Fafarua Lodge Private Island is a deserted sand and crushed coral motu (island) that is part of the beautiful Tuamotu Islands, and is spread over an area of 6 hectares, planted with a large coconut grove and areas of natural vegetation.  Surrounded by the sea on all four sides, the lagoon side of the motu has a sand and crushed coral beach with easy access into the warm, shallow water, the ocean side has a coral reef just offshore, whilst either side has shallow channels allowing fresh sea water to circulate into the lagoon. Fafarua means Manta Ray, and the rays can regularly be found gliding around these channels.

 

The island has a 3 bedroomed bungalow, which can sleep up to 8 guests, family or friends, or a peaceful, romantic, hideaway for just 2!  Built in a traditional Polynesian style, there are 3 separate bedrooms, 1 upstairs in a loft room and 2 on the ground floor.  The loft room has 1 double bed, and the other 2 rooms have 1 double and 1 single bed. They all have ceiling fans, mosquito nets and large shuttered windows to let the South Sea breezes through to cool the rooms.  There are shared bathroom facilities in a separate structure just a few metres from the main bungalow.  There are 2 separate toilets in one section, with a laundry room with washing machine and dryer in another, and a separate rustic shower room with complimentary toiletries,  coral walls and natural stone and coral floor.  There is a large, airy lounge with a U-shaped sofa, which can also be used as beds if required. The dining area has a large table that can seat 8 guests and a well equipped kitchen where all your meals are prepared.  Just outside there is a covered gazebo with table and chairs, if you wish to dine al fresco.

 

The island hosts, Evaline and Patrick, live in their own bungalow on the other side of the motu, so ensuring your privacy.  Patrick is on hand to organise all your activities and teach you to fish, kayak, or maybe stand-up paddle board, and Evaline will cook all your meals during your stay in the kitchen at Fafarua Lodge.  She will serve you a hearty breakfast to set you up for the day, a light lunch, or picnic if you are out for the day, and an evening meal, which will mainly be of local fish or meats, fresh organic local vegetables, as well as local specialities and dishes.  You can arrange menus and meal times directly with Evaline to fit your plan, or lack of one!  Tea, coffee, water, and fresh, homemade lemonade is available all day and included in the daily rate, and there is a bar area with juices, sodas, beers, wines and spirits that can be purchased for a small extra charge.

 

The beach is just a few steps from the bungalow, where you can swim and snorkel though we would strongly recommend reef or jelly shoes, due to the coral offshore. You can go and explore and walk from motu to motu crossing the usally shallow, narrow channels, either by wading, paddling or swimming the short distance between the sandy shores.   The island also has stand-up paddle boards and kayaks for guests use, if you don't want to walk, or want to go a little further afield.  There is a motor boat to take guests further out into the lagoon, or out to deeper ocean for fishing or snorkelling.  Village visits can be organised and scuba diving, deepsea fishing and surfing can also be arranged at an extra cost.  if required, you can also have the use of a car and driver for excursions within the main village, Tuherahera and around the main motu.

 

Fafarua Lodge is highly aware of their ecological impact in this delicate area and keep this to a minimum by utilising solar power and rainwater harvesting for as much as possible.  Waste is hand sorted and either recycled, (organics used to feed fish or fertiliser) or taken to the village to be safely disposed of.

 

Fafarua Lodge Private Island is not a high luxury, big name resort with all the fancy facilties, but it is a tranquil stay on a beautiful island, in the local Polynesian style, where you can relax and get back to nature in your own time.

 

Click HERE to visit the hotel's own website

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