In November of 2011 we took our 16th trip to the South Pacific and our 5th trip to the Cook Islands. This was our first time at Gina's Garden Lodges. We loved the kitchenette, as it helped keep our costs under control, especially when considering the high cost of restaurants on Aitutaki. Its screened windows were a benefit and kept out almost all bugs. Since the island is small, the Lodges' inland location was not a problem. The beds were above average and room service was daily to keep things in ship shape. There was even a TV for when the rains came- a nice touch. Tutai and Des offer quantity discounts on price if one were to stay for extended periods of time here (which we did), making this property very affordable. Free airport pickup was nice as well. Our hosts advice on transportation rental and lagoon boat charters was great. Ours was mostly a business trip but this property would work for a pure vacation as well. We'll be back some day.

We'd stayed on the beach in Rarotonga so didn't mind staying in land on Aitutaki. We were also looking for a cheap option so Gina's worked well for us. We had a car which is a must if you're staying here.

Mrs Tutai Clarke - our host was very helpful both before we stayed, with informative emails, and during our stay. She picked us up from the airport and presented us with lovely fragrant leis, then took us promptly to the car rental place to hire a car. She helped us book a lagoon cruise and advised us on the best one to go on.

The lodge itself was very basic but all we needed for 3 nights. Just as well we don't mind geckos as we had a family of 6 in our lodge! More cute than anything. We had hoped to change to Gina's island accommodation for a change but unfortunately it wasn't operating.

Also a bonus having Tupuna's Restaurant 5 mins drive down the road.

The garden lodges are the right place to enjoy the tropical island 'away from it all'. The nicely landscaped property is 100m away from the next street. There are only four cottages on the property - surrounded by gerdens and bush. The owners did their best to help me with shopping groceries and renting a pushbike. This is the right place to relax and explore all corners of the island.

The lodge was a lower cost option for our accommodation and we didn't expect too much. However we picked this place in particular because it was advertised with a clean pool and nice garden setting. On arrival we found the pool was green and some locals told us it had been this way for some months, and the garden was in need of some serious maintenance. The first night we had hot water but at some point during day two the cleaner had been in and turned off the hot water heating without advising us. Cold showers all round! There was also a serious bug (ants?) issue in the kitchen area that we could not eliminate with sprays that we could find to purchase. The setting was quite nice and the unit was not too bad but I felt that the brochure had elaborated on what was being offered.