Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts

The Le Tikehai By Pearl Resorts is an incredible experience! It is fascinating to stay on an atoll, and this one has tall coconut palms with pink sand. We loved being able to observe the birds flying by, snorkel right there in coral gardens with dozens of species of colorful...

The Le Tikehai By Pearl Resorts is an incredible experience! It is fascinating to stay on an atoll, and this one has tall coconut palms with pink sand. We loved being able to observe the birds flying by, snorkel right there in coral gardens with dozens of species of colorful fish, and even to watch the fishes, including sharks (harmless), from the beach and wooden walkways. The staff are warm, kind, generous, and helpful, starting with Stefan, who clearly loves his job supervising everything; all the waitstaff including delightful and welcoming Melanie; desk staff including Raupuni, who educated us about Tikehau and even repaired my husband’s delaminated Tevas; all the gardeners; and the boat captain who drove us and guided us at Motu Puarua (Bird Island). As a serious birder, I absolutely loved the nesting Noddies, Red-footed Boobies, and White Terns on Bird Island! Since the snorkeling tour was full, staff arranged for us to go on a private tour with Denis, which was fantastic. Our bungalow was on the beach, so we could sit in lounge chairs on our deck and enjoy the stunning view of the lagoon, or swim right there. Food was delicious: Breakfast included special touches like “detox” juice and coconuts with a straw to drink coconut water; Dinner often included a daily special, and desserts were excellent. I actually got tears in my eyes when the boat drove us away to go to the airport. That had never happened before.

My wife and stayed here a few years ago before the renovation and loved it. We came back again after the renovation and guess what? Even better than before and everything was so nice and perfect. We have traveled to French Polynesia many times and visited many islands and my...

My wife and stayed here a few years ago before the renovation and loved it. We came back again after the renovation and guess what? Even better than before and everything was so nice and perfect. We have traveled to French Polynesia many times and visited many islands and my wife finally gave the final verdict of Le Tikehau and this atoll as her favorite. The staff is welcoming and warm. Raipuni Hiriga is our favorite staff member. This place does not disappoint. We have stayed in many an overwater bungalow and prefer the beach bungalows. Pool is a nice bonus if you want to get out of the salt water. Favorite activities: Diving and taking off in the kayak to hang on many of the nearby private motus (like having your own private mini getaway)...to be so remote and then get even more remote is a true feeling of disconnecting from work and all the ills of a chaotic world. Food - Poisson Cru!!!!!!!

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....

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.

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 was the most perfect place, the most perfect vacation--the best snorkeling with, clearest and warmest water, nicest people, lovely accommodations--and so what is Pearl Resorts doing? "Renovating" --doubling the size of a small place that fits its surroundings perfectly, increasing the price on one of the only affordable overwater...

This was the most perfect place, the most perfect vacation--the best snorkeling with, clearest and warmest water, nicest people, lovely accommodations--and so what is Pearl Resorts doing? "Renovating" --doubling the size of a small place that fits its surroundings perfectly, increasing the price on one of the only affordable overwater bungalows in French Polynesia, adding an extra restaurant--why? We stayed in both a Premium Overwater Suite and a Beach Bungalow. Each was wonderful. The Overwater Suite allows water entry to fabulous snorkeling. Going to that spot from the beach is more difficult because of the rocks--you can wear water shoes, but what do you do with them when you put on your flippers? Overwater Suite is also more exposed to the wind. But it's much more private. The Beach Bungalow, while half the size of the Overwater Suite, is still plenty spacious. It only has a shower (OP has a huge soaking tub) but you can walk into the water for excellent snorkeling. Go now while you can to this perfect place before relentless capitalism kills it --the hotel closes for 2-3 years on October 3, 2023.

This is our second visit at the Pearl, this time staying in an overwater bungalow (last time was an overwater suite. The resort is beautiful and isolated and the staff is always friendly and usually helpful. This time the internet worked (not sure if that is a plus). The overwater...

This is our second visit at the Pearl, this time staying in an overwater bungalow (last time was an overwater suite. The resort is beautiful and isolated and the staff is always friendly and usually helpful. This time the internet worked (not sure if that is a plus). The overwater bungalows are in very shallow water in a pass. This is both a positive and a negative, the plus is that if you are a marginal swimmer you can always stand up and walk. The minus is that the rocks and coral are so close to the surface that it’s hard to avoid them, especially when the current is heavy. I preferred the deeper, calmer water by the overwater suites. If this is your first time in French Polynesia, you will be amazed by the quantity and variety of fish, sharks and rays (note, we had to go on an excursion to see the rays). If this isn’t the first time you may be disappointed by the decrease in the number and variety of fish. It’s not the same atoll that Jacques Cousteau once visited. I’d love to say the service was wonderful and mostly it was. The staff in reception and activities was always pleasant and helpful and has definitely improved their English over the years. The staff in the spa may not speak much English, but they make it up with their massage skills. The restaurant was really the only thing that was lacking. The variety of food was minimal and in general the quality of the food and service was mixed. We had some very good dishes (Jackfish, Pan Bagnat, Gaspache Tomate) and some not so good (the Poisson Cru was far too sour and had too much onion), but mainly we’re just adequate. The service was mixed. We were always greeted nicely. The lady who handed out bread rolls was very attentive and I could have collected enough to build my own bungalow). One night, we wait about an hour between our starter and our main and the waitress apologised profusely. The next night I had to ask twice over a period of 20 minutes for a dessert menu and when I finally got it, they never came by to take my order. Note, we really enjoyed the restaurant, but compared to the rest of the resort it was lacking. Also note the best parts of the resort are provided by nature and she is fickle. Dennis took us out see the Manta Rays, Coral Garden and outside the reef and the conditions were great. We spent 10 minutes snapping close ups of a Manta including my wife who was afraid of the deep water. Dennis pulled her around by a PFD and it was the highlight of the trip for her. The next day, same locations and tour operators and the water was rough and murky for the Manta Rays, and too rough for the coral gardens. Back at the bungalows they warned us not to snorkel in the pass because of potential for large waves. One other note, all the equipment was in great condition. We took the kayaks out multiple times and everything was perfect. This is in contrast to the St Regis in Bora Bora where 9 years ago our paddle boat literally fell apart and I had to push it to shore by hand. I would hands down recommend the Pearl in Tikehau over the St Regis in Bora Bora because of the quiet, the attentive staff and the overall quality of experience.

This island is magical! From the moment we arrived until the last minute we left, we felt spoiled beyond belief. Raupuni, the Assistant Manager was absolutely awesome. He is the most even keel person we have ever met. Our every wish was met, even on his day off! We stayed...

This island is magical! From the moment we arrived until the last minute we left, we felt spoiled beyond belief. Raupuni, the Assistant Manager was absolutely awesome. He is the most even keel person we have ever met. Our every wish was met, even on his day off! We stayed in an over water suite and it was pure heaven. With a separate bath area separated by a bamboo wall, and a back deck, complete with a ladder going down into the crystal clear aqua water we have everything we could possible want. We stayed in bungalow #43. The bed was comfortable and the place was just quaint and island-like. It was our 43rd anniversary, and we opted for the dinner under the stars package. They came and set our deck table to perfection with candles and the best food imaginable. The lobster was plentiful (five lobster halves) and beef filet along with appetizer, veggies and dessert. The other thing we really enjoyed was having our breakfast brought to us via canoe on the deck! But most of all, we enjoyed the people who work here. They always have a smile, from housekeeping to maintenance to servers to management. There is no problem they couldn't solve. We will always remember our stay at Le Tikehau and are sad to know they are doing a three year renovation beginning 10/1/2023. All of the people who are employed at Le Tikehau seem to be related, and my heart goes out for them once they are not employed. If you get the chance to visit before 10/1/2023 please make it a priority. This is a slice of paradise you don't want to miss - and by the way, we already miss Raupuni a lot!!!

We stayed in an oceanview overwater bungalow at the end of the pier closest to the reception area, with a gorgeous view. GENERAL: didn't see anyone anytime at the activities centre, just a sign posted at reception about available excursions. Lots of families with kids (noise alert), some solo travellers,...

We stayed in an oceanview overwater bungalow at the end of the pier closest to the reception area, with a gorgeous view. GENERAL: didn't see anyone anytime at the activities centre, just a sign posted at reception about available excursions. Lots of families with kids (noise alert), some solo travellers, and SO. MANY. SMOKERS. WiFi only available in common areas, though our room was close enough that we were able to connect there as well. THE ROOM: the rustic and worn outside with its glassless windows (covered by swing-out wooden pane) did not inspire confidence, reminding us of the Motu Aito Paradise we stayed at in Fakarava the last time we were in the country. However, the inside was lovely...and HUGE: open and airy, comfy bed, sunbeds on the balcony, window in the floor as per the norm. We only figured out later that there are pocket doors that could be pulled out to separate the bathroom from the rest of the room. We were ok about there not being a/c when we booked, anticipating that the ocean breezes would be sufficient for cooling...but there was a couple of nights where there was NO wind and we were up all night due to the heat and humidity. The ceiling fan barely helped. The mosquitos also came out at night, requiring us to DEET up...we forgot about the plug-in bug deterrent provided by the hotel in the drawer. THE FOOD: Breakfast buffet of baked goods, fruit, yogurt, charcuterie, etc. French Polynesian dinners were fine. We were on half-board but spent mornings diving so the restaurant staff allowed us to pack a plate and pick it up from the kitchen when we got back. Friendly and professional service, though a bit slow - not a problem as there's little else to do at night, and we brought our water bottles for convenience. Restaurant hours are short - plan accordingly. THE GIFT SHOP: air conditioned, more expensive than what you'd pick up in regular stores but you pay for the convenience. The usual array of souvenirs and toiletries on offer, friendly no-pressure service. WHAT WE LOVED: the hotel provided souvenir water bottles and a jute shopping bag for them. Bottle refill stations everywhere (regular and cold). LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: the water is clear all the way to the bottom like an aquarium - you can watch fish (including many sharks) clearly from the piers. The beach is lovely, but not many beach chairs. This place is a dream: while far away, it's probably my favorite FP OWB location compared to Moorea, Rangiroa, and Bora Bora. Hope it doesn't lose its charm and authenticity with the upcoming renos - not a good backdrop for generic corporatized bland design. Maururu roa à l'équipe!

My wife and I recently spent three very pleasant nights at Le Tikehau to start our French Polynesia vacation. We stayed in the beach villa with plunge pool and appreciated the AC, though there was usually a breeze so we likely could have done without. The room was a very...

My wife and I recently spent three very pleasant nights at Le Tikehau to start our French Polynesia vacation. We stayed in the beach villa with plunge pool and appreciated the AC, though there was usually a breeze so we likely could have done without. The room was a very nice three room suite and was steps away from the beach. Gorgeous sunrise views. Very friendly and helpful staff - I asked one of the waitresses about local honey as I'm a hobbyist beekeeper and the next day she gave me a small bottle of local honey (and refused to accept payment for it!). Good food (esp. the poisson cru), though limited menu. Very nice complementary breakfast each morning. We did the snorkeling trip to see the manta rays and enjoyed the trip with Captain Dennis, a 20+ year resident of Tikehau. I took a couple of walks out to the reef behind the resort - very cool to see the waves crashing on the reef and sharks in the water nearby. The resort is a bit weathered but that's consistent with Tikehau and the friendly staff and gorgeous surroundings more than made up for that. Would absolutely recommend.

A beautiful and well appointed small resort with everything you could want in a get away with gorgeous surroundings, excellent service, and super friendly staff attending to your every need or want. Arriving from the airport you are whisked across the lagoon by boat while being welcomed with flowers, song...

A beautiful and well appointed small resort with everything you could want in a get away with gorgeous surroundings, excellent service, and super friendly staff attending to your every need or want. Arriving from the airport you are whisked across the lagoon by boat while being welcomed with flowers, song and ukelele by Raipuni Hiriga and his nephew that immediately opens your heart to upcoming experience. Raipuni, it seems to me, is the kind face and heart of the resort, always making sure you are well attended to, have everything you want, and giving you the low down on the resort, the island, and the people with wonderful stories and translations. He is an angel. We were blown away with how friendly everyone was. And even tho we did not speak Tahitian or French, their really wasn't any language barrier. As a vegetarian and non fish eater, the chef was not only accommodating but impressed me every night with a different specially made dish, on the fly, that was beautifully and tastefully presented, as was the rest of the world class menu by an amazing chef. The chef's wife was the pastry chef so the variety of homemade breads, croissants, and cakes every morning was astonishing, made fresh every day. We also connected with Olympia, who waited our table every afternoon and evening with her bubbly personality and open heart.... The experience of Swimming and snorkeling was as if you were in an aquarium with hundreds of so many varieties of fish close to shore and under the overwater bungalows. One of the best things about the experience was there were hardly any people there at all and it felt like we had our own private resort and staff who can't do enough for you!. We were looking for the kind of experience away from crowds, but never expected this. With all the You Tube travel videos that have drawn more people to great places, I'm afraid this won't last very long..... Upon leaving, another lei placed around your neck and farewell song by the staff before taking the boat back across the lagoon to the heart felt melodies of more beautiful vocals and ukelele playing by Raipuni and his nephew. We have never been treated so well and made such wonderful connections to place. We are so grateful to have had this beautiful opportuity!