Turtle Sanctuary is located on the property this is where you can swim with the turtles. It's a fabulous destination, and eco-friendly to the island (rehabilitating the turtle population and educating locals about the turtles). Each morning after a lesierly breackfast we met with the naturalist who fed the turtles and answer questions for guests. The green sea turtles are endangered in the lagoon, and it was very interesting to learn about how turtles have been a part of the Tahitian people's culture.

Located on a motu (miniture palm-covered islands) makes this resort very private and exclusive from the business of the main island. Everything you need is at Le Meridien. The people are friendly and very helpful. Unfortunately, the private-island feeling may disappear soon, as a Ritz Carlton is being built to the north and another hotel is being built to the south. The view from this motu is too awesome; thus, other hotels are building nearby.

Since the resort is so secluded you must take a water taxi to the mainland. The hotel opperated the water taxi every hour in the morning and every half hour in the afternoon until about 10pm. The breakfast is excellent--you can enjoy a diverse selection while watching the fish in the lagoon right next to your table. Dinner was always a different theme each night and, in our opinion, overpriced and overrated.

We will return to this resort again and hopefully again!

I was a little disappointed with the ambience beacuse I had read about it in many guidebooks and was expecting more; inside the hut it was very hot, stale air that was not circulating thoughout the open-air dining area. This made it very uncomfortable and difficult to relax. Plus, a few cats wandered the area, waiting for you to finish eating and looking like they were ready to pounce on a fresh fish handout.

Overall, however, this is a fun place to dine and worth the trip. Good food, but definitely a tourist trap.

The first location that we dove at was supposed to be famous for manta rays, although, on this morning, it was vacant. My husband was the only person to spot a single manta just as we were ascending. The dive site was a little disappointing because we wanted to experience the marine life, but wildlife can be unpredictable, and we don't blame the dive shop for circumstances beyond their control. The dive master then asked us what we wanted to see, and my husband eagerly responded, "SHARKS!"

We dove at the pass where boats enter the lagoon from the Pacific. We were told here that we would see lemon sharks, and they were mysteriously circling as we anchored the boat. This site did not disappoint - it was amazing to swim with sharks larger than us and be a part of their world. You feel a certain sense of respect, and we were in awe of our experience with them.

During this dive, I experienced some ear pressure discomfort and immediately got the attention of our dive master. I appreciated his safety concern and immediate attention. Thankfully, the problem did not escalate, and we had a very successful dive. It is not a part of the French-Polynesian culture to tip, but my husband and I both felt that the staff at this dive operation expected a tip.