Villa Mitirapa

We spent June 10-15th here, and it was enchanting. The ladies who run the place are fantastic. The villa felt much better than the resort hotel up near the airport where we stayed on our last trip. We learned how to enjoy Tahiti better here, and I recommend this lodging. The villa is in a pleasant residential neighborhood. We'd studied the route on our computer beforehand, which helped us find it, and the lights were on at the house when we arrived. There was no light on the sign near the street, but that wasn't a problem. The drive down the island after our easy flight from LA on Tahiti Nui was easy too, though it was dark and we drove cautiously. I think it took maybe 40"? I didn't really time it. There were adorable neighborhood dogs along the roadsides, so we were extra careful. Check the route before you travel and make sure you can see the road and Villa sign on the right on your computer. We had a map on our phone, but directions weren't working. The villa itself is adorable. It opens to the air when the doors are open, but the A/C in the bedroom works great. The mosquitoes weren't horrible in June, though there were some, as you'd expect in the tropics. The hotel had left coiled punks for us, but we still hadn't burned them. Order breakfast for your whole stay, it's a treat beyond words. The pool is pretty, and the deck and easterly lagoon view at Villa Marara are lovely too. We enjoyed hearing the choir sing at the church across the way last Sunday evening. The birds are complete characters, and their antics and songs are very entertaining. There are lots of lovely places a short drive away, if you can bring yourself to leave your villa.

The owner didn't explain the extra charges. The pool person also showed up without warning, though luckily I was dressed. The backyard was full of little crabs, and walking barefoot there felt scary. The place is secluded, but in a bad way: far from any shop or restaurant, yet it offers no privacy. This was the most unpleasant stay I've ever had. It could not have been worse.

The owner will even come cook for you at your flat if you ask, for a very reasonable price. The layout is open air, with a very comfortable bed indoors. This place is the exact opposite of the intercontinental, and that's just right if you want to see the real Tahiti and avoid the tourist traps. For a stay on Tahiti iti, it's as good as it gets. It's perfect for a few days to a week on your honeymoon, or for getting away from it all. If we'd had more time, I would've stayed a week. I'd suggest a full day tour with Haunui at teahupoo adventures, which includes a delicious lunch. We will return.

We spent 3 nights at Villa Mitirapa on our French Polynesia honeymoon. The lagoon setting, clean and excellent facilities, and the wonderful hospitality of the owner, Vaite Vivish, gave the place a special spot in our hearts. All the places we stayed were amazing, but this one stands out for us. On arrival, Vaite welcomed us with 2 gigantic fresh coconuts, already cut open so we could drink the sweet juice. They were so big it took us 3 days to finish it all! The next day, she invited us into her home to learn how to make poisson cru, a local dish of raw tuna with coconut milk, lime juice, and fresh vegetables. She showed us each step, from scraping the coconut and squeezing the shavings for milk, to soaking the fish in salt water and mixing everything together. It was delicious. We also got to have lunch with her and meet her whole family, which was really special. The villas are spacious and high quality, especially for the price. We stayed in the Hinano Villa. Each villa has 2 bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a kitchen with a fridge, oven, microwave, and sink, a patio with 2 couches and a coffee table, a dipping pool with 2 recliner chairs nearby, a hammock, a car park, a TV, and more. Everything was clean and in great condition. Check out the photo spheres on Google+/Google Maps and be amazed! With the lagoon right at the back door, we could kayak or swim during the day, then watch the sun set over the water and mountains in the evening. The location is convenient too, right at the junction between Tahiti Nui, the larger/NW half of Tahiti, and Tahiti Iti, the smaller/SE half. Places to eat and shop are nearby, and it's easy to reach beautiful sights on both coasts. Renting a car is the best way to enjoy Tahiti and Villa Mitirapa. I highly recommend the villa. If we come back to Tahiti, we'll definitely stay here again.