Opoa Beach Hotel

Top choice in Ra'iatea & Taha'a


This small resort with a boutique feel is one of Ra’iatea’s top hotels, and it’s easy to understand why. An effortless tropical charm pervades the collection of cottages set amid beautifully landscaped gardens. From the outside, the white facades and blue tin roofs lack the wow factor, but each one is artistically decorated with local materials and teak furnishings.

The pool is small and the beach is skinny, but there’s great swimming off the long pontoon jutting out over the lagoon; or ask for a boat transfer to Motu Oatara just offshore. The restaurant is also highly respected, so you'll eat very well. The resort is isolated, which gives it an intimate, secluded feel, but you’ll definitely need your own wheels if you plan to explore the island.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ra'iatea & Taha'a attractions

3. Waterfall

7.4 MILES

Along the Les Trois Cascades (Three Waterfalls) hike, it’s an easy stroll to the first (the smallest) waterfall, which has a great swimming hole. Though…

4. Waterfall

7.44 MILES

The second waterfall you'll pass along the Les Trois Cascades (Three Waterfalls) hike. After passing this waterfall, the trail follows the riverbed…

5. Waterfall

7.45 MILES

The third waterfall on the Les Trois Cascades (Three Waterfalls) hike is the most splendid – a 40m beauty with a fabulous swimming hole at its basin.

7. Ferme Perlière Champon

14.38 MILES

This well-run pearl farm/shop is known for its high-quality mounted and loose pearls. It’s at the southeastern end of Apu Bay.

8. Maison de la Vanille

16.53 MILES

On the right of the road into Haamene is this small family-run operation where you can see vanilla preparation and drying processes and also purchase…