This is another in a series of shorter travel stories I’ve been writing called Travel Shorts. Today I’m looking at one of the world’s dreamiest destinations, Tahiti, specifically at great places to stay.
TAHITI
The main island of Tahiti is home to the major airport and also the capital, Papeete. There are several resorts quite close to the airport, including Te Moana Tahiti Resort. If you drive a little further south, and you definitely should, you’ll come to a circular peninsula called Tahiti Iti. Here you’ll find quiet beaches and family-style places to stay, including Vanira Lodge and Bonjouir Teahupoo Lodge Paradise, which has one of the most beautiful settings on the planet. Tahiti Iti will host the surfing competition for the Summer Olympics this year.
The Bonjouir Teahupoo Lodge in Tahiti. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Tahiti Iti Tour and Surf can take you on half-day water tours to see lagoons with clear, icy-blue water and magical, green mountains. Iaorana Tahiti Expeditions does amazing cultural tours of the deep, green, and achingly beautiful Papenoo Valley, which is just a few minutes away from Papeete but a wholly different world.
MOOREA
Moorea is home to several resorts with dreamy, overwater bungalows. I stayed at the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort some years ago and thought it was marvelous. It was my first overwater bungalow stay, and I was blown away. I also love the low-key atmosphere and the incredible, Cooks’ Bay setting at Club Bali Hai, a super casual spot that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
RAIATEA
I loved our short stay at Fare Vai Nui on the west coast of Raiatea in early 2020. It’s not super fancy, but it’s beautifully decorated in rich wood, and has a very good restaurant. There’s not much of a beach, but there’s a pool, and the sunsets are divine. Raiatea super chill Tahitian island that not many people visit, which is one reason I love it. If you’re hungry for amazing seafood in a gorgeous, waterfront setting, don’t miss Fish and Blue restaurant. And be sure to check out the Marae Taputapuatea historical site, a UNESCO heritage listed site at the centre of Eastern Polynesia’s traditional religious practices.
Raiatea is a lovely, uncrowded island in Tahiti. JIM BYERS PHOTO
TAHAA
I was only there one night, but Le Tahaa by Pearl Resorts is one of the most beautiful, tranquil places I’ve ever laid my head. Fabulous food, a great Polynesian show, and magnificent overwater bungalows. It was the first Relais and Chateaus property in Tahiti.
BORA BORA
The Four Seasons Bora Bora is definitely in my top five all-time places to stay. The food is out of this world, the spa to die for, and the lagoon and mountain views sensational. Don’t miss an island lagoon tour, where you can swim with gentle sharks and manta rays and enjoy a fine ride on a Polynesian canoe. I stayed a night at the Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort many years ago and had a beautiful oceanfront room, but it wasn’t an overwater unit.
Four Seasons Bora Bora lagoon. JIM BYERS PHOTO
HUAHINE
I was there for one night 14 years ago but can’t recall where I stayed. It’s an island I’d love to return to for a sense of old Tahiti.
