POPOARA OCEAN BREEZE VILLAS
Our Resort Report

OUR Thoughts on Popoara Ocean Breeze Villas, Eastern Tip of Aitutaki’s Main Island
The first thing that you notice on arrival at Popoara Ocean Breeze Villas is the pleasant feeling of calm and solitude about this place. The four Villas have been built back from the beach and lagoon to aid privacy, although the beautiful lagoon and reef is right there as a backdrop to complement the gardens and the feeling of serenity. 

The location of Popoara is at the eastern end of Aitutaki’s main island and part of what we call a “community of small resorts and restaurants” which have sprung up on the mainland opposite the famous Aitutaki lagoon Resort on nearby Akatua Island.  The other little resorts in this “community” are Ranginui’s Retreat and Aitutaki Village, both of which are within easy walking distance of Popoara.  For such a small property, it is something of a surprise to find a restaurant is included in the facilities at the resort.  Their popular Boat Shed Bar and Grill is located on the eastern peninsular of the property, from which there are terrific views of both the lagoon and the ocean.  There are two other dining options within a short walk – the well-known and highly regarded Koru Café which is just over the road and the Aitutaki Village Beachfront Restaurant a little further along the beach. All these dining options plus cooking facilities in the Villas, means guests at Popoara have everything covered.

The Aitutaki Airport runway is not too far away but we have never had a problem with aircraft noise as there are normally only 4 jet-prop flights a day (and that's on a busy day) and all flights are in daylight hours.

Popoara Ocean Breeze Villas’ staff provide guests with a genuine welcome and nothing seems too much trouble for them.  The housekeepers servicing the villas daily are always happy to chat and the office, restaurant and bar staff are helpful.  Having rental cars, motor scooters and bicycles available is a great help as you will probably want to explore the rest of the island at least once while you are staying at Aitutaki. From Popoara you can easily walk over to the departure point for lagoon cruises and visits to “One Foot Island” etc.  This property doesn’t have a resort swimming pool, but the lagoon out front is fine for swimming and especially good for fishing.  We recommend you pack a snorkel and goggles so you can enjoy the snorkelling in the lagoon.

This place is a well-priced haven for a relaxing break.  Apart from the quiet location of each villa and the spacious grounds, two of the great joys of a stay here are a laze in the hammock strung under the rustic “Ocean Lookout” and a cool drink on the long veranda facing the water at the Boat Shed Bar and Grill. Our suggestion is not to scrimp on the time you spend here.

What Popoara Ocean Breeze Villas Say About Themselves:
“Welcome to Popoara Ocean Breeze Villas, in Aitutaki, Cook Islands. As soon as you walk out of the airport onto our beautiful island you can tell the air is fresher, the sun is brighter, and the people are friendlier. You will know instantly that you are somewhere special, where you get to choose your vacation... whether it’s to “Go Active,” “Go Island,” “Get Rested” or to do them all. We look forward to welcoming you to our home!

Nestled peacefully in the corner of Aitutaki’s Eastern tip, Popoara Ocean Breeze Villas is front row to one of the world's most beautiful ocean lagoons, and set amongst breathtaking pandanus trees. On-site and nearby attractions include activities in the marine reserve such as swimming, snorkeling, complimentary kayaks, fishing and in-season whale-watching and kite boarding. Also enjoy cultural island nights or just relaxing in your private air conditioned studio villa.”

Your Accommodation Options
The four villas at Popoara are all the same size, layout and price.  Three villas are staggered side by side with a fourth slightly more separated from the others. 

Minimum Stay Policy
There is no minimum stay policy at Popoara Ocean Breeze Villas.

Room Categories
 Self-Contained Villas:
Popoara comprises 4 stand-alone air-conditioned Villas.  Each Villa is open-plan studio-style with a nice white-ceramic tiled floor which is complemented by light-coloured walls and ceilings which follow the peaked roof line.  The Villas are spacious enough to accommodate a Queen Bed, a Single Bed, 2 comfortable lounge chairs and coffee table with plenty of space beside.  The small kitchen includes a breakfast bar with 2 bar stools, under-counter fridge, ceramic cook-top and microwave oven.  Naturally there’s an electric kettle for tea/coffee making, a toaster and an adequate range of cutlery and crockery. The kitchen has a separate drinking-water tap. Their bathrooms have a shower, vanity and toilet. 
The furnished veranda on each villa faces inwards towards the tropical gardens with glimpses of the lagoon through the Pandanus Palms.
Maximum Occupancy: 3 guests (Adults/Children)
Existing Bedding: 1 Queen Bed or 2 Single Beds
Additional Bedding: 1 Single Bed can be added

Getting To and From Popoara Ocean Breeze Villas
A staff member of Popoara Ocean Breeze Villas meets guests at Aitutaki Airport and provides a complimentary transfer on the 5 minutes transit between the resort and the airport.

Rental cars, motor scooters and bicycles are available on-site for guests looking to explore this remarkable island. 

Popoara Ocean Breeze Villas is 15 minutes by car to and from Arutanga Township and 10 minutes by car to the closest grocery shop.

Kids’ Policy
Children aged under 5 years stay free when sharing a Villa with parents.
Children aged 5 years and over are charged as adults.

Check-in/Check-out
Property standard check-in and check-out times are as follows:
Check in time is 1200 noon
Check out time is 10:00am
Popoara will do all possible to make sure Villas are available on arrival, but in the event guests arrive or depart outside the standard check-in/check-out times and accommodation is not immediately available, a shower and changing facility area is provided so guests can make themselves comfortable and enjoy the surroundings while they wait.

The information on this page is correct as at 09 March 2023 and is based on our supplier contracts which are valid for stays to 31 March 2024.  All information shown is subject to change without notice.