Luxurious Trip to Tahiti: Staying in Overwater Bungalows and Enjoying the Heiva I Tahiti Festival [Report Part 2]

During a press tour conducted by the Tahiti Tourist Board and Hawaiian Airlines, we visited French Polynesia (Tahiti) via Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines, experiencing the beautiful sea, luxurious hotels, and the unique culture inherited from the Maori ancestors. (For the first part, click here)

The Must-Stay Overwater Bungalows

When in French Polynesia, staying in an overwater bungalow is a must

During this press tour, we stayed in three locations: Tahaa Island, Moorea Island, and the island of Tahiti. Among these, we stayed in the iconic overwater bungalows on Tahaa and Moorea islands.

On Tahaa Island, we stayed at ‘Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts’. Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts is located on a private island, which is one of the islets surrounding Tahaa Island, and the hotel can be accessed by a 30-minute boat ride from the airport on Raiatea Island, which is a sister island.

Accessing the hotel by boat from the small port at Raiatea Airport

Of the 57 suites and villas, the overwater bungalow we stayed in was one of the 28 ‘Taha’a Overwater Suites’. These bungalows, built in a traditional Polynesian style with thatched roofs, feature a living area with a king-sized bed plus a sofa that can also be used as a single bed, covering about 90 square meters.

Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts has a total of 28 overwater bungalows

Inside the Taha’a Overwater Suite

The headboard of the bed is a glass window, allowing you to look down at the sea beneath. Of course, there’s also a private deck with direct access to the crystal-clear lagoon, perfect for enjoying the sea of French Polynesia. The bathroom also includes a bathtub with a side made of glass, offering views of the sea surface, thus providing a relaxing time.

The sea surface visible through the glass floor

The restaurant has three locations, one of which, ‘Hawaiki Nui Restaurant’, offers a menu that includes local Tahitian cuisine as well as French and Asian dishes. The variety ensures that even during a long stay, the dining experience remains exciting.

Enjoying a meal in the fresh air at Hawaiki Nui Restaurant

The buffet-style breakfast, including the traditional dish Poisson Cru (marinated tuna in coconut milk)

Hawaiki Nui Restaurant also serves as the buffet-style breakfast restaurant. Another familiar aspect of staying in an overwater bungalow is the room service provided by outrigger canoe, where breakfast is delivered to you.

In Moorea Island, we stayed at ‘Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort’. Access …