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Etu Moana: Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of Etu Moana

( 17-21 of 132 )
“Etu Moana is the best!”

Etu Moana

Jun 18, 2008

We spent a week in Villa 1 at Etu Moana, and loved every second of it. The villas are perfectly designed and well-kept, with lots of thoughtful details and everything you need for a comfortable stay. We especially loved the shower. It's great - sometimes bathrooms leave much to be desired in overseas hotels.

Jim and Jo, the owners, are the best. In fact, all of the staff members were considerate, very helpful, and extremely pleasant. They helped us make reservations for dinner each night and recommended lots of fun things to do. They really know the ins and outs of the island and make your stay easy and comfortable.

They cultivate a friendly community atmosphere - other travellers at Etu Moana were outgoing and fun to be around. The beach in front is great, and you can hop into a complimentary kayak and roam around the coral reef in the water. There's even fairly good snorkeling in the area (snorkeling equipment is also provided).

We found the whole experience relaxing, pampering, and just perfect for a secluded getaway on the other side of the world. We also visited or stayed at other properties on Aitutaki, and I can tell you without a doubt, you won't find anywhere better than Etu Moana! We would definitely recommend Etu Moana to anyone.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Everything!! Also note that this is one of the best places to watch the sunset on Aitutaki
    • Disliked — Mosquitos and roosters - but they're part of Aitutaki and can't be helped at all
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Travel_Lover_47's Summary
Date of Stay: June 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Honeymoon
Age group: 25-34
Member since: June 18, 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 4 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Older travelers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Truely amazing!!”

Etu Moana

5 of 5 stars
Chesterfield Derbyshire
Jun 15, 2008

What can i say , all these reveiws can not be wrong , i remember reading them all thinking how can it be that good!When you get here it is truely amazing better than any review can descibe.
The hosts Jim and Jo are attentive but not intrusive , the island is so lovely , hire a scooter from reception to get around the island epecially for lunch and dinner , try the island night at pacific resort (just down the road , we bike rided there & back,) which was very good , The diving was excellent at bubbles below, the lagoon boat tour also excellent (go to see Shark island of the shiprecked programme.) TOPTIP! you need super strengh mozzi stuff
What can i say , stop reading this , just book it , you will not be disappointed i am very picky and i wasn't!!

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — everything
    • Disliked — mozzies
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jorichards's Summary
Date of Stay: February 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Quality time with family
Age group: 25-34
Member since: April 18, 2006
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Museums / Cultural / Historical sites, Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine, Other
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“True paradise on earth”

Etu Moana

Jun 14, 2008

My husband surprised me on our honeymoon to the Cook Islands. Everything about Etu Moana is perfect from the setting, the accomodations, and the staff and owners. We were picked up by the airport by Lovey and greeted with warm sincerity. The staff all call you by name and make you feel right at home. Every one of our needs was attended to, and easily. I loved the "honor" bar. The entire island is laid back and welcoming. The staff will arrange any kind of trip for you, big or small. There are mostly honeymooners there - we didn't see any children. Definitely the best place on Aitutaki. Would avoid the nearby fancy resorts - they are far more exclusive and stuffy feeling

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — The setting
    • Disliked — Nothing
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sabfivefreddy's Summary
Date of Stay: June 2006
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Honeymoon
Age group: 25-34
Member since: August 26, 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 3 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Absolute Joy”

Etu Moana

5 of 5 stars
Brisbane, Queensland
Jun 10, 2008

After a hectic week of festivities on the main island of Rarotonga, we escaped for a few days of bliss to Aitutaki and the Etu Moana. The resort is as fabulous as everyone says but it is the small extras and attention to detail that make it truely superb.

I would really like to thank the staff there for helping us out with trying to get Origin tickets online (there is no broadband on Aitutaki only dial up which is challenging when you only have a small window to buy tickets!), offering advice on restaurants and going out of their way to look after us - even on the last day after we had checked out!
They are truely deserving of the excellent reviews and the awards they have won. You won't be disappointed - though you will need to book a fair way in advance as they have a high occupancy rate (each villa is very private and you never feel crowded) - trust me you won't want to miss out.

By far the best place we have ever stayed, and Aitutaki itself is beautiful and untouched by developers. Let's hope it stays that way.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — The staff and the beautiful villas, watching the amazing sunsets
    • Disliked — Nothing
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Billi_BNE's Summary
Date of Stay: March 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 25-34
Member since: April 05, 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 3 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Great pool scene
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Belive the Hype”

Etu Moana

5 of 5 stars
Avila Beach, Ca
Jun 9, 2008

I am one of those people who read the reviews of Tripadvisor and am used to seeing multiple great reviews with a sprinkling of negative reviews. For the most part Etu Moana has excellent reviews so my standards were high for this hotel.
I am happy to say the hotel lived up to its reputation. I stayed in Villa 6, next to the pool. Originally I was not pleased about being next to the pool because of noise levels, privacy, etc. I could not see the pool area from the bungalow, but did have a great ocean view. It never gets loud because people are usually at the ocean instead of the pool and either way, it would be a max of 16 or so people if everyone met there at once.
The staff was wonderful, they are more than willing to talk and answer questions about anything. David, the grounds keeper, is the local historian and artist, he is fun to talk to about Aitutaki stories and general island info. All the ladies at reception are great at offering up places to eat, dishes to try and how to get there. Jim and Jo-Anne, the owers are very approachable to talk to and ask questions as well.
I would recommend this hotel to anyone thinking about visiting Aitutaki.
I personally did not notice more of a mosquito problem at the hotel than any other place on the island. I came prepared with insect repellant and still got bit, but no worse than any other tropical island I have been to.
The locals are all great and will wave at you when riding by.
Some restaurant suggestions:
JK's Bar and Cafe, recently opened. Items ranged from 10-18 NZD and the portions are big
KuKu's Cafe, burgers started at 6 NZD
Tauono's
Tapuna's
Try an island night somewhere as well

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — The frienliness of everyone, guests included
    • Disliked — No complaints
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
elocin6's Summary
Date of Stay: May 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 25-34
Member since: June 09, 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Pet owners, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles
Was this review helpful? Yes No

Reviews of Etu Moana

( 17-21 of 132 )
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Etu Moana Address

PO Box 123, Cook Islands