Maitai Lapita Village Huahine

Opened in 2011, Maitai Lapita Village Huahine is one of the few hotel options on the lush, largely tourist-free island of Huahine. The hotel is named after the Lapita people that were potters and first came to French Polynesia by outrigger canoe well before the Europeans, and rather serendipitous, the owner Peter is a potter himself. In addition to the hotel's name, numerous nods to the Lapita are on-site, from the reception area's museum on the island's history, to pottery placed throughout. The standout though is an archaeological site dating to 1000 A.D. Grounds are divided into two sections: By the beach are a small pool and the restaurant, while the other side houses the lobby, all the bungalows, and a gorgeous lake with lily ponds surrounded by palm trees and flowers, and with lush mountains in the background. This means that no rooms have ocean views. Common areas are open-air and have typical Polynesian wood-beam ceilings and thatched roofs, with contemporary black-wicker seating, black-tile floors, and lots of potted greenery.

The atmosphere is largely relaxed and peaceful here, though the bar and restaurant do get busy. It's also worth noting that the beach is separated from public space by a pier, so lots of locals and anchored ships are within sight, plus some stray dogs (common throughout French Polynesia). This hotel provides a lovely combination of modern create comforts with Polynesian design, but couples may prefer the seclusion and overwater bungalows at Royal Huahine. 

The Maitai Lapita Village has a wonderful location along the beach in Huahine, a lush and largely undeveloped island that provides a less-touristy alternative to Bora Bora. It's a quick seven-minute drive from Huahine airport, and travelers are a 10-minute walk via the beach or streets to reach the main town (more like a village) of Fare. Fare has a supermarket where guests can buy affordable snacks and beer, and a few restaurants -- Huahine Yacht Club being a casual favorite -- and stores. Huahine is reached via a 40-minute flight from Fa'a'ā International Airport in Tahiti. Free parking is available on-site for travelers with cars.

The 32 bungalows are stand-alone except for Garden units, all outfitted in a similar mix of Polynesian style and contemporary comforts. High, pitched ceilings resemble outrigger canoes, floors are done in attractive dark tiling, and wood furniture is simple. Lovely decorative accents include patterned wall cutouts that let in sunshine, dark red-painted wall panels with oars, Polynesian-themed artwork, and turtles etched into wardrobes. All have sliding glass doors leading to patios furnished with comfy chairs and tables, with views of either the garden or pretty lake. Garden Bungalows have two wicker chairs in front of flat-screen TVs, while Premium Garden and Lake units add sofa beds and hide-away TVs add the foot of the comfy beds, plus loungers on their terraces. 

Black-tiled bathrooms are modern, equipped with walk-in showers, stone basin sinks, hairdryers, and basic toiletries. These are massive in Premium units, though amenities are the same. Also standard are air-conditioning, mini-fridges with two free bottles of water, electronic safes, free Wi-Fi, desks, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Note that electricity is powered by room keys, so the AC and mini-fridges turn off when rooms are unoccupied. Some past guests have complained of the lack of bug spray.

All the basics are covered for a relaxing getaway at Maitai Lapita Village. The sandy beach is lined with metal and wicker loungers, overlooking the ocean that's typically dotted with catamarans. This private area is separated from the public coastline by a pier, so expect to see stray dogs and locals playing nearby. Guests can use kayaks and snorkeling gear for free. Just back from the beach is a small, circular infinity pool. One side abuts greenery while the other has dining sets on its wooden terrace. Farther off to this side is a patch of sand topped by wicker loungers and a couple of umbrellas. 

Farther back is the Omai Restaurant and adjacent bar, the latter of which is open from early until late and serves a full menu of cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, beer, and wine. The restaurant has set meal times, serving simple buffet breakfasts and a la carte lunch and dinner dishes with many seafood options. Food is decent for the price. 

Staff can help arrange airport transfers and a variety of excursions. Additionally, although there are no spa or gym, massaged can be provided. Free Wi-Fi is limited to rooms.