Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts

Our stay at LeTikehau was great. It's a smaller resort that is secluded and feels very private. The highlight of our stay was doing the private Motu and lunch. It was great having a more local experience that was both relaxing and entertaining. Chef Mania and Captain Tuhea were great and provided a delicious and laid back lunch with local cuisine on the private Motu. On the Motu we saw manta rays and sharks as well as tropical fish. It was great to be able to take our time and slow down and enjoy every part of if without feeling rushed.

As I start to write this, I have the distinct feeling that I will run out of superlatives. Apologies in advance, I may get repetitive but Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts requires a thesaurus of positive adjectives. I’ve had the luck to travel quite extensively and stay at some of the world’s premier hotels and resorts. Nothing compares to Le Tikehau. This small resort, on one of French Polynesia’s small atolls (population 400), is simply amazing. First the location - a one-hour flight from Papeete brings you to the incredibly beautiful atoll of Tikehau. At one of the world’s smallest air terminals, you’re met with a lei by a most friendly and helpful team who will whisk you and your luggage to the resort’s own water taxi. On the short trip we were serenaded in Tahitian with a welcome song. Vaiarii played the ukulele and led the singing with an impressive voice. After checking in, Amelie gave us a tour and showed us tour rooms. Our interactions with her throughout our stay were always warm, cheerful and very helpful. This is also true of everyone at Le Tikehau. The level of hospitality was unsurpassable. They are some of the most welcoming people we’ve ever met. Le Tikehau’s motu location is beautiful. Our overwater bungalow was surrounded by easily accessible coral and the sea life that accompanies it. Amazing clear waters, and more species of fish than you can count from tiny damsel fish to black tipped reef shark the bungalows are surrounded by a snorkeling paradise. The food- the breakfast buffet is as fantastic as it is simple. The house made smoked fish was a highlight, but the house made croissant is to die for. Better than Paris, and that’s not an exaggeration. The onsite baking is simply masterful, as is the cuisine in general. French technique meets local Polynesian ingredients, and the results are Michelin worthy. The fresh fish - tuna, mahi mahi, parrot fish, surgeonfish broiled, grilled, fried, roasted, sashimi, smoked, ceviche, tartare etc. - Masterful! Activities- besides the outstanding snorkeling just below our room, there are easily accessible nearby motus by kayak or by wading. Learn how to tie a pareo or local craft techniques. The organized activities range from snorkeling expeditions led by Denis Grossmarie, fishing, motu picnics, and an expedition to Motu Puarua, the Bird Island. Even if you’re not a “birder” the isle L’ile aux oiseaux is not to be missed. We snorkeled with the manta rays and sharks. Denis, a world class free diver was a fantastic guide and gave us a memorable day. All of the facilities are first rate, but what brings it all home are the people. The team at Le Tikehau from Stephan, the GM to the boat captains, cleaning and gardening staff to the restaurant team (front and back of house), to Katherine in the gift shop and behind the front desk was Raipuni and a team of some of the most hospitable people I’ve ever met. They gave you the feeling that anything you needed - anything at all - they would find a way to make it happen. Thank you for the best vacation ever!

We just returned from 8 glorious nights at this amazing resort! We were traveling with friends and we were the first to stay in the newly renovated Overwater Suites! We were blown away by the details that were undertaken in the design of the resort. The grounds are amazing and heavenly. Even though they are still renovating different areas of the resort ( even where we were staying) , we absolutely were not disturbed by any noise at all! The staff from Melanie, Olympe, Raipuni were so accommodating and wonderful that I cried when I left the resort ( the singing started my crying)! The General Manager Ste’phane Pons was outstanding and extremely caring! He really wants everyone to enjoy their time there! We are already planning our next trip back to paradise!

I am hesitant to write a review only because the more people that find out how amazing this resort is, the busier they will get. :) We recently stayed at Le Tikehau for an amazing 7 nights and it was by far my favorite trip to French Polynesia. Not only did the resort have everything that is important to us but the staff here are the most friendly, welcoming, helpful people we have encountered. Every single person we met working at this resort was an absolute pleasure to interact with every single time. The general manager even took time out of his day to show us some of the areas on the property that are still being worked on because we had inquired about them. For those wanting to really treat themselves, keep an eye out for the Royal Villa, it is going to be spectacular!! We tend to be pretty low key and love the peace and quiet and being able to watch the marine life from our bungalow and could not have asked for anything more. There were so many fish and sharks everywhere and we didn't have to leave the comfort of the bungalow to see them which was so incredible. The property itself and the amazing views are like something out of a dream and I can't imagine anywhere on earth that would be better. The bungalows have all been recently remodeled so look and feel very new and modern while still having an authentic feel. Le Tikehau is by far my new favorite place and I can't until I have the opportunity to return.

Magnifiquement rénové, une équipe très impliquée autour de Stephane et qui est l’écoute de la clientèle, sans oublier un jeune chef et son staff qui organise et active des menus superbes. Sans oublier le SPA ! Māuruuru à tous et bravo de relancer ce très beau Motu A l’année prochaine jerome et Christine Beautifully renovated, a very dedicated team led by Stephane who listens to their customers, not to mention a young chef and his staff who organize and implement superb menus. And don't forget the spa! Māuruuru to all, and congratulations on relaunching this beautiful Motu. See you next year, Jerome and Christine.