24 Best Hotels in The Other Islands, French Polynesia

Jocelyne Mamatui has two bungalows and one room located right on the lagoon with wonderful views of Aukena and Akamaru islands. The pension is a 15-minute drive from Rikitea. Bungalows have private bathrooms; the room has a shared bathroom. There is daily housekeeping and meals are taken in the dining room of the host's house and will often include vegetables from her garden. There's also a bar selling wine and beer only. Island tours (from 25,000 CFP) and fishing trips can be arranged.

Lionel Cantois's place is about a mile from Omoa's harbor. It's surrounded by lush vegetation and is close to a river where swimming is possible.

Mrs. Marie-Antoinette runs this homey pension located towards the end of the island. Full board is 7,000 CFP per person.

This pension is located on the mountainside with splendid views of the bay. Excursions such as horse riding, a visit to the archaeological sites and a tour around the island by speedboat can be arranged. They will also rent out a car with driver. Guests can be initiated into wood carving free of charge.

Mrs. Norma Ropati's pension has six rooms available. Her private home is in the village of Omoa, close by the dock. She also runs a small restaurant from the same address offering the chance to taste a kaikai enana, a traditional Marquesas meal that includes poe (pudding-like), fri (plantains), goat meat, coconut milk, and fish.

Sam and Yolande Tahuhuterani offer a real family experience for their guests as they can share their days with a Polynesian family. Located right by the beach, Sam will organize lagoon tours and Yolande cooks great food.

Leo and Lolita Ariitu-Morou, who also run the property's sea turtle protection center, are the proprietors at this beautifully located hotel, which also doubles as a small yacht marina with seven moorings. Each of the seven bungalows overlook the water and can accommodate from two to 10 people, and also have two living rooms. The restaurant serves Tahitian and French fare daily and is open to the public. Grab a drink at the bar and listen to the yachties who come ashore here.

On the north coast, two hours by car from Taiohae, Chez Yvonne, as it's also known, stands on a hillside in a well-maintained garden only 164 feet (50 meters) from the sea. There's one family bungalow and four standard bungalows all equipped with private bathroom. Hinako Nui Restaurant is a two-minute walk away and all guests take their meals there. There are rates for half and full board.

Raymond Vaianui runs these five seaside bungalows nicely situated in Anaho Bay. One of the island's very few restaurants—the Hinako Nui at Chez Yvonne —is not far away. Tariffs are quoted in room only, half board and full board, with the full board being 6,500 CFP per person.

This Relais & Châteaux property is built in the traditional Polynesian style and is only 35 minutes from the Raiatea airport by boat. The public areas are built into trees, giving you a very luxurious Swiss Family Robinson feel as well as unobstructed views of the sparkling blue water all around you and Bora Bora in the distance. Beach villas have private swimming pools and overwater bungalows have direct access to the lagoon. The resort's Manea Spa offers waterside massages among other amazing services.

Jean-Claude and Regina Tata have a house in the Taiohae Village with eight rooms, three of which have a balcony. There is a library/reading lounge where guests can relax and watch TV, excursions are available and there's an on-site car rental.

Justin and Julienne Mahiatapu run this pension situated right in the village of Taiohae. Each of the six bungalows has a ceiling fan and a private hot-water bathroom, while three of the four rooms have a shared bath. A fully equipped kitchen is at the client's disposal.

Situated near the southern tip of the island, this lodging has three bungalows offering clean no-frills accommodation. The owners also run a small lunch and take-away service.

Celine Fournier has three rooms in a house located in the valley just below the peak of the volcano. She is happy to offer lessons in drag fishing—a local method that involves throwing a net—or to organize picnics.

Kanahau Pension features wooden bungalows built on stilts that provide guests with magnificent views of Atuona. Each bungalow has its own private bathroom with hot water. Breakfast (extra) is served on the terrace, and a mini-bus is available to take guests to nearby restaurants.

Karen Taiaapu-Fournier has 3 bungalows located on the mountainside. She offers opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, picnics under moonlight and visits to the birds island and paces cave and free loan of snorkeling equipment.

Marie Teakarotu keeps this pension, which is located on the edge of the lagoon a few minutes from the village. The four bungalows each have a double bed, a single bed, a terrace, and a bathroom with hot water. There's also a shared kitchen and a communal dining room.

In the village of Taiohae, this pension has a bungalow and seven rooms. All accommodations have air-conditioning and private bathrooms with hot water. Breakfast is included in the price, and half- and full-board options are also available.

These two bungalows are situated in a beautiful garden set on a hillside with a stunning, panoramic view over the lagoon. A small swimming pool is on the property, along with a camping area.

This pleasant family pension is located on the hillside overlooking the road and is just ten minutes from the Mataura village. The rooms are in a modern building with a private bathroom. Meals can be taken on-site, though you have to order in advance.Breakfast is 1,100 CFP, half board is 4,115 CFP, and full board 6,415 CFP per person.

Georges and Tahu Gramont have eight spacious rooms in their lovely house situated in Atuona village with terraces overlooking the Bay of Traitors and Mount Temetui. The rate includes breakfast, while the restaurant serves French, Marquesan, Tahitian, and Italian cuisine, including pizza.

This motel is situated on the west coast around a mi from the airport and about 2½ from Uturoa. The bungalows stand on a very large, flat area, landscaped and surrounded by coconut palms, and there is an excellent camping area. Just don't let the name fool you as there is no beach, but you can swim in the lagoon from the jetty.

Mr. Gabriel Heitaa runs Temetiu Village, which is located in Atuona. The bungalows are set on a hillside with panoramic views of Traitors Bay, Hanakee Islet, and Mt. Temetiu.

This Polynesian-owned and -operated beach lodge is located right by Vini Beach with panoramic views of Faaroa Bay. All bungalows have a terrace, ceiling fans, and a fully equipped kitchenette.