Aretai Beach Villas

www.aretaibeachvillas.com
This accommodation also looks great and could be a good option for two couples to share accommodation, or a couple plus a single.  Rates would be between $100-120 per person per night.  A much more spacious place to be, and still very close (pretty much next door) to Paradise Cove.

Another note on Paradise Cove, the family suites have a portacot available.

Town is about a 30 minute walk away from these places, but there really isn't much in town.  Better to be closer to restaurants or resorts for eating options.  Pacific Resort is only about 10 minutes walk away.

Again don't go making any bookings just yet.

Jackie asked how long they should plan being away for.  I figured that the day you arrive is almost gone anyway, the next day you will want to explore the island, swim and lounge, another day we will plan some kind of activity together (paddle boarding, game fishing, Craig has found some fly fishing thing for Bone Fish - ask him about that!) then another day will be the wedding.  So that's four nights accommodation at least.  Being that we will be with family and friends I know Craig and I could easily spend 6/7 nights there.  But this will depend on your budget.

What we will try to arrange is that the majority of us will arrive on the same flight in to Aitutaki.  When you leave will be up to you, some of you may want to spend 4 nights in Aitutaki then stay back in Raro for a few nights. 

We would recommend just booking flights and not booking a holiday package deal, but feel free to look into this.

That's all for now...

Paradise Cove & Maina Lodges

Firstly Paradise Cove

Click the title above to see their website.  Craig and I stayed here in 2004 and it looks like its even better now.  The beachfront bungalows are small but very suitable for one or two of you.  They are clean, on the beach, tiny kitchenette, small but adequate bathroom, and great bed.  No air conditioning however, just a fan.  I remember it being hot but we coped, windows open and nets closed to keep the mossies and geckos out!
Their rates range from Special Early Bird Rates at $120 per night (2 people, extra person $40) up to full rate of $150.  I'm hoping our local Ros will be able to hook us up a deal of $120 per night!
When you go to their website you'll see the garden suites are much bigger, better if you're bringing kids.  We're also finding out how far it is to town, I can remember Craig and I going by scooter into town but town doesn't have a whole heap to offer but good to get lunch supplies.  We may be able to organise group transfers to the resort we will stay at for dinners.  It is quite a hike from here around to the main lagoon on the inside where a few restaurants are located.
Don't book anything yourself until you've checked with us to see if we can get a better rate for you.

Te Maina Lodges

Click the title above to take you to their website.  I can't recall seeing this place when we were last there. But the beach looks gorgeous, and apparently Honeymoon Island (one of the motu it looks out to) is really really beautiful.  There is a jetty there so it might even be possible to pick you up on the way to One Foot, as it sounds close. No air con here either.

The rates are $135 per night (2 people) kids are welcome. I can't find on the website how much extra people will cost.  I think possibly the biggest drawback of this place could be that it is quite a way from town for supplies, and restaurants.  But awesome to have a fresh water pool, and I imagine the beach here is superb.  Possibly a better option if you are bringing more than 1 child it looks more spacious than Paradise Cove.

Ros is also checking this place out for us, so please don't book anything until we can try to get a discount.

The Lagoon Cruise to One Foot - Wedding Day

So far Ros aka Aitutaki Personal Wedding Planner extraordinaire, has checked out two options for our Wedding day cruise across the Lagoon and to the motu of Tapuaetahi.

Bishops have several boats, meaning guests can head out in the big boat "Lagoon Lova" which seats 45, has an upstairs and onboard loos.  If we use Bishops we also get the use of the One Foot Hut/Post Office, where we would eat and drink.  Bridal Party and Minister could arrive on a separate smaller boat.  Here's some pics.

The Lagoon Lova for Guest Cruising

The Jaguar for Bridal Party, with One foot hut in background.

The other option is we all go on the Vaka Cruise.  The vaka, Titi ai Tonga, is 21m has an on board bar, and we would also eat on board.  It has sun loungers and a kids corner, and loos on board.  We wouldn't get use of the Hut on One Foot, which I think is a major drawback as it is HOT HOT HOT out there, and shade is minimal.  So its either shade on board, or get in the water to cool off.  Here's some pics

 

 

BBQ lunch on board the Vaka

Titi ai Tonga 21metre vaka

So what do we all think?  What looks most comfortable for you and your whanau?  When Craig and I went there last time we went on the Bishops cruise, to be able to use the Hut was great.  Meaning we can use the bar facilities at the hut.  Bishops will also supply snorkel gear and beach towels.  I think I'm leaning towards bishops, but I love the look of the Vaka!

Looking forward to your thoughts