Pension Motu Iti

The ocean view alone made the trip worthwhile. We could sit on the patio for ages, watching fish swim below. The spot feels peaceful and breezy, just right for a tropical getaway, and I’d happily stay again. It’s more like a family property turned into a few cozy lodges than a place with four- or five-star service or fancy dining. One thing to watch for when snorkeling: the coral is sharp and the water gets shallow, so mind your step and your shins.

The hosts were so accommodating that they even made us food outside the usual kitchen hours. They also surprised us with a delicious homemade coconut treat. We had a wonderful stay at this charming pension, run by a lovely, welcoming family. The rooms were spotless and comfortable, and the place is right on the water, with a great spot for swimming. Highly recommended!

The overwater cabins are good value if you don't mind that the place is a little dated and could use some care. It must have been lovely once, and the view is still great.

We stayed in a garden villa. It was pleasant enough, the bed was comfortable, and the Wi-Fi worked, though it cut out often. The place is quaint but run-down, with poor upkeep and a need for a proper clean. The manager wasn't much help. Our main problems were ants in the bathroom, no kettle or cups, and the lack of air-conditioning, which could be a real issue in hotter months. The manager would boil water, but charged us for it, and reluctantly opened our wine, but wouldn't let us take two glasses back to the room. Those small touches are missing here. The villas are basic, and you get what you pay for, especially in expensive French Polynesia. If you're on a budget, it might be worth a try, as long as you don't expect much. Otherwise, you'll likely be disappointed. The whole setup reminded us of a Polynesian Fawlty Towers, Basil Faulty included.