SD › Bora Bora Hotels › Maitai Polynesia Review
Updated: November 26, 2020
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Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora – Comparable to a five-star resort, but far better value.
The Maitai boasts an excellent position halfway along Matira beach on the main island. The above-water bungalows are more affordable than most upmarket rivals nearby. Perched along a short causeway, not far into the lagoon, they offer superb ocean views and a Polynesian design. Those on the sand are more modest, with old-style rattan walls and furniture, and most directly face the water. Across the road and up the hill are several motel-style blocks, but only rooms on the third floor could hope for any sea views. The beach is as good as it gets, with swaying palms, blue-green water, and views of enticing atolls.
Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora – The Basics
- Location: Along the road in Matira at the southern end of the main island. About 500m northeast of the village center; 7.5km from the only town, Vaitape; and 30 minutes by boat and taxi from the airport.
- Guests: Most guests are couples, with more younger couples staying here than at the higher-priced 5-star resorts nearby.
- Beach: Several tiny coves side-by-side. Very pretty, but a little close in places to the main road (which is quiet).
- Views: Overwater Bungalows provide wonderful sea views, although these can be partially obstructed by other bungalows. Those on the beach offer direct ocean frontage. Rooms in blocks across the road would have little or no views on the first or second floors, while those on the third (top) floor may still be obstructed by lofty palms.
- WiFi: Available throughout the hotel for a reasonable charge.
- Parking: Special off-street parking lot free for guests.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: (689) 40 60 30 00
- Email: booking@hotelmaitai.com
- Website: bora.hotelmaitai.com
Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora – Amenities
- Pool: Surprisingly, no pool, even though it is a 4-star resort. But it’s probably because there is simply no space at the beach or up the hill.
- Spa & Fitness Center: Perhaps surprisingly, there are no spa or fitness center either.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Not expected or provided at this sort of resort.
- Activities: Free rental of snorkeling and kayaking equipment. Water-sports can also be easily arranged, as well as the rental of electric and pedal-powered bicycles.
Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora – Food and Drink
- Restaurants: Haere Mai Restaurant – Menu with French and Polynesian influences. Some romantic tables, weekly themed buffets with traditional performances, and a children’s menu. Dinner only. • Tama’a Maitai – In a delightful Tahiti-style setting facing the beach. Open all day for light meals such as salads and pizzas. Cocktails and beer available until the main bar opens.
- Bars: Manuia Bar – Provides a casual setting among gardens over the road. Open evenings only. • Beach Bar – Located in the Tama’a Maitai restaurant.
- Breakfast: Can be included in the rates, depending on the booking.
- Room Service: Available during restaurant hours (7am to 9pm).
Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora – Rooms
- Room Types: Overwater Bungalow • Beach Bungalow • Ocean View Room • Garden View Room
- Smoking Rooms: Not permitted in the rooms or restaurants and bars, but allowed elsewhere.
- Best Room: It’s hard to ignore the Overwater Bungalows. Romantic, with awesome views, a partial glass floor for glimpses below, and steps from the sundeck to the lagoon.
- For Families: All rooms can accommodate 1 child on the sofa bed, and many rooms have connecting doors.
Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora – What’s Nearby?
Best Nearby Restaurants & Bars
In the village center about 500m to the south are a bunch of places, all within 100m of each other, including:
- The Lucky House (40 67 68 08) – Casual setting with bistro-style meals, including wood-fired pizzas and a children’s menu. Free transfers.
- Sofitel – 600m further up the road from the village center. It offers Latitude 16°, with a wonderful beachside setting and French Polynesian menu for breakfast and dinner, and the oceanfront Hurricane Bar for happy hours, live music, and snooker table.
- InterContinental Le Moana Resort – Massive 5-star resort offering the intimate Noa Noa for breakfast and dinner, and the more casual Vini Vini for light meals and happy hours.
- Roulotte Matira – Quaint setting with a few tables for burgers, crêpes, fish, and steaks. Mostly for takeaway, but opening hours seem fairly random.
Nearby Market or Grocery
- A reasonably well-stocked general store is about 300m down the road towards the village center.
Local Transport
- There is no public transport anywhere on Bora Bora. Taxis (unmetered) can be organized through the hotel, but rates are extortionate, which is why many visitors hire a scooter, car, or bicycle.
Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora – The Hotel
The beach at the resort may be small, but is certainly scenic and shady.
Guests have free access to snorkeling and kayaking gear.
The beach is sprinkled with palms, adding immeasurably to the tropical holiday vibe.
Views from the beach include several alluring atolls.
Facing the beach at the resort, the Tama’a Maitai offers light meals and fabulous views.
The Tama’a Maitai is under a lofty and traditionally-designed roof.
The setting of the Tama’a Maitai is faultless.
The Overwater Bungalows do not jut out into the lagoon as far as those at other resorts, and are clustered tightly together.
The Overwater Bungalows are fairly close to the shore.
The Haere Mai Restaurant near the lobby over the road provides a tempting selection of meals, mostly with French and Polynesian flavors.
These bungalows feature a traditional design.
Each Overwater Bungalow has an extensive sundeck providing perfect views of the sea.
The bungalows are spacious and come with sofas which can convert into extra single beds.
A small part of the floor is covered with glass, allowing a glimpse of the coral and marine life below.
These bungalows are accessible along a wooden walkway.
The only criticism is that the bungalows are not that secluded, which can affect privacy and views.
Also available are Beach Bungalows among the shady gardens.
All Beach Bungalows offer direct sea views, which could be partially blocked by palm trees.
Beach Bungalows are also spacious and feature a likable Polynesian décor.
Less appealing are the rooms in the motel-style blocks over the road.
Because of the hilly position and lofty palms, only rooms on the top floor are likely to offer any sea views.
The rooms are more modern, with less traditional design, but spacious and functional.
At the village center, only 500m away, are a cluster of eateries such as the casual Roulotte Matira.
The Sofitel Resort, about 600m further up the road, offers a couple of classy but pricey places to eat and drink.
The Lucky House in the village center offers pizzas and a children’s menu, as well as free transfers.
Also in the village center, the InterContinental Resort has 2 restaurants/bars.
Flights from Pape’ete, the Tahitian capital, are always busy.
All airline passengers are entitled to free transfers by boat to the main island on which the resort is located.
A fun way to get around is a sort of buggy, available for hire in the main town of Vaitape.
The only place to really do any shopping on the main island is Vaitape, home to several boutiques.
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