Hotel Maitai Lapita Village Huahine Huahine Island French Polynesia

Escape to Paradise: Huahine's Hidden Gem, Maitai Lapita Village Awaits!

Escape to Paradise: My Huahine Holiday (A Messy, Honest Review of Maitai Lapita Village) - Get Ready to Swoon, or Maybe Just Slightly Sigh…

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Huahine, French Polynesia, and I'm still mentally unpacking. And by unpacking, I mean trying to decipher the beauty overload that is Maitai Lapita Village. Honestly, it's a "Hidden Gem"? More like a slightly-less-hidden-but-still-pretty-darn-special-place-to-get-lost-in. Let's dive in, folks. This isn't your run-of-the-mill, sterile hotel review. This is… well, it's me, spilled onto the page (metaphorically, of course. I haven't actually spilled anything yet).

First Impressions: The Good, the Slightly-Less-Good & The OMG-Is-This-Real?

Getting there was, well, an adventure. Airport transfer was seamless, thankfully – a small mercies in all the excitement. The car park [on-site] was a lifesaver. The accessibility is decent. They definitely try! But a couple of tight squeezes here and there, although the elevator was perfect.

Stepping into the open-air lobby felt like walking onto a postcard. Seriously. The air conditioning in public area was like a gentle, welcoming hug against the Polynesian heat, while the CCTV in common areas made me feel safe. The check-in was so smooth - Contactless check-in/out, for the win! The front desk [24-hour] staff were genuinely lovely, patiently answering my ridiculous questions. They were super on-top of those COVID protocols - Staff trained in safety protocol.

Now, the rooms. My room was… a dream. Air conditioning blasted out refreshing air. Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in (because, let's be honest, vacation is for sleeping in!). The complimentary tea was a nice touch. But okay, the bathroom phone? Seriously? I'm not calling anyone from my tub! But the slippers and bathrobes were chef's kiss perfect!

Let's Talk Accessibility, Because It Matters (And I'm Messy)

Facilities for disabled guests are available, which is a huge plus. I'm not wheelchair-bound, but I did notice that they seemed to try and accommodate, though some areas are naturally more challenging than others. Wheelchair accessible is listed, important. This place isn't perfect on the accessibility front, but it's definitely trying to be inclusive and that’s worth noting.

Food, Glorious Food (And My Over-Excited Taste Buds)

Oh. My. Gosh. The food. Forget the diet. Seriously. Restaurants on site? Yes, please! More about the main one later. But! Breakfast [buffet] was a feast of color – everything that would make your mouth water! The Asian breakfast was an interesting addition. International cuisine in restaurant was top-notch, but I went all-in on the local… which was outstanding. Coffee/tea in restaurant was excellent. Coffee shop was perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. Poolside bar was a mandatory stop, and the Happy hour was worth every single second.

Here's an anecdote: one day, I ordered room service [24-hour] because I was… well, let's just say I'd spent a little too long in the sun. (That sun is intense, folks! Always protect yourself!) I got a soup and a salad and the bottle of water was a blessing. It was the perfect little retreat.

The safe dining setup made me feel pretty secure. I'm not a fan of anything that smells of danger, and the staff clearly prioritize this.

Pampering? Oh Yes, Pampering.

The spa is an absolute must. I may or may not have treated myself to a body scrub and a massage. Foot bath afterwards? Oh, you betcha! The pool with view was breathtaking. I swear, I spent half my time just staring at it. The sauna and steamroom were a lovely addition, they are great for relaxing. The spa/sauna area was a sanctuary. Honestly forgot about the gym/fitness center – I was too busy floating!

The Little Things (And Some Not-So-Little Things)

Internet Access is decent. The Wi-Fi [free] in the rooms was a lifesaver (thank goodness for the free Wi-Fi in all rooms!), though sometimes it slowed down. Internet can get a little flaky, but hey, you're in paradise! Internet [LAN] is also available.

Cleanliness and safety were taken seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products; Daily disinfection in common areas: they were on top of it all. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items – you'd be hard-pressed to find anything more sparkling. Rooms sanitized between stays – peace of mind, people! And hand sanitizer stations everywhere. I appreciated those little details. First aid kit was reassuring.

The Daily housekeeping was exceptional!

Things to Do (Besides Staring at the Ocean, Which is Highly Recommended)

The hotel offers a la carte in restaurant options along with buffet in restaurant: plenty to select from. What there isn't, is a place to park the boat. The luggage storage was useful. There's a little gift/souvenir shop on site. They have meeting/banquet facilities and exterior corridor so I could meet new people.

The Verdict? (My Honest, Rambling Opinion)

Look, Maitai Lapita Village isn’t perfect. No place is. You may face the occasional Wi-Fi glitch or a room key that needs to be re-programmed. But the sheer beauty, the warm service, and the overall vibe of relaxation? That’s what makes it special.

My Recommendation? YES. Book it. Now.

Stop scrolling. Seriously. This isn't just about a hotel; it's about an experience. It's about waking up to turquoise waters, feeling sand between your toes, and forgetting the real world exists.

Here's My (Somewhat Aggressive) Offer To Get You There:

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Book your stay at Maitai Lapita Village within the next 7 days and receive:

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Early Check-in and Late Check-out (Based on Availability): More time to soak up the paradise!
A special welcome drink!
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Don't wait! Paradise awaits! (And honestly, so do I… I'm already planning my return trip!)

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Hotel Maitai Lapita Village Huahine Huahine Island French Polynesia

Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your glossy brochure version of paradise. This is my Huahine adventure, warts and all. Prepare for a healthy dose of sun, sand, and a whole lot of me trying not to mess things up.

The Island of Huahine: My Slightly Chaotic Itinerary (Hotel Maitai Lapita Village)

Day 1: Arrival of Awkwardness and First Sunset Stare

Morning (or, rather, what I'm pretending is morning after a long, sweaty flight): Landing at Huahine-Fare Airport. Seriously, it's a tiny airstrip. Like, blink and you'll miss it tiny. The airport itself? A glorified shack! But the air… oh, the air! It hits you like a warm, perfumed hug. My luggage, of course, decided to take a scenic route, or maybe just a nap, in transit. Sigh. The lovely representative from the Maitai Lapita, a woman with eyes like the lagoon, assured me it would arrive. I'm trusting her. (Note: I'm terrible at optimism.)
Mid-Day: Check-in at the Maitai Lapita. Okay, the bungalows are glorious! Overwater bliss, I’m now trying to find my inner cliché. I also immediately regretted not packing my own bug spray. The mosquitos are like tiny, blood-sucking fighter jets. Dinner was delicious, the sunset was divine. Just breathtaking, watching the colors bleed across the sky.
Evening: Trying to read a book (a very romantic novel, to further my tropical illusion), but mostly just staring at the stars. My brain is fried, so naturally, I order a cocktail. Or two. Or maybe three. I blame jet lag.

Day 2: The Lagoon Tango & Underwater Woes

Morning: Okay, luggage finally arrived! Victory! I'm now armed and ready to tackle the lagoon with my own snorkel gear. The water is crazy clear. The fish are like, "Hey, look at the pale tourist in the goggles!" I swear a parrotfish gave me the side-eye.
Mid-Day: Snorkeling tour! This is where things got a little… hairy. See, I'm not the most graceful human in the water. Let's just say my attempts to "glide" resembled a clumsy seal struggling to stay afloat. The guide - a surprisingly patient man named Teva - just chuckled and pointed out the manta rays. They are HUGE. And majestic. And, oh god, I almost swallowed a mouthful of seawater while trying to take a picture.
Afternoon: A picnic on a motu. Picture this: white sand, turquoise water, a spread of fresh fruit (a pineapple, a papaya, and passion fruit… basically, a tropical fruit salad heaven), and the sun beating down. Perfect, right? Except, you're me, so, I managed to spill half my juice and get sand everywhere. But, honestly, the feeling of pure, unadulterated sunshine on your skin, the sound of the waves… it was blissful.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, Chez Nono. I ordered the fish. Oh, sweet Poseidon, the fish. The flavor. I have no other words except “amazing.”

Day 3: Vanilla Dreams and Sacred Sites

Morning: Exploring the island! Huahine is actually two islands, Huahine Nui (big) and Huahine Iti (small), joined by a bridge. We did a tour, hitting up the vanilla plantations. The air smelled like pure, unadulterated heaven. I bought way too much vanilla extract.
Mid-Day: Visiting the Marae (ancient Polynesian temples). The stones are massive, the history is incredible. The sheer age of the place is mind-boggling. I felt a strange sense of… connection. (Or maybe it was just the sun.)
Afternoon: Okay, I’m doubling down. I decided to revisit the vanilla plantation. Because the first time, I failed to realize the gift they have. I got caught in the pouring rain. Got drenched, I was, at least, looking at the amazing vanilla beans again.
Evening: Tried to order another fish at Chez Nono, but they were sold out! Devastation! I opted for the grilled chicken. It was… fine. The cocktail? Still excellent. I’m beginning to suspect these are the backbone of this whole trip.

Day 4: Pearl Diving, Paddleboarding & Emotional Baggage

Morning: Pearl farm tour. Learning about the process is fascinating. These oysters? The work for them is huge! I learned that they only get a single pearl or two out of the oysters. I'd like to buy one, but the prices are… steep. I'll bring a tiny shell back home.
Mid-Day: Paddleboarding! Okay, I thought I was getting more coordinated. I promptly fell off the paddleboard. Repeatedly. Face-first into the lagoon. I had to be rescued by Teva. (God bless that man.)
Afternoon: I've been doing a lot of thinking. This place… it's beautiful. I came here to escape something, and maybe I'm finding some peace. Maybe not. It’s a mess, like me. But it’s my mess. I am sitting alone.
Evening: Packed my bag. Back home tomorrow. I'm sad, but it’s time to get back.

Day 5: Departure (and a Promise to Return Eventually, Maybe)

Morning: That tiny airport again. Saying goodbye to the Maitai Lapita and the island. The airport worker gave me a flower lei. And that wave good-bye, as my taxi drove up. I want to stay, I don't want to go.
Afternoon: The long flight home. I'm already dreaming of the fish, the sunsets, and the… well, maybe not the mosquitos.

Final Thoughts:

This trip was a cluster of beautiful moments and minor disasters. I got sunburned, covered in sand, and possibly swallowed half the lagoon. But I also saw fish that looked like rainbows, ate food that changed my life, and somehow, found that I liked myself a bit more. Huahine, you glorious, chaotic, slightly-too-hot paradise… I'll be back. Eventually. Maybe not in my own kayak. But I'll return. Just… give me some time to recover from the paddleboarding.

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Hotel Maitai Lapita Village Huahine Huahine Island French Polynesia

Escape to Paradise: Huahine's Hidden Gem - Maitai Lapita Village Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Slightly Disorganized FAQ

Okay, So... Huahine? Is it Really That Paradise-y?

Alright, let's be real. Huahine? Yeah, it's pretty darn close to paradise. Think turquoise water so clear you can practically see the boredom setting in of the fish, lush green mountains that look like they were Photoshopped (but aren't!), and a relaxed vibe that makes even your most uptight friend start breathing deeply. I mean, seriously, I saw a rooster strutting down the road with a piece of baguette in its beak. A ROOSTER. WITH BREAD. That pretty much sums it up.

BUT... and there's *always* a but, right? Sometimes that "relaxed vibe" means things run on "Island Time." Your perfectly-timed snorkeling trip booked for 9:00 AM? Might be 10:00 AM. Maybe. Pack your patience, my friend. Pack it *very* well.

Maitai Lapita Village... Sounds Fancy. Is it?

"Fancy" is relative. Let's go with charming and comfortable. It's not the Four Seasons, okay? Don't go expecting marble floors and butler service (though, hey, maybe they do have a butler... I didn't ask!). But the bungalows? Cute. The pool? Lovely. The location? Fantastic. Right on the beach. You literally roll out of bed and TRIP OVER THE SAND (which, honestly, I did on more than one occasion).

I booked a "garden bungalow" and, honestly, I pictured more… garden. It was a little less "Secret Garden" and a little more "slightly overgrown with strategically placed palm fronds." But the point is, you’re in Huahine. You're not there to judge the precise level of manicuring! You're there to be slightly sunburned, slightly drunk, and utterly blissed out.

Food! Tell me about the FOOD! Any must-try dishes?

Oh. My. Goodness. The food. Forget your diets. Seriously. Give them the finger. Huahine is a culinary adventure, even if *I* spent a good portion of it trying to figure out how to say "no sauce" in Tahitian.

Must-try? **Poisson cru.** Raw tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. Sounds weird, tastes DIVINE. Find a place that serves it fresh – the best, I swear, was at a tiny shack on the other side of the island (more on that later!). Also, go for the grilled fish – fresh, flaky, and bursting with flavor. And the fruit! Oh, the fruit! Pineapples that taste like sunshine. Mangoes that make you want to lick your plate. (I may or may not have done that. Twice.)

The restaurant at Maitai Lapita was... okay. It's convenient, especially after a long day of doing absolutely nothing, but it's not necessarily *destination dining*. The breakfast buffet was a bit of a free-for-all, with pastries getting mysteriously depleted within minutes. (I suspect a rogue group of particularly hungry honeymooners. I won't name names... but I *saw* them.)

What's there to do on Huahine besides, you know, existing?

Excellent question! Beyond the aforementioned existing (which is a valid activity, by the way), you've got options.

**Snorkeling:** The coral reefs are vibrant and teeming with life. I saw a manta ray! A HUGE one! I almost swallowed my snorkel in surprise. It was glorious.
**Scuba Diving:** Apparently, Huahine is a diving mecca. (I don't dive, so I'm just relaying what I heard from the boujee-est couple I met. They had their own underwater camera… ugh.)
**Exploring the Island:** Rent a car or scooter (more on that later…) and cruise around. There are ancient marae (temples), vanilla plantations, and hidden beaches to discover.
**Kayaking/Paddleboarding:** The lagoon is calm and crystal clear. Perfect for a leisurely paddle. Just remember sunscreen! (I did *not* remember sunscreen on one occasion…)
**Do absolutely nothing.**: That's a perfectly acceptable activity.

Okay, About that Scooter… Good Idea or Disaster Waiting to Happen?

Okay, buckle up. This is where things get *interesting*. A scooter on Huahine? Sounds romantic, right? Wind in your hair! Freedom! The reality? Slightly terrifying, at least for me. I’m used to driving in a city. This… this was different.

First, the roads. Some are paved beautifully. Others? Not so much. Think potholes the size of small cars and stray chickens. And the drivers! (Or lack thereof). They're *relaxed*. Like, *really* relaxed. Picture a guy on a scooter with one hand on the handlebars, the other holding a baguette. It’s not a metaphor, I saw that too. Twice.

My scooter experience? Let's just say I'm incredibly grateful for the tiny scrapes and not any major injuries. I may have taken a wrong turn, ended up on a muddy track, and almost *lost* it chasing a particularly plump pig. My advice? If you're confident on a scooter, go for it. If you're not… maybe stick to a car. Or the beach. The beach is always a good option.

Any tips for saving money? Because, you know, Tahitian paradise ain’t cheap…

Truth. Huahine is not a budget destination. But, there are ways to stretch your dollar (or franc, in this case!).

**Eat local:** Hit up the smaller restaurants and *roulottes* (food trucks). The food is delicious and significantly cheaper than the hotel restaurants. And trust me, the quality is often *better*.
**Pack snacks!** Those tiny mini-mart snacks are expensive. Bring your own chips, cookies, etc.
**Consider self-catering**: If you're staying in a bungalow with a kitchen, cook some of your own meals. The local market is a great place to buy fresh produce and fish.
**Look for deals:** Research flight and hotel packages beforehand. Timing your visit during the shoulder seasons will also likely save you cash.
**Don't be afraid to say "no":** Tours can be pricey. Consider exploring independently. (See previous scooter-related advice, though… proceed with caution!)

What about the people? Are they friendly? (Because, you know, some places are… not.)

Oh, the people. They areBackpacker Hotel Find

Hotel Maitai Lapita Village Huahine Huahine Island French Polynesia

Escape to Paradise: Huahine's Hidden Gem, Maitai Lapita Village Awaits!