Pension Vaimano-Raivavae

We had no hot water for our entire stay in the bungalow. The heater was broken and never fixed, even after my husband tried to repair it. With the rain coming down, we ended up using the neighboring bungalow's shower for ourselves and our child. There were also lots of dead insects on the worn mosquito net and sheets. The biggest problem was getting food for our baby. We walked around 6-7 km through torrential rain, with water up to our shins and our baby on our backs, to reach a shop. Our host didn't offer us a ride, even if we paid. Someone eventually spotted us on the road and gave us a lift out of pity. Our host kept insisting the walk was only two kilometers. The meals were very average, and the welcome was unlike anything I've experienced in Polynesia. We were extremely disappointed by our host's lack of consideration, and the whole stay felt very negative. We weren't the only guests who felt that way. The island and archipelago are beautiful, but think carefully about where you book to avoid an unpleasant surprise.

That lagoon view, with the mountains on one side and the sea on the other, is hard to forget. At Pension Vaimano we felt peaceful and at ease, almost at home. The welcome was warm, the meals were delicious, and the conversations felt genuine. Thank you for the simple, authentic moments and your precious presence. We leave with our hearts light and full of memories. Kisses to Choupinette and Hiro ❤️, hope we get to see you again soon.

Hijo, her dog, made it even easier to feel at home. Clarisse also arranged a perfectly organized day trip to the Motu pool, just across from her house. Thanks to her and a wonderful encounter, our getaway to the Austral Islands became unforgettable. This was the best stay of our three months in French Polynesia, and we'll definitely be back!

There’s no Wi-Fi at the guesthouse, and Raivavae has no internet access apart from a few shops far away, so plan for that. The place has four small bungalows, with a mosquito net over each bed. Breakfast and dinner are served at set times. Clarisse took us to Mount Hiro and the Motu Piscine, and let us taste several typical Polynesian dishes. We’re grateful for her kindness and everything she shared with us. The guesthouse also offers a climb up Mount Hiro, a day trip to the Motu Piscine, and bike rentals. Ask the host for prices.