Tai Roto Bay

I can't say enough good things about our stay here and Aitutaki in general. I've been fortunate to go to many nice tropical vacations and this is now my favorite. Tai Roto Bay Beach Villas is on the airport side of the island. There are three restaurants within walking distance and a coffee cafe that closes mid afternoon. The facility is clean, comfortable, beautifully situated on a lagoon with a quiet beach. A short walk is a private island/hotel, with places to snorkel along the way. A really nice place to snorkel is on the opposite side of the airport. You can get there by bicycle or scooter, but we went when we had a car for the day. The beach is beautiful and empty. There are lots of shells, but there are strict rules on what and where you can gather shells. Its actually illegal to take shells out of the country without getting approval from local authorities. They just wants to make sure you aren't taking any protected shells. Taking shells is generally frowned upon as many hermit crabs need them for homes. Each morning they bring you a wonderful, healthy breakfast. Anyway, this is a wonderful place to stay. The staff are all wonderful. I highly recommend staying here. Go during the "dry" season!

Other than my airline ticket, all of my bookings in the Cook Islands were done last minute - as usual. I decided to stay in Aitutaki for 4 days rather than the day trip from Rarotonga that many travelers choose. I picked a quaint property on the east side of the lagoon that ended up being a gem. I was met at the airport by Charon, the owner of Tai Roto Bay Beach Villas, a lady whose effervescence bubbles over like a glass of fine champagne. Warm and delightful, she made me feel welcomed before we even reached the property. Poni, who was gracious and radiant, was as accommodating as Charon. I'd left a package at a property on Rarotonga and they both went above and beyond in arranging to have the package picked up and delivered to me at the airport during my layover. My bungalow was very comfortable with a casual quality that immediately brings relaxation. A few yards from my doorstep is the lagoon with colors that hint upon what's to come with further explorations on a Not To Be Missed lagoon cruise. I was lucky enough to be here on moonless nights. A Milky Way exploded from horizon to horizon and you didn't have to look up to see the stars, just out. I highly recommend this beautifully landscaped property. With only a handful of bungalows, this site is removed enough from other properties and businesses to make you feel like you have Aitutaki to yourself. A few minutes walk away is the Koru Cafe with a world class Eggs Benedict and probably the best coffee on the island, and also there is The Boat Shed with a Teriyaki chicken that is most likely the best you'll ever taste.