Pros

  • Secluded, quiet setting on the lush island of Huahine
  • Some of the most affordable overwater bungalows in French Polynesia
  • Bungalows have mini-fridges, AC, sitting areas, and terraces
  • Lovely beach with loungers under umbrellas
  • Open-air restaurant serving buffet breakfasts and tasty dinners
  • Beachside lunch eatery offering casual fare and cocktails
  • Greenery-surrounded pool next to a ping-pong table
  • Free use of kayaks, canoes, and snorkeling gear
  • Free shuttle to main town of Fare a few times each day
  • Excursions and massages in town can be arranged
  • Free Wi-Fi in lobby area
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Cons

  • Lots of evident wear and tear throughout
  • Rooms are basic and dated
  • No in-room Wi-Fi available
  • Hotel lacks spa and gym facilities
  • Complaints of not enough on-site staff
See More Cons

Bottom Line

The three-and-a-half-pearl Royal Huahine is a secluded, beachfront property that's an affordable alternative to the pricey hotels with overwater bungalows in Bora Bora. However, the low cost translates to basic rooms, lots of wear and tear throughout, a lack of spa and fitness facilities, and complaints of understaffing. Laid-back travelers willing to forgo those luxuries, however, are often enamored with the peaceful and lush setting, with lots of sea life-spotting opportunities. The 40 spacious bungalows have mini-fridges, furnished patios, air-conditioning, and kettles, but no free Wi-Fi. A pretty beachfront and swimming pool provide relaxation options, but plastic chairs have seen better days. A handful of kayaks, canoes, and snorkeling equipment are available for free. An open-air eatery and casual lunch restaurant serve decent fare. For more modern digs and a less-remote setting, consider Maitai Lapita Village Huahine

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Amenities

Oyster Hotel Review

Royal Huahine

Scene

Dated and worn, albeit affordable, property in lush, remote setting

Royal Huahine (formerly Te Tiare Beach Huahine) primarily attracts honeymooners looking to experience an overwater bungalow at an affordable price. It's in a secluded, quiet area (save for the occasional fisherman boat going by) that's most conveniently reached via boat. After being picked up in the main town, guests arrive to the resort's overwater reception and restaurant area. Like the rest of the property, the design is simple, Polynesian, and showing wear, with wood-beam ceilings, rattan furniture, and straw roofs. Polynesian decor includes ceiling-hung canoes, island-themed artwork, and tropical flower-print linens. Built in 1999, this is an older property, and it shows. Expect dirty plastic loungers by the pool, peeling paint, and water-stained showers. Past guests have also complained of understaffing and minor maintenance issues. The resort never seems to house that many travelers, even in peak season, and guests largely only see each other at meal times. The lack of any restaurants or shops nearby means the atmosphere remains peaceful, with travelers spending their days on their bungalow terrace or utilizing the free kayaks. 

This is a good pick for low-key travelers wanting a tranquil, disconnected setting, though some may find the seclusion and lack of buzz on-site disconcerting. There are just a few hotels on Huahine, and it's worth considering the Maitai Lapita Village, which provides a central location and contemporary rooms. For an affordable overwater bungalow experience in Bora Bora, Oa Oa Lodge has a few available, but rooms are similarly rustic. 

See More Scene

Location

Remote beachfront setting on the lush island of Huahine

Opposite of Bora Bora, Huahine is a lush, largely undeveloped island that can be reached via a 40-minute flight from Fa'a'ā International Airport in Tahiti. Travelers can arrange to be picked up from the Huahine Airport and taken to the main town of Fare, where they'll then board a boat shuttle to the hotel (about a 15-minute ride). Most past guests suggest picking up some snacks and drinks at the supermarket in Fare, as on-site prices are expensive and only one bottle of water is free. Travelers can also head to Fare each day, as the hotel offers three free shuttles per day, though they stop before dinnertime. There are no restaurants or shops within walking distance of the hotel, as it's a remote, secluded beachfront location. 

See More Location

Rooms

Basic and dated bungalows with furnished patios and mini-fridges

There are 40 rooms -- 18 Garden, 11 Beach, and 11 Overwater Bungalows -- here, all featuring the same dated, basic, and Polynesian design. The stand-alone units have straw roofs, terra-cotta tile floors, wood and rattan furniture, and brown and blue linens. Bedspreads with a hibiscus print, Polynesian artwork, and fresh flowers on arrival point to the tropical setting. Bungalows are spacious and all outfitted with comfy beds and couches. Big glass doors open to terraces , each furnished with two loungers, a table, and two chairs. Overwater units add ladders into the water and outdoor showers. Bathrooms in Garden and Beach Bungalows have roomy showers, hairdryers, and basic toiletries, plus separate toilets. Overwater Bungalows add jetted tubs. Fixtures and furnishings are worn.

Desks, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning and ceiling fans, mini-fridges, and tea- and coffee-making facilities are provided, as are walk-in closets with old safes. One bottled water is supplied for free, but after that, bottled water requires a fee. In-room Wi-Fi also incurs a charge.

See More Rooms

Features

Average restaurant, pretty beach, and swimming pool

Amenities are limited at the Royal Huahine, as there are no spa, gym, or market for groceries or sundries on-site. However, most guests that stay here are content with the few amenities that foster relaxation. Although many guests stick to lounging on their terrace, the pretty beachfront is lovely and lined with a handful of loungers under straw umbrellas. Also set up here are some kayaks and canoes that guests can check out from reception, along with snorkeling equipment. There are lots of opportunities for spotting sea life, and we saw stingrays, tropical fish, and coral from multiple vantage points during our stay. For non-ocean swimming, a pool is near the beach and also lined with a handful of well-worn plastic loungers. A ping-pong table is off to one side.

Dining-wise, the main overwater restaurant is open-air and circular. A breakfast buffet has simple continental fare that's kept covered due to pesky birds. A la carte fare at dinner includes fresh seafood, but food is largely average for the price. For lunch, a casual beachfront eatery serves simple fare such as burgers and salads, plus cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. 

Wi-Fi is free around the lobby, but requires a heft fee in rooms. The hotel previously offered massages on-site, but now, staff can only arrange for massages in Fare. They can also help arrange excursions around the island. 

See More Features

Things You Should Know About Royal Huahine

Also Known As

  • Te Tiare Beach Resort

Address

BP 36 Fare, Huahine 98731, French Polynesia

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Royal Huahine

Scene

Dated and worn, albeit affordable, property in lush, remote setting

Royal Huahine (formerly Te Tiare Beach Huahine) primarily attracts honeymooners looking to experience an overwater bungalow at an affordable price. It's in a secluded, quiet area (save for the occasional fisherman boat going by) that's most conveniently reached via boat. After being picked up in the main town, guests arrive to the resort's overwater reception and restaurant area. Like the rest of the property, the design is simple, Polynesian, and showing wear, with wood-beam ceilings, rattan furniture, and straw roofs. Polynesian decor includes ceiling-hung canoes, island-themed artwork, and tropical flower-print linens. Built in 1999, this is an older property, and it shows. Expect dirty plastic loungers by the pool, peeling paint, and water-stained showers. Past guests have also complained of understaffing and minor maintenance issues. The resort never seems to house that many travelers, even in peak season, and guests largely only see each other at meal times. The lack of any restaurants or shops nearby means the atmosphere remains peaceful, with travelers spending their days on their bungalow terrace or utilizing the free kayaks. 

This is a good pick for low-key travelers wanting a tranquil, disconnected setting, though some may find the seclusion and lack of buzz on-site disconcerting. There are just a few hotels on Huahine, and it's worth considering the Maitai Lapita Village, which provides a central location and contemporary rooms. For an affordable overwater bungalow experience in Bora Bora, Oa Oa Lodge has a few available, but rooms are similarly rustic. 

See More Scene

Location

Remote beachfront setting on the lush island of Huahine

Opposite of Bora Bora, Huahine is a lush, largely undeveloped island that can be reached via a 40-minute flight from Fa'a'ā International Airport in Tahiti. Travelers can arrange to be picked up from the Huahine Airport and taken to the main town of Fare, where they'll then board a boat shuttle to the hotel (about a 15-minute ride). Most past guests suggest picking up some snacks and drinks at the supermarket in Fare, as on-site prices are expensive and only one bottle of water is free. Travelers can also head to Fare each day, as the hotel offers three free shuttles per day, though they stop before dinnertime. There are no restaurants or shops within walking distance of the hotel, as it's a remote, secluded beachfront location. 

See More Location

Rooms

Basic and dated bungalows with furnished patios and mini-fridges

There are 40 rooms -- 18 Garden, 11 Beach, and 11 Overwater Bungalows -- here, all featuring the same dated, basic, and Polynesian design. The stand-alone units have straw roofs, terra-cotta tile floors, wood and rattan furniture, and brown and blue linens. Bedspreads with a hibiscus print, Polynesian artwork, and fresh flowers on arrival point to the tropical setting. Bungalows are spacious and all outfitted with comfy beds and couches. Big glass doors open to terraces , each furnished with two loungers, a table, and two chairs. Overwater units add ladders into the water and outdoor showers. Bathrooms in Garden and Beach Bungalows have roomy showers, hairdryers, and basic toiletries, plus separate toilets. Overwater Bungalows add jetted tubs. Fixtures and furnishings are worn.

Desks, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning and ceiling fans, mini-fridges, and tea- and coffee-making facilities are provided, as are walk-in closets with old safes. One bottled water is supplied for free, but after that, bottled water requires a fee. In-room Wi-Fi also incurs a charge.

See More Rooms

Features

Average restaurant, pretty beach, and swimming pool

Amenities are limited at the Royal Huahine, as there are no spa, gym, or market for groceries or sundries on-site. However, most guests that stay here are content with the few amenities that foster relaxation. Although many guests stick to lounging on their terrace, the pretty beachfront is lovely and lined with a handful of loungers under straw umbrellas. Also set up here are some kayaks and canoes that guests can check out from reception, along with snorkeling equipment. There are lots of opportunities for spotting sea life, and we saw stingrays, tropical fish, and coral from multiple vantage points during our stay. For non-ocean swimming, a pool is near the beach and also lined with a handful of well-worn plastic loungers. A ping-pong table is off to one side.

Dining-wise, the main overwater restaurant is open-air and circular. A breakfast buffet has simple continental fare that's kept covered due to pesky birds. A la carte fare at dinner includes fresh seafood, but food is largely average for the price. For lunch, a casual beachfront eatery serves simple fare such as burgers and salads, plus cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. 

Wi-Fi is free around the lobby, but requires a heft fee in rooms. The hotel previously offered massages on-site, but now, staff can only arrange for massages in Fare. They can also help arrange excursions around the island. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Beach

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Kids Allowed

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.