Ranginuis Retreat

Location, location, location!! This retreat would arguably have to be at the best location on the island of Aitutaki. The rooms were basic, and dare I say tired - they certainly could do with an update. However in saying that they were clean and the amazing location made up for it. Only a few steps from the door was the bluest lagoon, great for swimming. We were met at the airport by Dylan who was the retreat owners son. He exuded kindness and an eager to please, and throughout our stay both he and Lani made us feel comfortable and were prepared to help us in any way. They were lovely people. Quite opposite to this was Steve, the owner/manger. His manner was arrogant, rude and inconsiderate. If approached with a question he would shrug his shoulders and say "It's not my problem". Not good enough Steve - his discourteous attitude did overshadow our stay and I would suggest a crash course in Customer Service would be of benefit for Ranginui's Retreat.

Fabulous stay in Aitutaki. Facilities were as described on one of the most beautiful beaches Staff were friendly, helpful and a lot of fun The location is within walking distance of Koru Cafe, the best restaurant AV , and the lagoon trips. If you are looking for self contained accommodation this is the best.

Well from our pickup at the airport to our accommodation was fantastic Dylan picked us up,and put flowers around our necks made my day really,our accommodation was really nice clean tidy and he was so helpful. the location of our accommodation was excellent and we would definitely go back. Although the steve guy was a bit grumpy he turned out ok in the end. But over all we were happy with the accommodation and location. And can't wait to go back.

This is a well appointed beachside retreat. The villas are at Ootu beach, and we had villas that were just 20 metres from the water. They have absolutely gorgeous views across the lagoon. There's a range of restaurants nearby. The staff are really helpful, and are happy to offer suggestions or make bookings for you. Thank you Dylan and Stephen!

We stayed for 4 nights in a two bedroom bungalow and it was a miserable and uncomfortable experience, far below our expectations. The accommodation was basic, dirty, un-loved and scruffy. Examples of this were the recently replaced vanity in the bathroom that had not been fitted properly and the walls left unpainted and unfinished where the old vanity had been, broken and scruffy flooring, a kit set wardrobe that could not be opened or closed properly and as soon as i tried to hang something the whole rail fell down, old, worn curtains on flimsy rails, the kitchen was just a sink bench with some basic utensils sitting on a shelf under the sink, the fridge was dirty, the shower was hilariously bad; stained and tired with a shower head that didn't fit the holder so it regularly fell off mid shower, a pile of sand/dirt behind the bedroom door, along with spier webs, the bedding and linen was tired, mismatched and scratchy...the list goes on. The whole site is tired and unkempt. The advertising photos are very misleading. There are no outside lights and we arrived at night, to basically just an office building right by the road with no welcoming area, signage or path. After raising the owner, the surly Steve - read other 1 star reviews which expand on his poor manners - told us that we should just walk around the building, and then he shut the door on us. We struggled with our wheeled bags through the dark as there was no path, just dirt, and stumbled through the place until we found our room, with no help from him. The gardens are sparse, with broken light fittings and pathetic attempts at decoration dotted among them. Two doors from us there was a large rubbish pile, right next to another unit. The pool was small and green, and squashed between several units. It really was terrible. The lagoon is beautiful and the only redeeming feature. There are many other basic, clean and affordable self catering options on Aitutaki. Don't choose this place.

Terrific place. The bungalow is well-equipped and comfortable, and the location and view are terrific, right on the beach. Chantelle on reception was excellent, picking me up from the airport and dropping me off on departure day, and answering all my questions. She booked a boat trip for me, and I had a great day out. Years ago, I used to work with tourists just one day a week and know how hard it can be to be polite, enthusiastic and friendly all the time, but she achieved it, day in, day out. The accommodation is close to several cafes/restaurants so perfect if, like me, you don't hire a car or scooter.

We enjoyed a fabulous three nights at Ranginui’s Retreat this week, and will definitely be staying again on our next visit to Aitutaki. It’s not the Ritz, and doesn’t claim to be, but our room was spotless, comfortable and well-equipped… and its price and location were outstanding. We loved being right on a gorgeous swimming beach with stunning views of the lagoon, with a café and three restaurants within only a few minutes’ walk. Having the Blue Lagoon Bar & Restaurant next door was a real bonus… we loved being able to watch the fish darting around in the bluest water you can imagine, right below the deck! If you prefer to choose accommodation based on location and value (it’s a fraction of the cost of the neighbouring resorts), then this is definitely worth checking out 🌺🐠🌴