Motu Beachfront Art Villas — Hotel in Takitumu

What a great place to get your overseas holiday sea legs after two and a half years of no travelling! Motu is a beautiful boutique resort. We love Villa 9 for its water views and sheltered deck. Since our last visit the bathrooms have been renovated (beautifully) and the amount and quality of local art in the rooms has been improved, including big name artists like Kay George.

While initially we chose this spot because of the all-tide snorkelling opportunities, we have continued coming because Tim, Lucile, Mii and Queen Kiki (the resort cat) make us feel like part of the family from the moment we arrive. Nothing is too much trouble, from advice on making pre-arrival dinner reservations at local hot spots like Antipodes, to finding a way to return our scooters next door even though that branch of Polynesian Rentals was closed, to beautiful bowls of local fruit and vegetables that made visiting Punanga Nui Markets less essential. They think of everything, from a bottle of Verve and Champagne flutes delivered to your villa to mark your special occasion, to Sunday breakfast pastries (open restaurants can be hard to find on Sundays) and daily newspapers quietly placed on your outdoor table.

We have already booked for next year as Motu is a perfect base for outer island exploration. Meitaki ma’ata Motu team. See you...

This is the second time we have stayed here and it didn't disappoint second time round. Amy and Claire the new managers are amazing super helpful and very welcoming. They even had a cocktail evening so guests could spend the evening with them and some of the employees. We like it here because it is quiet and you look after yourself, but if you need anything there is always someone to help, whether its booking a restaurant, activity or massage. The rooms are immaculate, and I love that they put basic supplies in your fridge for your arrival. Newspaper comes every morning and nothing better than to sit on your deck reading the news paper drinking coffee and watching the lagoon. On Sunday morning the added bonus of bakery goods. There are electric bikes which you can book at a small cost, but first come first serve works if you get up early when the bikes first go out. There is also a well stocked honesty bar and a washing machine and drying which is super handy. A new supermarket has opened across the road so ice creams are close at hand and other important supplies. To sum the feeling we have for this place, on a rainy day as we pulled into the drive way my partner said "its just like coming home". Thats the way that Amy, Clare and the staff at Motu make you feel like part of their...

Motu was recommended to me by a travel agent and I’m so glad we chose it for a special holiday. First time in the Cook Islands, this was the ultimate adults only luxury beachfront accommodation. |Self-contained villas are well equipped with full size fridge, microwave, and stove top, a Nespresso machine and a welcome pack of groceries to get you started. There is a reasonable grocery store right across the road that is open until 10 pm daily. |The air conditioned villa itself is tastefully decorated with a large bedroom and huge bathroom. Out front is your own personal deck with a table/chairs and sun loungers. |Staff were discreet but attentive throughout and nothing was too much trouble.|Kayaks, SUPs and snorkelling gear are available for guest use. If you tire of the pristine beach and turquoise ocean right out the front (with excellent snorkelling) then there is a resort pool. Need a drink? There’s an honesty bar that won’t break the bank. |Although there’s no resort restaurant there are walkable dining options and the staff are happy to make recommendations and bookings.|We wandered up the beach to Charlie’s and Little Polynesia.|Electric bikes are available for guests but we had a small rental car which was great for exploring.|I really hope we get the...