It was really hot and sticky when we got back from 2 weeks on a rented catamaran, and we were hot and tired. Staff from the lodge picked us up at the boat dock and immediately transported us to a lovely facility, greeting us with cold drinks and cold, wet towels. They worked overtime to do everything they could to make our stay pleasant--bicycles, GREAT food, a lovely pool, help with taxis and shopping--a WONDERFUL vacation experience in a lovely setting.

We needed a couple of night’s accommodation before beginning our sailing charter and asked our yacht charter company to make a few suggestions. The Raiatea Lodge had the best Trip Advisor reviews, so I contacted them. The price was more expensive than I expected; they wanted us to take their half-board package (breakfast and dinner) and airport transfers in addition to the accommodation. The cost was getting beyond what we were comfortable with. Was this going to be one of those places that takes advantage because there aren’t many other options?
No, they are not. Right from the airport pick-up, we were made to feel not only welcome, but special. When we got to the hotel, Laurent, who I had been corresponding with, greeted us like friends and we were served a drink in the elegant open-air lobby while he personally explained the hotel workings. He showed us to our room which was really lovely...there are only 15 or 16 rooms and they all have balconies facing the garden, pool and lagoon. Snorkel equipment, kayaks and bikes are included. Snorkeling is really good off the hotel dock, there's a nearby motu to kayak to and Uturoa is an easy bike ride away. We did it all. The food was fantastic...really fantastic... and all the staff were terrific. We were sorry we hadn’t booked another day or two. It was worth the extra money.

We stayed here for one night on our way to Bora Bora and really loved it. The hotel is in a colonial style building. The rooms are on the first floor and have a balcony looking out over the garden and the sea, with Bora Bora in the distance. Everyone at the hotel was friendly and helpful and the food at the little restaurant area downstairs was great. This is not somewhere you go for resort style activities, although you can get kayaks and go snorkling in the lagoon. This is a place to go and relax. It's also really well priced when you compare it to other places in French Polynesia. The swimming pool is not large, but is pleasant and is surrounded by a grass area with an assortment of chairs to lounge in. However, the best place to swim is off the end of the small wharf across the road.

Karin and Olivier run the happiest hotel we have ever been to. Rai Nui and Nadia, their right and left hands are the most kind people you can imagine. They are helpful and sweet. The hotel is thought on every little detail and the food is great. I couldn't make a better recomendation.