This time for our 2 week trip in Tahiti we split it across 4 different islands across the Society and Tuamotu atoll. The second island on our trip was the beautiful island of Taha’a.

Taha’a is blessed with lush mountains and valleys, turquoise lagoons and virgin motu islets! Its a lot less touristy than its popular neighbor Bora Bora. Personally I absolutely loved the rustic island charm and authentic Polynesian flair in Taha’a.

Taha’a is also known as the “Vanilla Island.” Its fertile land and climate produce what chefs and gourmets around the world think is the tastiest, most fragrant vanilla on earth. Tahitian pearls are also produced in Taha’a. A few pearl farms take advantage of the island’s pure lagoon to grow endless variations of the famous pearl.

About Le Taha’a by Pearl resorts and getting here

Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts is a stunning luxury resort, set on beautiful Motu Tautau, a private islet looking onto the lush shores of Taha’a on one side and the majestic silhouette of Bora Bora on the other. It was the first member of Relais & Chateaux in the Islands of Tahiti and is a part of the Pearl Resorts which also have other beautiful resorts around in French Polynesia.

To get here you will have to fly into Raiatea via Air Tahiti and take a small 30 minute boat transfer to the hotel. If you stay at sister property Le Bora Bora, you can also opt in to fly into the island directly via helicopter. Once you book your stay the reservation team will coordinate your transfers for you.

Stay

This intimate resort offers 58 suites and villas inspired by timeless traditional Polynesian architecture and style. They have different categories in both beach villas as well as overwater villas. We stayed at one of their beautiful Taha’a overwater suite. The luxurious suite has a spacious bedroom with views of the lagoon and a large bathroom. I loved the beautiful Polynesian detailing on the doors and ceilings of the villa as well as the tasteful island decor. The villa also has a private outdoor deck with direct access to the crystal clear lagoon below and gorgeous views of Taha’a island.

In our beautiful Taha’a overwater suite

We have stayed at many overwater villas and this lagoon access was by far one of our very favorites cos of the incredible warm shallow water in this lagoon! Its crystal clear and so pristine, we loved spending hours here whether it was snorkeling on the small reefs around, kayaking or simply floating in this heavenly lagoon.

LOOK at this sparkling lagoon! Crystal clear, shallow and warm!

Villa goals! Straight outta a dream

 

Resort Grounds

We loved exploring all around Motu TauTau – from its lush vegetation, to tall palm tree groves to its sparkling lagoon. The whole setting of the resort felt like an intimate Polynesian escape with the perfect blend of luxury meets traditional island charm.

Lush tropical vibes everywhere

The lagoon is absolutely unreal! We would spend hours just exploring the pristine lagoon from end to end. Its so shallow you can literally just wade through the lagoon for so far out.

Beautiful lagoon area at Le Taha’a

This little heart shaped motu in the middle of the lagoon was so dreamy! If you wish to have a romantic private dinner here or on the beach, you can have the concierge book this for you too.

The OG Love Island!

I also loved that you could see Mount Otemanu from Bora Bora in the middle of this lagoon!

Views of Mt Otemanu from the lagoon at Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts

 

Dining

The resort has 3 onsite restaurants all inspired by French savoir-faire.

HAWAIKI NUI RESTAURANT

Hawaiki Nui is the resort’s main restaurant which is open for breakfast and dinner. I loved the location of this restaurant! It is set high up among the trees with amazing views of the Taha’a lagoon and the property’s lush gardens all around. The daily breakfast buffet had a delicious spread of fresh juices, fruit, local delicacies, pastries as well as other breakfast classics. We also had dinner here every night that we were here, we especially enjoyed the live Polynesian show ( every Tuesday) – a delicious Polynesian buffet with live music and a fire show to end the night was such a fun night in paradise.

Loved starting our days with breakfast at this beautiful treetop restaurant

Nothing beats an ice cold coco on a hot afternoon!

 

Activities

There are tons of activities to do on property. They have a beautiful pool right by the beach as well as a little shack where you can borrow kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, etc for the beach.

At the coral garden at Le Taha’a

The resort is also blessed to have a spectacular coral garden right in its backyard. Going snorkeling here was incredible – the corals are thriving, so lush and colorful. Don’t miss out on trying “drift snorkeling” at this coral garden where in you start off at the reef at the far end of the lagoon and let the current glide you over the coral garden back towards the hotel. Other activities on property also include a spa, gym, tennis court, etc.

Views for days at the main pool area

There is also an activities and concierge desk on site that would help you book any tours outside the property. The hotel offers hourly free shuttles to and from the main island of Taha’a to/from the resort, during the day. If you choose to explore Taha’a the concierge will suggest activities based on what you are interested in. Some of the most popular things to do are – an inland 4×4 tour of Taha’a where you get to visit the vanilla farms, a pearl farm as well as a local rum distillery.

The other popular tour is a lagoon tour of Taha’a which is what we opted to do! The highlight of this tour was getting to snorkel with black tip sharks and it was incredible. We have done this in a few other islands in Tahiti, but I must say it was the best in Taha’s as there aren’t too many people. Infact when Anush and I went we were the only ones in the water with the sharks, which was awesome! We also stopped by a few scenic motus and bays along our lagoon tour and it was so picturesque.

Swimming with sharks in the Taha’a lagoon tour

Dreamy little motus

 

Conclusion

Overall we absolutely loved our stay at Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts. It felt luxurious yet very intimate, laidback and authentic which is what I loved most about it. With an idyllic location in one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, this would make such a beautiful destination for a honeymoon or beach vacation.

Thanks for stopping by! xoxo

Jyo

 

For more details on travel to other islands in French Polynesia check out my guide below :

 

Thank you to Le Taha’a By Pearl Resorts for hosting us on our recent trip to Tahiti. Thank you to Tahiti Tourisme and Air Tahiti for sponsoring our trip to Taha’a As always all thoughts and opinions are mine.