Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
Volcanic views with city flair
On the wild black sands of Lafayette Beach in Matavai Bay, Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts offers a front-row seat to nature with the capital’s bustle waiting in the wings.
A stay here is a little like dipping your toes into Tahiti before diving headfirst into the islands beyond. You get the sweep of the ocean, the drama of volcanic peaks, and the hush of the waves, all while knowing the markets, bars, and energy of the city are a short drive away. The atmosphere is relaxed but polished, with rooms that face nothing but the sea and a pace that makes it far too easy to linger over breakfast. There is a real sense of being perched between two worlds: the cultural heartbeat of Papeete and the raw beauty of Polynesia. It is a brilliant place to catch your breath for a night or two before heading off to explore further afield.
Why we love Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
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The black-sand beach is a rarity, and it feels wonderfully dramatic when paired with those crashing waves
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Its location means you can sink into resort calm one minute and be in Papeete’s market the next
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Matavai Bay is steeped in history, once a landing spot for Cook and other explorers, and it adds a touch of romance to the view
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It sets the scene for the rest of your trip perfectly, easing you into island time without stranding you in the middle of nowhere
Rooms
The rooms at Le Tahiti all face the ocean, so you wake up to the sight and sound of the waves. Interiors are airy and unfussy, with a clean, modern Polynesian feel that keeps the focus on the view. The signature rooms are well worth the upgrade, giving you more space and a little extra polish that makes the stay feel special.
Facilities
Food and drink here are all about showcasing Tahitian flavours in settings that invite you to linger. Expect unfussy dishes built around fresh local produce, and drinks best enjoyed with a view of the bay.
Hiti Mahana Restaurant The main restaurant sits right by the water and serves a mix of Polynesian and international cuisine, with generous breakfasts and candlelit dinners that make the most of the ocean backdrop.
Bay Bar The bar by the pool is the place for light lunches, tropical cocktails, and the kind of sundowners that seem to stretch the evening out just that little bit longer.
The spa leans into Polynesian tradition with the sort of treatments that leave you glowing. There is a small fitness centre if you are keen to keep the routine going, but the real wellness comes from floating in the infinity pool or simply letting the rhythm of the waves reset your pace.
Watersports here are more about gentle discovery than high-octane thrills. You can kayak or paddleboard along the curve of Matavai Bay, snorkel in calm waters, or join a dive trip to explore reefs teeming with life. It is less about ticking off adrenaline hits and more about easing into the ocean, though there is still plenty beneath the surface to keep even seasoned divers happily occupied.
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