Fam trip feedback
11km² and a few motus, less than 1300 inhabitants, 5 grocer’s shops, 2 “snacks” (local restaurants), one small concrete road and the most beautiful Tahitian Gardenia plants of Polynesia along the way… Time lingers on Maupiti. No ATMs, and credit cards are still not accepted, here it’s the old-fashion way: Cash only! The island is provisioned by boat just once a month, so the choice of food and hygiene products is very limited, so you need to arrive “equipped” and without any particular requirements; allow yourself to be charmed by this island with a turtle-shaped silhouette. Protected by a very narrow and unpredictable pass, the most authentic of the Society Islands is accessible to visitors by air only, with 5 flights a week from Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Raiatea.
Maupiti, firstly, we go there for the exceptional beauty of its landscape which is revealed from the moment you step off the plane; to observe, while snorkeling or scuba diving, the majestic Manta rays over their coral head; to climb up to the panoramic viewpoint on Mount Teurafaatiu (381m); to cycle all around the main island; to visit the unusual and unique Palais de la Mer beside its creator and artist Ah-Ky Firuu; to have lunch at Mimi’s snack restaurant on the public beach before crossing the crystal-clear, fairly shallow lagoon over to the motu across the way; and if you are lucky enough to be on the island on a Saturday, it’s Ma’a Tahiti on the motu! Join the local residents and share a traditional meal with music, games, and swimming in paradise. Guided activities and tours are available with reservations and payment on site.
In terms of accommodation, 2019 will be a transitional year with the motto: first come, first served!
Maupiti Paradise closed in order to relocate to another motu, and the new guesthouse is not scheduled to open until the second half of 2019. At Pension Auira, since the managers are taking a step back from their business, we unfortunately cannot offer the establishment. The new guesthouse Taravanui plans to open two more units by the end of 2019, in addition to its new bungalow presented above. There are therefore 9 fewer bungalows in the inventory during this first semester 2019…
The other guesthouses with units featuring private bathroom may quickly be showing “full”: Espace Beach Maupiti (idyllic setting on the main island, traditional bungalows with coconut leaves roofs, and crushed coral floors), Papahani (idyllic setting on a motu facing the Manta rays spot and the sunset), Tautiare (spacious, comfortable rooms on the main island) and Fare Pae Ao (large, airy property located at the end of the motu near the reef, a good spot for fishing!).
To make up for this lack of availability, as an exception, we are offering a second selection of a few “handpicked” rooms with shared bathroom (details available from your Marketing agent).
Lastly, those not lucky enough to be staying on Maupiti can spend just the day there. Various private options can be considered, departing from Bora Bora or Raiatea, by helicopter, Cessna airplane, luxury fishing boat… Caution, these Daytours, due to their cost, are mainly aimed at a 4 and 5* hotel clientele. Custom services quoted on a case-by-case basis.
