This is a 4-star hotel located on the lagoon with 30 bungalows, which are about 120 square feet each, with an additional 30 square feet of covered terrace. Each bungalow is in a private setting, with nos.101 to 109 on the lagoon beach. Nos. 201 to 206 have lagoon and beach views, while nos. 302 to 316 are set back. This hotel is perfect for a honeymoon or diving or general rest and relaxation trip.
We were picked up by the hotel and traveled via bus. The bus was fun, with colorful benches placed lengthwise. Everyone had a perfect view of the island and room to stretch out.
Our first view of the hotel was the entry into the reception area. We were all given a juice or cocktail and registration forms. While we were doing this, the staff was delivering our luggage to the appropriate bungalow.
When we arrived, it was almost New Year's, and to our delight, the Christmas tree was still up, decorated by shells. The entire building was made of teak wood, with a thatched roof. Beyond the reception area was the Kiri Kiri Bar, which served cocktails in a comfortable surrounding of couches, chairs, and tables. This became a great place to rest and relax after a day of scuba diving.
Beyond the bar was the Kura Ora Restaurant, which seats hotel guests in the main dining room, on the porch, or one more level down onto the patio. The restaurant and bar overlook the Fakarava lagoon and has a wharf that extends out over the water. Entertainment was provided each evening by local musicians and/or local dancers.
We were taken to our bungalows that would become our home for the next week and fell in love! Each bungalow has a Japanese-style bathroom with a walk-down shower. There was room for two people, plus all the dive gear. Spacious teak-wood floors, walls, and furniture graced the living areas of the bungalow. Although there are no air-conditioners on the property, the bungalows are positioned to catch the breeze, as well as provide complete privacy. A ceiling fan was above the king-size bed. We were able to leave our windows and doors open, as there were no bugs or mosquitoes. It was quiet, wonderful, and relaxing. Each bungalow also had a refrigerator, cable television, desk, couch, coffee table, and outside deck with tables and chairs. We sat on our deck a few nights and just gazed at the stars!
The hotel provides snorkel equipment so each guest can enjoy the lagoon right in front of the hotel or venture into the lagoon in an outrigger. Of course, walks on the beach extended for miles! Imagine having a beach all your own.