This was the perfect honeymoon destination. We loved everything about our stay. The resort is essentially set up for couples, so no kids = a nice, quiet stay with plenty of friendly couples to chat with.

The staff at the Etu Moana are friendly, warm, unobtrusive, and regularly go above and beyond to ensure your stay is memorable. Assistance with booking at the best restaurants, arranging cruises etc was never a problem, and their recommendations were well-guided.

The grounds were pristine. Literally. The pool was crystal-clear, well maintained and regularly cleaned. We spent many a pleasant hour enjoying swimming here!

The villas are very well appointed, and well maintained. The bed was not only huge, but incredibly comfortable. No holiday neck-crick for us!! :) Having air conditioning was a major bonus, as previous experience staying in places such as these meant hot, humid nights with poor sleep. Not here! The villas are also well equipped to ensure your comfort and privacy, with all windows and doors fitted with screens to stop the mozzies coming in.

The beaches in Aitutaki are incredible. The one at the front of the Etu Moana resort had crystal clear water, white sand, and lots of little coral reef/rock formations that made snorkelling an absolute breeze. We were able to simply walk out a few metres and see the actual etu moana (the blue starfish), and multitudes of fish even from the shoreline. A very short walk up the beach there is a beautiful deep swimming-hole, if you like the depths to relax in.

We enjoyed a cruise with Aitutaki Adventures (the yellow boat cruise) which was *incredible*. Snorkelling by honeymoon island, spending time on honeymoon island, survivor island, and one foot island. Gliding over, swimming and snorkelling in the brilliant turquoise waters this region is known for... and Puna, our host on the cruise, an absolute legend with a brilliant sense of humour. The lunch they served was out of this world - everything tasted good, from the fresh-caught tuna, to the paw-paw curry and breadfruit salad. Divine.

The other recommendation I would make for travellers to this region, is to enjoy dinner at Cafe Tupuna. What that woman can do to fish is incredible. It was so enjoyable, it was embarrassing!

From the moment we arrived at Etu Moana we felt so relaxed and welcomed. Jo-Anne and Jim and all the staff are the perfect hosts. They were always there to help without intruding on your privacy.
The Villa was the perfect sanctuary for a romantic honeymoon providing tranquility, privacy and comfort.
We stayed in Villa 5 which overlooked the pool and the lagoon and this gave us a brilliant view to enjoy over our morning coffee and evening glass of wine.
At Etu Moana you have the choice of the quintessential tropical beach or beautiful clean pool – both of which we spent many enjoyable hours just relaxing in the sun.
The Honesty Bar at the pool-side was a nice touch showing just how much Jim and Jo-Anne respect their guests. (And it was well stocked!)
The bicycles (free) or scooters ($25 for 24 hours) are a great option for exploring the island and we had great fun on both.
Each Villa has a guest book which provided great recommendations for dinners and activities.
Jim & Jo-Anne deserve all the accolades they have received. We have already booked our return visit for our first anniversary.

Since this was our third trip to the island, we decided to try a different lodging. From the bungalows, to the hospitality, to the morning breakfasts, to the recommendations and the reservation arranging, we fell in love with Joanne and her staff! Truly the most gracious people on earth! Since we arrived New Year's Eve, Joanne had arranged a "Happy Hour " in which we all got aquainted with one another and also learned how to make Eis and were educated all about the coconut plant.
If I could, I would make this a biannual trip! or even a monthly trip! It's great therapy to just get away and be immersed in such wonderful people. Wendy P.

From the flower lei greeting by Lovey at the Aitutaki Airport, the coconut drink and greeting by owners Jo-Anne and Jim Brittijin to the final farewell 6 days later (Feb20 - Mar.5 2008) the stay at Etu Moana was perfect! Every where you looked, the attention to little details in the huts, breakfast, honour bar, house keeping and grounds maintenance made the stay near perfect. Snorkelling in front of the resort was simply awesome with many different types of fish, spectacular coral and the beautiful blue star fish which is the key logo of the Etu Moana. All the staff, from the house keeping, grounds maintenance, office staff, to the owners themselves were so helpful and friendly and willing to stop and chat about questions we had as well as island life in general.
We met honey-mooners, single persons and others like ourselves (married 33 years) who totally enjoyed their stay. Lots of different places to eat within walking or bicycling distance. From budget to 4 course meals. Lots to see and do or lay back and enjoy the sun and the lush setting.
We cannot say enough about this great resort. If you want the ultimate getaway or vacation, this is the place to go.

Rod and Barb Moubray
Penticton, British Columbia
Canada