Vanira Lodge

This was the first stop on our honeymoon, our flight landed really early in the morning and we got to Vanira Lodge around 0730 with check in being 1500. As soon as we arrived we were warmly greeted and were able to leave our luggage in the reception until our room was available. We were allowed to use the hotel services until then as well. The staff bent over backwards and had our room ready early, they were amazing. Vanira Lodge is beyond unique, it makes you feel like you’re in a fairy tale or an episode of the Flint Stones! Having read previous reviews about the wildlife I was slightly apprehensive about the insects, in particular spiders. During our 2 nights the only wildlife we encountered were the small lizards in and out of the room! However they were completely harmless. We stayed in the Vai Ora lodge which had its own private balcony with the most breathtaking view, loungers, hammock and a hot tub! The shower is also outside, but it’s secluded and private. The breakfasts had a good variety and good portion sizes. We ate at the restaurant both evenings and the food/service was amazing. If you’re in Tahiti and want to have a different experience away from the tourist hot spots then we would recommend Vanira Lodge.

Be prepared to have a very special experience while staying at Vanira Lodge. You will constantly feel as you a fairy tale character due to the location and architecture of buildings. You will need to get used to driving up a short but steep hill. Pray that there are no vehicles coming the opposite way as you have to share the road. Well, it is well worth it! As soon as you drive up approximately 200 meters, you find yourself constantly amused with the landscape, architecture, and interior design of the lodge. It feels as if the time stopped there at the time when gnomes, hobbits, and fairies used to live. The structure of each lodge is such as you have gaps in the walls. At least one lodge had the entire window size opening, with no glass, opened. I had to stretch my hand to confirm that there was no glass pane. I am not a camper but anyhow and it took me two nights to get used to the nature to be so close to me. I had small ... may be lizzards ( not sure their name) living in my lodge. You would have to double check that whenever you are reaching, there is no little creature sitting there. The lodge book describes the recommendations and rules of living at the lodges. All food has to be locked up in the fridge. Otherwise, you are risking of having an uninvited friend sampling it:) The staff was absolutely lovely. I loved going to the receptionist Tania asking her questions. The office is another piece of an architectural wonder in a fairytale style:) Tania made phone calls for me and helped to arrange tours and activities (I don't speak French; so, it was more than helpful). On the last day, Tania allowed me to shower at one of the lodges way pass my check out time. I was given two glasses of coconut water as Tania's "thank you" when I was checking out. I did not eat at the lodge. Therefore, I cannot comment on their menu. The restaurant looks absolutely adorable! One thing to improve: I stayed in one of the two lodges where plants grow on the roof. The soil and plants above the toilet had washed off exposing the plastic roof. During the rain, the sound of the rain droplets hitting the plastic amplify inside of the lodge. That partially interrupting my sleep. In sum, be prepared for an exceptional experience and stay open to the possibility of an adventure while staying at the lodge. It is not a "perfect" lodge, but is an imperfect perfect adventure! Mauruuru to all staff! I will miss you and wantvto come back soon! Lena

Beautiful cottages on the mountain side with great views. Cottages are with open walls, so be prepared fir the all kind of wildlife. And thank to no air conditioning you can enjoy real Tahitian life and night life jungle noises.

Vanira lodge was the last place we stayed during our two weeks around French Polynesia. It was such a lovely way to end our time there. The bungalows are unique and very comfortable and the views are fantastic. It was nice to experience the overwater bungalows elsewhere and the mountains here. The restaurant is small and the hours are limited but the food was excellent and the staff is lovely, accommodating and warm. It has a rustic charm and was one of our favourite stops.

This place is fantastic! I visited with my family (wife and kids in the ages 7, 14 and 15) and we all loved it. We stayed in an (partially) open bungalow with a spectacular view of the sea (see photos). The style of the bungalow was traditional but the standard was good. The restaurant of the resort is located in a nearby building and server breakfast and good food and wines for dinner. We booked several tours (sunset boat trip, half day boat excursion and hike, diving, quad, and surfing), with help of the resort and they were all very good. Looking forward to come back as soon as possible!

If you want to experience the Tahitian old school lifestyle, this is a place for you. The location is beautiful and well maintained. This place also has a cute breakfast available from 7AM to 9 AM.

We highly recommend the Vanira Lodge. We had the cabin with the giant hot tub. Great plants, tub was very relaxing, views of the lagoon with its pearl shack were neat. Very fine food was served at their onsite restaurant. The breakfasts were top drawer, the dinners with fish from the lagoon were awesome. Their chef is gifted with a great feel of subtle taste points. ||The owners have worked hard to blend the small dwellings in with the natural topography with thoughtful/enhanced plantings and water features/pools.||We were really lucky to see a pair of White-tailed Tropic Birds selecting a nest site in the forest across the super steep forest/shrub slope. This is a pelagic bird not often seen on land, except during nesting season.

I would give Vanira Lodge 10 stars if I could. The view and grounds are not done justice until you step foot in Teahupoo. This place is unbelievable, true paradise and you feel as if you are in your own world. Breakfast and dinner on site was great, the Fafa was my favorite meal on the trip and the staff was so welcoming and kind. Basically, when you find me day dreaming on my way to work, I am pretending to be back at Vanira Lodge. I hope to be back soon.