The first thing to say is that we loved it, and whilst photographs never do a place justice, equally the photographs don’t show shortcomings either. I don’t know why we thought we could have an inexpensive/cheap Tahitian vacation, because the one thing about French Polynesia is, that it isn’t cheap by any means!!

The second thing to say is how beautiful the large scale views of the islands, and the water is, but what is specially nice about Huahine is the fact it isn’t as touristy. In fact Te Tiare Beach is one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots we came upon in French Polynesia.

Te Tiare is a real gem of a Pacific Island resort. We had a huge deep overwater bungalow, which had a large private sun deck. The best thing about it was the swimming, straight off the deck, with no speedboats, jet skis, water skiers, just peace and total tranquillity, absolutely fabulous, and very unusual if our experience of other French Polynesia luxury hotels is anything to go by.

I can’t say the rooms were salubrious, but we didn’t pick a south pacific vacation destination for room interiors!!

The view was more than enough!!

If I was to be pedantic the beach was a bit small, never busy, but a bit small, but we both swam all the time off the sundeck, and anyway I hate wading out from a beach.

We didn’t take the meal plan, because it seemed pointless to be on an exotic Tahiti vacation, and not explore, so we hired a car, and explored both the islands that make up Huahine, and consequently ate out a lot.

To be honest the food didn’t do a lot for me, but I did enjoy eating lunch at the Pension Maurii on Avea Bay, and mai tai’s and dinner at Te Marare in Fare.

Te Tiare is a beautiful understated resort, and we much preferred Huahine to BoraBora, much more innocent,much less tourist shops and tat.

If you want a genuine French Polynesia luxury hotel come here.

Just beware, life here is expensive, but then who counts when you are on vacation!!!