Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts occupies Lafayette Beach in Matavai Bay, ten minutes from downtown Papeete. The black volcanic sand and views across to Moorea Island give it a setting unlike the island’s other inland city hotels. This is the only beachfront resort in the French Polynesian capital.
Matavai Bay is the anchorage Captain Cook used for all of his Pacific voyages, a piece of history that gives the hotel and area a special feel compared to others. The lagoon is calm enough for swimming, and the surrounding stretch of coast takes in the Papeenoo botanical gardens, the Arahoho Blowholes, and the Faarumai Waterfalls within a short drive.
Rooms and suites range from ocean view rooms with private balconies above the beach to overwater suites with glass-top coffee tables and direct lagoon access. A free shuttle runs to Papeete city center, an infinity pool overlooks the bay, and the on-site arts and crafts market gives guests a way to engage with Polynesian craftsmanship without leaving the property.