Duplex Poerava by Tahiti Homes

The rooms were clean, comfortable, and nice, and the views were beautiful. We didn’t try the spa. Still, no water was provided in the room, and there were no local shops nearby where we could easily get any. In April’s heat, that was disappointing. The elevators were out, so we had to use three flights of stairs, though staff were there to help with luggage. The food was okay but unremarkable, and far too expensive, at $40-$50 for one basic main dish. They’d also run out of fresh coconuts by mid-afternoon, even though trees nearby were full of them. The little kittens and chickens wandering around were very cute and affectionate, absolutely delightful. There’s nothing nearby, and taxis on the island don’t take CreditCard. We were told there wasn’t an ATM nearby, so we felt rather stuck. The black-sand beaches and very warm water were interesting, but I’d personally pick somewhere more enticing and accessible.

I loved falling asleep to the sound of the waves at night, and the hotel has a black-sand beach. The food was great, especially breakfast. They also put on a Marquesian Night show and buffet once a week, which is worth going to if you happen to be there on the right night. This Resort Hotel was absolutely incredible.

The sunsets look like postcards, and the setting is idyllic, with a black-sand beach. Most of the staff were pleasant and nice, but the resort itself left me with mixed feelings. It’s dated and laid out poorly. Getting from the pool to your room means cutting through the restaurant, which they try to block off, or going up to reception and back down, then up again by stairs or elevator if it’s working. Check-in was my biggest complaint. We got almost no information besides where to find our room. We stayed four nights and didn’t learn there was a gym until day three. When we asked how the included breakfast worked, we got a blank stare and were told to go to the restaurant, where they’d know. We had one unpleasant meal; when I said it wasn’t good, they smiled and walked away. For a beach towel, you have to go upstairs to reception instead of the run-down activity booth by the pool. There were weeds in the bushes, and grass and debris in the hot tub, or “bubbler” as I called it. That area is very run down. The front desk needs someone more professional.

There aren’t many options nearby because it’s so secluded, but the free shuttle downtown was handy. The rooms were a bit worn, with stained carpet, and the outside buildings needed some care. The restaurant, though, is well done and serves good food, with amazing entertainment. There’s a nice pool right on the beach, which has black sand on that side of the island.