We’ve all seen them on Instagram — those iconic Tahitian bungalows that seem to float on the sea. As I approached Le Taha'a by Pearl Resorts via water taxi from Raiatea — and through a tropical rainstorm — the skies cleared and I saw them with my own eyes. Even then, they didn’t seem real.
I've wanted to visit Tahiti for many years; so, it was a pleasant surprise to learn that a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Papeete is only eight hours, and the inter-island connection to Raiatea is less than an hour. From there, it's a 35-minute scenic boat ride directly from the airport to the resort. So, it’s a journey, but it almost feels like a journey back in time.
The iconic Tahitian overwater bungalows live up to the Instagram hype.
Credit: 2026 Samantha Davis-Friedman
“The idea here is to create a place where we share the original Polynesian culture, the Polynesia of the past,” said Laurent Le Seac’h, the resort’s general manager. “That’s very important.”
Located on Motu Tautau between the islands of Taha'a and Raiatea, Le Taha'a is one of five Pearl Resorts in French Polynesia, and the first member of Relais & Chateaux in the Islands of Tahiti. The five-star resort was also awarded two Michelin Keys in 2025, making the experience a perfect combination of authentic Polynesian culture and luxury.
Guest Rooms and Suites
The 59-room resort has 48 overwater suites, nine beach villas (three are classified as premium due to direct water access) and two two-bedroom Royal Villas. All beach villas have private plunge pools.
But the overwater suites are definitely the stars, with views of the turquoise lagoon from a large picture window and views of fish swimming below from windows at the foot of the bed and by the bathroom’s large soaking tub. One night, I heard splashing and discovered colorful fish jumping underneath my suite. It was an Instagram dream come true.
There is something magical about falling asleep and waking up over the water.
Credit: 2026 Samantha Davis-Friedman“Staying in one of the overwater bungalows makes the experience even more special,” said Rondah Delos Reyes, business development consultant for ID Travel Group, who visited the resort with me during a fam trip for ParauParau Tahiti. “There is something magical about falling asleep and waking up over the water; it makes you feel completely immersed in the environment. I actually slept with the curtains open so I could wake up to the morning light coming in over the lagoon.”
Dining at Le Taha'a
Each restaurant at the resort has a moniker connected to Polynesian voyaging. The resort’s signature fine dining restaurant, Tipairua Restaurant, is named for large sailing canoes and serves dinner only (closed Monday and Tuesday). Le Hawaiki Nui — named for the famous Holopuni Va’a Hawaiki Nui ocean canoe race — is the resort's main restaurant, serving buffet breakfast and plated dinner. Every Tuesday, resort guests can attend a live Polynesian show followed by a buffet dinner in Le Hawaiki Nui.
Le Hawaiki Nui features a nightly grilled lagoon-fish special, such as Parrotfish.
Credit: 2026 Samantha Davis-Friedman
The beachfront Titiraina restaurant, named for Polynesian single-hulled outrigger canoes, serves lunch (dinner is also served during high season). Once each week, local fishermen bring their catch to Titiraina, where clients can choose their fish to be grilled and served with coconut rice, fresh-squeezed coconut milk and lime.
And of course, room service is also available, including breakfast delivered by traditional outrigger canoe.
Activities at Le Taha'a
While the resort offers excursions to explore the island of Taha’a, there’s plenty to do onsite, including cultural activities such as Tahitian dance and ukulele lessons and flower-crown making. The resort also has a swimming pool, tennis courts, a fitness center and shady garden huts for games of chess, checkers or table soccer. And nobody will want to skip the ice cream parlor.
Guests can also explore the lagoon's crystal-clear waters by stand-up paddleboard, kayak or outrigger canoe, and snorkeling in the coral garden is spectacular (all equipment is complimentary).
Clients traveling with children should note there's no kids' club.
Clients can explore the lagoon's crystal-clear waters by stand-up paddleboard, kayak or outrigger canoe.
Credit: 2026 Tahiti TourismeDuring my two-night stay at Le Taha’a, I was told the resort was at 70% capacity, yet, aside from the Polynesian show and the restaurant, I rarely saw anyone else, making the experience feel private and exclusive.
“There is a quiet elegance to Le Taha’a that allows the natural beauty and Polynesian culture to truly take center stage,” Delos Reyes said. “What struck me most was how peaceful the resort feels. Even when we were in the public areas, it often felt like we were the only ones there, which created a very intimate atmosphere.”
Upon my departure, I asked the general manager if everyone was sad to leave. "Hopefully," he said — and I certainly was — but, he added with a smile, “In case you miss us, we don’t move.”
