Where to stay in Tikehau? Our complete guide!
Last update: 06/05/2026
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I’m back with a new article about Polynesia! Lately, I’ve written several accommodation guides for islands/atolls such as Rangiroa. We keep getting more and more requests and we don’t want to mess up the lodging choices for a trip to Polynesia. This time, I’m giving you everything you need to know about where to stay in Tikehau. In the heart of the Tuamotu archipelago, this atoll is really worth a visit!
I’ll admit, it’s a little less famous than Rangiroa and Fakarava. But it’s just as stunning to discover: between its crystal-clear turquoise lagoon, its motus and its dive spots teeming with marine life. If you go, you’ll no doubt get the chance to see manta rays (depending on the season), a multitude of corals, turtles and of course sharks! I can tell you we resurface with our heads full of images. What struck me most is the calm and peaceful setting of Tikehau! You really take the time to soak up the easy-going Polynesian lifestyle. That said, there are plenty of things to do in Tikehau. The atoll is 340 km from Tahiti, roughly a one-hour flight. If you’re planning a Tuamotu stop, I recommend spending a few days in Tikehau.
If I’ve already convinced you to discover this superb atoll, the rest of this article should interest you! The goal is to give you a selection of the best places to stay in Tikehau. Even though it’s a small atoll, you can find both luxury hotels and family-run guesthouses. In short, there’s something for every taste and every budget. In other words, everyone should find what they’re looking for. And, as usual, we select lodgings we’ve tested ourselves and/or through friends and relatives. We’re really sharing our honest feedback!
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Where to stay in Tikehau? The areas to favor
Before getting to the heart of the matter, here’s a quick tour of Tikehau to give you an idea of where to stay. We all agree, Tikehau isn’t huge. So the tour will be quick, haha. Basically, two options are open to you:
First: stay in the village on the main motu, Tuherahera. If you want a bit of “action,” to be close to shops and dive schools, this is the place for you. Plus, there are plenty of shuttles, so you can move around easily. This is where most family guesthouses are located—perfect for spending a few days in Tikehau with authenticity and affordable prices.
Second: stay on one of the isolated motus. Here, it’s absolute calm with nearly deserted pink beaches and coral reefs all to yourself. I’d say the setting is more exclusive, often just 10–15 minutes away by boat! As you might expect, staying on a motu isn’t cheap. But if you want to treat yourself and you’re after good comfort, a more personal setting, fewer people, then go for it!
As you can see, there aren’t thousands of options. But the good news is that each one suits a different type of stay.
Here’s an interactive map to help you choose your lodging by location. Small note: not all accommodations are on Booking or shown on the map.
Book your accommodation in Tikehau!
Use the interactive map below to find your future place to stay!
The best accommodations in Tikehau
As I’ve already mentioned, accommodation in Tikehau runs from over-water bungalows to family guesthouses. You can find pretty much everything depending on your wishes and the type of trip you want—and, of course, there are options to suit your budget. It’s not the part we want to think about, but it’s still important, haha. I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for!
The best high-end hotels in Tikehau: for a heavenly stay
To enjoy a luxury stay in Tikehau, there are four beautiful hotels on the atoll! I think you’ll like them. Let me introduce them right away to help you decide. I know the hardest part is often agreeing and choosing the accommodation! As mentioned above, they’re mostly on isolated motus.
Tikehau By Pearl Resort
Located on the private motu of Tiano, just a few minutes from Tikehau Airport, discover Tikehau by Pearl Resorts for an exceptional stay! This 4-star hotel has 33 bungalows and suites. Some bungalows are over the water, right above the translucent-blue lagoon, while others sit on the beach surrounded by palms. Whatever you choose, the bungalows are wooden, with thatched roofs and a few Polynesian décor touches. There’s also a private 120 m² villa, ideal if you’re traveling with a group.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be enchanted by the setting. The shuttle boat drops you at the hotel’s doorstep, in a stunning location. On site, it’s a real little paradise, with an infinity pool, an outdoor lounge, hammocks and a spa. You can even snorkel or dive straight from your terrace. Kayaking and fishing are also on offer—there’s no shortage of activities!
To delight your taste buds, the hotel’s Poreho restaurant serves dishes made with local produce. The reviews are glowing: you’re in for a treat! And to watch the sunsets, the Tianoa bar shakes up its best cocktails! Bonus: the staff are very welcoming and pay attention to every detail to ensure you have a perfect stay!
In short, it’s a sure bet in Tikehau, offering disconnection and privacy in a postcard setting. If you have the budget, go for it with confidence!
Ninamu Resort
Welcome to Ninamu Resort on a small motu, just five minutes from the airport! This time it’s a smaller hotel with around ten fares in a row. They’re very typically Polynesian, with thatched roofs and colorful shutters. They face the sea in an exceptional setting! Inside, you’ll enjoy excellent comfort, with a private bathroom. There’s no pool, but with the turquoise lagoon at your feet you’ll soon forget that detail!
There’s a cozy, well-appointed shared lounge where you can play pool, ping-pong and more! Outdoors, kayaks and snorkeling gear are provided. Take the opportunity to explore the area’s rich underwater life—you’ll see tropical fish and many other species! The hotel restaurant is great, offering homemade dishes featuring freshly caught fish (absolutely delicious!) and exotic fruits, all served under a fare overlooking the tropical garden!
I’m almost certain you’ll love the peaceful atmosphere and the postcard setting of coconut palms and turquoise water. One more thing: on request, the team can arrange a picnic on a neighboring motu, a snorkeling excursion (to explore the top spots) or simply treat you to a Polynesian massage.
Hakamanu Lodge
Thirty minutes from the main motu, you’ll be almost at the end of the world on a coral motu at Hakamanu Lodge. Here, you’ll find three traditional wooden fares facing a white-sand beach (the view is just superb!). The double rooms are well equipped: air-conditioning or fan, as you prefer, mosquito nets, private bathroom. Basically, everything you need for a more-than-successful escape!
Every morning, enjoy a local breakfast under the common fare. The lodge also offers half-board or full-board. Meals at the restaurant are based solely on fresh produce: freshly caught fish, garden vegetables and homemade desserts (mouth-watering!). To discover the lagoon, grab mask and snorkel for a snorkeling session or simply go kayaking. For full relaxation, you can lounge under the coconut trees on the white-sand beach (vacation vibes!).
The main asset of this lodge is the warm welcome and attention of the hosts, who make you feel at ease from the moment you arrive. In short, between absolute calm, postcard scenery and simple comfort, it’s the perfect recipe for a dream vacation!
Tikehau Fafarua Lodge Private Island
Just a few minutes by boat from the main motu, you’ll arrive at Fafarua, a private motu—an exclusive experience! This time you’ll literally be alone on the motu, welcomed by the hosts, Eva and Patrick. You’ll have a 200 m² villa all to yourself! To tell you more: it has three bedrooms (two doubles), a spacious, bright living room and a modern kitchen. Not to mention two bathrooms opening onto a garden! It’s a clever blend of nature and luxury, to share with family or friends! Naturally, the villa overlooks the lagoon and a magnificent fine-sand beach. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy this paradise at your own pace!
Foodies will love the barbecue on the terrace or the on-island restaurant serving fresh fish and Franco-Polynesian dishes. You certainly won’t go hungry! Note: if you’re interested, the villa is available from three nights minimum (which we recommend anyway). That’s a good amount of time to enjoy this privileged experience!
If you’re still hesitating between these four accommodations, take a look at the table below. It brings together all the key info for each place, and visually it’s easier to compare them!
| Name | Location | Features | Review | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts | Motu Tiano, Tikehau | 33 beach & overwater bungalows, infinity pool, spa, restaurant, bar, dive center, kayaks, bicycles, airport transfer. | You will be charmed by the overwater bungalows and the pink sand of the private motu. | 883 € – 1 350 € | Book |
| Ninamu Resort | Motu Ninamu, Tikehau | 10 bungalows, full board, private beach, snorkeling, kayak, paddleboard, kitesurf, excursions, free airport shuttle. | You will love the chic Robinson vibe and the wide range of included water activities. | 749 € – 3 500 € (from 2 nights) | Book |
| Hakamanu Lodge | Motu Hakamanu, Tikehau | Lagoon-view bungalows, half board, private beach, kayaks, snorkeling, fishing, shuttle, Wi-Fi, pets allowed. | You will be delighted by the tranquility and the lagoon right in front of the bungalows. | 442 € – 670 € | Book |
| Tikehau Fafarua Lodge Private Island | Motu Fafarua (private island), Tikehau | 3-bedroom villa, exclusive island, full board, beach & lagoon access, water activities, free airport transfers. | Experience the unique feeling of having an island all to yourself, with tailor-made service. | 2 778 € – 6 087 € | Book |
Affordable accommodations in Tikehau: family guesthouses and camping
Now, let’s forget the luxury bungalows and move on to the good deals! Family guesthouses and camping in Tikehau are great options for getting close to local life without breaking the bank. A stay in this type of lodging means conviviality and simplicity. Here, you take the time to discover Tikehau and its famous lagoon while sharing with Polynesians. Sound good?
Hiti Tikehau
Located on the seafront, Hiti Tikehau offers you a super-cozy 50 m² bungalow. Picture this: you’re just a few meters from a beautiful private beach. The all-wood bungalow opens onto a terrace directly overlooking the lagoon. Inside, you’ll have a nicely decorated living room, a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious bedroom that can be set up with a double bed or two singles. The bonus: even the bedroom faces the sea through large bay windows! The bungalow also includes a bathroom with an Italian shower.
To get around, the host lends you all-terrain bikes. You can easily reach the motu’s supermarkets (handy) or ride out to Hina’s bell. You also get kayaks to explore the marine life on your own. The water is so clear you can spot rays and fish right from your kayak! In short, Hiti Tikehau is ideal if you’re looking for a simple, waterside stay.
Tikehau Cosy Lodge
Still on the lagoon’s edge, just a few steps from the village of Tuherahera, Tikehau Cosy Lodge welcomes you to a fare set up like a 32 m² studio. Simply slide open the bay window and you’ll find yourself in an exceptional setting. Everything is simple yet warm. You’ll have a well-equipped kitchenette, a private shower and a terrace with hammock and barbecue—perfect for hanging out at the end of the day and watching the sunset.
What’s more, the hosts, Aimée and Patrick, will gladly share their local tips and lend you bikes and kayaks. Travelers especially appreciate the peacefulness, the family atmosphere and the superb location. In short, it’s a great address not to be missed!
Aito Motel Colette
This is the guesthouse where we put down our bags for a week in Tikehau! I can tell you we had a great family stay. The guesthouse is set on a simply magnificent white-sand beach. It has six recently renovated bungalows accommodating two to four people. Each has its own private bathroom and offers all the necessary comfort. Bikes and snorkeling gear are provided so you can explore the motu. A little info that might interest you: the guesthouse offers a lagoon excursion with local guides.
Special mention for the meals shared with the hosts and other travelers : they were delicious, made with freshly caught fish! Honestly, I highly recommend this guesthouse. We spent a simple yet fantastic week there (and for more than a reasonable price!).
Pension Hotu
We’re staying put in the village of Tuherahera with Pension Hotu! The setting is perfect: you head into a coconut grove on a gorgeous beach! The guesthouse offers six traditionally styled bungalows. They’re all well-ventilated, with mosquito nets and a private bathroom, sleeping two to six people. On the agenda : snorkeling in the lagoon (with the Coco Dive Club right next door), exploring the underwater world, kayaking, paddle-boarding and more!
To go further and let yourself be guided, the guesthouse offers a full lagoon excursion : manta rays, Bird Island, pink sand, a barbecue on a secluded motu… Back at the guesthouse you’ll also find games like table tennis or billiards. For your meals there’s a restaurant next door; on the menu : the famous fresh fish of the Tuamotus! In short, everything is set up so you feel great in Tikehau!
Relais Royal Tikehau
Let’s mix things up and head to a private motu just a few minutes by boat from Tikehau Airport! You’ll be almost barefoot in the water on a stunning white-sand beach. There are seven bungalows on site, accommodating two to six people – some are larger family units! Either way, you’ll be in the midst of idyllic scenery!
You can choose a half-board option to taste local specialties. Activity-wise, kayaks are available and you can head out on lagoon and Bird Island excursions. The standout feature of this place is undoubtedly its postcard-perfect setting and warm atmosphere. The perfect combo for enjoying Tikehau!
Teumuhonu Tikehau
In the center of Tuherahera village, Teumuhonu Tikehau opens the doors of its fare converted into a family guesthouse! The handy part : you’ll be just steps from the quay and the local food trucks (where you can sample tasty snacks!). Ariitu greets you with a flower lei to welcome you! It instantly puts you in a warm mood, which is much appreciated!
The accommodation is nicely decorated, with a four-poster double bed and an equipped kitchenette. The bathroom is a little unusual as it’s outside in the tropical garden (a fun change and pretty cool!).
Every morning, you can enjoy a continental breakfast before heading off to explore the atoll. By bike you can easily reach the dive club, grocery store or bakery – the location is really convenient! Here too, the host offers the classic excursion to Bird Island. Honestly, it’s a very good option with excellent value for money! You can go without hesitation!
Chez Christiane
Chez Christiane is a real favorite with travelers – and it’s easy to understand! You arrive in a private 30 m² cocoon in Tikehau, on a dream beach. The fare is beautifully decorated, with a comfortable bedroom, a fully equipped kitchenette and a lovely bathroom. Don’t forget the terrace opening onto the sea (it’s magnificent !).
Christiane, your host, prepares a homemade breakfast for you every morning! She’s always available to answer your questions and share her best tips. She’ll also drop you off and pick you up directly at Tikehau Airport. In other words, all you have to do is enjoy yourself without worrying about a thing – that’s what vacations are for.
To explore the reef, you have kayaks, paddle boards and snorkeling gear. We can agree this guesthouse ticks a lot of boxes : ideal location, tasteful decor, dream setting, simplicity, authenticity, good food and a warm welcome. What more could you ask for?
Tikehau Glamping & Camping
If you want to sleep under the stars in Tikehau, it’s possible! Tikehau Glamping & Camping offers tent pitches, canvas cabins and even a few transparent bubbles. In one place you can enjoy different and unusual experiences with more or less comfort. For reference, you’ll be close to the main village, right in the middle of a coconut grove on the lagoon shore. You can do some shopping at the grocery store or try the food trucks. Everything is within reach (even the lagoon). The campground also lends kayaks, paddle boards, masks and snorkels, so you’re fully equipped to explore the coral reefs.
Another great point is the friendly vibe, with a barbecue area in the heart of the coconut grove. As for the facilities, the shared restrooms are clean, as is the communal kitchen. Another advantage of camping : the price! You definitely won’t find cheaper accommodation in Tikehau. For an authentic, nature-immersed experience, the campground should be right up your alley!
Here is a table that sums up all the essential information about the family guesthouses! It’s always helpful to make your choice.
| Name | Location | Features | Review | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiti Tikehau – Ocean Side Bungalow | Ocean side, Tuherahera | Private ocean-front bungalow, wild beach, free bicycles, fully equipped kitchen, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, airport shuttle. | You will appreciate the tranquil, friendly atmosphere. | 302 € – 441 € (from 2 nights) | Book |
| Tikehau Cosy Lodge | Tuherahera village, Tikehau | Lagoon bungalow, free bicycles & kayaks, fully equipped kitchen, hammock, Wi-Fi, transfers included. | You will love the location and comfort of this lodge! | 333 € (from 2 nights) | Book |
| Aito Motel Colette | Main beach, Tikehau | Beach bungalows, half board, ukulele evenings, kayaks, airport transfers, Wi-Fi. | You will be delighted by the family atmosphere, feet in the sand. | 170 € | Book |
| Pension Hotu | East of Tuherahera, Tikehau | Beach bungalows, half board, nearby dive center, bicycles, kayaks, lagoon excursions, Wi-Fi. | You will love this stunning spot on one of the atoll’s most beautiful beaches. | 90 € | Book |
| Relais Royal Tikehau | Private motu near the airport | Bungalows, full board, pink beach, kayaks, fishing, Polynesian music, transfers. | You will be enchanted by this authentic stay on an exclusive motu. | 230 € – 495 € | Book |
| Teumuhonu Tikehau | Tuherahera (opposite the port) | Design loft-bungalow, outdoor bathroom, bicycles, high-speed Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, kitchenette. | You will be delighted by this lodge where everything is designed for a perfect stay. | 90 € – 173 € | Book |
| Chez Christiane | Village beach, Tuherahera | Cozy bungalow, fully equipped kitchen, bicycles & kayak, transfers, homemade breakfast, Wi-Fi. | You will appreciate the location and comfort of this lagoon-side accommodation. | 730 € (from 3 nights) | Book |
| Tikehau Glamping & Camping | Tuherahera (near the airport) | Glamping tents & pitches, shared kitchen, showers, bicycle rental, kayaks, friendly atmosphere. | You will love this affordable nature experience: starry nights facing the lagoon. | 17 € – 55 € | Book |
I’ll wrap up this article on where to stay in Tikehau here. Even though the atoll is small, you’ve seen that there are several accommodation options to suit every taste and budget! You can stay on the main motu or on an isolated motu – it all depends on the type of stay you’re looking for! In any case, I hope you’ll find the best option for you on this superb atoll.
By the way, speaking of atolls, I recommend checking out our guide to the best places to stay in Rangiroa. There are plenty of choices there too!
If you’re planning to continue your journey in the Tuamotu Islands, here’s our guide to accommodation in Fakarava.
See you soon for more practical articles on Polynesia,
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.
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