5 Best Hotels in Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

The biggest resort on the island is about half a mile from the airport, near the village of Paeua. It opened in 1985, but was rebuilt in 1996 when taken over by Pearl Resorts; its last renovation was in 2006 when air-conditioning was installed in five overwater bungalows. All the rooms are decorated with a blend of rattan, timber, and cane materials and white bedspreads and curtains. Free activities include mini-golf, beach volleyball, billiards, bicycles, and Polynesian dance classes (if there's a dozen people to make up a troupe). Shoppers will appreciate the two on-site boutiques.

This is a Robinson Crusoe experience in name and nature. Five "Robinson" bungalows line the lagoon, sleep two people, and have cold-water showers; the Crusoe bungalow—on the ocean side—sleeps four and has hot water. If you love isolation, with a touch of style, this is the place for you. It's 90 minutes by boat from the airport, and about 16 km (10 mi) from Tetamanu village. Minimum stay is two nights and full board and transfers are provided.

This is the place to come if you want to dive. The two locations are right by the pass; Tetamanu Sauvage is on a motu a short distance from the main property. The "village" has six bungalows and the "sauvage" has five. There's a two-night minimum stay and dives start at 5,500 CFP.

This is the only resort on the island, and it's a lovely haven with a good variety of beach and overwater bungalows. Beach bungalows have great indoor-outdoor bathrooms that can be closed off from the bedroom at night. The overwater suites are sumptuous with soaring ceilings, stylish timber furniture, deep oval baths, and air-conditioning. There's a dive center on-site and a good variety of activities.

This property is the most luxurious accommodation on the atoll. It's perfect for scuba divers, the big draw in this island, as dive operator Todaydive-Bathys is located onsite. There are 13 garden bungalows, six beach bungalows and nine premium beach bungalows, The indoor-outdoor restaurant has magnificent lagoon views, while the Kiri Kiri Bar provides an eclectic range of entertainment, from pareo tying to cooking lessons and live music. The coral is just off the beach, perfect for snorkelers.