Le Taha'a by Pearl Resorts

The Coral Garden is a beautiful reef, and drifting through it while snorkeling for several hundred yards, surrounded by fish of every shape and color, was a real highlight. Don’t miss the gourmet restaurant either, it felt worthy of a Michelin star. From the moment we landed in Raitea, the staff made us feel looked after. They were the friendliest and most helpful we’ve ever encountered, always greeting us with a smile and “I orana,” something like aloha. The landscaping, room decor and layout, and all the restaurants were gorgeous. I’d give the place a six or seven if the rating scale went that high.

The Safari Lagoon outing was a standout: three stops, first rays swimming right up to you, then a coral garden larger than the resort’s, and finally reef sharks. We jumped in and found about 15-20 sharks around us. Amazing. The staff were friendly throughout and worked hard to make the stay special. We had a bungalow with a terrific ocean and sunset view, though plenty of the bungalows look more toward the island. Snorkeling straight from ours was fun. We spotted rays in a nearby area each day, and farther out there were coral patches full of colorful fish. Currents can get strong, especially around high or low tide, so be careful. On the resort’s other side, you can walk to the far end of the Coral Garden and float through with the current. We were told that was the best way, but avoid doing it at low tide. The food was excellent. I’d skip prepaying for a meal plan: nearly every time, ordering à la carte cost us less and let us choose among the restaurants or get room service. We liked some of the lighter dishes at the beach restaurant, although it’s closed for dinner most nights.

Antoine deserves a special thank you. He was consistently kind, attentive, and professional, and his care with the details and warm manner stood out. The resort’s setting on a private motu is breathtaking, with clear lagoon water and lovely views of Bora Bora. We found the atmosphere peaceful, elegant, and distinctly Polynesian. Dining, the spa, and the water activities all made for memorable moments. Everything felt amazing, and I highly recommend Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts.

We came to mark our recent marriage and both of our 50th birthdays, and Le Taha’a turned out to be the right choice after we considered resorts on Bora Bora. The whole stay felt magical. The grounds were gorgeous, service was top notch, and we felt pampered and loved. We also loved the food and spa. Our overwater bungalow was spacious, comfortable, and beautifully decorated, with a real sense of privacy and luxury. Even though the resort was full, it felt almost empty. We spent plenty of time in the water, and being close to the Coral Garden was a huge bonus. The views and endless turquoise water were incredible. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing couples’ trip surrounded by nature. Highly recommend.