Hakamanu Lodge

This is one of those places where I almost don't want to leave a review because it feels like such an amazing secret find. Yes, it is a bit of a haul to get there. Flight to Tahiti, then flight to Tikehau, then a 30 minute boat ride (be prepared to get wet and maybe consider taking Dramamine). But for those who are willing to go off the beaten path this is truly a remarkable place. I have traveled all over the world and have stayed in some pretty amazing and unique places, many of them off the beaten path. But this one is way up there as far as incredible. You are basically on your own little motu with only 4 bungalows, all not more than 3-4 meters from the crystal blue waters of the lagoon. There is coral and amazing fish and reef sharks EVERYWHERE. And almost no other people! There are kayaks free for your use. You can snorkel right outside your bungalow. The bungalows themselves were lovely and seemed quite new with very comfortable beds. And, one of the biggest surprises was the food. We have been to French Polynesia before and I understand that getting food to remote islands is difficult and expensive. So we weren't expecting much. WOW were we wrong. Rose and Kati (I hope I got her name right?!?) prepared these amazing huge three course meals every night. Fresh fish every night, amazing desserts. Incredible! I really don't know how they did it. Thank you Rose and Kati!!! It was a little bit of luxury in a paradise at the end of the world. We will definitely be back!