Le Tahaa Resort: An Insider’s Review

Like a floating oasis in the bluest of lagoons, Le Tahaa Island Resort & Spa is the ultimate place to get away from it all. In an island nation adorned by so many award-winning luxury resorts, should you include Tahaa on your island-hopping journey in paradise? I stayed at Le Tahaa Resort on several occassions when visiting the Vanilla Island. Before booking your stay, here’s an in depth review of the resort.

Heading to French Polynesia? In-depth island guides to all 5 archipelagos await you, including sample itineraries and essential travel tips & tricks.

---

A member of the exclusive Relais et Châteaux collection, Le Tahaa Island Resort & Spa is an award-winning luxury resort on the island of Tahaa in French Polynesia. Despite stiff competition and high standards, it’s considered one of the best resorts in French Polynesia. It’s also a family-friendly luxury resort,

The Resort’s Location

The resort is located on Motu Tautau, an islet at the edge of the barrier reef. Motu Tautau is ideally located on the sunset side of Tahaa. It faces the main island on one side and the neighboring island Bora Bora on the other. Motu Tautau is also home to the best coral garden in the lagoon, shared by Raiatea and Tahaa.

Who Is Le Tahaa Resort Suitable For?

Le Tahaa welcomes families and couples. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will love the beauty and privacy found at the resort. After all, if it’s good enough for Hollywood stars, it might be good enough for you. Families looking for that special place will have a blast as well. Le Tahaa welcomes children, and in fact, if they’re 12 and under, they‘ll stay for free. There’s plenty of room on the small island; everyone will find their own quiet spot to unwind.

Getting to Le Tahaa

You can reach the resort in style by flying directly to its helipad on a private flight. Assuming this isn’t an option, you’ll fly to Raiatea and get to Le Tahaa on a boat transfer provided by the resort directly from the Raiatea airport.

The Grounds

The resort sits on one of the prettiest islets in Tahaa’s Lagoon, like those stunning tiny islands that you always see in travel magazines. When building Le Tahaa, the rule of thumb was not to disturb this pristine setting and its existing vegetation. In perfect harmony with the natural beauty of the island, walking paths curve their way around native palm trees, and even the restaurant is nestled in the trees.

Le Tahaa also caters to energetic guests. Take advantage of the floodlit tennis courts and fitness center, or go for a walk on the nature trail to the far side of Motu Tautau near the helipad. This is the best spot to see Bora Bora’s dramatic silhouette throughout the day and the ultimate place to watch the sunset.

Overwater Bungalows & Villas

Choose from luxury overwater bungalows or pampering beach villas. The overwater bungalows can accommodate up to three adults, while the beach villas can accommodate up to five adults and one child.

Overwater Bungalows

The signature accommodation in French Polynesia, overwater bungalows extend over the azure lagoon like soft tentacles. Nothing beats rolling out of bed in the morning and stepping off the ladder for a quick swim or lounging on the deck with a cool breeze, watching a family of stingrays patrolling the lagoon. Le Tahaa features several types of overwater bungalows, where the difference lies in the view they offer. Some overlook the resort, others overlook the main island, and the best face the sunset and Bora Bora in the distance.

Despite the resort’s beautiful grounds, you won’t want to leave your overwater bungalows! Giant windows draw the beautiful lagoon colors inside; if that’s not enough, a small glass panel helps you watch what’s happening beneath your bed. Your air-conditioned suite is equipped to the highest standard, with a Nespresso machine, a safe, a minibar, and a shower & bathtub with toiletries and locally produced oils.

When you’re done resting inside, contemplate life in the comfort of your private wooden deck. Watch what’s happening on the lagoon during the day and count millions of stars at night.

Beach Villas

For the ultimate privacy and comfort, or if you’re traveling to Tahaa with the family, look into staying in one of the 11 one or two-bedroom beach villas. Designed in exquisite traditional Polynesian style, your villa comes equipped with everything I already mentioned, plus a living area, private gazebo, and small swimming pool set in a private garden.

Your villa majestically opens up to a beach that seems detached from life’s usual stresses. It’s the favorite choice of Hollywood stars and those looking for that extra slice of luxury.

The Spa

It wouldn’t be a top-notch resort without a top-notch spa. After that long voyage, treat yourself to a Polynesian massage or choose from a wide range of treatments. Locally sourced vanilla and tamanu oils are always used – renowned for their rejuvenating and healing properties. The ancient Tahitians used Tamanu oil in many ways, which will do wonders for your skin.

The Beach & Coral Garden

The prettiest beaches in the lagoon shared by Tahaa & Raiatea are located on the small islets at the reef’s edge. It just so happens that Le Tahaa sits on one of the prettiest – Motu Tautau! The white sand, backed by wild palm trees and cooled by the turquoise lagoon, is truly worthy of an Oscar. But wait, there’s more.

The beauty doesn’t end at the beach; it continues beneath the calm waves. Grab your snorkeling gear and head to the channel between the resort and the neighboring motu. This area is known as ‘the coral garden’ and once you’ve had a look underwater, you’ll understand why. Schools of tropical fish await, some taking genuine pleasure in getting to know you from up close.

Dining

Le Tahaa Resort features three restaurants and two bars to satisfy any appetite. The fun starts at breakfast, with a stroll to the treetop restaurant overlooking the lagoon and Tahaa Island. Enjoy a hot & cold buffet featuring an exotic selection of fruits, locally sourced jams, and delicious pastries baked on the premises by a renowned French pastry chef. You might not know it, but baking in French Polynesia is mighty hard due to the humid climate, so chef – hat’s off!

For lunch, head poolside and enjoy casual dining with the sand between your toes. My personal favorite is the poisson cru. You can’t visit French Polynesia without having the ‘national dish’, made of raw chunks of tuna marinated in coconut milk, vegetables, and lime.

For dinner, the Vanilla Restaurant offers freshly caught seafood and international dishes. My favorite is anything with red tuna in it! Guests can also book one of the limited spots in the Ohiri Restaurant, where a few diners enjoy creative French-Polynesian fusion cuisine and fine wines. But that’s not all! Once a week, the resort puts on a traditional Polynesian evening, complete with a dinner buffet and not-to-be-missed fire dancing.

What’s Next?

Are you tempted to stay at Le Tahaa? I can’t blame you. Check out these guides for more information about exploring Tahaa, Raiatea, and French Polynesia.