Royal Huahine

Royal Huahine (formerly Te Tiare Beach Huahine) primarily attracts honeymooners looking to experience an overwater bungalow at an affordable price. It's in a secluded, quiet area (save for the occasional fisherman boat going by) that's most conveniently reached via boat. After being picked up in the main town, guests arrive to the resort's overwater reception and restaurant area. Like the rest of the property, the design is simple, Polynesian, and showing wear, with wood-beam ceilings, rattan furniture, and straw roofs. Polynesian decor includes ceiling-hung canoes, island-themed artwork, and tropical flower-print linens. Built in 1999, this is an older property, and it shows. Expect dirty plastic loungers by the pool, peeling paint, and water-stained showers. Past guests have also complained of understaffing and minor maintenance issues. The resort never seems to house that many travelers, even in peak season, and guests largely only see each other at meal times. The lack of any restaurants or shops nearby means the atmosphere remains peaceful, with travelers spending their days on their bungalow terrace or utilizing the free kayaks. This is a good pick for low-key travelers wanting a tranquil, disconnected setting, though some may find the seclusion and lack of buzz on-site disconcerting. There are just a few hotels on Huahine, and it's worth considering the Maitai Lapita Village, which provides a central location and contemporary rooms. For an affordable overwater bungalow experience in Bora Bora, Oa Oa Lodge has a few available, but rooms are similarly rustic. 

Opposite of Bora Bora, Huahine is a lush, largely undeveloped island that can be reached via a 40-minute flight from Fa'a'ā International Airport in Tahiti. Travelers can arrange to be picked up from the Huahine Airport and taken to the main town of Fare, where they'll then board a boat shuttle to the hotel (about a 15-minute ride). Most past guests suggest picking up some snacks and drinks at the supermarket in Fare, as on-site prices are expensive and only one bottle of water is free. Travelers can also head to Fare each day, as the hotel offers three free shuttles per day, though they stop before dinnertime. There are no restaurants or shops within walking distance of the hotel, as it's a remote, secluded beachfront location. 

There are 40 rooms -- 18 Garden, 11 Beach, and 11 Overwater Bungalows -- here, all featuring the same dated, basic, and Polynesian design. The stand-alone units have straw roofs, terra-cotta tile floors, wood and rattan furniture, and brown and blue linens. Bedspreads with a hibiscus print, Polynesian artwork, and fresh flowers on arrival point to the tropical setting. Bungalows are spacious and all outfitted with comfy beds and couches. Big glass doors open to terraces , each furnished with two loungers, a table, and two chairs. Overwater units add ladders into the water and outdoor showers. Bathrooms in Garden and Beach Bungalows have roomy showers, hairdryers, and basic toiletries, plus separate toilets. Overwater Bungalows add jetted tubs. Fixtures and furnishings are worn.Desks, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning and ceiling fans, mini-fridges, and tea- and coffee-making facilities are provided, as are walk-in closets with old safes. One bottled water is supplied for free, but after that, bottled water requires a fee. In-room Wi-Fi also incurs a charge.

Amenities are limited at the Royal Huahine, as there are no spa, gym, or market for groceries or sundries on-site. However, most guests that stay here are content with the few amenities that foster relaxation. Although many guests stick to lounging on their terrace, the pretty beachfront is lovely and lined with a handful of loungers under straw umbrellas. Also set up here are some kayaks and canoes that guests can check out from reception, along with snorkeling equipment. There are lots of opportunities for spotting sea life, and we saw stingrays, tropical fish, and coral from multiple vantage points during our stay. For non-ocean swimming, a pool is near the beach and also lined with a handful of well-worn plastic loungers. A ping-pong table is off to one side.Dining-wise, the main overwater restaurant is open-air and circular. A breakfast buffet has simple continental fare that's kept covered due to pesky birds. A la carte fare at dinner includes fresh seafood, but food is largely average for the price. For lunch, a casual beachfront eatery serves simple fare such as burgers and salads, plus cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Wi-Fi is free around the lobby, but requires a heft fee in rooms. The hotel previously offered massages on-site, but now, staff can only arrange for massages in Fare. They can also help arrange excursions around the island.