10 Top-Rated Ranches in French Polynesia

May 5, 2023 Brandee Mangan

Tahiti and Bora Bora are the most well known French Polynesian islands, thanks to their picture-perfect beaches and romantic ambiance. Indeed, these islands are ideal for handholding, with their lush landscapes and mood-setting features like lagoons and grottos. The heart-shaped island of Mo’orea makes a wonderful base for divers and snorkelers eager to explore its surrounding barrier reef system. Feeding the massive, sacred eels of Huahine is a one-in-a-lifetime way to experience an important local ritual.
Restaurants in French Polynesia

1. Pension Tupuna

BP 487 Fare Baie de Bourayne, 98731 French Polynesia
Excellent
52%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
6%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 221 reviews

Pension Tupuna

All of our bungalows had been traditionally built according to our local custom. To which we have added all the necessities to provide modern comfort.One thing that makes Pension Tupuna stand out from our competitors is the decorative beauty of our bungalows. Every single piece was crafted from local products and handicrafts: seashells, bamboo, coral, local wood, banana leaves, etc. All of our bungalows offer a bathroom with shower and hot water, electricity, comfortable beds with mosquito nets, and wooden furniture. And, most importantly, a beautiful shaded and furnished patio to allow you to take in the view of the lagoon or the garden while drinking your favorite cocktail.Bungalow are situated in the middle of a tropical garden consisted of several hundreds of flowers of any varieties and of about fifty species of fruit trees. The offered breakfasts consist of coffee, tea or chocolate, bread coconut, baguette, butter, jam house and a beautiful assortment of seasonal fruits. The proposed meals at the Pension Tupuna are also particularly appreciated, they consist mainly of fruits and vegetables of our harvest as well as exceptional products of the sea the fishermen of Huahine of which treat us.

Tranquil Retreat for Soul Care

Reviewed By Deb M

I spent 2 weeks in French Polynesia and visited 6 islands. My stay at Pension Tupuna was THE highlight of my trip. Traveling solo, I felt safe and very well taken care of. Loretta is a fabulous host! It was delightful to walk and frolic in the water with Cali and Tic (friendly dogs) and to be in such a tranquil setting. My soul is thankful for my stay here.

2. Pension Motu Iti

Bp 189, 98728 French Polynesia
Excellent
15%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
13%
Terrible
19%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 201 reviews

Pension Motu Iti

Not horrible, good value

Reviewed By MattAbt0429

This is a unique property. I believe it’s someone’s house, but they built several cabanas in the yard and then made an extra space into a dormitory. There’s also an open-air restaurant on the ocean and a little pier that was nice to hang out on. The food menu was limited and expensive, but it was nice to have a place to eat at night. I stayed in the dormitory and it was very basic. It’s basically like an open-air attic with several beds in it. I slept just fine, and given the prices in Moorea this was a very decent option for the price. There are two bathrooms with showers. The location is also pretty good, right down the street from the fancy Hilton and close to one of the nicest beaches and some restaurants. If you’re a budget or solo traveller, this place isn’t a horrible option. I stayed here two nights and it worked just fine for me.

3. Relais Royal Tikehau

French Polynesia
Excellent
57%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 331 reviews

Relais Royal Tikehau

Great Choice

Reviewed By beaubo

Our first exposure to the Tuamotu Islands was in Tikehau. We were really pleased with the Royal Tikehau. The staff was friendly- thank you Heina, Jean Yves, Iza, Leo, Henry, Antoine and the owners Monque and Jean Claude. The property hugs the ocean and the lagoon, so we enjoyed the different vantage points. Our room was quite spacious and well-maintained. The daily breakfast was sufficient, and eggs were offered. The dinner was the real star- fresh fish every night. Obviously, French Polynesia isn't for the budget-minded traveler, but we felt that considering the other comparative lodging options, that their pricing was fair and a good value.

4. Villa IXORA

PK 2.7 East Coast- Sea side - Tepua Uturoa, 98735 French Polynesia
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 26 reviews

Villa IXORA

Excellent stay in Raiatea !

Reviewed By Wilhelmine8

We highly recommend Villa Ixora if you're looking for a place to stay at Raiatea, French Polynesia ! Heiata and Laure were always available to reply to our e-mails before we arrived, and once there, they made sure that everything went well during our stay. We arrived "late" in the evening on a flight after 6pm, and Heiata was there to welcome us. A driver had been sent to pick up us from the airport. We immediately felt at home, and it felt cosy. We had ordered from a caterer as it was Monday and the restaurant was closed, and all the plates and cutlery were available in the room. We had the bungalow right facing the restaurant and swimming pool, and there was a small terrace where we could have dinner when we ordered from the caterer. The place is beautiful, with flowers and plants, with only 5 bungalows so it feels "at home". The menu at the restaurant is one of the best we've ever tasted , very elaborate with fine flavours. Please dine at the restaurant at least once if you go to Villa Ixora! Heiata and Laure provide leaflets with trips and excursions before you arrive - they arrange everything and book excursions for you before arrival. The pick-up for excursions is directly at Villa Ixora. There's a small supermarket about 5 minutes away if anything is needed. The town centre Uturoa is only about 3kms away and you can go by bicycle or take a taxi. We had a fridge, a kettle , tea and coffee in the room. What else can I say other than it's a perfect place to stay while in Raiatea!

5. Pension Punua & Moana

5 Pk, Avatoru 98775 French Polynesia
Excellent
77%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

Pension Punua & Moana

The Pension Punua and Moana is located in Rangiroa on an exceptional site called the Green Lagoon. It consists of 6 bungalows can accommodate from 1 to 5 people. The accommodations are comfortable with bathrooms and separate wc. All bungalows of the guesthouse are on the beach.

Motu Paradise

Reviewed By Nicole K

Book this place if you're seeking the authentic Tuamotu experience with a friendly family host. The property consists of 6 bungalows fronting the "green lagoon" on the west part of the atoll across the Avatoru channel. The family offers boat shuttle service to and from the pension. The pristine lagoon also makes it an excellent place for swimming and snorkeling. Watch out for falling coconuts because there are coconut trees everywhere. Meals are offered during breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner by request and are served family-style. I also recommend booking a day excursion directly with the host to either Blue Lagoon or Reef Island while staying here.

6. Pension Loyna

Avatoru 98775 French Polynesia
Excellent
49%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

Pension Loyna

Great BnB

Reviewed By arnaudj163

We had a wonderful time in Rangiroa at Pension Loyna. The food was great and our bungalow was very cute. It is well located close by the village (we could borrow the bikes to get there) and across the street from a beautiful beach.

7. Pension Chayan

PK 14 Vairao French Polynesia
Excellent
60%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

Pension Chayan

Hospitality, Surf & Beauty

Reviewed By Tammy B

I visited a few years ago, and I have fond memories of Pension Chayan. Yan, his wife and their girls were incredible hosts, and some of the warmest people I have met. They made the experience so memorable. The food was to DIE FOR, fresh albacore, coconut sauce, and amazing breakfasts. The lodging is simple, not luxurious, but clean, private and tucked into nature. You are right there near Teahupoo, and many nice reef breaks. We made great friends on the trip, and ventured to Tahiti one day to explore, and another day, got a ride with Yan's wife to see the Gaugin museum which was cool. I typically longboard and there were even some less threatening waves that I got to enjoy, along with faster breaks for the experienced surfer. Yan knows the scene, and will ensure you get great waves, and get to enjoy this beautiful place.

8. Aritini Village

Avatoru 98775 French Polynesia
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Aritini Village

Tout simplement génial!

Reviewed By marinouch_13

Avec mon ami, nous avon séjourné 3 nuits dans cette pension sur laquelle nous sommes tombés par hasard. Nous avions un bungalow plage spacieux avec sdb privée une terrasse donnant sur la mer et pour courronner le tout on s'y baigne (en prenant des sandales en plastiques pour la frange de corail au début). Les propiétaires de la pension sont extras. Quand à la cuisine préparée par leur soin... Elle est tout bonnement délicieuse. Le thon cru est un régal, et je ne parle pas des beignets de poisson-perroquet!! En plus les propiétaires s'occupent de réserver les excursions, ce fut super utile! La pension Aritini Village est aussi très bien située: à 2 min d'un centre d'activités, d'une boutique de perles la moins chère de l'île et d'un prêt de vélos. Non loin se trouve un marchand de fruits et de légumes ainsi qu'une épicerie. En plus de cela les prix partiqués ne sont pas exorbitants 8000FCP/ pers/demi pension et vous bénéficiez des tarifs avantageux si vous optez pour un package par "sejour dans les iles ( vols + chambre+ transferts aéroport )". Le transfert aéroport A/R est inclus. Florian et Marina

9. Tauhanihani Village La Vague Bleue

Teahupoopk16 sea side TeahupooPeninsula French Polynesia
Excellent
0%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
50%
Overall Ratings

2.5 based on 8 reviews

Tauhanihani Village La Vague Bleue

Not what I expected

Reviewed By VictoriaDickey

When we arrived we were really disappointed with the facilities we were being provided for what we were paying ($36,000francs for 2bungalows for 2nights - approx $510.00NZD).We felt that the photos were misleading and possibly taken a long time ago as the place is now quite run down. The lady looking after the property for the owners expected us to pay as soon as we arrived however make sure you look at what you're purchasing as we were to make Tauhanihani Village our home for the next 2nights. We spoke to the owner on the phone to negotiate the price or have our money refunded because we felt mislead. We decided to stay after reasonable negotiation. A laundry facility was listed on booking.com that informed us that this was available to us however when we arrived we were informed that a fee would be charged. Having access to the wifi is great however is very slow especially when other people are using it. The Bungalow: Just enough space for 4. Only provided 2 shower towels and 2 hand towels in each room even though Tauhanihani was informed that 4ppl would be in one room and 3ppl in the other. We had put in a request to have 2 queens in one room however this was not met so the other couple pushed the 2 single beds together which were both 2different sizes. The mini fridge is good, really cold. 2 additional blankets sat on the shelf in case we needed them. Little line above deck to hang clothes, this was very convenient. Limited toilet paper. We purchased more from the shop which was little under 1km walk away. No gas for hot water in shower or tap. Shower hose leaks/is not full pressure. No cover for light in bathroom. Cannot lock bathroom door. Tiles are lifting in the shower. Over all cleanliness in bathroom is appauling, lots of mould. Mirror and door handles not clean. The bathroom cabinet is closed off with a nice patterned sheet however after thinking more toilet paper was on the otherside of the sheet we moved the sheet and it just unhooks and falls down. There was an empty Hinano (beer) can in there as well which was gross. Stronger fan in room would be better. Entire toilet bowl not fixed to ground. Removed sheets and pillow cases as courtesy (always do this prior to leaving any accommodation) and there was black mould on all 4 pillows! This is highly dangerous because my partner has bad asthma. On second night a few rats/mice were scattering through the roof, one fell on our bags then was running around our floor, this was all happening at 2am. Overall,  very poor hygiene. Kitchen: Kitchen is unhygenic. Lots of ants. Left tap on sink not working. Great oven, lady helped start it which was nice. Kayaks were fantastic and very fun, we could just grab them and use them at any time. There are 2 double kayaks and one single. Would have been nice to all have paddles however only 3 paddles were provided but we made do. Outdoor shower was very convenient to rinse off the sea water. Sunset at night is very beautiful! We layed in the hammock and watched the sun go down! Great access to beach. The lady that works here, we appreciate her kind nature and kind gesture offered by her. We had no car so it was very hard to get around. The lady offered to pick our dinner meal up on her scooter and bring it home to us. Thank you so much for that, so lovely. It would be nice if photos of the bathroom and kitchen were provided on booking.com. The accommodation sign out the front of long driveway needs to be freshened up or changed to a completely new one because its hard to see. Driveway could be tidied up and made more welcoming. Would be very stunning spot if revamped and thoroughly cleaned.

10. Rohotu Fare

Bay of Povai, 98730 French Polynesia
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 237 reviews

Rohotu Fare

Soulful Experience

Reviewed By Cory B

Well, it kinda goes like this. Think of a beautiful tree house in the canopy of a tropical botanical garden decorated with fine Tahitian art and some Indiana Jones accoutrements thrown in. This place was created with a suburb vision and like I say in the title "true soul". It is a place built by a traveler, for other travelers to experience. You will not find tv's or boutiques at this hideout. What you will find is a library, great views (we had an ocean view unit) the coolest bathroom, awesome art, wonderful hosts, local & worldly knowledge, a spotlessly clean unit and some homemade vanilla rum. If you are looking for something other than your run of the mill resort (if anything on Bora Bora can be run of the mill, haha) off the beaten path, these guest cabins might just be for you!

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