Samade on the Beach

Frommer's Review

On Ootu Beach, a 5-minute walk from the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, this lagoonside restaurant has a white-sand floor under a tin roof lined with coconut mats, setting the stage for hearty local-style meals. Indeed, this is a poor person's version of the famous Bloody Mary's Restaurant & Bar on Bora Bora. There's nothing fancy about the chow, but the fish and chips don't get any fresher. The name Samade is from the owners, Tongan Sam Vakalahi and his Cook Islander wife, Adrianne. They serve breakfast all day and rent kayaks and other toys, and they should have 12 well-equipped beach bungalows by the time you arrive. Tuesday sees Aitutaki's most authentic island night, and the Sunday-afternoon barbecue draws throngs of locals and visitors.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.