The Royal Huahine is a calm and lovely tropical retreat away from the throngs of tourists on the other Society Islands. We had a deep overwater bungalow – a few steps right into the lagoon – snorkeling several times each day with a freshwater shower right at the deck. The place is being lovingly restored under new ownership and has beautiful gardens with birds and flowers. Bungalows are spacious with clean, large bathrooms and comfortable beds. You can sit in the shade on one covered deck or in the sun on the other – both with table and chairs. We used the kayaks several times. For snorkeling there are lots of beautiful fish of all sizes as well as other sea creatures.
We took a half day tour with Poe Island Tours which was very informative and included a visit to a pearl farm and vanilla plantation as well as much information about the myths and legends of the Huahine islands. We ate all dinners at the hotel and one lunch and bought groceries in the nearby town of Fare and used those for our lunches. We had breakfast at the hotel every day and all the food was good and service excellent.
The staff is dedicated and friendly and gracious, with Arieta as the sales manager and Vaya and Felicity at the reception desk and Raena tending bar and also waiting tables. They were all very helpful and made the trip outstanding. This place will give you the flavor of Old Polynesia and yet has all the conveniences you would want. It is remote and only accessible by boat but we didn't want to be in the middle of a busy place. You can really relax here. I would stay again in a heartbeat.
