SD › Bora Bora Hotels › Chez Nono Review
Updated: November 26, 2020
By Santorini Dave
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Chez Nono – Modest seaside guesthouse with a convenient position and cute beach.
There are two types of accommodations on adjoining blocks: a cluster of quaint traditional-style bungalows above the water or on the sand facing the sea, and rooms in a wooden building. The latter – some with two bedrooms – feature a likable tropical décor. Advantages are the congenial lounge area and shared kitchen with the best views in the whole place, the enchanting beach with classy outdoor furniture, and proximity to a water-sports center (surprisingly, the only one in the area).
Chez Nono – The Basics
- Location: Poorly signed, about 100m down the lane from the main road at Matira in the southern end of the main island. A 1-minute walk from the entrance to the InterContinental, about 7 km from the main town Vaitape, and 30 minutes by boat and taxi from the airport.
- Guests: Appeals mostly to budget-minded couples.
- Beach: Small but pretty, with shallow and calm water ideal for children.
- Views: 1 bungalow is raised above the sea with perfect views, and 1 room has unobstructed views of the ocean. Views from other rooms and bungalows are obstructed by trees.
- WiFi: No WiFi.
- Parking: Nothing on-site, but easy enough to park securely outside.
- How to Book: Book directly through the hotel website.
- Phone: (689) 8940 0660
- Email: Use the contact form on the website.
- Website: cheznonoborabora.com
Chez Nono – Amenities
- Pool, Spa, & Fitness Center: Not expected or provided at this sort of low-key guesthouse.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Not expected or provided.
Chez Nono – Food and Drink
- Restaurant & Bar: Nothing on-site, but a few options close by.
- Breakfast: No breakfast.
- Room Service: Not expected or provided.
Chez Nono – Rooms
- Room Types: Round Bungalows with 1 bedroom • Villas, some with 2 bedrooms
- Smoking Rooms: Smoking is allowed in the grounds, but not in the rooms.
- Best Room: Facilities in the single Round Bungalow directly above the sea are modest, but it does provide the sort of views a resort would charge the earth for.
Chez Nono – What’s Nearby?
Best Nearby Restaurants & Bars
As well as the classy restaurant and bar at the InterContinental on the other side of the lane, several eateries are within walking distance.
- The Lucky House (40 67 68 08) – About 150m away, at the top of the laneway to Chez Nono. Poolside and bistro-style, with wood-fired pizzas and a children’s menu.
- Roulotte Matira – Burgers, crêpes, fish, and steaks in a quaint setting with a few tables, but mostly for takeaway. Hit-and-miss opening hours. Opposite The Lucky House.
- Restaurant Matira Beach (87 79 47 04) – Classy and costly for French cuisine with Polynesian and Japanese influences. Family-friendly and beach access. Reservations recommended and free transfers. 500m to the northwest.
- Snack Matira (40 67 77 32) – Heavenly beachfront position about 900m to the northwest. Unassuming meals with plastic tables.
Nearby Market or Grocery
- A small shop selling basic supplies is opposite The Lucky House.
Local Transport
- There is no public transport anywhere on Bora Bora. Taxis (unmetered) can be organized through the guesthouse, but rates are extortionate, which is why many visitors hire a car, scooter, or bicycle – and the road is flat all the way to Vaitape (7 km).
Chez Nono – The Hotel
Along the lane through Pointe Matira peninsula, the entrance is not signed prominently.
The Round Bungalow above the water may be very modest compared to those in the high-end resorts, but the views are just as wonderful.
The guesthouse faces a lovely cove with white sand and calm water.
There is no café on-site, but there’s plenty of beachside seating to enjoy any food or drinks brought in.
The communal facilities, such as the beachfront patio, are likable.
Rooms are in the more modern building on a separate block.
There is sand instead of lawns, but plenty of tropical plants.
Some rooms feature attached sundecks with lounge chairs.
Some bungalows are on the sand and face the sea, but views are often blocked by trees.
Bungalows and other buildings are raised to maximize views and avoid high tides.
The Round Bungalow above the water is reasonably roomy and offers 5-star views.
Rooms in the modern building are commendably spacious and feature a Polynesian décor.
The communal kitchen is large and well-equipped.
Adjoining the communal kitchen, the appealing lounge area offers delightful views.
Barely 150m away, The Lucky House Restaurant offers a pleasant setting and specializes in pizza.
The bar and restaurant at the InterContinental resort just across the lane from the guesthouse are classy but pricey.
Only a 1-minute walk, Roulotte Matira offers simple but delicious meals in a casual setting.
Snack Matira, about 900m to the north of the guesthouse, provides simple meals and a superb setting.
The airport is about 30 minutes from the guesthouse by boat and taxi.
The airport is on an atoll and is linked to the main island by boat.
About 7 km from the guesthouse, the main town of Vaitape has several boutiques and bistros.
Vaitape is also home to various facilities for locals, such as churches.
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