Hotel Review: Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa in Rangiroa

I recently returned from French Polynesia, and wanted to write about the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa in Rangiroa. The hotel is around 20 years old, but just completed a major renovation and reopened in March 2012. The property includes 60 villas and bungalows with exceptional style, scattered throughout a coconut grove, on the beach and overlooking the lagoon. I was able to spend two nights there in a villa where I had my own private garden and plunge pool to enjoy – it even had an outdoor bathtub. The overwater bungalows are wonderful, but for a different experience the garden villas are fantastic as well.

The island is known for great diving. We were able to take a day trip to the Blue Lagoon for an afternoon of snorkeling and swimming with sharks. Rangiroa is about a one hour plane ride from Papeete and well worth it!

The South Pacific is home to some of the most romantic island destinations in the world and the idyllic resort settings alone make it easy to escape. Whether you are looking for the ultimate in seclusion and privacy, or a romantic island adventure, look no further than the tropical islands of Tahiti.