The South Pacific island of Raiatea is a piece of the French Polynesian archipelago. Although it is one of the less well-known islands in the area, it has a lot to offer those seeking a taste of a tropical paradise. The island is a well-liked location for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike due to its lush woods, clean lagoons, and stunning coral reefs. This article will examine the top five lodging choices on Raiatea, ranging from five-star resorts to modest inns.
Raiatea Lodge Hotel
On the western shore of the island, close to the village of Uturoa, is the boutique hotel known as Raiatea Lodge. There are 15 roomy bungalows available at the hotel, each with a private patio with views of the garden or the ocean. The bungalows provide air conditioning, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi in addition to being furnished in a traditional Polynesian style.
Visitors can eat in the hotel’s restaurant while admiring the breathtaking views of the lagoon, which features a variety of foreign and Polynesian cuisine. On-site, there is a bar that serves a variety of tropical cocktails and other beverages.
The hotel has a private beach where guests can sunbathe, swim, or engage in water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding. This is one of the hotel’s unique characteristics. The hotel also provides guided tours of Raiatea’s cultural and natural features as well as excursions to adjacent islands including Huahine and Bora Bora.
Opoa Beach Hotel
Opoa Beach Hotel is located on the island’s southern shore, near the ancient marae (holy site) of Taputapuatea. Ten bungalows and villas are available at the hotel, each with a private terrace that looks out over the lagoon or the hotel garden. The bungalows feature a traditional Polynesian design and contemporary conveniences like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and mini-fridges.
The hotel’s restaurant offers a selection of French and Polynesian dishes, with a focus on ingredients from the area. Visitors can savor their meals while admiring the lagoon and the neighboring island of Taha’a. On-site, there is a bar that serves a variety of tropical cocktails and other beverages.
The hotel has a private motu (islet), which guests can reach after a brief boat journey, which is one of its distinctive features. The motu has a private beach that’s ideal for a private picnic or a day of swimming and snorkeling in the pristine seas. Moreover, the hotel provides guided excursions of the Taputapuatea marae as well as other island cultural and natural landmarks.
Sunset Beach Motel
If you’re on a tight budget and want a great spot to stay on Raiatea, consider the Sunset Beach Motel. The motel is close to the town of Uturoa and is situated on the western shore of the island. There are 10 straightforward but cozy rooms available, each with a mini-fridge, Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom.
The restaurant inside the motel offers a selection of French and Polynesian dishes with a focus on local fish. Visitors can savor their meals while admiring the lagoon and the neighboring island of Tahaa. On-site, there is a bar that serves a variety of tropical cocktails and other beverages.
The motel’s lovely garden, which is brimming with tropical flowers and fruit trees, is one of its distinctive attractions. Visitors can unwind under the shade of the palm palms, swim in the outdoor pool of the resort, or visit the neighboring beaches and natural landmarks.
Taha’a Island Resort and Spa
While being a different island from Raiatea, Taha’a Island is close by and has some of the most opulent accommodations in the area. On a personal motu off the northern shore of the island, there is a five-star resort called Taha’a Island Resort and Spa. Each of the resort’s 48 beach villas and overwater bungalows has a private deck or patio with views of the lagoon or the resort’s gardens.
La Vanille, the resort’s restaurant, serves a variety of foreign and Polynesian dishes with a focus on local and fresh seafood. The resort’s two bars, which serve a variety of tropical cocktails and other beverages, are also available to guests.
The resort’s on-site spa, which provides a variety of treatments inspired by ancient Polynesian healing traditions, is one of its special characteristics. The spa is situated on a separate, private motu, giving visitors a genuinely private and tranquil experience. Together with excursions to adjacent islands, the resort provides a variety of water sports activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and stand-up paddling.
Pension Te Mana
On the eastern shore of the island, close to the village of Uturoa, is a family-run inn called Pension Te Mana. Four basic but cozy bungalows with individual bathrooms, mini-fridges, and WiFi are available at the guesthouse. The bungalows offer views of the guesthouse’s garden and are furnished in a traditional Polynesian style.
The restaurant of the inn offers a selection of French and Polynesian dishes with a focus on regionally grown ingredients. Visitors can savor their meals while admiring the lagoon and the neighboring island of Tahaa. On-site, there is a bar that serves a variety of tropical cocktails and other beverages.
The guesthouse’s proximity to a black sand beach, which is only a short stroll away, is one of its distinctive attractions. Visitors can explore the neighboring coral gardens and natural wonders in addition to taking advantage of the beach’s outstanding snorkeling and swimming options. Moreover, Raiatea’s cultural and ecological features as well as trips to nearby islands are provided by the hotel.
Conclusion
In general, Raiatea provides guests looking for a tropical paradise experience with a variety of hotel options. On this lovely island, there are hotels for every price range, from five-star resorts to hostels. Raiatea has plenty to offer everyone, whether you want to unwind on a quiet beach, discover the coral reefs, or get to know the people.
Our Top FAQ's
The best time to visit Raiatea for lodging options is during the dry season from May to October. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and warm, making it ideal for outdoor activities and water sports.
Some popular activities to do while staying at a lodging in Raiatea include snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, and visiting the island’s cultural and natural attractions.
Pension Te Mana is a family-run guesthouse located on the island’s eastern coast that offers four simple but comfortable bungalows. This is a budget-friendly option for travelers who are looking to experience Raiatea’s natural beauty without breaking the bank.
The InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa and Taha’a Island Resort and Spa are two of the most luxurious lodging options in Raiatea. Both resorts offer overwater bungalows, on-site restaurants and bars, and access to a range of water sports activities and excursions.