Tetamanu Village

You have to expect a very basic “camping” experience. When we came in, not sure our individual bathroom nor sink had been cleaned since probably the last 4-5 months. There were black smears and foul odour coming out of them both. It was gross. Understandably no AC, but no fans even though it is very hot and minimal wind. Could be very much better with just a little investments from owner. Food was average at best, with rice/pasta and mashed potatoes each meal. Not even fresh fish every meal even though we’re on a deserted island with millions of them around, for free. No vegetables nor fruits at all. Decent service from locals who operate, but you seemed to annoy them each time you would go ask for something or information. On the plus side, diver instructors were amazing and diving experience was 1000% worth it. P.S.: Boat ride to Tetamanu village is a solid 2 hours, not 1 hour advertised. Also, very important to know that your flight has to arrive at the latest at 4PM if you want a lift to the village, otherwise it is next day pick up...They told us 2 days prior to pick up so we had to arrange ourselves under rush, while we had booked 1 month ago.

Tetamanu is not a resort or even a hotel. This is an experience in an old and remote village for seasoned travelers in search of the savage beauty of the sea, of French Polynesia, and of life itself! There are plenty of other places on these islands where you can find the comforts you left behind-- but this is so much more. You will ride an angry lagoon to your bungalow where your shower may not work. You will get wet and you will be dirty. You'll eat simple, communal meals and the winds will blast across the Pacific Ocean into your windows every night. But those who can brave these conditions will be rewarded with the best snorkeling and diving on earth; with a return to nature like no other; and with a welcoming and deeply authentic tribe of hardworking people who make it all possible. We cannot speak highly enough about Tetamanu Village. It's more pilgrimage than vacation, and everything you see is sacred. For our stay, the diving outfit was run by Haramiti (Sylvie) and Alexandre. These two are non-stop guardian angels. We are not divers and didn't intend to dive, but they made us feel so comfortable and found time to "baptize" us amidst a busy schedule of three dives per day-- each organized over dinner every night. They were patient and wildly talented-- every diving group we saw returned with their minds blown. The snorkeling around the Village is the best we've ever seen-- untouched pristine corals, enormous schools of fish and reef sharks. The current is dreadfully strong and a constant, awesome reminder of nature's unrelenting power. Being in the water here is like visiting another planet. The amount of work it takes to maintain this operation is incredible-- the kitchen staff produce three large, balanced meals every day despite the isolation, and they did it while smiling. They don't have any Michellin stars, but they may as well after you've spent the day absorbing raw, unfiltered nature. It may seem like things are held together with duct tape-- because they are, because you are in the wilderness surrounded by uncompromising beauty. Rosalie is an extraordinary manager who can seemingly turn water into wine-- and so it's fitting that she also runs the bar. If you are lucky, you can integrate into this family for a few days-- playing music and singing, enjoying a special dessert, or just catching a relaxed conversation on the dock. We were thankful for every moment the staff shared with us. There is no escaping nature at Tetamanu-- you could have a religious experience just looking at the stars without ever getting in the water. Each morning you can visit Sables Rosa, a deserted pink strand of beach that comes from a dream, and in the evening you are greeted by friendly beach dogs living their best life as you watch sharks swarm below you. It isn't about being comfortable-- it's about being real. You may struggle but you will feel alive. Ask yourself: why are you going to Fakarava? It's not for the toilet paper or water pressure-- it is for the adventure. Give yourself over to it and it will give you back so much more. We only hope that we can someday make it back to this sacred place, and that it is never spoiled by luxury-seekers demanding yet another boring beach resort. Thank you all so, so much for everything. Maruuru!

I read reviews before I booked Tetamanu Village for my husband and I so I new what to expect. The 1 1/2 hour boat ride to the Resort was pretty rough. It was dark no lights that I saw guiding us. The water was pretty rough with a lot of rocking due to high waves. I actually was a little nervous and relaxed at the same time. Dinner was waiting for us on our arrival and direction about our stay was given. Many reviews I read stated no toilet seat in their bungaloo (we didn't have one) torn mosquito nets (true). My rags at home were better than the towels that we received. I knew this going in so I was ok with all of this. We loved it here. Loved sleeping at night with the fresh air blowing through the windows and front door. The food was plentiful and very good. Drinks were beer, punch and wine if you wanted alcohol. Not much of a variety and not always available. Again this is not a Resort that people are waiting on you and trying to please you at all times. You are not always greeted with a big smile but as long as you are respectful and don't expect a lot you will be pleased with your accommodations. The fish, the views, diving and snorkeling are so wonderful. I loved the black tip sharks and couldn't wait to see them as much as I could. The variety of and amount of fish you see as you snorkel just off of the decks of your room and especially the docks where you eat are amazing. We stayed four nights. Two of which we met pretty amazing people from different areas of the world. The next two nights we were the only guests (we were called the the VIP guest of these two days). We visited the pink sand beach a few times. I didn't see much pink but the area was beautiful and took many pictures. Sylvie spent a lot of time with both my husband and I. She explained detailed information on Tahiti, diving and her background. She took a lot of time getting my husband certified for diving and explained all we needed to know for safe diving. She was always pleasant and helpful and went out of her way to help us with anything we needed. She made this visit even more special. We were very happy with our stay and would love to return one day. Recommendations would be to have a toilet seat, no holes in the mosquito net and a little nicer towels.

The location is absolutely gorgeous and it has a few dive sites where you are able to dive with hundreds of sharks. The waters are crystal clear and there are some nice beaches with pink sand in the proximity. That being said, that’s where the positives end unfortunately. The bungalows, as many other reviewers, have pointed out are very poorly maintained and it’s uncertain whether the bedsheets and towels are ever cleaned. The bedsheets where I stayed had stains and were damp and most of the mosquito nets had holes. We didn’t expect any luxuries but basic hygiene is definitely a minimum. Tragically, the accredited dive instructor of the village passed away which meant there were no dives possible. The tragedy was understandably out of everyone’s hands. That being said, the management team purposefully didn’t inform any of the guests that were destined to visit to specifically dive until a day after they had arrived. The management team could have at least given a heads up to travelers a couple days in advance when it happened so guests could make other arrangements. It was sad to experience because many guests had invested their life savings and had travelled across the world to visit. No refunds or support were offered.

Tetamanu Village is an amazing place to stay if you want to live the full motu life experience! The Bungalows are right by the water, they are quite rudimentary but they have the necessary commodities to spend a good night. With the full pension (all meals included), you get to eat nice pancakes in the morning and local food for lunch and dinner (raw fish and fresh grilled fish as well as meat and vegetables). The dinning area is right by the water where you can see plenty of sharks and fishes, it's like an open aquarium right at your feet! You can also do the best diving in the word right in this area. Most of all, the service was very nice, people welcome you like of you were at home and you can go fishing with the fishermen at the sunset! I highly recommend to stay at tetamanu Village

Be prepared to stay in a very basic bungalow with no glasses, no shampoo, hardly any light at evening and no lock on the door - and experience great food, amazing views above and below water and very friendly staff.||This is a diverse paradise. Very relaxed, people eat together after the sound of the bell and talk about todays discoveries. ||Snorkelling is wonderful too! The reef is 5 meters from the beach and you can easily enter from beach of bridges. ||The hotel offers daily shuttle boat to a bounty island area free of charge. Amazing with just sand and palms.

This place is dumbfounding in so many ways Tetamanu Village could be great with just a little investment but it appears the owner just wants to grind it out with the bare minimum Location is beautiful Yes I get that they are at the “end of the world “ but they do have daily boats bringing in other guests so they could also provide 1/2 decent mattresses or a communal hot water dispenser, salt/pepper and a cook book for the 'chef'

Incredible marine nature place, incredible reefs and marine world , very remote and quiet , friendly, accommodating local family host