Experience Warm Tahitian Hospitality Through Locally-Run Accommodations
Tahiti Tourisme launched a campaign in Canada this month to promote Tahitian Guesthouses in The Islands
of Tahiti. From August 1, 2018 until December 30, 2018, Tahiti Tourisme will share exciting reasons for
Canadian travellers who prefer cultural and authentic experiences, and home-like accommodations, to visit
the stunning destination. The nationwide campaign will highlight Tahitian Guesthouses’ varied offerings,
from dormitory-style lodging to those featuring individual bungalows and villas, and they are available in
a wide range of prices. These accommodations allow for a true immersion into Polynesian life, with locals
sharing warm Tahitian hospitality with all their guests. Canadians are able to learn how to book a trip for
this unique way of travel through the campaign’s targeted outlets including TripAdvisor.ca, La Presse,
Dreamscapes Magazine and Facebook.com/TahitiTourismCA.
Tahitian Guesthouses are Hidden Gems
Tahitian Guesthouses provide a different way of experiencing The Islands of Tahiti. The Guesthouse owners
offer a range of experiences on each property, and while each operate differently, these locals showcase
their pride in their country and their envious lifestyle. Travellers will experience interacting with local hosts
by sitting down to meals or having the host guide a local excursion, such as pearl diving, snorkeling, hiking
and other island experiences in a personal setting that is different from a traditional hotel. Tahitian Guesthouses are incredibly boutique-style, typically with four or five bungalows on site,
offering guests the chance to disconnect from the rest of the world and enjoy the destination’s hidden gems. The shared experiences with local hosts will leave travellers feeling like they are part of an extended family and truly immersed in the Polynesian way of life.
“Tahitians are renowned for their warm hospitality and Tahitian Guesthouses,” says Gina Bunton, Chief Operations Officer of Tahiti Tourisme. “These offer visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves into a more authentic way of travelling, a more personalized experience and to build long lasting
connections with our people and our islands. The diverse range of Tahitian Guesthouses throughout our
islands affords travellers a dynamic array of experiences. Through these intimate stays, travellers will grow
closer to the Tahitian way of life, learn about the islands and their history, savor home-cooked food, revel
in activities unique to each location, and much more.”
The below Tahitian Guesthouses offer individual rooms or stand-alone bungalows with value-add
amenities. Typically, a two-night minimum stay is required. To read more on accommodations and Tahitian
Guesthouse packages, visit tahitianguesthouse.ca (English) or fr.tahitianguesthouse.ca (French).
Highlighted Guesthouses:
• The Vanira Lodge (Tahiti) – “At the end
of the world,” one and a half hours from Tahiti International Airport, lies the village of Teahupoo, made famous by its legendary wave which annually brings together the world’s best surfers. The lodge, which consists of unique bungalows built into the cliffside and on stilts delivering an unbelievable, treehouse-like environment, is situated near lush hills, forests and caves. From these lofty vantage points, guests can also view dolphins and whales when in season. WiFi access available throughout the property on a complimentary basis.
• Fare Maeva (Huahine) – A mere five minutes by bike from the main village of Fare, this guesthouse
is located on a major northwest-facing beach where guests can enjoy magnificent sunsets. Guests
are also able to see dolphins and whales in season (from July to October). The Guesthouse has a
restaurant, bar and pool space facing the sea. The restaurant features local cuisine for breakfast and
dinner, and a happy hour takes place every Friday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm with musical
entertainment.
• Villa Ixora (Raiatea) – Managed by Laure and Terence, former managers of a high-end boutique
hotel on Taha’a, they have taken over this modest Guesthouse and fully renovated it in a
contemporary, cozy style. Features four warm, well-appointed mid-range bungalows, with three
garden units and one lagoon unit, located 10 minutes from the airport, and just five minutes from
Uturoa pier. Villa Ixora offers gourmet French cuisine in a lovely setting of a covered patio
overlooking the swimming pool. The restaurant is also open to outside customers.
• Fare Pea Iti (Taha’a) – Romance is unquestionably on the daily agenda at Fare Pea Iti. This
boutique property is a rare gem hidden from the world, with five villas available, all of which face
the crystal blue lagoon of the island of Taha’a. It feels more like a private home than a hotel as
you’re likely to only see other guests at the beachfront pool and each morning breakfast is served
on your private ocean view terrace. Get away from it all and experience a truly intimate Polynesian
journey.
• Tokerau Village (Fakarava) – Designed by mother and daughter team, Flora and Gahina, this
family-owned guesthouse has a lush garden, a breath-taking white sand beach, complemented by
turquoise-blue waters as far as the eyes can see. Flora also cooks delicious local comfort food for
guests.
• Les Relais de Josephine (Rangiroa) – Les Relais de Josephine is situated in a peaceful and wooded
setting, on the banks of Tiputa Pass, where guests can view dolphins at play from a spacious outdoor
deck. Recently renovated, the seven colonial style bungalows are comfortable and equipped with
quality furnishings. A major draw of this property is undoubtedly its excellent cuisine, recognized
throughout the island – meals are for guests only. WiFi available for purchase.
• Ninamu Resort (Tikehau) – Located on a private motu (islet) and nestled between the lagoon and
the ocean, nautical devotees including surfers, divers and fishermen, will find real pleasure in
spending time at Ninamu. Property-owner and Billabong Surf Pro team member, Chris
O’Callaghan and his wife Greta and his team are available to guide guests to the best parts of the
Tikehau Lagoon. The facility also largely runs on solar energy. Meals are cooked by a Parisian
chef.
About The Islands of Tahiti
Located in the South Pacific, The Islands of Tahiti are just eight hours by air from Los Angeles or San
Francisco. Surrounded by pristine, crystal clear blue waters, the 118 islands and atolls offer natural
beauty, authentic island culture, and unique French Polynesian style. The Islands of Tahiti are world-renowned
for their white-sand beaches, stunning turquoise lagoons and varied landscapes ranging from
coral atolls to volcanic mountain peaks. Each island offers a variety of accommodation experiences from
luxurious resorts with overwater villas, to family pensions to sailing via private charter or scheduled
cruise. Privacy comes naturally in The Islands of Tahiti and offers visitors the space to relax and
reconnect and to be Embraced by Mana. Mana is the life force and spirit that connects all things in The
Islands of Tahiti. Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia, on the same side of the International
Date Line as North America and in the same time zone as Hawaii. For more information, visit
www.tahititourisme.ca.
