My husband and I spent 8 nights at the Relais Mahana, and could have stayed longer. It's a quiet, easy environment that makes you feel very far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There is very little to do around the area, but we were wanting time to talk, walk, read, swim, soak in the sun (under the shade of course). The snorkeling is right there and the best coral reef I've ever seen. Better than anyplace I'd been in Mexico, Hawaii, Belize, Cook Islands, and Moorea. The coral is ALIVE and varied, the fish are plentiful, and it is natural, not just swarming fish because tourists put raw meat in the water to attract them. The water is warm and clean.The beach is also clean and plenty of shade. The views are incredible all around the island. We rented a car one day and drove the island and hardly saw another person on the road. My minor complaints are that the food at the hotel got repetitive after a few days, we had to wear DEET at night to avoid mosquitoes, the phone didn't work well in our room and we had to have maintenance look at it a few times, and it was hard to communicate with others because we don't speak French. Very few English speaking patrons there, although the manager at the front desk speaks English and she was very helpful. It felt luxurious without being overly fussy, and I appreciate that we could pretty much be left alone when we wanted to be. No crowds anywhere, no sense of not having the chairs we liked, or the views we liked, etc. It just felt serene and private and understated. The renovations in the cabin gave it touches of luxury and I must say, I've never seen a complementary toiletry kit that included a condom each day. (!!!) I would love to return.

Just got back from a week at the Relais Mahana hotel, at the southern end of Huahine. We had a VERY pleasant visit, despite the fact that they are in the final stages of a major renovation of most of their bungalows. The staff was great, especially Lucy (who speaks English very well), even though they were all being roped in to paint walls and plant shrubs at times. Our bungalow was well away from all the chaos, so no problems with noise etc.

We got a tour of the new bungalows - very nice, with bathroom showers that open out into a little private garden, sleek new fixtures, and tasteful decor done with a lot of nice imported hardwoods. As before, no AC. Not something we care about, but some might...

We knew that the hotel meals are expensive, so we brought our own supples and did not eat there every day, although the Relais Mahana chef is very good. There are also two less expensive restaurants within walking distance - Chez Tara, and Pension Mauarii. You still need to go to Fare for most groceries, the little local shops in and around Parea have a very limited selection. Bring a little electric kettle or coffee-maker if you can...

Snorkeling is decent in the lagoon close to the hotel. If you walk North along the beach about 1/4 mile, then swim out about 100 yards (its shallow), you'll find outcrops of coral that looks to be in pretty decent health to my untrained eye. Swim or kayak across the deep channel opposite the hotel to the shallower water further out and you are likely to encounter manta rays, and I thought I glimpsed a turtle.

For those who like a quiet, secluded, laid back vacation,I definitely recommend the Relais Mahana now that they have finally gotten their renovation done. I would say that they'll be completely finished by early May 2007. Pension Mauarii, just down the road, also looked like a good possibility. It's on the same nice beach as the Relais Mahana.

I have some pics, including a few of the new bungalows, at http://www.srl.caltech.edu/personnel/adavis/Tahiti2007/

We stayed at the Relais Mahana for 2 nights in January 2006. The staff were the most accommodating, friendly people you could imagine. Nothing was too much trouble for them.

The layout of this place is very good. It is perfect for families. The bungalows are very clean and well set out. There is a jetty right there where people were snorkelling.

They organise activities for you and there is a representative from Europ-car who has a desk there.

We didn't end up eating at the restaurant but the menu certainly had some delicious sounding options on it.

We spent 7 nights at this place, and we loved every bit of it. Yes, food is very expensive, but if you don't mind a walk (getting excercise) or rent a car, which is really worth it to see all of the island, you can find the locals food stands. There is one only 3-5 minutes of walk from the hotel. We ate there once a day to save money and give the locals business. Food was good too, and plenty of it. People were very friendly, very helpful at all times. Will, who has the kayak rentals etc at the hotel, spoke very good english, ended up translating alot. The slugs in the water is normal. We asked about it. They are sea cucumbers, and they exist more in certain areas, unfortunately they love this beach! Huahine is definately the place. There was a big difference for us, in comparison to Moorea where we stayed for 5 nights. Huahine is very very clean. The natives take pride in their island and home, they said. Our recommendation is to rent a car, see the whole island, but also have the boat tour and see the whole island from the water. It felt like we saw all of Huahine, inside and out. There is a big food Market in Fare on Huahine. Buy as much food as you can there to snack on. They also have food that is cooked that day, that you can take home etc. We saved so much money on doing these things. Next time we go, we will be more prepared, knowing how expensive it is. Relais Mahana was very clean, neat. Great people and plenty of tourists from all over the world.