Huahine - The Garden Island

Te Tiare Beach Resort
Relais Mahana

You would be hard pressed to argue that Huahine was not the most beautiful island in all of French Polynesia. Actually 2 islands linked by a narrow isthmus, Huahini Nui (Big Huanhine) in the north and Huahine Iti (Little Huahine) in the south have deeply indented shorelines blessed with some of the best beaches in French Polynesia. On the west and south side the lagoon is deep and wide, protected from the open ocean by a thin coral reef. On the east and northern side the lagoon is thinner, large motu protecting the coast. In the north, Fauna Nui Lake is formed by the almost total closing off of the lagoon between the mainland and the outer motu. The open sea runs strait to the shoreline in places. The interior of Huahine is lush and mountainous, but with softer more delicate lines than its more rugged neighbours.

Huahine, 110 miles northwest of Tahiti, is called the garden island because of the wonderful array of fruits and vegetables that grown in its rich soil. Pineapples, melons, watermelons, papaya, mangoes, bananas, avocados, taro, breadfruit; they are all grown here. Hence its alternative name of the Garden Island. The islands interior is a great place to go hiking, horseback riding or, if you feel like doing it the easy way, you can take a 4x4! From the upper slopes of Mt Turi commanding views of Maroe Bay and Huahine Iti are afforded.

There are a number of must-see locations in Huahine. The botanical gardens at Eden Parc, on the south west side of Huahine Nui, are an 8-acre fruit-lovers dream come true! Fruits from all over French Polynesia and other parts of the world are grown in a natural and organic surrounding, and you can enjoy the sites and smells of fresh fruit being prepared for a delicious lunch including exotic salads and fresh fish. At Maeva, on the opposite side of Fauna Nui Lake from the airport, are the ruins of what were once the homes to the Huahine kings; a sort of Stonehenge with palm trees! Large monolithic ruins are also to be found on Huahine - most notably at Manunu and Matairea-Rahi.

Huahine has a wonderfully unspoilt outlook. If you want a taste of traditional French Polynesia, then you need look no further!

We are offering two quality hotels in Huahine, the luxury Te Tiare Beach Resort on Huahine Nui and the mid-priced Relais Mahana on Huahini Iti.

TE TIARE BEACH RESORT
Accessed only by 15-minute boat ride from the main village of Fare on Huahine Nui, the Te Tiare Beach Resort is a luxury hotel set on it's own beach overlooking the western extremities of Huahine lagoon.

The hotel offers 19 Garden Bungalows, 6 Beach Bungalows, 5 Lagoon Overwater Bungalows and 11 Deep Overwater Bungalows. The garden bungalows are scattered amongst the lush tropical gardens and the beach bungalows nestle amongst palm trees on the water's edge. The lagoon bungalows are built over the water's edge at the beach end of the pontoon that takes you to the 11 deep overwater bungalows that are set in 3 clusters right on the reef that fringes the coastline and sits on the edge of the deeper channel that flows between the island and the barrier reef beyond.

The restaurant and reception area, bar and lounge are, uniquely in Tahiti, built at the end of a pontoon at the other end of the beach, with a wonderfully romantic atmosphere created by the gentle lap of the sea! The construction of the resort with the overwater bungalows at one end of the beach and the restaurant and main reception at the other means that those on the beach have an uninterrupted view out to see.

The bungalows are all of a similar construction; 2 "squares" overlap each other, one square forming the interior and the other the L-shaped deck area. Each suite has a bedroom area and lounge, en suite bathroom with twin basins, bath and shower, and large private deck. Overwater bungalows have private access to the sea via ladders from their decking area. Freshwater showers at lower deck level allow you to rinse off after a swim! TV, IDD telephone, mini bar, tea & coffee facilities, ceiling fans and air-conditioning come as standard in all rooms.

The Arii Restaurant, located at the end of the main pontoon, is a fabulous and romantic location to have dinner. Thierry Mateau, the head chef, conjures up a magnificent blend of Polynesian, French and International cuisine that is renowned throughout the islands. A drink in the waterfront bar beforehand will whet your appetite for a selection of fish & meat dishes, delicious salads and fattening desserts! All complemented by a fine selection of wines, of course!

The resort's beach is the focus of attention during the day; wide and white, it is an ideal place from which to enjoy a spot of snorkelling, try your hand at mastering an outrigger canoe or kayak, or simply relax and soak up the sun. For the more energetic, there's scuba diving, horse riding, windsurfing, visits to local marae, walks in the mountains and visits to local markets and villages.

Te Tiare offers an outstanding level of service in a truly world class setting location.

RELAIS MAHANA
Relais Mahana is located on Avea Bay the south-west side of Huahine Iti. The resort has commanding views across the lagoon, and is a great place to watch the sun setting over the Pacific! Set in a tropical garden, the resort offers 22 Polynesian style bungalows on the edge of a beautiful white sand beach.

The resort is divided into 3 parts; in the centre can be found the reception, swimming pool, bar and restaurant, to the north are 2 large beach and 3 large garden bungalows, and to the south 7 standard beach and 6 standard garden bungalows. The beach bungalows are well set apart, thus allowing unrestricted views of the beach and sea from the garden bungalows. Each bungalow has private en suite bathroom with hot water, refrigerator, ceiling fan, bay window and private sun terrace.

The bar and restaurant are located close to the water's edge, and a wonderful range of French & Polynesia cuisine is offered. For those who wish to, dining al fresco is also available.

The resort's own dive operation, Mahana Dive, caters for beginners and experienced divers alike, and can offer 2 morning dives and a packed lunch or morning and afternoon dives. There is also excellent snorkelling on the shallow reef directly off from the resort. For non divers there are a range of other watersports, plus visits around the island.

Relais Mahana offers exceptional value for money in a very stunning setting.