Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts

We (four adults and two kids) recently took a trip to Tikehau from Los Angeles, which we booked through Costco. It was our third visit to Tikehau and our ninth trip to Tahiti. We have made great memories in Tahiti over the years. Our original travel plan was from December 27, 2024, to January 4, 2025. However, when we were departing from Tikehau airport, our local transfer flight to Papeete was canceled due to a mechanical issue, leaving us stranded at the Tikehau airport without assistance. We tried to contact Costco Travel, but the agent was unhelpful and refused to assist us. We had to reach out to Air Tahiti and Air Tahiti Nui for three days until a wonderful lady from Air Tahiti Nui helped us book new flights. Unfortunately, we had to cancel some patients in our clinics due to this chaos. Typically, this situation might lead any tourist to vow never to return to a destination. However, during this ordeal, the new manager at the Tikehau Pearl Resort, Stefon, along with the assistant manager, Raipuni Hiriga, went above and beyond to help us. They assisted us in communicating with Air Tahiti and provided support throughout the situation. Their dedication and service exceeded anything we have experienced at other luxury hotels. We genuinely appreciate their help and hope the management at the Pearl Resort acknowledges their efforts. The resort itself is stunning and otherworldly—just like the staff. Another person we must thank is a lovely and down-to-earth French lady we met during our stay. She went out of her way to help us communicate with the airline and hotel in French when our flight was canceled, even while she was stranded at the airport and needed to change her own flight. Later, we discovered that she is Antonia Desplat, a talented and famous actress. Living in Beverly Hills and with my wife being the Vice Chair of Plastic Surgery at UCLA, we have encountered many self-proclaimed actors and actresses. Antonia, however, is genuinely a real person, and we will be following her work in the future. Eric, Chia, Richard and Sandy

This may be my new favorite hotel in the world. The fish and corals around the bungalows were amazing and surpassed by far any overwater room in Bora Bora. Even without getting in the water, it was easy to spot a huge variety of fish. The recent renovations were beautiful. We loved the style and finishes in our room, but the restaurant, bar, pool, and common areas were beautiful as well. Finally, the staff was the nicest and most caring of any hotel we have visited. This is a very small hotel, but that’s what I prefer. Renovations to parts of the resort remain ongoing, but you wouldn’t even notice unless you choose to walk five minutes to those areas. Water currents are strong here so swimming around the rooms will be challenging for some people during certain times. We are going to try to return for a longer stay one day.

As a retiree who has spent the last 30 years rarely traveling without working, finally having the time to explore the world at leisure has been a joy. After traveling extensively in most warm water locations around the world, I rarely write reviews. However, this will be my first review as I embark on retirement and start sharing my travel experiences. Five years ago, I experienced an unforgettable stay at Le Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort, and a recent Google photo reminder of that trip inspired me to book another stay. Unfortunately, I discovered that the resort is currently closed for renovations. Reflecting on my wonderful stay, I feel compelled to write the review I regretfully never wrote, to share the magic of this place and promote the exceptional service I received. From the moment I arrived, the journey to the resort felt like stepping back in time, reminiscent of embarking on a grand voyage in the 1800s. The airport transfer was a delightful throwback to a bygone era, which I thoroughly enjoyed, soaking in every moment of the unique experience. The overwater bungalows at Le Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort are a highlight. While the internet connection was slow, it didn't detract from the overall charm. The bungalows themselves are stunning and offer a unique stay over the tranquil waters. What truly sets Le Tikehau apart from other luxury resorts, like The Brando and the Four Seasons, is the exceptional service provided by the manager, Raupuni, and the entire staff. Sure the perks are at the top at the 5 star resorts but the remoteness, personalized attention and genuine hospitality made my stay unforgettable. Raupuni's dedication to ensuring every guest's comfort and satisfaction is unparalleled, elevating the resort experience beyond what I have encountered at other high-end establishments. While some guests may complain about the cost of fees,amenities and food, it is important to consider the logistics of providing U.S. luxuries in such a remote location. The resort successfully preserves an authentic Robinson Crusoe-like atmosphere, offering a desert island dream come true. During my stay at Le Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort, I opted for an overwater bungalow, having previously stayed in an overwater suite. The resort's beauty and isolation provide a perfect retreat, with the friendly and helpful staff enhancing the experience. This time, the internet connection was functional, though I hardly used it, preferring to immerse myself in the natural surroundings. The overwater bungalows are situated in shallow water, which has its pros with the ability to stand up and walk and sit in a lounge chair ouside your suite Some rocks and coral to the surface can be challenging, especially in strong currents so bring water shoes. Not far away is deeper, calmer waters where you can swim in a clear aquarium, surrounded by the wonders of the sea. The service at the resort was mostly wonderful, particularly at the reception and activities desk, where staff members have improved their English over the years. The spa staff, though not fluent in English, excel in their massage skills, making for a relaxing experience. The restaurant may fall short of your expectations. The food variety was limited. While some dishes, like the Jackfish and Pan Bagnat, were excellent, others, such as the Poisson Cru, were less impressive on some nights. Despite these very minor setbacks, the overall dining experience was enjoyable. Nature plays a significant role in the resort's appeal, offering stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters. One memorable excursion involved snorkeling with Manta Rays as they were being cleaned by the fish which was a highlight for my wife, who initially feared deep water. The resort's equipment, including kayaks, was in excellent condition, enhancing our activities. This attention to detail carefully assisting my wife contrasts with other luxury resorts like the Four Seasons in Bora Bora and the Sheraton in Moorea, which also lack the solitude and peaceful environment found at Le Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort. The atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago are unique and unlike anything found in the Society Islands. Their remote and pristine nature offers a different experience, characterized by peace and tranquility, away from the more commercialized areas of French Polynesia. The price for this tranquility, with fewer people around, means sacrificing some resort perks, food choices, and amenities. You trade the luxuries of typical resorts for a deeper connection with nature, where every moment feels raw and unfiltered. Here, you step into a different world, where time slows down, and the natural beauty reigns supreme, untainted by modern excess. In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Le Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort as a supplement to high-end options like The Brando, Four Seasons Bora Bora.. The resort's tranquility, attentive staff, and overall quality of experience make it a top choice for a relaxing and memorable getaway.

Absolutely amazing place! So peaceful, everything you would expect in a tropical paradise. Staff amazing, great food, beautiful weather! Once in a lifetime experience unfortunately because that is all we could afford - to go once.

This is easily the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The clarity of the water, the healthy reefs and abundance of fish is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The beach was so beautiful with pink sand and turquoise water, truly unbelievable! This was an amazing place to unwind and just enjoy nature. In the 4 days I was here I never felt bored, just at awe with everything surrounding me. Tikehau is the most beautiful place in the world in my opinion! The only reason I deducted one star is because I really couldn’t sleep. The beach bungalow is very spacious and comfortable in the day, however at night the AC would turn off on its own so I would wake up sweating. I did ask the hotel for a fan but unfortunately they didn’t have any left. Also, there are tons of huge lizards that crawl around the room, which is to be expected when everything is open air. However, as someone with an irrational fear of lizards I just couldn’t get past it and sleep peacefully! Other than that, I can’t fault the food, the staff, the service, or anything else for that matter!