Simply the most beatyefull place I know. All the times I travel to the French Polinesia, I stay on Tahiti Island for a week just because of the beautyness of Vanira Lodge. Tahiti is a very nice Island, specialli Tahiti Iti and even more because of Teahupoo, preciselly where Vanira Lodge is located: up a hill, between a gorgeous vegetation, with the most incredible view, with incredible sunsets and with the exclusive taste of its chambers ecologically builded.... the truth is that there is no words for me to describe this place. I have been all arround the world, and this is my favorite spot, with all the simplicity I want, with all the kindness of they owners and with it´s blessed landscape. I would be very glad to share my experience and sugestions to everyone, so contact me.

"... a guest house with a difference..." very funny to read this sentence on the website of this place. "...sweetness, harmony & tranquillity " sounds even funnier... Vanira Lodge is a place where:
– "all-natural 'fare'" is made with a lot of plastic material and smells veeery bad
– the "natural" roof is watered at least five times a day (for ex. at 5 a.m. even if it has been raining for weeks)... and yes, the watering is quite noisy and yes, it IS a mosquitos heaven
– the nearest beach is 3km away and it's an ugly communal-next to the parking lot-beach
– the nearest food is far too far away for somebody without the car (don't even try to go to Vanira without the car)
– the bicycles are a) broken b) no air in the wheels
– there is no possibility to walk anywhere except to the mini-mini swimming pool and back, otherwise you have to walk on a quite busy road
– heavy construction works start early (8 a.m.)
– Wi-fi is only working next to the owner's office, far away from the bungalows (when the owner doesn't switch it off – surprisingly it happens )
– the owner is never there (official reception desk's working hours are from 8 a.m. till 10 a.m., but that cannot be guaranteed)
– when you menage to meet the owner and try to complain about the noise or some other problems, the owner will rather shout on you than try to help (don't even think about excuses).

As somebody else already suggested: the owners, please change the profession.

We first heard of this place through a lonely planet guide and decided to look into it a bit further... it was built only a few years ago and had its first guests in May 2005. The lodge only has 4 bungalos- 3 'traditional and 1 non-traditional. We tried to stay in the traditional but all they had was the other type. However, ours was beautiful!

All 4 of the lodges are made out of Tahitian materials with the exception being the tile floors. Each lodge is named after the predominant material (wood) which that particular lodge is made from. Ours was wooden, clay, with bamboo walls, outdoor and very private shower... check out the photos- its stunning.

We rented a car and drove here becuase we wanted to see what the island of Tahiti was about, before heading to check out the other island nearby, Moorea. We are more adventurous types, and not the lye on the beach for two weeks straight so this was well suited to us.

Yes, there is not a lot to do in the area but it only took us a leisurely 2hours (with plenty of stops along the way) to get to the lodge. Very close by is an amazing surf spot which hosts a huge surf challenge every May. Not too far away (about a half hour) is the Botanic Gardens and Gauguin Museum plus shops (grocery stores, etc).

Its a perfect spot to relax, unwind, watch the amazing views and RELAX. There is not internet but there was a small television in our room for the quiet evenings if desired.

Yes, the hosts leave you be (and i did not find this rude)... they don't bother you at all and if you need something they gladly accomodate. I liked this about the lodge because you were left with amazing privacy for your amazing getaway. They were happy to help us when our in-room safe didn't work (it simply needed new batteries and was fine), hey loaned us a electricity cord currency converter, provided new towels, etc.

Now, about the room/bungalo. Amazing views. Amazing. Bed was a bit hard and could have been a bit more luxurious (to suit the environment). Kitchen facilities were well appointed. Tea and coffee available (bring your own milk). Small cook top, microwave, coffeemaker, fridge, huge sink all provided- plus all the utensils needed. We even saw there was a bbq available for use but you'd need to supply your own charcoal. There is a small pool available, plus a small kids play area. There is also an outdoor but undercover community kitchen area for the guests use if needed/wanted. Lots of parking available. Very cute dog likes to come and visit... but will shoo away if you aren't interested in a visitor...

I see a previous reviewer commented on the weather and I must say that after two nights we too were ready to move on. We were not sure if that was the forecast or simply the area we were staying in that attracted lots of rain. I think it was the later. When we left Papeete to get to this lodge, we left sunshine and arrived in cloud. It rained off and on for the next few days then, when we left, we left in rainy weather but was fine and sunny when we arrived in Papeete and was beautiful for the next 4 days in Moorea... so i think it was perhaps the part of Tahiti-iti that gets lots of rain? Just be prepared for the rain, its a beautiful lodge and in our opinion, well worth a visit for a night or two (and to see tahiti and what it is about!).

Yes, the setting is nice, and the bungalows really do ooze that smurfish charm shown on the website. However, once the rain kicks in, you'll be running for the next available hotel room with air condition.

The Vanira Lodge is perched above the village of Teahupoo on Tahiti Iti's ('little Tahiti') south coast. If you're into surfing and/or hiking, this is definitely the place for you; but, it's a long drive to the rest of Tahiti's attractions. If you want solitude and proximity to boulders and breakers, you'll be more or less locked in to what little else Teahupoo has to offer.

In the end, weather patterns and location make this an unwieldy proposition for either side of the spectrum. After a couple of days, the romantic appeal of the semi open-air bungalows doesn't make up for the constant dampness of the place and, at times, decidedly French service. If you like to rough it out on the other hand, there are probably cheaper options around that don't charge you the equivalent of your camping gear for a night's stay.