Akaiami Paradise, is a private accommodation consisting of a lodge set on a private island. The island itself is a historical site being the former landing strip for TEAL flying boats which regularly stopped for servicing or weather conditions during the coral route in the 1940’s and 50’s. The lodge has in fact been rebuilt on the exact spot where the original TEAL terminal stood and has been built to keep in line with the original design. The lodge accommodates a maximum of six people on request, it has 1 bedroom, two double beds a lounge area fully equipped Kitchen, dinning area, mini library, ensuite, insect screened, deck, snorkelling gear, daily service and complimentary seasonal fruit. Although you will be on your own private island, you will not be isolated. You will be visited daily. Lagoon cruises can be arranged, where passing day cruises will pick you up for a day of fun in the sun, snorkelling and BBQ lunch before returning back to Akaiami.
If you are thinking about going to Aitutaki, then look no further! It’s the closest thing you’ll ever find to living out your Robinson Crusoe fantasy! You’ll be staying on a small islet fringed with palm trees, perfect white sand and the most turquoise water I have ever seen in my life. What makes it even more special is that you are the only person on the island (together with the owners, who feel more like friends than business owners). We enjoyed our time so much. My husband and I travelled with our 6 month old baby and we loved staying in the beautiful old lodge, swimming in the warm water, kayaking, chilling out and chatting with the owners and doing some of the best snorkelling we ever had. I should say that the lodge does not have air conditioning and only has fans but we did not miss this and the kitchen was fully equipped. Before you arrive, you are taken to different stores to buy food provisions for your stay as there are no restaurants etc. In the mornings, we received freshly caught fish from the owners; the freshest sashimi ever! We got to try so many different specialties (Ika Mata (fish in coconut cream), bread food soup and more). We were given fresh passion fruit, coconuts from the island (I’m still dreaming of the freshly grated coconut on papaya). I also really recommend to book a trip with them to take you on a boat tour to see the other islets and go snorkelling. There is only 2 tour companies that do this trip and it’s easy to avoid them and have all this beauty without the crowds. I really cannot recommend staying there enough, it is a completely different experience to staying in one of the hotels on the main island (which feel like just another resort) and the beaches aren’t comparable either. Other than the setting, what made it even more special were the owners, it’s a really lovely family and it felt that they really enjoyed us being there. There are a lot of guests that come back year on year and it’s no surprise, you won’t have stayed anywhere like this before!
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Date of stay: January 2020
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Ok, I've been to Aitutaki SEVEN TIMES, so I know a bit about the place!
Akaiami Paradise is absolutely unique. It is situated on the breathtakingly beautiful Akaiami motu (island), and is a 5 minute boat ride from the mainland across the amazing Aitutaki lagoon.
I am literally going to struggle to describe it's beauty, so I'll try and sum up by saying that if you have ever dreamt of sandy white beaches, luke-warm and gin-clear lagoon, coconut palms waving in the breeze, and isolation as well as comfort, this place is for you.
If you want absolute luxury with big screen tv's, pools, bar, room service etc, then either stay home, or go somewhere like Rumours. At Rumours though you'll pay $1800 a night for a location that is no where NEAR as good, and in fact is on the exact same beach as a NUMBER of budget hotels where you pay only $80 a night.
The complex has been handbuilt by part-owner Sydney Marsters, and is very quaint and luxurious.
Sydney is an amazing host - very friendly and helpful, he'll do everything he can to make your trip memorable and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He even offers a unique lagoon cruise away from the daily crowds on islands such as Tapuaetai (One-Foot Island), and will take you to places very few tourists have ever seen.
The main room (where we stayed) has been furnished with older quaint furniture, some of which has been handbuilt by Sydney from recycled furniture. He has also used old fashioned fittings to create an atmosphere that is totally unique.
He also has 2 or 3 bungalows a little closer to the beach on the side. They are very cute, clean, and cosy.
All of the buildings are absolute waterfront.
Sydney will show you around the island, tell you about the history of Aitutaki, show you the wildlife, husk you drinking nuts, give you samples of local foods, and even take you on a giant coconut crab hunt (The only person in Aitutaki to offer this). He'll even take you fishing if you want. (You may actually be woken up by the fish splashing in the lagoon in the morning, there's so many around!)
No matter where you stay - consider at least a NIGHT at Akaiami Paradise. It is NOT the best accomodation as such on the island (The Pacific resort is far more plush, and has swimming pools etc), but it is a FAR BETTER location, and for LESS MONEY.
In my opinion, considering the unique location and amenities, it is the best place to stay on the island. You can pay more and less at other places, but none of them have quite the same magic as motu Akaiami.
You may not want to spend you whole time there (since it's only accessible by boat therefore limiting your ability to explore), if it's in your price range make sure you stay at least a night or two.
Don't be tempted to stay in the basic accomodations on One-Foot island - it's beautiful but gets crowded with tourists during the day.
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Date of stay: June 2010
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from AkaiamiParadiseLtd, Owner at Akaiami Paradise
Responded 29 Dec 2016
Kia Orana Rockycartmaker, Thank you so much for the positive feedback. We really appreciated. I'm very sorry for the late response - I'm just getting into learning about these technical devices. We're pleased that we've been able to accommodate your stay with us and we loved having you as you've been very much been part of our history during the early stages of our home. We hope we will meet you again. Meitaki atupaka rava, Much love, Mama Ruru
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We stayed on AP for 3 nights from 11 September 2012. From the moment that owner Mama Ru Ru picked us up from Aitutaki Beach Villas - welcoming us with beautiful fresh gardenia laes from her own lush garden we were in heaven. Sydney, a wonderful host and son to Mama, piloted the family boat over to one of the most special places on earth. We were one of only 2 couples on the island - the other couple at Gina's (who we did not meet - only waved to on their daily kayak jouney to other gorgeous secluded islands). AP is the original lagoon aerodrome for the glamourous flying boats of the 1950's and 60's. Interesting memorabilia adorning the walls of our huge house was a link to a wonderful bygone era. The more than spacious lodge contained 2 four poster beds, a full kitchen and dining are big enough to hold a ball. The bathroom had plenty of hot water and the tank water was delicious and safe to drink. Now to the gardens, lush and tropical and the white sand pristinely raked every day by Sydney our host who also prepared the most delious parrot fish bar-b-que for dinner on our first night. The beach is right in front of the house and perfect for swimming. No coral and like a gigantic swimming pool. There was good snorkelling on the other side of island a short walk via a level track from the house. D spent 2 days fly fishing for the rare and elusive bone fish with guide Butch Leone, a very knowledgeable ex pat American - great fun. I spent a day fishing and touring with Sydney on gin clear waters with cloudless blue skies and caught a huge trevally which Sydney expertly cooked in banana leaves on the barbie for our dinner that night - yum! Make sure you go to one foot island - it has a bar that opens when a boat arrives with about 6 tourists - just perfect for that cold beer. Several people had said that the mozzies on Akaiami were ferocious, but we found them no worse than anywhere else on Aitutaki. Perhaps because of the owner's obvious efforts to keep the grounds clean and well maintained. We saw none in the house and with liberal applications of repellant had no problem in the evenings when they were most active. Everything about AP defies belief a wonderful view everywhere you look, especially in the evenings with that soft sunset light. AP is good fo your soul. Well done AP we'll definitely be back and will tell everyone we know.
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Date of stay: September 2012
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Response from AkaiamiParadiseLtd, Owner at Akaiami Paradise
Responded 29 Dec 2016
Kia Orana, We're so pleased that you've enjoyed your stay with us. I'm very sorry for the very late response. I'm still learning about all this technical devices. We hope you'll visit us again, Much love from xxMama Ruruxx
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After our 4-day stay at Akaiami Paradise, my heart ached at the thought of leaving. I wish we could have skipped the Pacific Resort in Raro and spend another week at Akaiami instead. If you're the Four Seasons type who travel to wallow in luxury, then this place is not for you. But if you detest group tours, if you travel to experience the truly unique, if you travel to discover, on your own path and at your own pace, and travel to gain some understanding, however vague, of the true essence of a place, then you will not be disappointed by this rustic gem. Don't have any pre-conceived notions about what this place is like. Book it, and then embrace the experience.
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Date of stay: July 2014
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from AkaiamiParadiseLtd, Owner at Akaiami Paradise
Responded 29 Dec 2016
Kia Oran Wilson, We're pleased that you've enjoyed your stay with us and we look forward to having you visit us again. My apology for the very late response. Mama Ruru is still learning about these technical device. Much love always, Mama Ruru and papa Pare
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Aikaimi is a little motu in the Aitutaki Lagoon, Cook Islands. It is a paradise. The beach is spectacular and the water is a still, warm bath with a friendly resident puffer fish who comes to visit from time to time. The accommodation is rustic and comprises a large lodge (on the site of the former TEAL Lodge), which has a 4 poster bed in the bedroom and another one in the very large lounge/dining room plus a kitchen and a shower room. Then there are a couple of beach huts (one is a kitchen/dining hut and the other bedroom and bathroom) linked by walkway. The lodge has an ecclectic mix of furniture and whilst not designer it is perfectly adequate for a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. The owners are fabulous and make every effort to make the stay great. We were collected from the airport in Aitutaki and taken to the local shops to buy provisions and then a boat ride across the lagoon to our private island paradise. Sydney and his father run the place and have built it up and do a fantastic job. Mamaruru lives on the mainland and is very welcoming and kind. We were given some delicious bananas, papaya and guavas upon arrival. Sydney and his father went out and caught fish and we were given a fantastic plate of fresh filleted queen fish and mullet which lasted us the week. The papaya was the sweetest ever tasted and I could have believed that it was perfumed. We are a family of 2 adults plus our 2 year old daughter who loved it as much as we did. There's a kayak for use and some floatation things - the inflatable turtle was a huge success with our little girl. Sydney took us out on a lagoon cruise for a day and we went to One Foot Island and some other little desserted motus. Then some snorkelling. We fished off the boat and had lunch. Never has coconut milk tasted so good. On our last night we were treated to a bbq on the beach. we spent our days exploring the lagoon in the kayak, sitting in the water on chairs reading and relaxing and enjoying the absolute "peace of paradise". If you want to try something different and unspoilt then this is it. An island to yourself. There was a honeymoon couple there for 3 of our 5 days but you didn't notice anyone else being there (they might have noticed our 2 year old though!!!) I have been to some beautiful spots in the world by way of comparison (Bora Bora, Tikehau, Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Maldives etc) and this is my favourite place. It may be because there are no sharks in the lagoon! It's a get away from it all place that's very Robinson Crusoe but has life's necessities such as a solar heated shower etc... The only annoyance are the mosquitoes. Just bring repellant and a good bite remedy. I'll take the mosquitoes over sharks anyday. Pack your swimwear, suncream, sarong, good book and some treats to eat and escape for a while. It's not glitz but the location and beach are natural wonders. It's our third trip to Aitutaki in 2 years and we'll be back there again next year for sure.
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Date of stay: October 2008
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Trip type: Travelled with family
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Response from AkaiamiParadiseLtd, Owner at Akaiami Paradise
Responded 29 Dec 2016
Kia Orana ResaSydney, Meitaki atupaka for your very nice feedback. We apologies for the very very late response - I'm still learning about these technical devices and reading your comment have brought back wonderful memories. Thank you for being part of our history during the early stages of our home and business. We really appreciated and we hope we will be of service to you again. Much love always, Mama Ruru
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We stayed here for 3 nights in April this year to celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary, towards the end of a 3 month world trip staying in a variety of accommodation in many different countries. This is an experience like no other and very difficult to write up. You feel instantly part of the family as you arrive by speedboat and are shown your home, a beautiful open plan lodge, made by papa. So many delicate, personal touches, clam shells, flowers, fruit basket overflowing with local delicacies, an endless supply of fresh coconut. Mama's smiling face and wonderful laugh, Dorn and his quiet hard-working ways at looking after you and showing you the islands, his children dancing and singing and keeping us amused as we swum in the crystal clear lagoon at sundown to escape the mossies. (there are coils, nets and insect repellant galore to stop them being a problem). We had a bbq prepared for us by the family, and had a wonderful day cruise with Dorn. We left our little motu promising that we would return one day, perhaps with our family. As other reviews have mentioned if you are a Four Season, luxury all the way type of person then this might not be for you, there is no a/c, and yes you do have to 'go outside' to use the bathroom - which you get completely used to after the first night, the bathroom has a lovely shower, toilet and basin with plenty of soap, and plenty of fresh towels - (I was a little nervous having read one or two of the reviews and want to say it really was not a problem) but if you want to know what it feels like to be a true islander, watching hermit crabs galore, chasing chickens, star gazing, sunset watching, total peace and tranquility, away from emails, facebook and pressure, then this is truly for you. Check for the best time of year to travel, as we were there during the wet season, and it rained a lot! Also I would advise taking your own snorkelling equipment. We visited here having spent 3 days in Raro and a further 5 days in Aitutaki staying at a 5 star hotel - but this was by far the highlight of our Cook Islands experience and had we known that, would have opted to spend longer there and less in Aitutaki. Enjoy - I'm jealous!
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Date of stay: April 2015
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from AkaiamiParadiseLtd, Owner at Akaiami Paradise
Responded 29 Dec 2016
Kia Orana Belinda, Meitaki atupaka for your awesome feedback. My apology for the very late response. Just managed to get into our TripAdvisor Account. Mama Ruru is still learning about this technical device. Love always, Mama Ruru
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Akaiami Paradise is, in our opinion, not just the most beautiful, but also the most exclusive place to stay in Aitutaki.
Located on a remote motu in the lagoon, Akaiami is the site where the coral route flights had a short stopover in the 1950s. The Marsters family has rebuilt the lodge on the site of the coral route terminal, keeping a distinct island flair with the furnishings and decorations. On most days, you have the entire motu to yourself, apart from a very short stop of two lagoon tours early in the morning.
The lodge: Beautiful building, fully equipped with kitchen and bathroom. I didn't like the fact that you had to leave the main building to go to the bathroom, but apart from that the house was lovely. There were also no issues with any kind of insects, and mosquite coils and nets were provided.
The motu: A perfect tropical paradise with palm trees, papayas, tiare bushes and (sometimes noisy) chickens, Akaiami has, hands down, the best swimming beach on Aitutaki. Long, crescent-shaped, with beautiful soft white sand and calm water that is deep enough for swimming even during low tide and has no bothersome corals to look out for. On the Southern shore you can find a rockier beach with excellent snorkelling in the stretch of water between Akaiami and the next motu. There is also excess to the outer reef during low tide on the Eastern side of the motu, and one of the Marsters family will be happy to guide you.
We were also provided a barbecue dinner (complete with very interesting stories about the island) and a private lagoon cruise that took us to some of the motu that are not usually accessed by other tour operators.
It was a memorable, wonderful stay, and we will certainly be back.
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Date of stay: November 2014
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â The main lodge.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from AkaiamiParadiseLtd, Owner at Akaiami Paradise
Responded 29 Dec 2016
Kia Orana Niris, Thank you very much for your very nice feedback. We're pleased that you've enjoyed your stay with us. Much love always, Mama Ruru
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We were at the Akaimi Lodge for one week as part of our honeymoon in 2006. I will not write a long review because it isn't necessary. The place is absolutely fantastic! We were on our own for three days, only in the company of the inconspicuous Pare (the Island's keeper), and sporadic visits from his son sidney. They were both great and very helpful. One night Pare cooked for us (for green, and this was not prearranged). Also, Sidney tools us to fish, again for green and simply because he thought we were going to feel bad about being on the beach on a cloudy day. Pare also invited us for his birthday party. It was one of the most memorable trips of our lives.
However, if you want to typic resort stuff, being served food, and have set activities for you, do not go.
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Date of stay: September 2011
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from AkaiamiParadiseLtd, Owner at Akaiami Paradise
Responded 29 Dec 2016
Hi HernanLS, We're very pleased that you've been part of our lives during the early years of our home. Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're sorry that it's taken this long to respond - I'm still learning about these technical devices. We hope we'll have the pleasure of meeting you again. Meitaki atupaka rava, Much love, Mama Ruru
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It is a great pleasure to write this review about Akaiami Paradise Lodge.A lodge is situared on banana shaped island Akaiami 15 minutes boat ride from Aitutaki.The island is very beautiful,postcard picturesque.Around island are beaches with soft,white sand.A center is coverd with lush tropical vegetation.A beach at west side is particulary suitable for swimming because a sea in front of it is calm.There are possibilities of fishing and snorkeling particulary at south side. The lodge is very large.It consists of a big saloon with two king size beds and one single bed,a kitchen with full equipment and smaller room with one king size bed.All beds have mosquitoes nets. The owners of lodge,land and bussines are Mrs and Mr Marsters and their family.We met their children Carl,Vananga and Alfred.Whole family is exeptional friendly and nice.They have unique charm and their island has it too.If you desire they can arrange lunch and dinner very tasty with local ingredients.They can arrange a trip to neiborough islands too. Last but not least weather is usually excellent.To be there is a great experience.
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Date of stay: July 2017
Rooms
Location
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Akaiami Paradise Lodge is an experience not to be missed. The island is absolutely beautiful, the accommodation is comfortable and character-filled, and the hospitality is top notch.
Our group of 6 friends stayed in the lodge for 3 nights. We could easily have stayed more nights, and were very reluctant to leave. We were very well looked after by Mama Ruru and Papa Pare, and their family.
Akaiami Paradise is the perfect place for people looking for a "deserted island" experience. It is not suitable for people looking for mod cons, lots of entertainment and lots of people. If you are looking for tranquillity, beauty, pristine surroundings and the chance to unwind and reconnect with your companions, then this is the perfect place.
We were met at Aitutaki airport by a family friend of the hosts and taken to local stores to pick up supplies. We then loaded the boat (groaning with all our gear!) and travelled the short distance to Akaiami, where we were warmly welcomed by our hosts. We were immediately blown away by the beautiful lagoon and our lovely lodgings.
The island has a rich history as the former site for TEAL flying boats which regularly stopped here during the coral route in the 1940’s and 50’s. The family has built the beautiful timber lodge to echo the character of this era. There are lots of quirky and interesting bits of history and memorabilia to be found in and around the lodge. There is generator power, or you can use candles, which adds to the ambience.
We quickly settled into a pattern of swimming, walking, reading, chatting and card playing. Also spent lots of time gazing at the lagoon and marvelling at the infinite variety of blue in the water and the sky. On the third day we went out a boat snorkelling with Alfred, our hosts' son. Alfred is great company and we had a wonderful day exploring the different motus. We were each given a coconut to plant on a tiny motu – a lovely touch.
On our last night Mama Ruru, Papa Pare and Alfred cooked us a wonderful umu & BBQ meal. It was really special to be able to share the delicious food and good company under the stars.
Next visit we will definitely book a longer stay.
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Date of stay: August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings to you Danny, we sincerely apologize for the long reply. We extend our greetings to you and thank you for taking the time in having an interest in our accommodation. We wish you all the best for your future travels.
Hi tiki2015
I sincerely apologize for the very late reply. I hope you were able to get through to other places. Thank you very much for taking interest in our accommodation. All the best!
Hi Belinda G
Your message came through to me with the e-mail but wouldn't let me respond to your message directly without 'error' message so just wanted to say thank you very much.
There are more places to choose from in the Aitutaki area.
LOCATION
Cook IslandsSouthern Cook IslandsAitutaki
NUMBER OF ROOMS
2
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