Nuku Hiva Keikahanui Pearl Lodge

A fantastic spot in paradise. The staff and hotel were incredible, and the activity guides were friendly and kind.

The excursions were fantastic, and big thanks to Dada, Milton and Maryse for making our time unforgettable. The hotel staff were friendly, professional, and clearly well trained. I loved that they give you reusable bottles and let you refill them at the fountain, which helps cut down on plastic. The food was the best I’ve had in French Polynesia, with an impressive level of quality for such a remote place. The Marquesas are a must visit for the incredible landscapes, but it’s the people who make them so special. I’m already looking forward to coming back. Koutau Nui to all!

The view was gorgeous, and it was lovely to return to it after a long, active day. Still, I was disappointed by the service and the price, especially for a honeymoon stay where we wanted somewhere private and nice. It surprised me to see the hotel proudly displaying its Relais & Châteaux sign. At check-in, there was no mention that breakfast wasn’t included in our 300 euro room. They only told us breakfast was from 7 to 9, so I assumed it was included, then found out it cost 30 euros each time. We got bills after drinks and meals, but not for breakfast, which felt tricky and sneaky when they charged us at the end of the stay. My husband had mentioned our honeymoon to staff, but nobody acknowledged it or offered even a kind word. The day before checkout he arranged an airport transfer, and staff said they’d collect our luggage half an hour before departure. Nobody called or came for it that morning, so we rolled it ourselves because we had to leave.

The service was painfully slow, and the meal was a letdown. The fish was dry, overcooked, and had no flavor, and the seasonal vegetables were just as overcooked and bland. I ate about 10 percent and sent it back. After bringing the food, the server didn’t return for at least 20-30 minutes, so I didn’t order anything else. I explained that I disliked the food and still paid full price. We’d booked the restaurant for my wife’s birthday with high hopes because the resort is beautiful. I wouldn’t recommend it and won’t return. The other restaurants in town serve much better food.