French Polynesia Mountain Vacations

Stayed 6 nights in an overwater bungalow as part of a long trip to the islands of both Hawaii and French Polynesia. Service provided by our assigned concierge, Kea, was better than any butler service I have had over the years at other luxury hotels. The property is lovely and well kept. The bungalow was spacious, updated, and clean. Unfortunately there were a number of things that diminished the overall experience. First, the noise. I’ve stayed in overwater accommodations previously in The Maldives, Indonesia, and Colombia. I am currently at the Intercontinental La Moana in Bora Bora in an over water bungalow. It is serene and wonderful. I anticipated a similar experience of serenity and tranquility in Tahiti. But, instead, I had to listen to very loud music and announcements that went well past 10PM at night. Having traveled the world over the past 35 years I always have silicon ear plugs to dull the noise. Even with the earplugs, however, it was still loud. Some of the noise came from nearby but much of it was from the Intercontinental. In French Polynesia the year round humidity is between 80 and 90 percent. The average daily temperature hovers around 30. The fans in the dining areas were not sufficient to provide a comfortable dinning experience — even in shorts, tank top, and flip flops. The food was mediocre including at La Lotus. WiFi in room was ok but was not available in the gym and other areas of the property. This hotel pales in comparison to many other resorts.

One of my favorite things about Manava was the authentic Polynesian vibe. Beautiful place, wonderful staff. Loved being able to snorkel off our own deck - did a premium overwater bungalow for 2 days and private soaking pool bungalow for 1 day. It was fun to experience both types of rooms. The beautiful infinity pool was amazing. We just had a wonderful stay and would love to return again!

Everything was amazing, friendly service. Views were amazing.

Amazing bungalows and views. Breakfast was French style buffet and high was great. Very nice and helpful staff.

We spent a week in St Regis for our honeymoon and we both agreed that this has been the best trip of our lives. We did the overwater deluxe bungalow and it was the most incredible room I have been in. The glass cut outs in the floor and just how big these villas are made it feel like our own private oasis. We got the half board package which included daily breakfast and dinner. One of our favorite meals was at bamboo restaurant where we had the Laksa soup (one of the best I've ever had). I also arranged for the mystery dinner which was by far the best experience of the stay (Shaya was our hostess and she was also amazing). Some negatives are there is a huge aggressive mosquito population and I was eaten alive (however my wife was left alone so it is luck of the draw). Staff was attentive and friendly and greeted you by name which was a great personal touch.

Everything was amazing, friendly service. Views were amazing.

Amazing bungalows and views. Breakfast was French style buffet and high was great. Very nice and helpful staff.

We spent a week in St Regis for our honeymoon and we both agreed that this has been the best trip of our lives. We did the overwater deluxe bungalow and it was the most incredible room I have been in. The glass cut outs in the floor and just how big these villas are made it feel like our own private oasis. We got the half board package which included daily breakfast and dinner. One of our favorite meals was at bamboo restaurant where we had the Laksa soup (one of the best I've ever had). I also arranged for the mystery dinner which was by far the best experience of the stay (Shaya was our hostess and she was also amazing). Some negatives are there is a huge aggressive mosquito population and I was eaten alive (however my wife was left alone so it is luck of the draw). Staff was attentive and friendly and greeted you by name which was a great personal touch.