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Description
Are Tamanu has a history going back hundreds of years. Like all lands in the Cook Islands, the land Are Tamanu Beach Village is built on bears the traditional name 'Are Tamanu'. The literal translation of Are Tamanu is 'house of the mahogany tree'.
In keeping with its traditional name, Are Tamanu Beach Village has 22 self-catering and individual bungalows, featuring Tamanu floors and Cook Island style thatched roofs. Tamanu is also used in the carvings in each room and the stunning poolside bar.
Are Tamanu Beach Village is owned and operated by 2 brothers and their families with a strong sense of tradition, pride and family values. A short plane ride from Rarotonga with the domestic airline Air Rarotonga will bring you to this friendly island, where you will be welcomed with typical Aitutaki hospitality, a flower 'ei' (necklace) and genuine smile.
This special includes: Round trip airfare from Los Angeles on Air New Zealand, inter-island transportation, hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, Orientation Island tour for two, Aitutaki Adventures Lagoon Cruise for two, lei and transfers.
Accommodations
Are Tamanu Beach Viilage offers 5 room categories in two configurations. - Tamanu Garden Bungalow
- Tamanu Lagoon Bungalow
- Tamanu Beachfront Bungalow
- Manea Lagoon Suite
- Manea Beachfront Suite
Bungalows - Studio style self contained 'Are's' providing that perfect setting for couples with a no child policy in that sections of our village. Suites - Large 1 bedroom suites and can comfortably accept a family of 4 in the Lagoon Suite, but only 2 persons in the Beachfront Suite. All bungalows contain the following features to provide you with a fully contained self catering holiday option. - King size bed
- Fully equipped kitchen: including fridge/freezer, Gas cooker, microwave oven, cutlery & crockery
- Separate bathroom with hairdryer
- Air Conditioning & Ceiling Fans
- Insect Screened Windows
- IDD Telephone
- Outdoor deck with al-fresco dining setting for four
Dining
Cafe Tupuna
In Manu on the Tautu Road Open 7 Days a week.
Kuramoo - Blue Nun Cafe & Bar
Down by the Harbour. Licensed to sell alcoholic drinks. Enjoy Wine and dine among locals Dinner Pickups from your hotel can be arranged. Island Night every Wednesday with Island Style Buffet and Saturday Night BarBQ with Island Style Floor Show.
Crusher Bar
Upper Amuri. Dine, Dance or just enjoy a drink in relaxed tropical surroundings. Gourmet A La Carte menu including local delicacies.
Licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. Thursday is 'Island Night'. Top Floorshow, Excellent Buffet.
Samade Bar
Ootu Beach - just past and opposite the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort Hotel. Open during the day every day for drinks and snacks. Licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. Special Island Style Barbecue/Umu lunch every Sunday at noon.
Full Moon beach parties every full moon night.
Activities
Sunday night Barbeque
Every Sunday night is Barbeque night, featuring fresh fish, meat, salads, and tropical fruit. Join us at the poolbar and watch the sun go down.
Motor Bikes & Bicycles
Take off on your own island adventure. Rent a motor bike from the hotel, or take a complimentary bicycle.
Snorkelling & Canoes
Complimentary masks, snorkels and canoes are available for the pleasure of our guests. Venture in to the lagoon right on your doorstep.
Lagoon Cruise
A must for everyone, take the lagoon cruise to see Aitutaki in all its splendour. Includes lunch and snorkelling, we book you with Bishops Cruises for a fun filled unforgettable day on the lagoon.
Fishing Tours
Aitutaki has a number of deep sea fishing operators. Common catches include Marlin, tuna, mahi mahi. The Aitutaki Game Fishing Club is a must after a successful day on the boat.
Golf
The Aitutaki Golf Club has an interesting course situtated on the coast beside the airport. Clubs can be hired for casual games.
Island Night Dancing & Buffet
A great night out in Aitutaki featuring traditional dancing and island feasts.
Hiking
Situated 1 km from the hotel is 'Maungapu'. At a height of 124m, it is a gentle climb rewarded with fantastic views of Aitutaki atoll and its unique lagoon.
Scuba Dive
For the keen divers, Aitutaki Scuba provides professional guided dive and snorkel tours, gear service and instruction.
Awards
Linda in our Customer Service dept. just got back from the Cook Islands, and says "check out the Te Vaka Bar & Grill which is adjacent to Are Tamanu. The food there is excellent - good variety and reasonable prices."
Local Area
Aitutaki Lagoon is renowned as one of the most magnificent in the world and its uninhabited islands make it the most popular of the Southern Group islands. This vast lagoon was once a stop over for the Tasman Empire Airways flying boat service. The flying boat would tie up at a jetty on Akaiami Island, while locals would serve refreshments, the old jetty is in the picture to your right.
The best way to see the island mainland is with a four wheel drive, or small scooter which can be hired from several outlets. A winding road criss-crossing the island, and lots of small tracks leading you all over the island and uncovering hidden secrets that wont be seen on a guided tour. Only a small drive up Mt Mauga Pu provides a fantastic 360 degree view of the entire vista.
Aitutaki has intriguing history. The first European discovery was by a Captain Bligh sailing on the Bounty in the year 1789. Bligh returned to Aitutaki and is said to have introduced the pawpaw, which, like other varieties or tropical fruit, grow in abundance all over the island, ready to pick and eat if you find the right ones. The first missionary to the Cook Islands was John Williams, who visited Aitutaki before any of the other islands, whether this was due to the stunning look compared to the other islands we will never know.
The best thing about Aitutaki is with out a doubt its stunning lagoon there are taxis in Aitutaki, but rather than what you'd normally find on land, these are small fast boats that have an outboard motor attached to power them around the lagoon. Te Ariki Water Taxis can take you off to your own private island so you can enjoy an intimate day with Aitutaki snorkelling, sunbathing or having a picnic and just relaxing in the gorgeous sunshine that you will only find in the Cook Islands, they will then come and pick you up after an amazing day out on you own.
There are several different lagoon tours which can last almost an entire day.
If you fancy a spot of fishing in the lagoon you'll want to catch up with Kathy Guinea who has her own lagoon fishing tours. On Kathy's tours, clients get to eat what they catch (hopefully it's big enough to fill you up!). The freshly caught fish is barbequed by Kathy. Swimming and lazing on a picturesque sandy beach where there is no one else about apart from you and your fishing buddies is all part of Kathy's day trip.
Hot sun, white sands and the amazing blue sea that is on found in the Cook Islands Aitutaki has all of them and don't forget the friendly locals with a big white smile are sure to make your stay on Aitutaki and at the Are Tamanu an unforgettable one!
Reviews
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Rodney
VP, Sunspots International
About me: As co-owner of the South Pacific tour operator Sunspots International I have been travelling thruout the South Pacific for over 19 years. I have been fortunate enough to have travelled to Fiji 38+ times, Tahiti 26+ times, the Cook Islands 46+ times and got married there recently. This is all I do is market and travel to the South Pacific.
Visit my website.
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This family run boutique style beach resort has it all! On an island of only 1300 residents it is no wonder that Are Tamanu beach Village seems so laid back and quiet. An ideal setting for a relaxing honeymoon where you are called a friend from the very first day. Great snorkeling and a fabulous new cafe opening next month! The brothers of Mike and Stuart will ensure that you are well looked after and any challenges will be dealt with immediately
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Experienced: February 2006
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Posted: 12/10/2007 2:30PM
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Rating: A
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