Mamma Nui — Restaurant in Easter Island

Our trip to Easter Island (aka Rapa Nui and Isla de Pascua) was restricted to one and a half days mostly as a result of flight schedules. This was the start of a month touring South America. We did a lot of research in advance of our visit in an attempt to achieve:||||- The absolute maximum exposure to the history and culture of the island and peoples||- A good bed in clean and comfortable surroundings||- Quality food||- A tour guide capable of taking us to see everything with an ability to communicate||- Advice as this was our first visit||||Looking back we probably chose Mamma Nui for the novelty of glamping, the reputation of the restaurant and the fact that the owner offered tours equal to others. In fact they took care of most wants. We were however warned in advance by the owners that their command of the English language was lacking.||||We were met at the islands tiny airport by Juan the owner and his two young children. A short city tour and we arrived at Mamma Nui, a restaurant, the family home and at the rear on a raised platform in the colourful gardens an eco pod. We were introduced to mum, Valeria and unexpectedly fed and watered. From that moment on we felt as though we were included as part of their family. ||||The accommodation was very comfortable being spacious, clean and having everything we needed. Lovely views from the raised platform. ||||The food was exceptional. A quick chat and we had both ordered one of the daily recommendations. Neither of us saw or wanted to see a menu. Juan is the face on the photos but he openly admits that his wife Valeria is the better chef. Regardless we certainly enjoyed the food.||||We achieved two tours, a full day then a half day. Juan the owner was the tour guide. Again came his patter that his English was lacking. Off we went in the pick up, more off road than on, seeing a lot more than most are offered. What sights we saw and memories we have. From start to finish all three of us talked non stop. His enthusiasm for the history and culture were unbelievable. Do not believe him we more than understood everything he said and certainly enjoyed his company.||||Unfortunately all good things have to come to an end with Juan and his children taking us back to the airport and off we went to continue our tour of South America. ||||What a lovely family and thank you all for making our visit to your beautiful island such a wonderful memory. We will always think of you fondly.||||Highly recommended.||||PS - A must when visiting Easter Island is a trip to the Ballet Kari Kari. A fabulous performance of typically local music and dance put across with such enthusiasm and professionalism. An hour watching the show and the audience are worn out...

Our trip to Easter Island (aka Rapa Nui and Isla de Pascua) was restricted to one and a half days mostly as a result of flight schedules. This was the start of a month touring South America. We did a lot of research in advance of our visit in an attempt to achieve:||||- The absolute maximum exposure to the history and culture of the island and peoples||- A good bed in clean and comfortable surroundings||- Quality food||- A tour guide capable of taking us to see everything with an ability to communicate||- Advice as this was our first visit||||Looking back we probably chose Mamma Nui for the novelty of glamping, the reputation of the restaurant and the fact that the owner offered tours equal to others. In fact they took care of most wants. We were however warned in advance by the owners that their command of the English language was lacking.||||We were met at the islands tiny airport by Juan the owner and his two young children. A short city tour and we arrived at Mamma Nui, a restaurant, the family home and at the rear on a raised platform in the colourful gardens an eco pod. We were introduced to mum, Valeria and unexpectedly fed and watered. From that moment on we felt as though we were included as part of their family. ||||The accommodation was very comfortable being spacious, clean and having everything we needed. Lovely views from the raised platform. ||||The food was exceptional. A quick chat and we had both ordered one of the daily recommendations. Neither of us saw or wanted to see a menu. Juan is the face on the photos but he openly admits that his wife Valeria is the better chef. Regardless we certainly enjoyed the food.||||We achieved two tours, a full day then a half day. Juan the owner was the tour guide. Again came his patter that his English was lacking. Off we went in the pick up, more off road than on, seeing a lot more than most are offered. What sights we saw and memories we have. From start to finish all three of us talked non stop. His enthusiasm for the history and culture were unbelievable. Do not believe him we more than understood everything he said and certainly enjoyed his company.||||Unfortunately all good things have to come to an end with Juan and his children taking us back to the airport and off we went to continue our tour of South America. ||||What a lovely family and thank you all for making our visit to your beautiful island such a wonderful memory. We will always think of you fondly.||||Highly recommended.||||PS - A must when visiting Easter Island is a trip to the Ballet Kari Kari. A fabulous performance of typically local music and dance put across with such enthusiasm and professionalism. An hour watching the show and the audience are worn out...

Considering staying here? Beware. ||This place is difficult to review. There are some great points:|- the domes are a great concept|- Juan the owner is a warm, friendly character and speaks English pretty well (for those travellers who don’t speak Spanish or Rapa Nui)|- Breakfast is enjoyable at the restaurant’s open air dining area, but inconsistent. ||However the concept has significant drawbacks that we have not read in other reviews. |- the domes let in all the noise of the surrounding neighbourhood: scooters, trucks, horns, roosters, Kari Kari club drumming etc|- the domes (in Oct) were stiflingly HOT during the daytime until 6 or 7pm. Air con almost nonexistent. We couldn’t be inside until bedtime. |- steps up to the elevated platform are NOT suitable for young kids. We had to carry them up and down. |- pool fencing is NOT safe |- a new dog bit our youngest (3 year old). Whilst it didn’t draw blood, it was a huge shock. The owners responded reasonably well by keeping it out of sight for our remaining stay. ||Valeria seemed to be permanently scowling at something. Without Juan, we would not have enjoyed our stay. ||Breakfast on the second day lacked a lot of things that were provided on the first. We asked for cereal and yoghurt and were told they didn’t have any. ||We stayed here because our other accommodation didn’t have a availability on these two nights. We would’ve been very disappointed if this were our only experience of Rapa Nui...