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I made my first trip to the South Pacific many years ago and have returned several times visiting all the most popular islands and resorts. On a recent trip to Tahiti, I was fortunate to spend a few days on Manihi in the Tuamotu Islands.
Manihi is an atoll, meaning that the highest point of elevation is only a few feet above sea level and the island itself is a coral reef. For an avid scuba diver and snorkeler like myself, atoll is another word for heaven.
To reach Manihi you must first fly to Papeete, which is approximately 8 1/2 hours non stop from LAX. If possible, I recommend an overnight flight for several reasons – sleeping makes the flight seem shorter, you can get to Manihi without an overnight stay in Papeete, and an early arrival means more time on vacation.
The one hour interisland flight is your first opportunity to sightsee, so make sure you take a window seat! You’ll be flying over dozens of tiny islets and reefs and see every shade of blue imaginable. When you arrive on Manihi a golf cart will whisk you and your luggage from the airport to the Pearl Resort, the only accommodations on the island. Hint – after the daily flight the airport is deserted and becomes a bicycle path, so don’t miss your chance to do wheelies on the runway!
Your first view of the resort will probably be the horizon swimming pool which disappears into the turquiose lagoon beyond. An adjacent open air bar offers refreshments and shade and the peaked roof restaurant has seating indoors and out. Manihi accommodations come in 4 flavors – beach & premium beach bungalows, overwater and premium overwater bungalows. I loved both beach and overwater accomodations for different reasons but would skip the standard beach bungalows which have a limited view.
The premium beach bungalows are very spacious and have open bathrooms (the toilet is enclosed), louvered windows to let the tropical breezes blow through, a big porch and beautiful views of the lagoon. The overwater bungalows are lovely and offer Tahitian t.v. (viewing windows in the floor) and stairs leading from the deck into the water. Premium overwater bungalows have A/C.
Snorkel gear is complementary for all as are kayaks, outrigger canoes and mini golf. The snorkeling and scuba diving is fantastic with water temperatures between 79-84 degrees and schools of barracuda, turtles, deep-water sharks and dolphins year round. November through April, you can dive with Hammerhead sharks or Eagle Rays and July through October you’ll see Manta Rays and Grey Sharks.
Other popular acitvities include a trip to the Black Pearl Farm, a motu picnic, reading in a hammock or biking about the island. Manihi is not for those wishing a fast pace. But for those seeking privacy, beauty and romance, it just might be paradise!