Fare Matira

Bata Bata, the resident cat, is such a lovely bonus. The little place is wonderful, they can help arrange tours, and the beach there is perfect.

We loved the private beach, the sound of the waves, and the locals singing old Polynesian songs one evening. They were playing guitar, maybe for Mother's Day, and it was just lovely. Our eight days at Village Temanuata were a terrific experience, and the Tahitian people were welcoming and hospitable. For a taste of local culture and a quiet stay without the luxury price tag, this is a great choice. If you want pampering or a high end resort, look elsewhere. We paid $150 a night for a beachfront bungalow just after the Covid lockdowns, when the place was almost empty. It was small but had what we needed, including a large terrace and a little side kitchen with a fridge and microwave. The beach is small, but it was plenty for us. Beach chairs and snorkel gear were included, and Christophe arranged bike and kayak rentals at a decent price. He also set up our lagoon trip, where we swam with rays and sharks, had lunch on a remote motu, and listened to the guide play his ukulele. We were picked up right at the private beach. It was an amazing day. Although some people find Christophe unwelcoming, I found him straightforward and good at his job. We arrived late, but our ride was waiting. Christine helped us get oriented and pointed out what was nearby. There's a grocery store across the road, though the liquor hours seemed limited. A souvenir shop with fair prices is there too. For dinner, we preferred Bora Bora Beach Club a little farther down the road toward Matira Beach. The food and atmosphere were terrific. I wouldn't recommend Lucky House next door. We found the food mediocre and the owner arrogant and unpleasant toward tourists. A few beach realities are worth knowing: sand gets into the room and sometimes the bed, so brush it off and enjoy island life. There isn't AC, but the ceiling fan and breeze kept things comfortable enough for us, and you can always swim. Geckos may turn up in the room, but they're harmless and stay out of the way. I thought it was cute to wake up and see a little pair of eyes looking down at me. One unpleasant thing did happen: my husband's new Quicksilver board shorts disappeared from the patio overnight. There may be local kids taking things along the beachfront, so don't leave expensive shorts out to dry. Use the same common sense you'd use in any foreign country. Luckily, he had another pair.

The bungalow was cozy, with a comfortable bed, an adjoining bathroom and shower, and a veranda. I loved the location: there's a small, intimate private beach with beautiful views, and public Matira Beach is about five minutes down the road. A souvenir shop with great prices and a grocery store are across the street. There are also several places to eat within a short walk, including a great restaurant next door. Such a gem!

We had a great five night stay, especially because the location is hard to beat. The beach is just a couple of steps from the bungalow, with snorkeling we really enjoyed. Good restaurants, markets, public beaches, and resorts are nearby if you fancy a cocktail or meal. The front desk staff were helpful, and having plenty of space made the stay comfortable. We rented the bikes and had a lot of fun riding around the island. It gets quite hot inside during the day, though the nights weren't too bad. They provide several fans, and really, you shouldn't be spending your days indoors in Bora Bora. AC and a small interior refresh would have made this five stars for me. Still, the staff were friendly and helpful, and being right on the beach is hard to beat.