About this hotel
General information
The resort takes up the whole of motu Akitua, a private islet of 27 acres (about 11 ha) in the Aitutaki lagoon, separated from the main island by a narrow channel. It has 33 free-standing bungalows and villas, seven of them built out over the water and the rest set directly on the sand at the lagoon's edge. The architecture is Polynesian in spirit: thatched roofs, rattan, carvings by local craftspeople and open-air showers.
It is a quiet place for grown-ups, taking guests aged 16 and over. Around the main reception building sit an infinity pool, a restaurant with terraces facing the water, the spa, a gym and an activities hut, with views across the lagoon, the open ocean and the channel. With no town lights nearby, the night sky is unusually clear for stargazing. A small beachside chapel hosts wedding ceremonies.
Location
Motu Akitua lies in the Aitutaki lagoon, five minutes by road from Aitutaki's airport. The resort meets guests at the airport and drives them to the landing, where its own ferry makes the two-minute crossing to the island; the ferry runs daily from 7am to 10pm, so the main island is within easy reach throughout the day and evening.
Spa
SpaPolynesia Aitutaki is on the island itself and has a dedicated room for couples' massages. Qualified therapists offer aromatherapy massage, body wraps, facials, reflexology, manicures and pedicures, as well as longer pampering packages that combine several treatments.
Sports & leisure
Most of what there is to do on the island is included in a stay:
- stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and snorkelling gear for every bungalow, plus a six-person Polynesian outrigger canoe; snorkelling lessons for beginners
- bicycles for exploring the islet and a guided island walk
- an air-conditioned gym, beach volleyball, table tennis, giant chess and a guest library
- a daily programme of drumming and dance lessons, ukulele lessons, pareu tying, palm-frond weaving, flower-garland making and a coconut husking demonstration
- sunset cocktails for all guests twice a week
- a beach firepit for evenings under the stars; from July to October humpback whales can be seen beyond the reef
- through the resort's tour desk: lagoon cruises with snorkelling and stops at the motu, Hobie Cat sailing and dive courses with a local dive centre
Restaurants & bars
Meals centre on a restaurant beside the pool and reception, looking out to the sunset over the channel; the menu leans on familiar dishes with a tropical touch, and vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options are clearly marked.
- H.M.S. Bounty Restaurant & Bar — restaurant and bar with two terraces (Full Moon Channel Terrace and Infinity Pool Beachfront Terrace): cooked breakfast buffet 7–10am, lunch noon–4pm, à la carte dinner 6–9pm
- Private Candlelit Dinner under the Stars — a four-course dinner by candlelight in a beach gazebo, for one couple per evening
- Floating Moët & Lobster Breakfast for Two — breakfast for two with lobster and Moët champagne
- room service daily from 7am to 9pm
Swimming
The lagoon starts at the doorstep: bungalows stand on champagne-coloured sand beaches, and steps lead from the overwater bungalows' decks straight into the warm, clear water. Sunloungers, hammocks under the palms and beach towels are provided, along with two pools — a beachfront infinity pool and the Full Moon swimming pool.
Rooms
The island has 33 free-standing bungalows and villas in six categories, from beachfront bungalows to overwater bungalows and villas with private pools. Interiors use pandanus, bamboo, tropical hardwoods and local carvings, and every unit has an open-air shower.
Every bungalow and villa has air conditioning and ceiling fans, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a fridge, tea and coffee facilities, a safe, bathrobes, a hairdryer, an iron, a private verandah or balcony and filtered drinking water on tap.
Overwater Bungalow
Set over the lagoon, with a panorama of turquoise water and motu on the horizon; pandanus- and bamboo-lined walls, wide sliding doors onto a deck with steps straight into the lagoon, and a rinse shower on the lower deck by the water. King-size bed, a bathroom with a double vanity and an open-air shower in a walled garden; up to three adults.
Beachfront Private Infinity Pool Villa
A villa on the edge of the channel with its own infinity pool and a deck with a lounger facing the lagoon and the sunset. Indoor and outdoor living and dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen, and a king-size bed or two single beds; up to three adults.
Royal Honeymoon Pool Villa “Princess Te Arau”
Enclosed in its own tropical garden: a bedroom with a draped four-poster king-size bed and an en-suite open-air rain shower, a further queen-size bed, a private pool flanked by a hydrotherapy-spa pavilion and a thatched daybed pavilion, and a third pavilion holding the kitchen with indoor and outdoor dining. Finished in island hardwoods and black pearl shell; up to four adults.
Deluxe Beachfront Bungalow
A spacious bungalow right on the beach, its four-poster king-size bed on a raised platform so the lagoon is in view from bed across the sitting area. Kitchenette, open-air shower, a private stretch of beach and a verandah with sunloungers; single beds can be added for up to four adults.
Premium Beachfront Bungalow
On Sunset Beach under coconut palms, with the lagoon in view from the bed and a verandah with sunloungers; hammocks hang by the water nearby. King-size bed or two single beds and an open-air shower; up to three adults.
Beachfront Bungalow
Set on the sand with its own stretch of beach and a balcony with sunloungers looking across the channel and the lagoon to the palms of the main island. King-size bed or two single beds and an open-air shower; up to three adults.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.