Why The Islands of Tahiti should be on your bucket list for 2023
Staying in an overwater bungalow, going snorkelling in the azure-blue lagoon, sinking down in the soft sand on a deserted motu and watching the sunset paint an Instagram-worthy sky – the reasons why people put The Islands of Tahiti on their bucket lists every year are endless. As the end of 2022 is coming around quickly, people are already starting to plan for their trips for next year.
While the islands have been open to tourists for most of the time during the pandemic, many Kiwis are yet to take that leap and finally make the dream of a holiday in Tahiti a reality. That is why the below updates with which resorts, hotels and restaurants have recently opened or are about to open will further entice people to book their trip.
Accommodation updates
On the 118 islands stretching over more than 2,000 kilometres in the South Pacific Ocean, there’s a wide range of types of accommodation options to choose from including hotels, resorts, yachts, floating villas, home rentals and guesthouses. Here are some recently launched or soon-to-launch home rental services, overwater accommodations, private resorts and hotels across The Islands of Tahiti.
- Kon Tiki Tahiti Hotel, opened 2022: This recently opened eco-conscious boutique hotel is located just across from the ferry terminal and offers travellers an enchanting oasis highlighting all that is quintessentially Tahitian. Enjoy your first cocktail in Tahiti on the rooftop overlooking Papeete while watching the sunset over the islands.
- Maitai Express Tahiti, opening June 2023: This colourful budget hotel designed by the Maitai Hotel group is the perfect spot for travellers who want to explore Papeete before heading out on a cruise in The Islands of Tahiti.
- Hilton Hotel Tahiti: Upon arriving in Papeete travellers can enjoy unwinding from the approximately 5-hour long journey from Auckland at the Hilton Tahiti, which overlooks the majestic peaks of sister island Moorea. The hotel opened in 2021 and is the perfect base for when you want to explore the main island and get to know the rich Tahitian culture.
Hilton Hotel Tahiti
- Apatoa Beach & Garden Village Hotel, Raiatea opening April 2023: The second-largest island in the Society Islands and believed to be the original birthplace of the Polynesian people, Raiatea is welcoming a new luxury and environmentally friendly resort in April 2023. The design of the Apatoa Beach & Garden Village has been inspired by shells and will feature 16 bungalows and villas, with the purpose of naturally integrating the project into the environment.
- Le Méridien Bora Bora, reopening late 2023: The popular overwater bungalow resort is planning to reopen in 2023 after renovations during the pandemic. Prior to the renovation, the resort had two infinity pools, a turtle sanctuary, its very own wedding chapel and on-site spa.
- Motu Nao Nao, Raiatea opened in 2021: The luxury resort is located on its private motu close to the island of Raiatea and only has three bungalows accommodating groups of 6 guests. While staying at Motu Nao Nao, you’ll be treated to a tailored menu by the private chef, complete uninterrupted bliss since you can only book the island for yourselves and access to a range of water activities, an outdoor cinema and evening entertainment including Tahitian dance performances.
- Tahiti Homes: Upon realising that not a lot of homeowners in Tahiti rent out their homes to visitors, the founder Emily Biotteau-Colas started Tahiti Homes which has now grown to offer a range of home rentals across Tahiti, Moorea and Raiatea. In the past year, the following properties have been added to their portfolio, ranging from budget to luxury:
- Mitireva Lodge, Moorea: This open-spaced lodge is located by the sea with a magnificent white sand beach and a large garden, the ideal spot for a family or a group of friends who want the perfect holiday with direct access to the water.
- Villa Oona, Moorea: Ultimate spot for large groups with a huge terrace overlooking the lagoon where guests can enjoy dinner while eating dinner and watching the sunset.
- Villa Naki, Moorea: Ideal for families or a big group of friends, this villa has 4 air-conditioned rooms and 4 bathrooms, with a pool and a stone’s throw to the lagoon.
- Villa Ginette, Moorea: A gorgeous, historic villa that recently underwent a refurb gives travellers a sophisticated Polynesian experience, with its thatched roof, hibiscus plants and Tahitian design.
- La Serena, Raiatea: A luxury beachfront property at over 8000m2, this vacation rental was designed by the same architect team as the Four Seasons Bora Bora, Pearl Beach Resort and The Brando Resort and offers an unparalleled holiday experience.
- ELYT Charter Tahiti, launching in 2023: The first floating villa to launch in the destination, the ELYT Charter Tahiti will be able to accommodate up to eight guests with its 120m2 eco-friendly vessel. The open space design of the villa will give you the chance to fully take in the breathtaking view of Bora Bora.
- Bloody Mary Bora Bora Hotel, opening in 2023: The popular BBQ and tiki restaurant regularly visited by some of the most famous celebrities has announced that they are launching a hotel in 2023.
Tahiti Homes: Villa Ginette; La Serena
Restaurant updates:
- InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa Partnership with 2-Star Michelin Chef Bruno Oger: The hotel restaurant Le Lotus located on stilts over the lagoon offers guests a glorious view of the volcanic peaks of the island of Moorea. The restaurant recently announced a menu created by Chef Oger focusing on local produce and adding his French haute cuisine flair to it. Enjoy a decadent Octopus salad with Provence anchovy cream or a Slow braised lamb shoulder with Provencal jus.
- The Brando – new vegan menus: Executive chef Pierre Lecorne and Polyneisan Chef Hereiti Seaman worked together to integrate more vegan alternatives into the menus at the resort. At the Nami Teppanyaki, for example, the menu will include vegetable tempura, vegetarian spring rolls with taro, mushrooms and pota, and Japanese pasta with green tea. The vegan menu is available at Les Mutinés fine dining restaurant, the Beachcomber Café, and for in-room dining.
Explore Tahiti Tourisme:
Online https://tahititourisme.nz/en-nz/