Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts

This is our second visit at the Pearl, this time staying in an overwater bungalow (last time was an overwater suite. The resort is beautiful and isolated and the staff is always friendly and usually helpful. This time the internet worked (not sure if that is a plus). The overwater bungalows are in very shallow water in a pass. This is both a positive and a negative, the plus is that if you are a marginal swimmer you can always stand up and walk. The minus is that the rocks and coral are so close to the surface that it’s hard to avoid them, especially when the current is heavy. I preferred the deeper, calmer water by the overwater suites. If this is your first time in French Polynesia, you will be amazed by the quantity and variety of fish, sharks and rays (note, we had to go on an excursion to see the rays). If this isn’t the first time you may be disappointed by the decrease in the number and variety of fish. It’s not the same atoll that Jacques Cousteau once visited. I’d love to say the service was wonderful and mostly it was. The staff in reception and activities was always pleasant and helpful and has definitely improved their English over the years. The staff in the spa may not speak much English, but they make it up with their massage skills. The restaurant was really the only thing that was lacking. The variety of food was minimal and in general the quality of the food and service was mixed. We had some very good dishes (Jackfish, Pan Bagnat, Gaspache Tomate) and some not so good (the Poisson Cru was far too sour and had too much onion), but mainly we’re just adequate. The service was mixed. We were always greeted nicely. The lady who handed out bread rolls was very attentive and I could have collected enough to build my own bungalow). One night, we wait about an hour between our starter and our main and the waitress apologised profusely. The next night I had to ask twice over a period of 20 minutes for a dessert menu and when I finally got it, they never came by to take my order. Note, we really enjoyed the restaurant, but compared to the rest of the resort it was lacking. Also note the best parts of the resort are provided by nature and she is fickle. Dennis took us out see the Manta Rays, Coral Garden and outside the reef and the conditions were great. We spent 10 minutes snapping close ups of a Manta including my wife who was afraid of the deep water. Dennis pulled her around by a PFD and it was the highlight of the trip for her. The next day, same locations and tour operators and the water was rough and murky for the Manta Rays, and too rough for the coral gardens. Back at the bungalows they warned us not to snorkel in the pass because of potential for large waves. One other note, all the equipment was in great condition. We took the kayaks out multiple times and everything was perfect. This is in contrast to the St Regis in Bora Bora where 9 years ago our paddle boat literally fell apart and I had to push it to shore by hand.

The resort to stay at while on Tikehau. There’s every thing every family member wants: gorgeous pool, tiny creatures to discover, excellent fishing and sea snail hunting plus an excellent restaurant serving Tahitian and international cuisine. Oh and the surrounding waters are the best of what the Tuamotus have to offer.

This was the most perfect place, the most perfect vacation--the best snorkeling with, clearest and warmest water, nicest people, lovely accommodations--and so what is Pearl Resorts doing? "Renovating" --doubling the size of a small place that fits its surroundings perfectly, increasing the price on one of the only affordable overwater bungalows in French Polynesia, adding an extra restaurant--why? We stayed in both a Premium Overwater Suite and a Beach Bungalow. Each was wonderful. The Overwater Suite allows water entry to fabulous snorkeling. Going to that spot from the beach is more difficult because of the rocks--you can wear water shoes, but what do you do with them when you put on your flippers? Overwater Suite is also more exposed to the wind. But it's much more private. The Beach Bungalow, while half the size of the Overwater Suite, is still plenty spacious. It only has a shower (OP has a huge soaking tub) but you can walk into the water for excellent snorkeling. Go now while you can to this perfect place before relentless capitalism kills it --the hotel closes for 2-3 years on October 3, 2023.

Absolutely amazing place! So peaceful, everything you would expect in a tropical paradise. Staff amazing, great food, beautiful weather! Once in a lifetime experience unfortunately because that is all we could afford - to go once.

The Le Tikehau By Pearl Resorts was a relaxing destination on a private motu in the Tikehau atoll. Having seen other Pearl Resorts, this was a truly special place that is much smaller than the other Pearl Resort locations with fewer overwater bungalows and a more private feeling. The overwater bungalows are divided into two completely separate zones making the resort overall feel less crowded. One surprise from the photos on the website is that the jungle on the motu is much more lush and dense than in there photos, some of which can make the area feel more dry and desolate. The jungle on the motu was magnificent and made the on-land waterfront bungalows feel more private, too. Even the pool area was more tropical and lush with plenty of shade from the hot sun, which kept the pool more cool and refreshing. Important - there are two distinct classes of overwater bungalows. The standard overwater bungalows and the premium overwater bungalows are both on the pier with the boat dock. These bungalows are closer together, smaller size, with a smaller deck and no air conditioning. These are the older bungalows and the exteriors and decks look like they need a little repair. They have one main bed and they can sleep more with rollaway beds. Many of these overwater bungalows did not have water access, and those with access enter into very shallow water with beautiful coral formations. The Overwater Suites are larger bungalows with large private decks, large bathrooms, a king size bed and a single day bed. They do have a little bit of air conditioning which only points at the day bed and not the main bed. There is air flow through the bungalow, so the air conditioning is only marginally effective. Plus, the external heat exchanger fins were pretty corroded lowering the actual cooling efficiency so don't really expect much. It was nice that they provided a few complementary beers and sodas in the small refrigerator, and provided a Nespresso machine. The decks descend into much deeper water with ladder access. These bungalows are definitely worth the additional cost. The dining was enjoyable with a solid, but small menu. The breakfast options where a little thin. The staff was all very friendly and helpful. Oddly, the only way to get to the resort from the airport is by their shuttle van to their shuttle boat. But they charge you a separate hefty fee for this service. But there is no other option. It should have been just part of the room fee. And, speaking of fees, the final bill will be quite complex -- in addition to the advertised room fee, there 4 or 5 other daily fees shown for each day on the bill. It seems a little weird at a high end place they they kind of nickle-and-dime you on the bill.

This is easily the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The clarity of the water, the healthy reefs and abundance of fish is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The beach was so beautiful with pink sand and turquoise water, truly unbelievable! This was an amazing place to unwind and just enjoy nature. In the 4 days I was here I never felt bored, just at awe with everything surrounding me. Tikehau is the most beautiful place in the world in my opinion! The only reason I deducted one star is because I really couldn’t sleep. The beach bungalow is very spacious and comfortable in the day, however at night the AC would turn off on its own so I would wake up sweating. I did ask the hotel for a fan but unfortunately they didn’t have any left. Also, there are tons of huge lizards that crawl around the room, which is to be expected when everything is open air. However, as someone with an irrational fear of lizards I just couldn’t get past it and sleep peacefully! Other than that, I can’t fault the food, the staff, the service, or anything else for that matter!

we went on a family trip to French Polynesia this summer 2022 and had placed this superb hotel on stilts on our route. We hesitated with Bora Bora but really no regrets! I Bora Bora, the accommodations on stilts are very beautiful but they are all on top of each other, which takes away a little from the nature side alone in the world . Pearl Tikehau is the best hotel experience we have had to date, and yet we have done intercontinental in Bali, other Shangri-la, Hilton etc... but you will not find a better experience than this hotel. you are alone in the world on your piloti, swimming with fish all more beautiful than the other, sometimes sharks...🫣, the restaurant is delicious, you are living a real break in time! It is currently being renovated unless I am mistaken, but I recommend you with your eyes closed!

This place is stunningly beautiful. We are two families, four parents and four teenagers. We had two premium overwater bungalows and two regular bungalows for 5 nights. They were all very large and comfortable with big decks and outdoor showers. We travel fairly frequently (Australia, Europe, Caribbean and Hawaii) and this is one of the most beautiful places any of us has ever seen. Tons of fish and sharks! In fact one afternoon we were feeding the sharks hamburger off the deck and there were 5 of them! The only slight drawbacks are the lack of Wi-Fi in the rooms and the limited food selection. They do a great job with the food, but there is only so much variety they can offer. None of that was a real problem for us. The benefits far outweighed the slight drawbacks. If you are looking for a quite but breathtaking resort, this is the one for you!

This island is magical! From the moment we arrived until the last minute we left, we felt spoiled beyond belief. Raupuni, the Assistant Manager was absolutely awesome. He is the most even keel person we have ever met. Our every wish was met, even on his day off! We stayed in an over water suite and it was pure heaven. With a separate bath area separated by a bamboo wall, and a back deck, complete with a ladder going down into the crystal clear aqua water we have everything we could possible want. We stayed in bungalow #43. The bed was comfortable and the place was just quaint and island-like. It was our 43rd anniversary, and we opted for the dinner under the stars package. They came and set our deck table to perfection with candles and the best food imaginable. The lobster was plentiful (five lobster halves) and beef filet along with appetizer, veggies and dessert. The other thing we really enjoyed was having our breakfast brought to us via canoe on the deck! But most of all, we enjoyed the people who work here. They always have a smile, from housekeeping to maintenance to servers to management. There is no problem they couldn't solve. We will always remember our stay at Le Tikehau and are sad to know they are doing a three year renovation beginning 10/1/2023. All of the people who are employed at Le Tikehau seem to be related, and my heart goes out for them once they are not employed. If you get the chance to visit before 10/1/2023 please make it a priority. This is a slice of paradise you don't want to miss - and by the way, we already miss Raupuni a lot!!!