5 Best Hotels in Huahine, French Polynesia

This is a new sister property to the Fare ie on Huahine Nui with four split-level tents (two garden and two sea view) are similar to those you'd find in African safari camps. Each has two double beds; the beach tents are larger with sofas and a downstairs bathroom. Furnishings are bright and funky, i.e., varnished timber sofas with bright red cushions, ceilings of billowing material, bright patterned bedspreads, and each tent has hardwood floors, fan, chest of drawers, and chairs. The two beachfront tents each have their own outdoor kitchen; the garden tents share a kitchen. The rate includes breakfast, canoe, and bikes. There's even a little marae right on the beach.

These two- and three-bedroom houses, just a stone's throw from the Bay of Maroe, represent the ultimate in freedom. The daily rate includes a small, five-person car and a small motor boat, which can fit six people. The three all-white houses are 100 or so yards away from each other and there's a fourth located high on the hill above the others. They have all the modern conveniences such as a microwave, stove, fridge, TV, iron, washing machine, and hair dryer and are furnished with comfortable sofa and chairs and have double and single beds. Prices are charged according to the number of guests. Fishing gear is also provided, the owner's wife will babysit for a fee, and free airport/port transfers are provided.

These tents will redefine camping for the most outdoor-challenged soul. Two permanent safari-style tents, complete with hardwood floors, timber furniture, funky bedcovers, and indoor bathrooms, sit right on the beach just north of Fare. They can sleep two to four people and the price includes use of bikes, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and free transfers. There's a shared kitchen for whipping up meals, although breakfast can be delivered to your tent for an extra charge. The company, Tahiti Safari, recently opened a bigger all-tent complex on Huahine Iti.

This is the island's second-swankiest accommodation, and its new beachfront bungalows, which opened in late 2007, are lovely. They have king beds and daybeds and lots of huge cushions for lounging around on. They have high-pitched ceilings, rattan walls, and cool ceramic tiled floors; furniture includes a stylish long desk with a flat-screen TV at one end. There's a cane table and chairs on the small terrace, just steps away from the lagoon. There are also lagoon-view bungalows (you have to walk down a slight incline to get to the beach) and garden rooms that interconnect and are ideal for families. Each Saturday night there's a Polynesian buffet and dance show (5,804 CFP per person). The hotel has free kayaks and snorkel gear and Jet Skis for hire, and recently opened the Poevai Spa, which offers facials, massages, and two-person Jacuzzi indulgences, all with that Tahitian twist.

This is an identical operation to Huahine Vacances and these villas, only a little distance from each other, compete head to head. There's a boat and car for guests to use, and a choice of fan-cooled or air-conditioned villa, with air-conditioned villas costing around 3,500 CFP per night for a couple. Villas have TVs with satellite reception, DVD players, fully equipped kitchens, washing machines, and choice of two or three bedrooms. Minimum stay is three nights and there are discounts for longer stays. Airport/quay transfers are free, while babysitting can be arranged for a fee.