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.

I stayed 3 nights in Ginas Garden Lodge in the middle of January 2010. This is my 2. stay, as I stayed here in February 2004. When I left then, I promised Tutai and Desmond Clarke that I will return, and I did!

The lodge consist of 4 bungalows in a beautiful garden, with a swimming-pool. I had a rental scooter to drive around Aitutaki with, and it was easy to get food supplies. The bungalows has a fully equipped kitchen and bath.

Tutai and Des also have a beach lodge on Akaiami motu (small island in the lagoon), and I stayed there for another 3 nights (see rewiev on Ginas Beach Lodge)

I felt velcomed by Tutai and Des, and at a price of NZD 75 per night, this is very good value for money. I will definately return to both Ginas lodges somewhere in the future.

Gina's Garden Lodges are surrounded by a beautiful garden and are within walking distance of a lovely semi-outdoor restaurant and local church. It provides a very peaceful setting, however, transport is required to access the beaches and main shopping area as the lodges are located inland. The lodges are basic and get a little warm, but there is a swimming pool on-site to cool off in, and Des and Tutai are very friendly and will kindly assist you to make the most of your stay

We stayed at Gina’s Garden Lodges for 9 nights and absolutely recommend it. We were picked up at the airport by the owner Queen Tutai with wonderful leis. The queen is one of the three high chiefs on Aitutaki and one of the nicest persions we ever got to know. On the way to the Garden Lodge she showed us the village and advised us where to buy vegetables, where to buy bread and so on, which we did on the way. She organized bicycles and scooter hire for us which were delivered the next morning. The 4 lodges are located inland in a pretty tropical garden around a nice swimming pool. The rooms are clean and nice. There is a double and a single bed downstairs and several single beds upstairs. We stayed there with three persons and their was plenty of space. The kitchen is basic, but well equiped. The bathroom is large and clean. There is a TV with one channel in the living room. The large veranda is equipped with comfortable chairs and you have a nice view on the garden. The Queen’s british husband Des came every day to check the water and make sure that we did not run out of warm water. The lodges are cleaned daily.
Gina’s Garden Lodge is the first choice if you want to get to know the local people and learn about life in Aitutaki. Tutai invited us to a village meeting which was a great experience. Des took us with his boat to their second accommodation on beautiful secluded Akaiami island on the other side of the lagoon. Tutai and Des live just two minutes away and were happy to help with any requests. Tutai and Des can tell you a lot about life on Aitutaki including traditions, politics, history, the coral route, economics and so on. Ask the very nice housekeeper about the outer islands. She has visited them all and can tell you a lot about them. She comes every day to clean the lodges and is always in the mood for a nice talk.
Staying on Aitutaki was the highlight of our trip to the Cook Islands and we hope to be able to come back future.