Whether you stay one night or one week, there are many great resorts in Tahiti from which to choose.
Unlike the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora, overwater bungalows are not common here. Since Tahiti is mostly a stopover island, you’ll find hotels that cater more to business travelers and short-term guests than megaresorts with an array of activities.
Still, most resorts on Tahiti feature beautiful beaches and a distinct tropical allure. Here are Forbes Travel Guide’s editors’ picks for the best places to stay in Tahiti.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa
This full-service hotel is the largest luxury resort on the island. Located five minutes from the airport, it’s also the most convenient. Despite its proximity to downtown, the hotel has the feel of a Polynesian oasis and some of the best views in Tahiti. The rooms sport traditional Polynesian charm with wooden furniture and timber floors.
Le Méridien Tahiti
This is one of the only luxury hotels on Tahiti with thatched-roof overwater bungalows (InterContinental Tahiti Resort is the other). Rooms are a blend of contemporary French-influenced style with tropical touches. Accommodations feature a private deck with incredible views of Tahiti’s sister island, Moorea.
Manava Suite Resort Tahiti
This resort offers a modern design with contemporary furnishings. The rooms feature an in-suite kitchenette and complimentary Wi-Fi, making this a popular choice for both families and business travelers. With the largest infinity pool on Tahiti, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long flight.
Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort
Located on the east side of the island, Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort is situated on a gorgeous black sand beach. Although it’s slightly farther away from the airport than the other resorts, the prime setting on Lafayette Beach is a fair trade. The hotel has a more secluded feel while still offering easy access to downtown Papeete.
Hotel Tahiti Nui
Hotel Tahiti Nui boasts a clean, modern design with a young and contemporary atmosphere. Located in the heart of downtown Papeete, it is not a shorefront hotel like the other resorts in Tahiti. Instead, this hotel puts you right in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city, providing convenient access to the shops, restaurants, nightlife and other downtown attractions.
The Brando
North of Tahiti on the Tetiaroa atoll, you’ll find the pristine private island paradise of The Brando, which used to belong to actor Marlon Brando and was a getaway for Tahitian royalty. A coral reef surrounds the luxurious, eco-friendly resort, which has become a sanctuary for birds and marine animals.
