Fare Arana Pension

The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful view made our four nights in July really enjoyable. Erick and Carole were kind, attentive hosts. We especially liked cooking in the shared kitchen overlooking the ocean and getting to meet other travelers. My wife and I would definitely return.

Our room was clean and had a great view of the bay below. The bathroom wasn’t ensuite, but it was our own, and the pool was very clean with lovely water quality. Fare Arana is a friendly, family-run pension. Erik and Carole take great care of guests, giving you room to enjoy the peace while staying available to help. They also rent bikes and scooters and have plenty of suggestions for places to go and things to do.

Eric was hilarious and kept making us laugh with jokes in English. Even with the language barrier, he worked hard to make sure we were comfortable and understood everything. He also booked our whale excursion, and when we didn’t have enough cash, he loaned us 20000f without hesitation. He knew we’d pay him back, of course, but it still blew me away. He really bends over backwards for guests. A couple of things could be better. If you sleep on your side, the mattress may feel too firm. We suggested a topper to Eric. Also, the Wi-Fi only works in public areas, as advertised. We used it to work in the afternoons, but the shared spaces were humid and uncomfortable in the heat of the day. It would’ve been nice to have the option of working inside our room. We liked the common areas, just not when it was so hot. The pool was wonderful, the view was lovely, and the hosts were very, very, very, VERY accommodating. It’s a great spot, but you’ll want a car or scooter to get around this part of the island. Eric can help, and his rental options are reasonable. They’ll also do your laundry if you request it and pay, which was a big help on our long stay before island-hopping to bora bora. We can’t thank you enough. Maruru!!!

The location is isolated, about 25 miles from town and on the opposite end of the island, with no transport unless you rent a car, which averages $90 a day. A taxi to town costs $30 each way. There are no stores, restaurants, or beach nearby, and being at the front of the bay means mosquitoes. If you want a few days of isolation, it may work. For fun, convenience, beach access, and recreation, it doesn’t seem suitable. The owners weren’t helpful and came across as rude. The man was busy running expensive tours, while his wife cooked expensive meals that required you to choose a menu several hours ahead. There’s no front desk staff and no attention if something goes wrong. The bungalow bathroom is downstairs, which is difficult at night with the steep staircase.