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Ranginui's Retreat – reviews, photos

PO Box 8, Cook Islands
Hotel amenities
Ranginui's Retreat
Ranked #6 of 9 hotels in Aitutaki
4.5 of 5 stars 19 Reviews
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19 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
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Date Rating
Rotorua
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Little Gem”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 January 2012

Four nights sandwiched between stays in Rarotonga and just what we needed. Very relaxing and what a perfect spot! Of course it is budget accommodation but that is part of the charm. Walk out your door and step into the warm water. You dont have to do anything but enjoy the peace and quiet - apart from the roosters of course! If you feel like some exercise though there is kayaking or take one of the amazing snorkelling trips - we joined TeKing and had a great day. Also the restaurants and there are a few on that part of the island that are more than adequate. Clean, comfortable accommodation with very helpful and friendly staff. A little out of town but that is fun when you are mastering the art of riding a scooter with the added bonus of very little traffic to get in the way! Would recommend this accommodation for a totally laid back break away - take some breakfast makings and mosquito repellant. You might even get time to read a book!

Room Tip: Room next to pool. Some have air conditioning and that would be a bonus.
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  • Stayed January 2012, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Sydney, Australia
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
“Great view to wake up to...”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 January 2012

Only stayed 1 night at RR having spent time elsewhere on the island. I haven't made my mind up whether I liked staying over this side of aitutaki compared to the Amuri region. But I'll save that debate for another day. At least I could get my Top Gun fix and race the planes along the runway on the road out to Ootu.
As for RR, I would describe our stay as pleasant, but its not somewhere I'm itching to get back to. On the plus side... The rooms are spacious, clean and air conned (for an extra charge). The views are great looking back across the lagoon. Kayaks are available for guests to explore some of the nearby motu. And there is a deep swimming channel out the front, as well as a pool if you'd prefer a different water experience. Steve is a good bloke who is happy to run you to the airport, store your bags or hire you a moped on site. Oh and you're a short walk to the best coffee on the island at Koru.
But in saying all that, we just didn't find that RR floated our boat. It was nice, without being great, and I think if you are on Aitutaki then you probably want great. As I said, the rooms are fine, but they aren't anything special. The toilet is a nature loo, which was a little disconcerting at first, but remarkable in the fact that it doesn't actually smell funky. Overall RR is good value but we paid a similar price to stay in a more central location. The jury is still out on whether I liked staying over on this side of the island and ultimately that is probably influencing my review here.

  • Stayed December 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Auckland, New Zealand
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
44 helpful votes 44 helpful votes
“Comfortable lagoon front accomodation in Aitutaki”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 September 2011
2
people found this review helpful

Had 3 nights here this month. Perfect location in front of a very swimmable part of the lagoon. Quiet, peaceful spot to get away from it all but with plenty of things to do on the rest of the island and the lagoon. Swimming pool was a bonus, kayaks available and 3 or 4 restaurants/bars in easy walking distance. Surprisingly good food, prices and atmosphere at all the nearby restaurants & bars. Rented one of their rather rustic scooters for the duration which was essential for exploring the rest of the island, getting to town etc. Rooms were small and basic but comfortable, the composting toilet took a wee bit of getting used to but given the limited water resources the island has made a lot of sense. Had no issues with the mozzies and other wildlife that seems to bug other reviewers – maybe a seasonal issue I guess. Cooled with a ceiling fan only, no air con in my room which wasn't a problem. If that was an issue other rooms looked like they had aircon available. Very laid back and friendly staff. Will definitely be back

Room Tip: Room 4 - next to the swimming pool
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  • Stayed September 2011, travelled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Matt38 about Ranginui's Retreat
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
CA
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
“Love the place - get ready for relaxation”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 August 2011
2
people found this review helpful

Spent 7 nights, and wish we stayed more. Took a while to slow down closer to island time, not certain if it is in my blood to adapt completely, but once I slowed down, the place becomes perfect! Steve is a fine man, was always helpful, as was the rest of the staff. Others staying there were laid back and friendly. Bring stuff for mosquitoes, a problem in the whole area - at times we just brought our chairs in from the porch and sat just inside our door, looking out. The fresh water pool is very nice after being in the salt water (and rinsing off). Not the place if you are expecting a Hilton, but if you are a regular budget traveler - this place is great - best view, nice room, good vacation!

  • Stayed August 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Auckland, New Zealand
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Rooms with a View”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2011
2
people found this review helpful

If you want value for your dollar, I would recommend Ranginuis to travellers visiting Aitutaki especially if you're on a budget. It's a stone throw away from Samade, The Boat Shed, Koru Cafe and across from the plush Aitutaki Lagoon Resort. Kayaks, scooters and cars can be hired at a reasonable price. Steve, Mellow and Quinton were excellent hosts and if we asked for anything they were more than willing to provide us with what we needed. The pool was a blessing especially during the hot days!!!

Room Tip: The rooms close to the pool
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  • Stayed November 2010, travelled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ranginui's Retreat Also Known As

  • Ranginuis Retreat Hotel Aitutaki
  • Ranginuis Retreat Aitutaki
Address: PO Box 8, Cook Islands

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