With only eight villas it is very peaceful and private; you often feel like you are there on your own! The pool is a particularly great spot to relax and unwind.
Our first two visits were when the original owners were running the property, and they set our expectations sky high. Since then, we have seen a number of changes of managers (and staff), and so our experience has (naturally) differed each time.
The newest managers (Shaun and Molly) have only been there a few months. Molly was particularly welcoming and friendly. They are working on making a few changes, and we look forward to seeing progress on our next visit.
After 17 years of visiting we were a bit disappointed that recent licensing rules have resulted in stopping the honesty bar - something we weren’t told until our arrival. We have in the past enjoyed (easily accessible) drinks by the pool where we spend a lot of our time. Alcohol is still made available. Or you can buy from local supermarkets. The current system didn’t seem to work regarding purchasing cocktails, but we understand this is being worked on.
As it was, on the afternoon of our last day, Molly made cocktails which was a great way to mingle with other guests by the pool. Cost: $18 per cocktail.
The breakfast needs a bit of an upgrade. Limited choices and so when staying seven nights you need to find other options.
We had the magical dinner on the beach for our anniversary celebration which was a pretty cool experience but the meat for both our mains was overcooked and inedible. (Unfortunately, it was Terangi’s day off.) We expected better quality for the price.
Couple of other issues need ironing out - like our room not being serviced every day - and quality of service seemed to depend on the staff member. Time will tell how the issues are resolved.
Terangi is by far the best staff member for customer service. She’s friendly, natural, and so very welcoming. An absolute star who we hope never leaves!
Molly went out of her way to drive us to dinner one night knowing we had had a bit too much sun (and hadn’t ordered a taxi). Gestures like that make Etu Moana stand out. It’s the personal touch we love and hope never stops.
All the best Shaun and Molly. We look forward to seeing what visit #9 will bring.
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MAGICAL LOCATION IN AITUTAKI
I wanted to go somewhere tropical in the world, I came across the Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas for Adults only. I was celebrating my birthday/ wedding anniversary with my husband. We had a Villa right on the beach, it was magical. The host and the entire staff members were...
I wanted to go somewhere tropical in the world, I came across the Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas for Adults only. I was celebrating my birthday/ wedding anniversary with my husband. We had a Villa right on the beach, it was magical.
The host and the entire staff members were so nice, and gave us helpful advice. We rented the moped, and saw the entire Island. It was the perfect get away! I would highly recommend if you are planning a trip to the Cook Islands, go to Aitutaki and enjoy your stay!
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Excellent and Highly recommended!
We LOVED Etu Moana for our Honeymoon stay!! Small 8 villa location with amazing views. The grounds are really well-kept too. Easy access to the beautiful lagoon to snorkel or swim. Petra and Molly really go the extra mile to ensure any want or need is covered. They are happy...
We LOVED Etu Moana for our Honeymoon stay!! Small 8 villa location with amazing views. The grounds are really well-kept too. Easy access to the beautiful lagoon to snorkel or swim. Petra and Molly really go the extra mile to ensure any want or need is covered. They are happy to recommend restaurants and tours and will gladly book reservations too. I highly suggest hiring the golf cart for a half day, from the resort, to tour the island on your own. We really enjoyed the daily breakfast, barefoot dining experience, as well as breakfast on our veranda. The pool area has an honor bar with a nice selection of liquor, beer and juices (you just tally up what you take on a card and pay at the end of your stay). Exceptional service, exceptionally friendly staff, and an overall GREAT experience. We can't wait to go back and will absolutely book this resort again. 😍
Braxton and Mindi
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This trip was well needed for the two of us. Work is stressful so we really needed a relaxing break. Etu Moana was just the ticket we needed... the setting was immaculate and the villas were in an excellent state... Even more pristine than the scenery and accommodation was the...
This trip was well needed for the two of us. Work is stressful so we really needed a relaxing break. Etu Moana was just the ticket we needed... the setting was immaculate and the villas were in an excellent state... Even more pristine than the scenery and accommodation was the service provided by the staff. Sean, Molly, Petra and Terangi (Sky) were just awesome. They went out of their way to ensure we felt valued and at home. They celebrated my partner's birthday and took extra care of her when she was suffering from too much sun! They helped with bookings when we couldn't make contact with local businesses. Honestly, this is amazing value and so highly recommended...
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This ist a wonderful place in the world. Everybody ist so friendly and helpful. The huts are cosy and comfortable. The sunbeds under the trees, the hotelgarden, the breakfast at the pool ..... Just perfect It's like staying with your family...
Step away from your world and into paradise done right
Etu Moana and the wonderful people in Aitutaki will steal your heart. The location is perfect with dining options close by, an honor bar on site, and a delicious breakfast. Tour operators will pick you up for day tours if you like. The people at Etu Moana are excellent in...
Etu Moana and the wonderful people in Aitutaki will steal your heart. The location is perfect with dining options close by, an honor bar on site, and a delicious breakfast. Tour operators will pick you up for day tours if you like. The people at Etu Moana are excellent in quietly servicing the villas and caring for the guests, as well as helpful with reservations and suggested options. Get ready to be overwhelmed by the genuine kindness of the local people. This truly is unspoiled paradise.
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From the moment we arrived in the airport of Aitutaki we felt taking really good care of by Petra. Driving us back to the hotel and made us feel at home in this small little paradise on the Island. All of the staff at the resort is so kind and...
From the moment we arrived in the airport of Aitutaki we felt taking really good care of by Petra. Driving us back to the hotel and made us feel at home in this small little paradise on the Island. All of the staff at the resort is so kind and helpful. We really loved our stay here, Petra gave us so many helpful advices from places to eat, things to do and so on. The place is quite (despite the chickens, but that’s part of the island!) and a very nice beach where you can snorkle right in front of the resort. Catching a sunset and just relax at this place is all your soul needs. THANK YOU for making our stay at Aitutaki so amazing. Boje & Henriette
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What a beautiful place to stay. The villas were very comfortable and had everything we needed. The breakfast each morning was great with plenty of fresh fruit and the lovely ladies cooked eggs for us if we wanted. There was a very well stocked bar that had everything you could...
What a beautiful place to stay. The villas were very comfortable and had everything we needed. The breakfast each morning was great with plenty of fresh fruit and the lovely ladies cooked eggs for us if we wanted. There was a very well stocked bar that had everything you could imagine. We had the Barefoot dining experience and it was perfect. The food was amazing and there was plenty of it. The setting was amazing.
It was also very nice that we were welcomed at the door and each person was given a personal tour around the facilities & plenty of tips of where to go and what to do, which we appreciated. Everything was clearly explained. We made use of the bicycles and rode around the island. I would definitely return.
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Great little resort. Had a beachfront bure, was great. There are plenty of beach and deck lounging options. Snorkelling out front is pretty good, and they’ve got kayaks,paddle boards and bikes for guests. Also there is a pool with a well stocked honesty bar. Breakfast (egg options plus continental) is...
Great little resort.
Had a beachfront bure, was great. There are plenty of beach and deck lounging options.
Snorkelling out front is pretty good, and they’ve got kayaks,paddle boards and bikes for guests. Also there is a pool with a well stocked honesty bar.
Breakfast (egg options plus continental) is included. The staff were very helpful with arranging dining options and organising a snorkelling tour (recommend) of the atoll.
This place isn’t the flashest, but it’s not trying to be, just a great spot with all the amenities within walking distances of several dining options.
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Excellent clean Resort in a great location. All Villas well appointed . The sunset views are amazing .
Stayed 8 nights and could have stayed longer . We were lucky to stay in villa 1 on the beach . The Villa was as shown , had all the essentials for a great stay . The four villas closest to the water give you great views . The breakfast...
Stayed 8 nights and could have stayed longer . We were lucky to stay in villa 1 on the beach . The Villa was as shown , had all the essentials for a great stay . The four villas closest to the water give you great views . The breakfast each day was light , however this was enough to get you through the day to lunch time after you snorkel and swim . The reef outside is great for snorkelling . Walking along the beach 5-10 min to other rssraurants / resorts or take away at Auntie Odeez ( or sit on picnic table out the front and watch the sunset) The pool is ok, no one uses as the beach is more than enough . Unfortunately they don’t have canoes at Ooto beach anymore to use. The best benefit is the free push bikes , or rent motorbikes or the electric buggy for $25 a day . This gives you lots of options , very safe to drive . Tiffany was always available for advice on what was available . We would definitely stay again at this quiet resort , that is maintained really well.
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Great reception and wonderful views of the reef
We were greeted with a fresh coconut and easy check in. It is a boutique resort with great service and friendly staff. There is no onsite restaurant service apart from breakfast but it is easy to walk along the beach to two other resorts or a lower cost takeaway/eat-in called...
We were greeted with a fresh coconut and easy check in. It is a boutique resort with great service and friendly staff. There is no onsite restaurant service apart from breakfast but it is easy to walk along the beach to two other resorts or a lower cost takeaway/eat-in called Aunty Odeez. Restaurant bookings and shows can be organised by reception. Stunning views of the reef. There is even a golf cart for hire if you wish to drive around the island.
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Etu Moana is a superb little island paradise. Host Tiffany and Geoff were extremely helpful and friendly. The villa accomodation is well thought out and everything about this resort is made for a very relaxing experience. All the staff were very friendly and a gorgeous simple breakfast by the pool...
Etu Moana is a superb little island paradise. Host Tiffany and Geoff were extremely helpful and friendly.
The villa accomodation is well thought out and everything about this resort is made for a very relaxing experience.
All the staff were very friendly and a gorgeous simple breakfast by the pool was a great way to start the day.
Our only advice would be to bring good earplugs as the roosters start crowing anytime from 3am onwards.
Love the honesty system with bar fridge, which only adds to the very special place this wonderful resort is.
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Etu Moana more than lives up to its claim to be a boutique resort. From the arrival greeting at the airport to the return journey to the airport all the staff could have not been more welcoming and helpful. Etu Moana is beautifully situated with lovely garden paths leading down...
Etu Moana more than lives up to its claim to be a boutique resort. From the arrival greeting at the airport to the return journey to the airport all the staff could have not been more welcoming and helpful. Etu Moana is beautifully situated with lovely garden paths leading down to the beach. The lay out maximised our feeling of space and privacy, whilst at the same time allowing us to meet the other guests.
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A little slice of paradise!
This place is an island on its own. It is peaceful, the weather balmy, the sea perfect and warm, the coral sands are white and endless. We loved this piece of paradise. The bungalows are spacious, comfortable with king-size beds. The breakfast bar also doubles as a happy-hour (honesty) bar...
This place is an island on its own. It is peaceful, the weather balmy, the sea perfect and warm, the coral sands are white and endless. We loved this piece of paradise. The bungalows are spacious, comfortable with king-size beds. The breakfast bar also doubles as a happy-hour (honesty) bar where you can make your own cocktails, sit by the pool, sit on the beach, and feel the woes of the world simply slip away. We loved the golf-buggy type cart that we drove around in ($25 day) and explored the island while taking advantage of being able to get to a cafe a little further away (Avatea - go there, try the fish tacos!). The hosts, Geoff and Tiffany, were gracious and always ready to help. We loved it here!
Although there is no restaurant here, there are plenty within walking distance and all are good!
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Very Disappointing. Abusive manager.
The location looks divine,however the water over the reef is very shallow, even at high tide. Swim and paddle board at your own risk. I accidently touched a piece of coral, which was razor sharp whilst swimming and this got infected. We were planning on paddle boarding, however, a fall...
The location looks divine,however the water over the reef is very shallow, even at high tide. Swim and paddle board at your own risk. I accidently touched a piece of coral, which was razor sharp whilst swimming and this got infected. We were planning on paddle boarding, however, a fall could result in many coral lacerations. We chose to snorkel and swim in front of other resort locations.
As previously stated by another guest, wifi is only accessible at reception or close by and there is still urine smells coming from the bathroom in Bungalow 6( I think its 6) Breakfast is minimal and uninspiring for the cost. However, the staff working at breakfast are lovely, and do what they can with limited resources.
The working staff at Etu Moana are lovely!
Management is not lovely. We were originally warmly welcomed by management, however when something went wrong, we were verbally abused at reception, in public by Tiffany. She wrongly accused us of an occurance and without questioning us at all, attacked us with vile accusations, calling us dispicable and unethical. It ruined our stay.
Verbal abuse is never acceptable under any circumstances, ever! Very poor treatment of guests.
We asked for a written apology from Tiffany, which would include acknowledgement of the accusations being false and that her behaviour was totally out of line. We did not receive this, she just said she regretting using those words.
In summary, I would never return to this resort or recommend it to anyone, unless it was under new management.
For this price point I would recommend staying at a resort which is better located, and if possible has a restaurant on site.
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We paid 2857 €/ 5033 NZD for the accommodation for 7 nights in a garden bungalow with breakfast. The complex (8 bungalows in total) is located on the beach in a well-kept garden area. We were warmly welcomed at the airport by our hosts Tiffany and Jeff and driven to...
We paid 2857 €/ 5033 NZD for the accommodation for 7 nights in a garden bungalow with breakfast. The complex (8 bungalows in total) is located on the beach in a well-kept garden area. We were warmly welcomed at the airport by our hosts Tiffany and Jeff and driven to the accommodation. A welcome drink and chain of flowers were a nice welcome.
The bungalow itself is generous proportioned with a rustic touch, but getting a bit old. The kitchen is designed for self-catering with two hobs, a fridge and basic cooking equipment. All that is also getting a bit long in the tooth. There is also a tap with drinking water. The bathroom looks nice at first glance, but on closer inspection you realize that it is only cleaned superficially. We had a problem with the toilet. It smelled of urine all the time and water ran out of the toilet onto the floor. We had already wondered on arrival why there was a towel and a bowl underneath the toilet. When we informed the hosts about the two problems, the smell of urine and the leaking toilet, they initially showed little understanding and tried to minimize the problem. As the conversation progressed, they explained the situation to us, namely that the toilet needed to be repaired over a longer period of time, which of course they didn't want us to have to deal with during our stay.
This was an indirect admission that the problem was already known.
Chlorine was put in the toilet as a short-term "solution".
We were offered a kind of bungalow - hopping: change for 2 nights in another bungalow, afterwards again change the bungalow ….
In summary: charging more than 400€/ 700 NZD per day, I expect more cleanliness and a more accommodating approach to problems. Furthermore, that my concerns are not played down and that satisfactory solutions are offered at short notice. It is also unacceptable for the price that the Wi-Fi only works at reception. A breakfast consisting only of bread, eggs, muesli and fruit (every day the same poor offer) is not justified in this price range.
I would currently refrain from booking again, as there are similar accommodations in this price range (sometimes even lower) with more modern facilities.
Update 07.July 2024
I feel sorry for the management that it has to distort the facts to put itself in a better light.
Fact 1: we had contact with the extremely friendly Balinese housekeeping during the daily (!) cleaning.
Fact 2: we didn’t find changing rooms every other day (!) to be a relaxing and restful vacation experience
Fact 3: the breakfast photo was taken after (!) the opening of the breakfast buffet.
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A Fantastic Experience- Very Highly Recommended!
Etu Moana highly deserves all the awards and consistent 5 star reviews it has received. The booking process was easy with a comprehensive website and Tiffany was very helpful with her tour and restaurant recommendations. We stayed in Villa 1 right on the beach for 4 nights and enjoyed sitting...
Etu Moana highly deserves all the awards and consistent 5 star reviews it has received. The booking process was easy with a comprehensive website and Tiffany was very helpful with her tour and restaurant recommendations.
We stayed in Villa 1 right on the beach for 4 nights and enjoyed sitting out on our deck watching the sun hit the lagoon before snorkelling or kayaking straight off the beach. The villas are well designed and very comfortable and are set in a beautiful beach and garden environment that is well maintained. Breakfast each morning around the pool was excellent with very friendly service. a good buffet selection and eggs cooked to order. It was an easy walk to a number of restaurants for lunch/dinner and we also had a great experience and meal with the Barefoot Dinner on our last night. The managers and staff are all very happy and helpful which just added to an amazing stay.
As seasoned travellers, this was one of the best experiences we have had and we would definitely recommend – if you make the effort to spend time on Aitutaki, Etu Moana is the place to stay!
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Can't recommend highly enough
We so enjoyed our stay at Etu Moana and would recommend it to anyone. Everything about the experience was a delight, from being picked up at the airport by the friendly Tiffany and Jeff, our lovely private villa which, despite being a garden view villa still had a view through...
We so enjoyed our stay at Etu Moana and would recommend it to anyone.
Everything about the experience was a delight, from being picked up at the airport by the friendly Tiffany and Jeff, our lovely private villa which, despite being a garden view villa still had a view through to the ocean. The staff were wonderful, breakfast by the pool which was always a perfect temperature. Very nicely stocked honesty bar.
I also loved the sustainability initiatives, real thatch on the the roofs (many resorts use a fake plastic alternative), Solar hot water, electric fleet of scooters and buggies (which are available to use for a small contribution).
Classy, quiet and absolutely the best place to stay in Aitutaki. We can't wait to come back.
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We had a wonderful stay at Etu Moana. We were looking for a sanctuary to rest and relax and this was perfect. Lovely grounds, villa, and staff. Small and discrete. The breakfast provided was very good. The orientation with Molly was fantastic and the recommendations were spot on.
How to live a paradise and forget the rest of the world !
With my wife we spent one week at the end of March 2025 at Etu Moana, we got one very nice Beach Front Villa, furnished with care and quality. The villa provides a lot of space (66 sqm), quiet privacy and all kind of comfort aimed at offering an unforgettable...
With my wife we spent one week at the end of March 2025 at Etu Moana, we got one very nice Beach Front Villa, furnished with care and quality. The villa provides a lot of space (66 sqm), quiet privacy and all kind of comfort aimed at offering an unforgettable stay. View is simply amazing, nature around is fantastic and the staff is professional and kind, driven by Petra and Molly, always ready to give the best suggestions to make your holidays simply fantastic. Given such an high quality, price is acceptable. Overall, really a wonderful experience !
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This place was for me a bit of the essence of Aitutaki. Silent, beautiful, rural. You go back in time and in the way of living the day. Walking or biking (or in a golf cart when it rained) on this island everyone is a friend, everyone is like family....
This place was for me a bit of the essence of Aitutaki. Silent, beautiful, rural. You go back in time and in the way of living the day. Walking or biking (or in a golf cart when it rained) on this island everyone is a friend, everyone is like family. Even the roosters that disturb or cheer up the days, depending on the mood.
Both on a rainy day and a sunny day we felt good and disoriented at the same time, relaxed and aware of being in one of the most remote places in the world. The welcome is excellent, the location very beautiful, Aitutaki must be experienced to be able to understand it, even just a little. This resort is close to everything!
ITALIANO: il posto è bello, consigliabile a patto che si accetti che non c'è il ristorante e bisogna spostarsi (poco ad essere onesti) per trovarne uno. È anche il suo bello uscire un po' dai confini di un Resort. Letti comodi, galli un po' fastidiosi
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My stay at Etu Moana has redefined what I think of when I imagine a perfect tropical island paradise. My husband and I could not have asked for a more perfect time on Aitutaki. The villa was comfortable and had everything we needed. The beach was absolutely gorgeous (water is...
My stay at Etu Moana has redefined what I think of when I imagine a perfect tropical island paradise. My husband and I could not have asked for a more perfect time on Aitutaki. The villa was comfortable and had everything we needed. The beach was absolutely gorgeous (water is warm and clear and really that color, the chairs are comfy with natural shade from the trees, and the reef shoes and equipment made for fun times exploring). It was great dipping into the pool and grabbing a drink whenever the mood struck.
Molly and the rest of the staff were all amazing: so attentive and good natured. They were there to offer anything we needed: from booking dinner reservations to mixing up a few rounds of mai tais by the pool to taking care of transport to/from the airport! What a beautiful stay :) Highly recommend. Would go back again (and again).
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