Description
Tikehau is separated by Rangiroa by a deep water channel and its nearly circular lagoon (16 miles across) is full of colourful tropical fish which makes it great for snorkellers and novice divers. Tikehau’s only village, Tuherahera, is one of the most picturesque in the Taumotus due to the magnificent frangipani, hibiscus, bougainvillea and other flowers that seem to grow everywhere!
Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort is located on Motu Tiano, a small reef islet, on a secluded white sandy beach fringed with palm trees. Everything about this charming hotel is truly Polynesian with lots of thatch, mats and bamboo. The hotel consists of only 14 beach bungalows and 24 over-water bungalows. The over-water bungalows include a glass section of the floor from which you can enjoy the spectacular underwater life of the lagoon.
There is one restaurant which looks out over the tantalising lagoon and serves fantastically fresh cuisine from the region as well as some European specialities. Alternatively enjoy a private desert island picnic lunch or candlelit dinner on the beach all to yourselves. The hotel's bar is relaxed and informal and hours can be spent here reading, playing board games and enjoying the extensive wine, beer and cocktails list.
Activities abound and include fishing, scuba diving, sunset cruises and bike rentals. Alternatively, kick back and enjoy the peace and serenity that Tikehau can guarantee.
Guide price
£3,415 Per person
£3,415 per person for 7 nights, based on 2 people sharing a Beach Bungalow on a Half Board basis, including international flights and transfers.
Accommodation
Tikehau has 8 Beach Bungalows, 6 Premium Beach Bungalows, 8 Over-Water Bungalows, 8 Premium Over-Water Bungalows and 8 Over-Water Suites, all of which are very spacious and Polynesian in style and design. The Beach Bungalows are placed directly on the beachfront and have charming semi outdoor bathrooms and wooden decks perfect for sunbathing. The Premium Beach Bungalows are the same in size, style and design but offer more privacy due to their location further down the beach. The Over-Water Bungalows are located at the beginning of the pontoon and features include a glass bottomed area so guests can see directly into the lagoon beneath and wonderful spacious decks. The Premium category bungalows are further down the pontoon hence have more privacy and from their decks you can step straight into the clear blue water. The Over-Water Suites are located on a 2nd pontoon and are not only more spacious with a spacious open plan seating area, larger bathroom with bath and expansive deck.
Childcare
Children are welcome with their families at Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort but there are no specific facilities for them. However, there is plenty for them to do and they will love the beach, pool and activities both on and off the island. Babysitting can be organised on request.
Facilities
The Poreho Restaurant and terrace open on to the lagoon and are a dazzling setting for sumptuous European and Polynesian cuisine. The Tianoa Bar is nestled between the lagoon, white sand beach and swimming pool and serves the most tropical cocktails imaginable. The hotel has a lovely swimming pool and the Tikehau Blue Nui Dive Centre available for guests' use.
Activities
Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort offers guests complimentary use of kayaks and snorkelling gear as well as having petanque, volley ball and badminton available. For an additional charge there is scuba diving, bike rental, deep sea fishing, private picnic excursions, sunset cruises, excursions to Bird Island and visits to the lagoonarium.
When to travel
Although there is a wet and a dry season in Tikehau the weather is tropical and generally sunny and warm, with just enough rain to keep the lush landscapes alive and green. If you're looking for emptier beaches, try travelling during the wet or "off" season, which generally runs from November to April. During this time, you can expect very high humidity with brief and frequent storms. January is the rainiest of the months. During this time, tropical storms may occur, but the Tahitian Islands have not experienced a cyclone since the early 90s. If you're travelling to the islands to scuba, you'll probably want to go in the dry or "high" season, when visibility is the best. The dry season runs from May to October and you can expect less rain, although occasional night time downpours are not uncommon. Due to tradewinds, July and August are the coolest times of the year and also tend to be the most crowded.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Tikehau, French Polynesia
Tikehau is an almost circular atoll, with an interior lagoon 26km (16 miles) across, in the Tuamotu Islands.
How to get there
Approximately 22-hour international flight (one change) plus a 55-minute domestic flight from Tahiti.
