After 3 days in Rarotonga, we went to the Island of Aitutaki for 2 days. Aitutaki was the island of my tropical dreams and it was unbelievably beautiful – quite possibly one of the most beautiful places I have been to! In this post I am recapping our stay at beautiful Tamanu Beach Resort while we were in Aitutaki.

Tamanu Beach Resort is a quaint little Pacific Island getaway located on the west coast of Aitutaki. Its sits on the edge of a gorgeous blue lagoon and is filled with lush tropical greens and palms throughout the beautiful property.  It is very conveniently located close to the airport and close to town. But really Aitutaki is so small you can get around with ease from anywhere :).

The moment you arrive at the resort you will see how charming, peaceful and relaxing it is over here. Tamanu really nails the art of “casual luxury” so well. Even with full occupancy, you will NEVER feel like its crowded or noisy. While we were there the manager told us that it was fully occupied and we were so surprised cos it honestly felt like we were on a private retreat.

The 23 bungalows here are all built in a traditional Cook Island Bungalow style to give you an authentic island vibe. Our garden facing Bungalow was so spacious with a front patio, king bed, closet space, bathroom as well as an outdoor shower!

Our beautiful garden view Bungalow

 

There are 2 freshwater pools on property that are super close to the lagoon and offer incredible views all around.

Pool area

 

The best part about this island retreat is how green and lush it was everywhere! The resort grounds are so beautiful and truly maintains that South pacific island charm.

Around the resort

 

There is also a restaurant on property where we had a delicious island breakfast every morning.

Restaurant with a view

Started off every morning with fresh fruit and fresh baked goodies!

As I mentioned the resort sits on a private, white sand beach that borders Aitutaki Island’s crystal clear lagoon. From sunrise to sunset, this view is utterly magical in every way. During the day, you can go swimming, snorkeling, paddle-boarding and kayaking (all complimentary!) in the azure waters, or even just lay out under the swaying palm trees on shore.

Beach area

 

At sunset the lagoon is a spectacle by itself! Due to the calm waters, the sunset reflects on the water which makes the whole experience so cinematic wow! I mean – look at these photos, I cant get over how unreal the colors were. I was also joined by my little sunset loving friend every evening when I was at the beach!

Epic sunsets at the lagoon!

There is also a spa on property where Anush and I went for a foot massage on one of the afternoons. This was a much needed spa session for my poor foot after I was stung by a wasp a few days back haha! The massage felt so amazing and they use Pure Fiji products which I lovee ( was first introduced to them when I was in Fiji last year).

We also had a chance to go for the traditional Island Night at Tamanu Beach, and it was a fantastic cultural experience – right from the delicious spread, music and dance. I have been to other cultural shows during my travels and this was unlike any other. It truly felt so authentic and special; I love that they also included the local children in the show! I highly recommend this show if you are ever in Aitutaki. It happens every Thursday evening.

Delicious Island Night spread

We had a wonderful stay at Tamanu Beach overall and hope to return back soon! If you ever visit the Cook Islands, definitely add this gem of a island getaway to your travel itinerary.

Thanks for stopping by! xoxo

Jyo

 

** This stay was in collaboration with Tamanu Beach Resort but all thoughts and opinions are my own.