Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort — Hotel in Aitutaki

An unforgettable birthday stay! From Patti’s warm welcome to stunning island tours and a surprise birthday serenade, Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort was pure magic. We’ll be back!||⸻||We travelled from Sydney to the Cook Islands in May 2025 to celebrate both mine and my partner’s birthdays, and spent three magical days at the Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort. We loved every minute of it.||After an overnight flight, we were greeted at Aitutaki airport by the lovely Patti—her radiant smile and warm energy instantly lifted our travel-weary spirits. She welcomed us with leis and drove us the short distance to the wharf, where we boarded a little ferry for the quick two-minute crossing to the private island.||On arrival, we were handed chilled towels and fresh coconuts—such a refreshing welcome. Although check-in wasn’t until 3pm, we were lucky enough to get into our room early, just in time to join the 1pm island tour.||Kay and Kenny showed us around, sharing local knowledge and personal stories. A highlight was visiting Kay’s community and standing beneath the incredible bunya tree that arches over the road like a natural tunnel. We paused for photos, laughing in the middle of the road while locals casually rode past on scooters.||That night, we headed to Pacific Resort for a special birthday dinner. The staff at Aitutaki Lagoon helped organise our taxi, and we kicked off the evening with cocktails at the poolside bar before moving to the balcony for dinner. Sadly, the clouds hid the sunset—but the setting was still stunning. On the drive back, Aunty Rena surprised me with a birthday serenade island-style. It was such a lovely and unexpected gesture.||The next day, we were up early for a lagoon tour with Teking Lagoon Tours—a small and intimate experience that turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. Our first stop was a snorkel with giant trevally and clams, followed by a swim around a sunken shipwreck. Then we visited the coral garden and saw more giant clams before walking along beautiful Honeymoon Island, eventually arriving at Maina Island for a delicious island-style lunch with our feet in the sand and coconuts all around.||As we left Maina, we spotted a turtle swimming beside the boat—its head popped up for air before disappearing into the coral. Magic.||Our next stop was the purple coral—Captain “Terrible” joked that he’d painted it himself that morning just for us. The coral was stunning, though the current gave us a bit of a workout! We also saw blue starfish and so many vibrant fish. We wrapped up the tour with some time to explore One Foot Island. Truly unforgettable.||Back at the resort, Linda and I took one of the room’s kayaks (each room has its own kayak, SUP board, and bikes to use freely) and paddled out onto the calm turquoise waters of the lagoon—such a peaceful way to unwind.||Dinner at the resort that night was made extra special by the staff, who sang “Happy Birthday” island-style during dessert. We’d ordered a cheesecake, but they surprised us with a second dessert—a rich chocolate brownie served with “Happy Birthday” written on the plate. A beautiful, thoughtful touch.||Our final day in Aitutaki was a slow, relaxed one. We wandered the island, soaked in the serenity, and enjoyed a casual dinner at The Boatshed. Patti and Kenny kindly took us back to the airport, capping off an experience that felt warm, personal, and unforgettable.||Huge thanks to all the staff at Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort for making us feel so special every moment we were there. Everyone knew our names and greeted us with a smile. The whole experience felt like being welcomed into a family.||We’ll definitely be back. Now off to Rarotonga for the next chapter of...

It has been almost three years since my holiday here but remembering this hotel always brings very fond memories and I gave word I'd leave a review, so here it is, belatedly. We were one of the few lucky visitors who made it there toward the end of the Covid lockdowns. There was maintenance still occurring at the time, but the very limited number of guests there and the enthusiasm of the staff made this place an absolute gem.

Attention, if you are after an overly fancy, pretentious, 5-star resort, this place is definitely not it, you'd be better off staying at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki on the other side of the Aitutaki Island. But you'd be missing out on the unique aspect of this place; the amazing lagoon and the quaint scenic walk round this tiny motu. I cannot stress enough the charm of the hotel location, it's a magical place at sunrise and sunset.

During our stay (in January) the weather got quite nasty at times, but the maintenance staff tended to the disarray caused by the weather events promptly. Upon arrival, we asked for a couple of bicycles which were available free of charge - they were arranged on the same day, and it was a Sunday! At breakfast we were always welcomed by Nani who graciously explained everything in detail and always made sure we received our daily coconut drinks. At dinner, there was usually Sarah around, who was always able to provide a local tip or two on what to do or see. Greg, the manager, also engaged in a friendly conversation with us on a couple of occasions. All of this made us know that were were very welcome there and this is the feeling that will stick with us forever.

The room had everything we needed, a comfortable bed, table and chairs, even a fridge. The outdoor shower was an interesting experience, during the rain episodes it was quite chilly out there. A nice bonus was a possibility of a room credit for each day room service was not required. The restaurant food was amazing, there were a few dishes we really enjoyed and the dinner menu was just enough varied to keep us delighted throughout our stay. (We visited Koru Cafe across the channel once but left very disappointed.) The kayaks were free to rent although as more guests arrived, the kayaks were harder to come by and it was a bit upsetting to see the rate at which they were incurring damage. I loved the fact there were no children on the motu, and no or at least very few external guests.

The one and only negative was that I left five postcards at the reception for posting but none of them ever arrived. Possibly a postal service error, but in retrospect I do wish I had dropped them directly into the letterbox at the post office in Aruranga.

Bottomline is I will definitely return to this hotel the next time I am in that part of the world. I strongly hope it remains as pristine. And I encourange any couple looking for a unique and relaxing experience to come and stay at this hotel, just try to avoid nitpicking and you won't...

Kia Orana!||Wow!! How can I put this into words. Over water bungalow is a must. Even for one night. Private island, next to a private island you can kayak, paddleboard and or even swim/walk to. Water is maybe 2 meters deep. Reef spreads almost island to island. My wife and I kayaked to the uninhabited island, for our own picnic. Teking lagoon tours is another must. Just doesn’t make sense, how beautifully clear the water is. I felt like I was swimming in a huge fish tank. Honeymoon island One Foot Island. Even a BBQ on another uninhabited island. My wife and I set foot on at least 7 islands. At one point, I was the only person on the uninhabited island next to One Foot Island. Low tide, and I was able to walk through the water to the sand bar and island. Depth of water about 1 1/2 meters. Private lagoon resort staff very attentive. People on Aitutaki island very welcoming and helpful. Unless you are next to wifi, you will be completely off the grid. No stop lights on the island. Maybe a stop sign or two. Mostly people yield, or (give way) as what their yield signs say. Must hire a scooter. That’s what the term is used to rent a scooter. Hire a bicycle. Or walk the island. My wife and I, walked, hiked the highest point, rode bicycles, kayaked, and paddleboard. No tall buildings in Aitutaki. Rule is, no higher then the tallest coconut tree. Very simple beautiful living. Took Air Rarotonga from Rarotonga. About a 50 minute flight. Flights are daily, even for day trips. I don’t recommend that. Aitutaki is too amazing for just a day trip. I shed some tears when we had to leave. I really felt like that was the place I was supposed to be. Fish dishes are so amazing. I’ve never tasted tuna so good it melts in your mouth. Thank you Private Lagoon Resort. Thank you all staff, especially those mentioned below. Also below the names. Some of the way of life we learned while on Aitutaki. People are beautiful friendly and welcoming. Left some of my heart there.||Kula |Desmond|Miti |Nocy |Pati|Teri|Luke |Jerry||Yield is give way |Independent country but associated with NZ|No ticket luggages |No phone service, look into getting travel esim card|Left side drive |Exchange money or dollar per dollar |Main fish is different types of tuna |Walk and bike |No street addresses |No high rises building no taller than the tallest coconut tree |Right side hot water |Take their word for it no receipt |No plastic |No dogs in Aitutaki but goats |Prawns are shrimps |||Honeymoon |Maina ||Aitutaki||Meitaki (thank you)|Kakite (see you later/soon)|Takeaway (food to go/or box for leftovers tot take home)|Island time (no rush/always on time)|Kia Orana (hi)|Mauri (main language on Aitutaki)|7 different religions on Aitutaki |||Ka Kite!!!||Pics won’t load. Not sure why. Nothing vulgar or provocative. Just beautiful scenery and two people loving their...