Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas - Adults Only

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.

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!

Free airport pick up. Then was greeted by resort manager (Tiffany) who was so friendly and helpful throughout the whole stay. We were offered fresh coconut whilst waiting for room to be ready and was given tour of the facilities. The resort consists of 8 standalone villas. We stayed in garden view villa which is furthest from the beach but even then we had view of the water from villa patio and was 20 steps away from the prestine waters. The breakfast buffet selection had home made bread, eggs made to preference and fresh fruits. There is also an honesty bar where you make your own drinks. There were more than adequate number of sun beds at beach, free flippers and SUPs. The reef by the resort is one of the best spots for snorkelling (unless you go on lagoon cruise) - compared to likes of Pacific resort hotel or Aitutaki private island resort. The facility is so quiet as there is only 8 villas, it was really an exclusive and relaxing experience. The room is so thoughtfully designed with comfy bed, UV filtered drinking water tap, outdoor shower. We enjoyed renting e-buggy to go around the island for the day ($25 fee per use, 2 buggies available), there are also e-scooters and bicycle options. I would definitely return to Aitutaki and Etu Moana would be the accommodation of our choice over and over.

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.

Etu Moana Resort in Aitutaki is a true paradise! From the warm welcome to our stunning beachfront villa, every moment was magical. The breathtaking lagoon views and private beach made for a perfect escape. The staff's genuine hospitality and delicious breakfast truly enhanced our experience. With plenty of activities like kayaking and island excursions, we felt both relaxed and adventurous. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a beautiful getaway! We can't wait to return!

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.

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.

WOW. It was just the best experience, highly recommend Aitutaki. Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas were absolutely fantastic. Helpful, very friendly staff and nothing was a bother. Rooms were immaculate. Made our first time at the Cook Islands so great. Loved the breakfast and tranquil setting. Swimming in the lagoon was safe and lots of fishes. Great gear and easy access to transport, - we rented a motorbike and got to explore this fabulous island. Easy access to Spas down.

We loved our stay at Etu Moana over July/August 24. Tiffany and Jeff are most accommodating hosts with nothing being too much trouble. The accommodation was clean and comfortable. Wifi remained intermittent depending upon location within the resort, but hey, you can't have everything. We highly recommend Etu Moana for a quiet, peaceful and luxurious break from reality. I would like to mention the great staff at the resort, but must single out Terangi for her lovely personality and cheerful approach to her guests. That girl is great. Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality and wish you all well for the future.