Ambala Garden Lodge is a very private and serene property
set on ¾ of an acre on the hillside overlooking world
famous Muri beach, on the tropical South Pacific island of
Rarotonga.
It is a business being operated as a Bed & Breakfast,
or self catering if you prefer, by your Canadian hosts Esa
and Nancy Aatelma.
We
have traveled extensively and have now retired and have found
Rarotonga to be a true paradise. With its year
round warm climate, friendly and truly honest people, a better
place on earth can not be found.
Ambala Garden Lodge is fully accredited by the Tourism Corporation of The Cook Islands. Ambala Garden Lodge has been nominated for the Cook Island Tourism Awards of Excellence for 2009
The main house consists of five very private bedroom units
each with their own ensuite.
Upon entering the property from Ambala Road you are among
lush tropical gardens featuring such native indigenous plants
as Royal Palms, Bottle Palms, mango, and breadfruit trees. Most
of these plants were planted from seed and cared for and nurtured
to produce this wonderful outdoor setting.
As our guests go onto the upstairs floor there is a spacious
veranda which contains tables and chairs to sit and relax in.
The bedrooms are well appointed with local art and crafts
highlighting some local artists. All linen is Egyptian
cotton, (much cooler), with light duvets coverings. Overhead
fans have also been installed, instead of artificial air conditioning. All
beds are queen size and very comfortable.
Once back outside our guests can wonder among the tropical
gardens and enjoy the variety of plants, or go to the lower
section and enjoy the canopied glide swing while watching fish
in the man made ponds. There is also a man made stream
gently cascading over rocks in the stream connecting the ponds.
If exercise is your thing one can use the 10 meter in ground
fresh water pool. We do however add a small amount of
salt into the pool instead of chlorine. This is an effort
to go green and not use harsh chemicals.
Getting to Rarotonga is easier than ever with daily flight
via Air New Zealand from Auckland, a mere four hour away. There
is also weekly service via Air New Zealand with a direct
flight from LAX, Los Angeles. Air Tahiti also has a twice
weekly service flying in from Tahiti.
Upon your arrival at Rarotonga international airport an
airport transfer shuttle will take you to Ambala Gardens. There
will be a modest fee for this service, payable to Ambala
Gardens. This service is also available for your return trip
to the airport upon your departure.
The links listed on this home page allow you to explore the
facilities, room rates, and other amenities that Ambala Garden
Lodge has to offer.
We invite you to come and visit us at Ambala Garden Lodge on
the beautiful tropical garden island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
