Opoa Beach Hotel

Opened in 2010 by a French couple, Eric and Nicole, the Opoa Beach Hotel is one of just a few lodging options on the island of Raiatea. The hotel is located off a road that encircles the island, and down a long hill with gardens on either side (not run by the hotel). Rows of palms trees and hibiscus and frangipani flowers are lovely, and the secluded setting away from the road keeps the property quiet and peaceful. An open-air building acts as the reception, restaurant, and bar, outfitted in floor-to-ceiling white wood (same as bungalows) that keeps the space airy and bright. Island-inspired decor is elegant and minimal -- think a gecko mosaic and fish artwork -- plus a Polynesian totem just outside. Grounds are exquisite and bursting with greenery and flowers, and a small pool is at its center.

With just nine bungalows, the atmosphere is intimate and relaxed. Guests, a majority of which are French-speaking couples, often get to know the owners well, as Eric can be seen chatting with guests during meals, while Nicole is in the kitchen cooking the delicious fare. Also expect to see their dog lying on the beach. Visitors generally spend their days on excursions or taking a kayak or boat to a private motu with great snorkeling nearby. This is a popular spot for travelers who are departing or returning from sailing trips. 

Travelers seeking seclusion and quietness will find just that at the Opoa Beach Hotel. Located along the ocean on the southeastern end of the island of Raiatea, there are no restaurants, bars, or shops within walking distance. The property is a 45-minute drive from Raiatea Airport and 40 minutes from the main town of 'Uturoa, where there's a popular market. To reach Raiatea, international travelers will first have to fly into the main airport on Tahiti. From there, it's a 45-minute flight to Raiatea, and there are generally two flights per day.

The nine spacious, rustic-chic rooms are divided between Beach and Garden Bungalows, with the former all offering lovely ocean vistas. All stand-alone bungalows are decorated the same, with floor-to-ceiling white-painted wood, four-poster canopied beds, neutral-tone drapes, and tropical accents in yellow flower-motif couch throw pillows, small frangipani and seashell artwork, and lots of fresh hibiscus flowers scattered about on arrival. Guests also receive fresh coconut and juice on arrival. The overall look is airy and beautiful, and wooden shutters can be opened to let in the island breeze (helpful as there is no air-conditioning and only fans). A standout for each room is the large patio furnished with two loungers, a hammock, and table.

Rooms also have sitting areas with couches, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and desks. Curtained wardrobes have laptop-sized electronic safes and umbrellas. Large bathrooms have dual seashell-shaped sinks under seashell-framed mirrors, showers with good water pressure, basic toiletries, and hairdryers. Wi-Fi is free and reliable. On the downside, no free water bottles are provided.

Facilities are sufficient and high-quality at Opoa Beach Hotel. As there are no restaurants, bars, or supermarkets nearby, guests typically eat most meals on-site (breakfast-only and half-board rates available). In the mornings, guests consult a whiteboard off the lobby with that night's food offerings (just a couple choices for each course) to make their selection and alert staff. Cooked by Nicole, food is upscale and delicious. Breakfast consists of yogurt with Tahitian vanilla, pastries, bread, jam, cold ham and cheese, fruit salad, and coffee or tea. Visitors can ask for a packed lunch if going on an excursion and dinner menus are seafood-centric. There are never that many guests on-site, keeping the restaurant's atmosphere intimate and subdued. Cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks can be ordered from the bar throughout the day.

A stretch of sand is on-site, lined with loungers, but it's not a real beach. Though, early-risers often head to the beach to watch the gorgeous sunrises. For a true beach, guests can coordinate with staff to take a speedboat or use a kayak (free to borrow) to a private motu (small island) that's owned by a friend of the owners. The tranquil island has shallow water that's great for snorkeling -- we spotted small sharks, tropical fish, and coral gardens during our visit. Guests can be set up with chairs, as well as borrow towels, water shoes (necessary for the coral), and snorkeling equipment. For those that don't want to leave the property, there's also a good-sized pool in the garden, lined by black-wicker loungers, a few umbrellas, and greenery for privacy. 

Staff can arrange airport transportation and a variety of excursions. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout, and a small shop by reception sells clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs.