Tahiti will host the surfing events for the 2024 Olympic Games from July 27 to 30. Want to attend the competition? Here is our selection of accommodation on the island.
At the end of May, surfer Vahine Fierro became the first French woman in history to win the Tahiti Pro on the formidable Teahupo’o wave, two months before the Olympic Games which will take place on this spot (from July 27 to 30) and where she will be one of the favorites. The site is admired and feared around the world for its imposing, translucent tubes that crash violently onto a shallow reef.
Located in the southern Pacific Ocean, Teahupo’o is a village on the southwest coast of Tahiti. The largest island in French Polynesia deserves a few days to spend. Its wild and steep profile offers great hiking opportunities. In July, don’t miss out on attending Heiva in Papeete, a major festival that celebrates Polynesian culture through dance competitions, singing competitions, canoe races and traditional sports. And after the Paris 2024 surfing events, the site will also host the WSL circuit round of the Outerknown Tahiti Pro, from August 11 to 21. Our good places to sleep for a few nights.
Te Moana Tahiti Resort, a hotel in tune with the times
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A good standard establishment, designed in a neo-Oceanian spirit, about ten minutes from Papeete, the main city of Tahiti. The location, on the edge of the lagoon, facing the island of Moorea, is superb. The rooms, suites and apartments, spread over four levels, occupy several buildings immersed in tropical vegetation. They make a good impression, with their sober, modern and soothing decor, in pastel tones. The magnificent infinity pool makes up for the lack of a real beach. In the early evening, we enjoy a cocktail on the wooden pontoon which juts out onto the lagoon, enjoying the sunset over Moorea.
Most : the presence of a nautical center offering a full range of activities, including scuba diving, paddle and kayak rental and, in season, whale watching.
The lessers : not all rooms have a sea view.
The costs : from €220 for a double room.
Te Moana Tahiti Resort, Puna’auia, Tahiti. Such. : +689 40 47 31 00.
Hilton Hotel Tahiti, a sure value
The Hilton brand ensures the reputation of this 200-key hotel located at the gates of Papeete, by the sea. The rooms and suites, spacious and bright, are distinguished by their refined decor, which is based on the use of natural materials ( wood, rattan) and light tones. A little more than half of them overlook the ocean, the others have a garden view. The common areas, such as the large lobby and the swimming pool (the largest on the island) are remarkably designed. The Moarii Wellness Center is an added bonus. Various treatments are offered, including taurumi (ancestral Polynesian massage) and a hot shell massage.
Most : orientation facing the lagoon and the island of Moorea. The location, very convenient, a stone’s throw from the airport (ideal for early morning flights or late arrivals) and a few minutes from the center of Papeete.
The lessers : the immediate proximity of the airport runways, with the noise of planes passing in front of the hotel. The absence of a beach and access to the lagoon.
The costs : from €450 for a double room.
Hilton Hotel Tahiti, Auae, Faa’a, Papeete, Tahiti. Such. : +689 40 86 48 48.
Tahiti by Pearl Resorts, a pleasant surprise
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The only hotel complex located on the east coast of the island, Le Tahiti rises in the majestic bay of Matavai, facing a black sand beach of volcanic origin, framed by cliffs. A beautiful, tranquil and preserved setting, which you can enjoy from one of the 120 rooms and suites (all with sea views, a nice plus), which occupy several buildings spread out in a vast tropical garden. They are comfortable and well equipped, but lack a little personality. The welcome, smiling and relaxed, is typically Polynesian. The spa offers treatments inspired by Polynesian tradition (monoï massage, black sand scrub).
Most : free morning and evening shuttles to the center of Papeete. Musical entertainment some evenings.
The lessers : the architecture a bit massive. The hotel restaurant, very average. Aquatic gym classes, which sometimes monopolize the swimming pool. The service, sometimes nonchalant.
The costs : from €435 for a double room.
Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts, Plage Lafayette, PK7, Arue, Tahiti. Such. : +689 40 86 48 48.
Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, an institution
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It is an unsinkable vessel on which the years seem to have no influence. Located in the airport area, the Intercontinental remains a reference in Tahiti. As soon as you enter the large hall, you discover a panoramic view of a huge tropical park where two swimming pools are located (one with a sand bottom). In the background, the sparkling lagoon and the jagged profile of the island of Moorea close the horizon. Despite its size (230 rooms, most with sea views), this establishment retains a human dimension and a very Polynesian character. The Intercontinental also has overwater bungalows and “motu” bungalows (around an islet).
Most : the quality of the traditional dance buffet shows, several evenings a week. The diversity of accommodation (seven categories), from classic rooms to bungalows on stilts. Two restaurants and three bars, and a diving center on site.
The lessers : a somewhat high ambient noise level. The service a little slow. Breakfast, very ordinary.
The costs : from €350 for a double room.
Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, PK8, Faa’a, Tahiti. Such. : +689 40 86 51 10.
Vanira Lodge, the Polynesian dream
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The closest quality accommodation to the Teahupo’o spot, just 2 km from the village marina. On a natural promontory of 2 hectares perched at an altitude of 70 m, ten bungalows, spacious and comfortable (including three with private jacuzzi), are arranged around two small swimming pools, in the middle of lush vegetation. We appreciate the eco-design: everything is made of traditional materials (green roof, stone walls, bamboo, rustic wood), with colorful touches. The Litchi bungalow, duplex, with large bay windows, is the brightest. The owners lend bikes and snorkeling equipment. Catering service on site.
Most : the location, quiet, with an exceptional unobstructed view of the coastline and the lagoon.
The lessers : no relaxation possible nearby, there is no beach. To enjoy the joys of swimming, you must book a water excursion with a service provider. A vehicle is also essential for getting around.
The costs : from €179 for 2 people (without breakfast, from €21).
Vanira Lodge, PK15.7, Teahupo’o, Tahiti Iti. Such. : +689 40 57 70 18.
Read alsoFrench Polynesia, between dream islands and lagoons, the Figaro travel guide
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