SD › Tahiti › Te Ora Hau Ecolodge Review
Updated: January 20, 2021
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The affordable and family-friendly Te Ora Hau Ecolodge has an excellent beach.
Te Ora Hau Ecolodge – Rustic, comfortable, and budget-priced bungalows with outstanding snorkeling.
Many of the lodges dotted around the coast of Moorea Island offer only one fare (bungalow), but this has three, plus a few more under renovation. Charming and cozy, with rattan walls that let in the breeze (but don’t block out the noise), and simple furnishings that include a decent kitchen and portable fan (no air-con). They can also accommodate families and groups of up to seven. Attractions are proximity to the ferry terminal and the adorable beach in front. Virtually a lagoon within a lagoon, the shallow, calm, and turquoise water is perfect for snorkeling and kayaking – with rental of equipment for both provided free. Like many lodges, it is distant from anywhere to shop, eat, or drink, as well as close to the road, so traffic noise is inevitable.
Te Ora Hau Ecolodge – The Basics
- Location: In ‘Āfareaitu village, midway down the east coast of Moorea Island. About 4 km from the ferry terminal for services to Pape’ete and 9 km from the airport.
- Guests: Caters to all age groups, but given the simplicity, it would probably suit more budget-minded younger travelers.
- Beach: Small but photogenic, with silvery sand and blue-green water ideal for snorkeling.
- Views: 1 bungalow faces the ocean and offers sea views, while the others overlook the gardens with possible glimpses of the water.
- Wi-Fi: Free and unlimited for all guests.
- Parking: Enough places securely behind the front gate.
- Nice Perks: Free use of a 3-wheeler bicycle with a basket for exploring and shopping.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: (689) 87 77 48 22
- Email: vahineheipua@gmail.com
- Website: teorahau.com
Te Ora Hau Ecolodge – Amenities
- Pool, Spa & Fitness Center: Not expected or provided in a place of this size and standard.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Not expected or provided.
- Activities: Free rental of bicycles, kayaks, and snorkeling gear.
Te Ora Hau Ecolodge – Food and Drink
- Restaurant & Bar: Not expected or provided at a place of this size and standard.
- Breakfast: Not included because each bungalow has a kitchen.
- Room Service: No room service.
Te Ora Hau Ecolodge – Rooms
- Room Types: Currently, 3 bungalows individually decorated and named: Fare Ata, Fare Hina, and Fare Manu.
- Smoking Rooms: No smoking allowed in the bungalows, but permitted elsewhere.
- Best Room: The bungalows are fairly similar inside, with the number of bedrooms being the main difference. Oozing with charm, the 2-level Fare Ata is breezy and airy and offers decent sea views.
Te Ora Hau Ecolodge – What’s Nearby?
Best Nearby Restaurant & Bar
- Unfortunately, there is only 1 restaurant within range on foot or by bicycle, so come prepared. About 1 km south along the road is A La Fringale, an affable pizzeria/bar with a seaside location. Also popular for salads, seafood, crêpes, and Wi-Fi. Open for lunch and dinner daily (except Tuesday). Takeaways available.
Nearby Market or Grocery
- Another 300m past A La Fringale is a well-stocked general store. Take a bicycle offered at the lodge.
Local Transport
Traveling to/from the lodge is problematic because there is no public transport around Moorea Island. 4 or 5 buses run daily between Ha’apiti village and the ferry terminal (but not the airport) to tie in with arrivals/departures. They stop at a bus shelter just outside the lodge. Ask the staff about timetables. Otherwise, to go elsewhere, hitch a ride or rent a car or motorbike.
Te Ora Hau Ecolodge – The Hotel
The lodge is easy to miss, hidden behind a gate along the main coastal road.
It’s located in a sparsely-populated village, with almost nothing within walking distance.
The general area is quite spectacular with a mountainous backdrop.
The lodge faces a sort of lagoon within a lagoon. The reef within swimming distance offers further protection from tides.
Free rental of kayaks is available at the lodge for exploring the magnificent lagoon.
There is enough sand on the beach and within the grounds of the lodge for lazing about.
The water around the lagoon in front of the lodge is calm, shallow, and colorful.
The lodge provides numerous lounge chairs on which to appreciate the sunsets.
The fares (bungalows) don’t feature a traditional design, being more functional than attractive.
The bungalows are surrounded by tropical plants.
Bungalows differ a little in size and layout, with one offering accommodation for up to 7 guests.
The bungalows are bright, cheery, and nicely furnished with rattan chairs.
The low ceilings and rattan walls add to the tropical island ambience.
The bungalows are very relaxing and feature enough window-side seating.
Each bungalow has a sizable and practical kitchen.
The rattan walls and glass-less windows allow breezes, but don’t effectively block out traffic noise from the nearby road.
Guests can use a three-wheeler bicycle with a handy basket to visit the shop about 1 km south of the lodge.
The only place within walking distance of the lodge is La Fringale, a restaurant/bar offering pizzas, salads, and seafood.
The lodge is only 9 km from the airport, with 10-minute flights to Tahiti.
One attraction of the lodge is the proximity to the ferry terminal, only 4 km away.
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