The bungalow is very private. Entry off the dock is into the living room, which has a built-in bar, glass table, see-through coffee table, desk, and couch, and it opens onto the upper deck sunning area. The bedroom has a king-size bed and is air-conditioned. The bathroom is Japanese style, has the two-person walk-in shower, and is very spacious. Outside, the upper deck is partly shaded with the thatched roof and has patio furniture. A staircase descends to the lower deck, which has an outside shower and a ladder into the lagoon. We spent hours snorkeling around our bungalow. We spotted Christas tree worms, trumpet fish, moray eels, convict tangs, Piscso triggerfish, and giant sea clams. This lagoon is crystal clear and clean.

During the last year, an over-the-water horizon swimming pool was added to the property and is located next to the bar. It is next to heaven to be able to watch the sunset over Rangiora Lagoon while sipping a cocktail and cooling off in the horizon pool.

Although, for this trip, our scuba diving was preplanned, the hotel offers many different activities for guests such as bicycles, scooters, and cars for rent; Thai massages; visits to the pearl farm; glass-bottom boats and catamaran adventures; aquascope; dolphin watches; visits to the Tiputa Village; drift snorkeling; deep-sea fishing; tennis; volleyball; and outrigger canoes. It is easy to fill every day of your vacation with activity, or to simply relax and enjoy yourselves.

This hotel does have a dive shop, but we choose Raie Manta Club for our scuba adventures.

Kia Ora has a private island on the southern end of the atoll with five bungalows, a restaurant, and a bar that can be reserved for up to 10 guests. Although I have not seen this site, it sounds like it would be perfect for a secluded honeymoon. I'm sure it's as wonderful as the main hotel.

The white sand beaches are friendly, though the shallow, rocky shoreline warrants the cautions of wearing reef shoes. Not only was this a resort for honeymooners, but this seemed to be a popular spot for families. Some of the bungalows had two bedrooms. I only wish that there were fewer mosquitos in the beach bungalows...this made for many uncomfortable nights.

On our last evening we walked across the motu which was a 3 minute walk to the oceanside to watch the sunset. There were others from the hotel. How I regret not renting a bicycle to ride around, because it is absolutely gorgeous and I wanted to be try to see if I could catch a glimpse of the dolphins at sunset. Alas, the trip was coming to an end. Almost 14 days in paradise with only the afternoon in Tahiti awaiting us. Since we spent only 3 nights here (having moved one to Bora Bora), we were limited to what we could do. Too bad the Reef Island Excursion wasn't available and the dolphin excursion was cancelled. Maybe next time.