Fodor's Expert Review Residence Linareva

This friendly little self-catering pension, started by a Swiss national more than 20 years ago, was recently taken over by Edmee Imfeld, who owned a nearby diving operation for many years. The residence has a pleasant location on a small beach on the western side of the island, near Haapiti. This is the sleepy side of Moorea with few tourist facilities apart from a take-away pizza parlor (Daniel's Pizza) half a mile down the road and a grocery store a short drive away. There are nine accoommodation units—called bungalows, suites and villas, which can take varying numbers and are scattered along the beach or in the garden; the two largest ones can accommodate four and seven people. Each bungalow has rattan walls decorated with island artwork or pareos; a kitchen equipped with stove, fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker; and a bathroom with hot water. All have ceiling fans while a few also have air-conditioning. All bungalows are Wi-Fi ready (free); otherwise, there's access to dial-up Internet (fee) in the lobby. Each bungalow has a small terrace with a floor fashioned from river flagstones. This is the perfect place to have breakfast, which can be delivered by room service (1,550 CFP per person) if you don't want to make your own. The new owners have also introduced a dinner option, which can be served on the hotel's deck in a family-style atmosphere, or couples can have it served to their veranda for a romantic night in.