Where to stay in Raiatea: our guide to the best hotels, guesthouses and villas
Last update: 04/13/2026
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It’s been 2021 since we left French Polynesia, but more and more of you are asking us for advice on the area, and in particular where to stay in Raiatea. In fact, we have recently published a number of articles on the Leeward Islands, including where to stay on Tahaa and a full guide to accommodation on Huahine. In fact, we suspected that you’d visit the Îles-sous-le-Vent during your trip to Polynesia. To follow up on this idea, we’ve prepared this article on accommodation in Raiatea. As usual, I’m presenting accommodation that we’ve tried or that we’ve heard good things about. The aim is not to give you a simple list, but to give you our real recommendations for Raiatea. It’s true that for most travellers, coming to Polynesia is the trip of a lifetime. So we understand why you don’t want to make any mistakes!
As you may have guessed, we’re not here to tell you about all the things to see and do in Raiatea, as we’ve already written a whole article on that!
To tell you the truth, we’ve noticed over the past few years that Raiatea is rarely part of the itinerary of a trip to Polynesia. It’s a shame, because it’s an island full of surprises and things to discover: white sandy beaches, picturesque hikes in the interior, magnificent motus… You can even kayak on the famous Faaroa River (I recommend it!).
To give you a better idea, here are our top 5 things to do in Raiatea:
- Raiatea and Tahaa Lagoon Boat Trip : Simply a great day out. On the programme: snorkelling, Tautau Coral Garden, sunset and more!
- Kayaking on the Faaroa River : as I said, this is an activity not to be missed! For the record, the Faaroa River is the only navigable river in the entire Polynesian archipelago.
- Sailing Pirogue : Take a private excursion on the Raiatea lagoon with a guide who knows the area like the back of his hand! In my opinion, it's a great excursion not to be missed!
- Microlight tour : there's nothing like seeing Raiatea from the air! I've had the chance to microlight over Bora Bora and I can tell you it was magical. I was in awe the whole way!
- Diving in Raiatea : I'd say this is a Polynesian classic! Whether it's your first dive or a return dive, the Raiatea lagoon is a great place to explore the ocean floor. With coral reefs, tropical fish, manta rays and more, you're sure to see something (trust me, haha).
Hotels and Guesthouses - Find your accommodation on the map!
Although the aim of this article is to show you all the accommodation we recommend in Raiatea, you can also search by location on the map below. I thought it might help! It might even be handy to check the location of an accommodation you like.
Book your accommodation in Raiatea
Use the interactive map below to find your future accommodation!
If you’re looking for other accommodation ideas for your holiday in the archipelago, check out our full guide to accommodation in French Polynesia!
The best hotels in Raiatea for an unforgettable stay
I’d like to start this selection with the best hotels in Raiatea. If you want to treat yourself, you’ll be able to enjoy top quality services in a heavenly setting! We’ve already reviewed the Raiatea Lodge and can’t recommend it highly enough. What’s more, you’ll see in this selection that you can even rent a motu just for you (if you’ve got the money, haha) in the south of the island. In a word: magical!
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Raiatea Lodge
As I said, we had the opportunity to spend 3 days at this lodge with our family and we recommend it 100%! It was 2020 and the hotel had just been renovated. What more could you ask for? From the moment we arrived we were made to feel very welcome by the team (always a pleasure). What’s more, you immediately feel that everything has been thought of to make you feel at home. As for accommodation, there are several bungalows and rooms to choose from. We stayed in the family bungalow with a lagoon view. It was huge for the 4 of us, with two bedrooms and most importantly a great view.
But that’s not all! We also enjoyed the hotel’s swimming pool and garden! I’d also like to mention the hotel restaurant: I really think it’s the best place I’ve ever eaten on the island (which is saying something, haha). Frankly, we loved our few days with the family at this hotel and we really recommend it! If you’d like to read more about our weekend at Raiatea Lodge, we’ve written a dedicated article.
Opoa Beach Lodge
This 3-star hotel is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a sublime setting! It offers several spacious bungalows with private terraces and, above all, magnificent ocean views (for some only). If you really want this view, you should book well in advance. As for services, you’ll find a swimming pool, access to a private beach and a restaurant with local flavours! Not forgetting activities such as kayaking, fishing and snorkelling to discover the lagoon and coral gardens!
It’s a secluded spot, perfect if you’re looking for a quiet honeymoon getaway. There’s also a shuttle service if you’re flying in from another island. In short, Opoa Beach Lodge is a beautiful address in a little corner of paradise that offers great value for money! In my opinion, this place scores big, doesn’t it?
Hôtel Atiapiti
If you’re looking for an oasis of peace, Hotel Atiapiti is perfect! You’ll be right on the edge of a beautiful beach where you can enjoy all kinds of activities or just relax and unwind. You can choose between several bungalows and a villa for 5 to 10 people. Good to know if you’re travelling with a group! In terms of facilities, they all have a terrace overlooking the sea or garden, as well as fully equipped kitchenettes. We dropped in for a drink at sunset and the spotlight is clearly nice.
As for location, you’re right next to the Taputapuatea Marae, which is just great! You’ll also have access to a private pontoon for diving in the lagoon and exploring the coral reef. And if you don’t have any equipment, don’t worry: we can lend you snorkelling, fishing or kayaking gear. In other words, all you have to do is enjoy the beautiful surroundings! As you can see, this resort offers you an unforgettable stay on Raiatea. It’s sure to leave you with lasting memories!
Fare Vainui
We now move on to a very different establishment from the previous ones: a small, family-run hotel. It’s on the west coast, opposite Bora Bora, so you can imagine the view! Here you’ll find 5 Polynesian-style wood and stone bungalows. They’re all air-conditioned, well decorated and, to top it all off, have a terrace overlooking the ocean (wow!).
The hotel’s facilities are top notch, with a swimming pool and a restaurant serving hearty, varied cuisine. Enough to tantalise your taste buds! In short, if you’re looking for an authentic hotel without compromising on comfort, Fare Vai Nui is the place to be!
Motu Nao Nao
As the name suggests, this luxury hotel is located on a private island overlooking Raiatea’s magnificent lagoon! Don’t worry, it’s less than 2km from the main island and the hotel offers a shuttle service. You’ll have a choice of 3 architecturally designed villas in the heart of nature. You’ll be almost alone in the world to enjoy this island and its exclusive setting, between fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters! Everything is designed to immerse you in a unique experience: full board with local dishes, activities such as snorkelling, paddle boarding, jet skiing, even yoga classes and outdoor cinema evenings.
As you can see, a stay on Motu Nao Nao promises to be exclusive, but also very expensive. If you can afford it and want to treat yourself, this is the luxury resort for you!
Hotels in Raiatea - Summary
To help you, I’ve summarised the main features of these hotels below. It’s all there: price, location, positive points and so on!
| Name | Location | Features | Review | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raiatea Lodge Hotel | Uturoa | Outdoor pool, lagoon view, excellent restaurant, friendly staff, free activities (kayaking, cycling, snorkeling). | You'll love the peaceful setting, the activities and the lagoon view. | €692 – €1 659 (from 2 nights) | Book |
| Opoa Beach Lodge | Opoa | Private beach, pool, comfortable bungalows, local-cuisine restaurant, water activities (kayaking, snorkeling), peaceful setting. | You'll be charmed by the intimate atmosphere, the beautiful setting and the warm welcome. | €708 – €1 519 | Book |
| Hôtel Atiapiti | Opoa | Private beach, fully-equipped bungalows, local restaurant, panoramic lagoon view, water activities, warm welcome, relaxing setting. | You'll love the authentic charm, attentive welcome and direct access to the turquoise lagoon. | €540 – €908 | Book |
| Fare Vainui | Tumaraa | Private beach, wood & stone bungalows, pool, restaurant, ocean view, water activities (kayaking, snorkeling). | You'll appreciate the family feel, tranquillity and stunning ocean view. | €163 – €330 | Book |
| Motu Nao Nao Private Island | Private island – Raiatea lagoon | Private island, luxury villas, exclusive beach, included activities (snorkeling, paddle, kayak, yoga), full board, eco-friendly setting. | You'll be enchanted by the intimate luxury and exclusivity of this paradise island. | €23 571 – €34 925 (from 3 nights) | Book |
Villas in Raiatea: the perfect choice for a self-catering holiday
If you prefer to rent a villa to be self-sufficient and have a place all to yourself, you’ll have plenty of choice in Raiatea! In fact, there are many villas for rent. Some are very well known on the island and well worth spending a few days or more in.
Villa Tonoï
Villa Tonoï is a little piece of paradise in the hills above Uturoa. Its 5 bungalows are designed for a comfortable and pleasant stay. They include kitchens, private bathrooms and breakfast terraces with breathtaking views of the Raiatea lagoon, the Te Ava Piti pass and even the island of Huahine! As a bonus you can relax in the central swimming pool. If you want to eat without complicating your life, there’s no restaurant on site, but a catering service delivers local dishes straight to your bungalow. I think that’s pretty neat! In short, this villa is an excellent choice for a stay in Raiatea.
Le-Neliza Beach Lodge Raiatea
If you’re looking for a quiet spot away from the usual luxury hotels, but without compromising on comfort, I can’t recommend this lodge enough! We were lucky enough to stay there and as soon as we arrived we were made very welcome by Suzy, the hostess. She handed us the keys to our 50m² beachfront bungalow. There are two of them, and they’re well equipped with a large terrace, a fully equipped kitchen and more! Everything has been done to give you 100% independence and peace of mind.
In terms of location, it’s a bit far from Uturoa, but it’s close to the Faaroa River and even Motu Iriru. I’d still advise you to hire a car to get around and do your shopping. I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you that Suzy offers “car hire + accommodation” packages. In my opinion it’s worth it! And if you’re interested, all you have to do is contact the host before you arrive. In short, this accommodation is a real gem: admittedly a little more expensive than most guesthouses, but with better service! In any case, we have fond memories of our stay here as a family. For more details, read our full review of Neliza Beach Lodge Raiatea.
Villa Ixora
Situated on Tepua Bay, this charming lodge promises a relaxing getaway to discover Raiatea at your own pace! It’s also conveniently located: 10 minutes from the island’s airport and 5 minutes from the centre of Uturoa. So you’re close to everything: the local market (pretty cool), the harbour, shops and restaurants. There’s something for everyone! And as a little extra for your holiday, you can enjoy a swimming pool and a pontoon that leads directly to the lagoon. Oh, and I almost forgot, as far as accommodation is concerned, there are 3 bungalows and a complete villa overlooking the sea! In short, I’m sure you’ll be delighted with the villa’s comfort and, above all, its heavenly location. I’m sure you’ll tell me all about it!
Fare Mirimiri
A charming holiday home in Uturoa, with exceptional views of the crystal clear lagoon and even the islands of Bora Bora and Maupiti! If this sounds like you, the villa is only 6km from Raiatea airport. The house is spacious (100m²) with two comfortable bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy a lovely terrace, tropical garden and barbecue area. To say the least, you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors as well as the indoors. The house can accommodate up to 8 people, so there’s something for everyone, haha! As you can see, Fare Mirimiri is one of the best places to stay on Raiatea Island.
La Maison Du Voyage
Head to Tevaitoa and La Maison du Voyage! This lodge offers two types of accommodation: a full, modern house and a 3-bedroom guesthouse with private bathrooms. In both cases, the accommodation is modern, well decorated and offers every comfort: full kitchen, air conditioning, private terraces (perfect for watching the sunset). As for the facilities, between the hot tub, the barbecue area and the children’s playground, you won’t be disappointed! In my opinion, this holiday home is perfect for a good immersion in Polynesian culture!
Faré Mahi Mahi
With spectacular views over the lagoon and Teavapiti Pass, Faré Mahi Mahi is at the heart of a simply idyllic setting. Here you’ll find a two-bedroom studio with a private bathroom, terrace and fully equipped kitchen.
The big plus: an infinity pool surrounded by a lush garden. After a busy day, I think you’ll enjoy admiring the view from the pool! Frankly, this accommodation is a little floating cocoon, perfect for exploring Raiatea, with good value for money. It’s always good for the wallet!
The best villas in Raiatea - Summary
As with the hotels, I’ve summarised the main features of the villas covered in this article in the table below.
| Name | Location | Features | Review | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villa Tonoï | Uturoa | Spectacular lagoon view, pool, well-equipped bungalows, activities (diving, cycling, boat trips), tranquillity, warm welcome. | You'll love the lagoon view, the peaceful setting and the Polynesian-style bungalows. | €134 | Book |
| Fare Mirimiri | Uturoa | Breathtaking view, large terrace, friendly hosts, fully-equipped, private beach, tranquillity, near the lagoon. | You'll love the exceptional view, the tranquillity and the hosts' hospitality. | €647 – €1 027 | Book |
| La Maison du Voyage | Tevaitoa | Welcoming hosts, mountain view, pool, shared kitchen, calm, modern facilities. | You'll be charmed by the warm welcome, the tranquillity and the modern amenities. | €177 – €217 | Book |
| Faré Mahi Mahi | Uturoa | Panoramic view, infinity pool, attentive hosts, modern facilities, tranquillity. | You'll appreciate the spectacular lagoon view, the calm and the hosts' warm welcome. | €158 | Book |
| Villa Ixora | Tepua Bay | Friendly atmosphere, excellent restaurant, pool, free bikes & kayaks, close to a motu and turquoise lagoon. | You'll be delighted with the comfort, serenity and seaside setting. | €125 – €176 | Book |
| Le-Neliza Beach Lodge Raiatea | Opoa | Private beach, peaceful location, well-equipped villa with kitchen, sea-view terrace, snorkeling nearby, welcoming host. | You'll appreciate the tranquillity, private beach access and breathtaking sea view. | €797 – €885 (from 3 nights) | Book |
Guest houses in Raiatea: authenticity and conviviality
We’ve arrived at Raiatea’s guesthouses! If you’re planning your Polynesian holiday, you may have noticed that most Polynesian islands have a large number of guesthouses. Well, Raiatea is no exception! Personally, I think guesthouses are a good option: cheaper and often more authentic. I’ll leave you to discover our selection!
Fare Oviri Lodge
Located in Opoa, this lodge awaits you for an authentic and friendly experience! You’ll be at the heart of an unspoilt environment, with a choice of spacious bungalows or apartments. The accommodation is built from local materials, wood and stone. As for the location, you’ll be right on the edge of a private beach and surrounded by a tropical garden. For meals, there’s a communal kitchen and picnic area! I find this is always a plus when it comes to enjoying the outdoors (in the midst of this beautiful scenery, it would be a shame to go without). In short, at Fare Oviri Lodge, you are warmly welcomed and everything is done to make sure you don’t want to leave!
Pension Les Trois Cascades
The Les Trois Cascades guesthouse invites you to enjoy a peaceful stay in the heart of nature. Located in the Homoa Valley, this eco-friendly guesthouse is committed to respecting the environment. It uses photovoltaic panels and solar water heating. As for the rooms and bungalows, they’re comfortable and, above all, surrounded by vegetation (which makes you want to disconnect!). And don’t forget that you have access to a communal kitchen and barbecues: perfect for sharing good times! In conclusion, this family-run guesthouse offers you a holiday with a great atmosphere and everything you need. In my opinion, you won’t want for anything!
Sunset Beach Motel
Nestled in a coconut grove, this guesthouse welcomes you with a warm atmosphere and natural surroundings. For the record, the Boubée family, owners of this guesthouse, have been welcoming visitors since 1983 (yes, that’s a long time)! You’ll be surrounded by coconut palms, pandanus trees, tiare flowers and, to top it all off, access to the lagoon. As for accommodation, there are several types of bungalows (beach and garden) and a garden villa. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy a terrace, a kitchen and all the comforts of home. Oh, I almost forgot: the guesthouse also offers camping. You’ll need to bring your own tent or hammock. Whether you’re with family or friends, Sunset Beach Motel promises an authentic stay in one of the island’s oldest guesthouses.
Fare Vavae
Welcome to this little cocoon of peace on Tevaitoa: Fare Vavae. This family-run guesthouse offers comfortable bungalows in the heart of nature. Each bungalow is spacious, air-conditioned and has a private terrace overlooking the pool or garden. Our friendly hosts will make you feel right at home! Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with leis and tips for visiting Raiatea. There’s also a swimming pool and garden to relax in. In short, this guesthouse is the ideal place to discover the island of Raiatea!
Summary of guesthouses in Raiatea
Here is a summary of accommodation in Raiatea. With the following table you can easily compare them!
| Name | Location | Features | Review | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fare Vavae | Tevaitoa | Quiet location, warm welcome, modern bungalows, pool, private terrace, comfortable rooms. | You'll be delighted by the attentive welcome, soothing setting and quality accommodation. | €746 – €1 010 (from 2 nights) | Book |
| Fare Oviri Lodge | Opoa | Private beach, free kayaks, warm hosts, comfortable bungalows, direct sea view. | You'll love the idyllic location, private beach and warm welcome. | €137 – €201 | Book |
| Pension Les Trois Cascades | Uturoa | Friendly staff, calm, spacious bungalows, outdoor kitchen, pleasant garden, varied activities (hiking, snorkeling). | You'll appreciate the warm welcome, peaceful environment and practical facilities. | €251 – €754 | Book |
| Sunset Beach Motel | Uturoa | Calm atmosphere, idyllic setting, spacious bungalows and villa, 9-hectare coconut grove, full amenities, activities (kayaking, diving). | You'll be delighted by the authentic setting and the paradise-like coconut grove. | €20 – €500 | Book |
Now you know all about where to stay in Raiatea. I have to admit, it’s an island we’ve grown to love over time. We highly recommend you spend a few days there – you won’t regret it! In any case, I hope this article has made it easier for you to find accommodation.
If you’re continuing your journey in the Tuamotu Archipelago, I invite you to read our full guide to accommodation in Rangiroa.
See you soon for new recommendations!
Written by Sylvain PONS
From 2015 to 2021, French Polynesia was our home, with Mélanie and our children. I'm happy to share my experience and advice to help you organize an unforgettable stay in French Polynesia, based on my in-depth knowledge of the territory.
Despite our care, a mistake may have slipped into this article. If you find any, please don't hesitate to let us know so we can correct it as soon as possible and keep our information up-to-date!
