Tikehau Atoll
About 200 miles north by northeast of the main French Polynesia island of Tahiti lies the Tikehau Atoll, a spectacular crown of coral and sand 16 miles long and 14 miles wide. The atoll is a thin white line of coral, sand and palm tree, no more than half a mile wide, but it encircles a lagoon of pristine, otherworldly beauty – a place Jacques Cousteau visited in 1987 and found a greater variety of fish species than any other location in French Polynesia.
Ninamu Resort
Hidden away on a private island in the southwest corner of the atoll, Ninamu (Nee-Nah-Moo) Resort is a luxury minded outdoor enthusiasts’ retreat. We cater to surfers, divers, fishermen, kite surfers, paddle boarders or anyone who loves cruising in tropical waters that are bursting with life and energy. Everyone should experience a pristine atoll in the middle of the South Pacific once in their life.
A five star rating on TripAdvisor
- Medic_5
This is a tough review to complete. Ninamu is a very unique resort and this makes a “normal” review and comparison difficult. I should first start by identifying... read more that we have traveled to FP 7 times and have stayed in many different resorts including Le Taha’a, Vahine Private Island, Tikehau Pearl, Hilton Moorea, and a few others. Our goal in our travels is to be able to relax, enjoy the physical environment and snorkel. We are not foodies nor do we use any spa services. We stayed at the Tikehau Pearl for 4 nights prior to coming to Ninamu for 7 nights. As other reviewers have stated, Ninamu is very unique and I would say quirky. This is a gorgeous private island, fully treed with hundreds of palm trees all surrounded by a gorgeous lagoon. The owner (Chris) did a fantastic job carving out just enough space for the 10 units as well as the required infrastructure. All of the units are connected to each other via a very well-conceived and designed wooden walkway. Most of the units are two level with the bottom level being an open-air living room and the upper level being an open air bedroom. Open air does not mean that there are not walls. Downstairs the walls may only go up a couple of feet while upstairs the walls are almost standard size but with openings at the top allowing for both privacy and ventilation.... This is a tough review to complete. Ninamu is a very unique resort and this makes a “normal” review and comparison difficult. I should first start by identifying that we have traveled to FP 7 times and have stayed in many different resorts including Le Taha’a, Vahine Private Island, Tikehau Pearl, Hilton Moorea, and a few others. Our goal in our travels is to be able to relax, enjoy the physical environment and snorkel. We are not foodies nor do we use any spa services.
We stayed at the Tikehau Pearl for 4 nights prior to coming to Ninamu for 7 nights. As other reviewers have stated, Ninamu is very unique and I would say quirky. This is a gorgeous private island, fully treed with hundreds of palm trees all surrounded by a gorgeous lagoon. The owner (Chris) did a fantastic job carving out just enough space for the 10 units as well as the required infrastructure. All of the units are connected to each other via a very well-conceived and designed wooden walkway. Most of the units are two level with the bottom level being an open-air living room and the upper level being an open air bedroom. Open air does not mean that there are not walls. Downstairs the walls may only go up a couple of feet while upstairs the walls are almost standard size but with openings at the top allowing for both privacy and ventilation. Only three of the units are fully enclosed and have AC. All of the units have mosquito netting around the bed. The bathroom is outside each unit, in what I would describe as a courtyard with 8’ walls for privacy. All of the units (I believe) have a mini fridge and many electrical outlets so you are really not roughing it. Tons of shells and broken coral are used on the walls and ceiling.
While a couple of the units are beachfront the beach at those units is not easy to access. It is very rocky and very shallow so entering the water is a challenge and the water is too shallow to snorkel. In front of the main structure (where meals are served and there is a small shop) is the gorgeous and swimable beach. There are approximately six “huts” in this area that can be used for the day. Each hut has 2 lounge chairs, a table, an electrical outlet, and 2 additional lounge style chairs on the sand in front of each hut. The huts have a large thatched roof so shade is not an issue. Snorkeling in this area is great although there can be a significant current at times.
Ninamu is a very informal resort. Shorts and tee shirts are fine for all meals. Even footwear is not needed at meal times. While there is a bar, seating area and gameroom (pool table that nobody used and a reading library) this is not the type of place that has beach beverage service, nor is it really needed.
The only two negatives that I would identify pertain to the quantity of mosquitos and concerns with the food. Just prior, and during our visit, we had some rain that I was told is a little abnormal for this time of year. The rain did not interfere with any of our activities but it did help to increase the quantity of mosquitoes. In many other places, we found that mosquitoes were predominantly present in the evening. At Ninamu there were here 24/7. Even in our air-conditioned room there were always mosquitoes. The only safe place was on the bed under the mosquito netting. My wife had hundreds of bites (even with using DEET). Probably nothing that they can do about this but in all honesty I would not return simply due to this issue.
This resort is not inexpensive. For the price paid the food service needs to be elevated. Their website lists that they source poultry, beef and pork products as well as fish which is caught locally. We were here for 7 lunches and 7 dinners. For these 14 meals we would have been served fish 14 times until I raised a concern. We then did have chicken once and beef once. During the meals that we had chicken or beef the other guests were served fish. We also had a pizza night. Lunch and dinner were always fish, rice and some vegetables. When it became known that I did not like vegetables and the rice was getting a little old we then had the rice switched out for some meals with potatoes or pasta. We were offered an appetizer and dessert at each meal.
We have been at many resorts where there is not a menu and therefore no choice in the food. In most, the chef identifies the menu for the next day at the prior days’ dinner and then you have an opportunity to ask for some other options. This was not the process at Ninamu. I do give them credit for listing that they can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, gluten free, etc. It was also a little strange that they do not serve bread with the meals. Throughout French Polynesia it seems that bread is a staple to go with all meals and most resorts had homemade bread. They did have bread and croissants at breakfast but not at any other meals. When I asked if a hamburger was an option for lunch I was told that they do not have any rolls.
In summary, Ninamu is a gorgeous resort in a gorgeous location. The rooms are stunning and quite quirky. Chris, the owner, is a superb host who will try and make any request happen. I would hope that the will look at elevating their food service and I realize that the mosquito issue is out of their hands. I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out and super thanks to Chris and his wive who went above and beyond in helping us when we realized we may have left a wallet at our previous resort. More
July 7, 2021 -
My expectations of Ninamu were very high, and yet they were still exceeded. My husband and I stayed there in early November for 4 nights and the whole experience... read more was seamless, exhilarating, and relaxing. We loved the feel of the resort and enjoyed getting to...More 
rahoffma
December 26, 2018 - Tom W Ninamu is paradise, it has to be the most relaxing and enjoyable place on earth. We were originally booked to stay for 4 nights, but when the lockdown on the... read more Society Islands was extended, we extended our stay by 2 nights. Chris was very helpful and accommodating as we were trying to figure out what to do given the lockdown. We did 3 nights in vini 1 and 3 nights in teahupoo. Both were fantastic and would make for great stays, though we were very happy with upgrading to teahupoo for the last 3 nights, the big day bed on the deck over looking the water and the roofdeck for amazing views of the stars at night make it worth it. My wife gets eaten alive by mosquitoes so we booked vini originally to help combat that, but the mosquitoes were not bad at all. We brought deet repellent, and had no issues. There are so many incredible things about Ninamu it will be hard to capture them all, but here are a few… the food is absolutely fantastic. Breakfasts have a great mix of options (the best croissants we’ve had). Lunch and dinner was a great mix of fish, always prepared different and always incredibly delicious, and steaks one night. And of course the highlight for us, a pizza night. Cheffie made incredible pizzas in the wood pizza oven, pick your own toppings with a ton of options. It... Ninamu is paradise, it has to be the most relaxing and enjoyable place on earth. We were originally booked to stay for 4 nights, but when the lockdown on the Society Islands was extended, we extended our stay by 2 nights. Chris was very helpful and accommodating as we were trying to figure out what to do given the lockdown.
We did 3 nights in vini 1 and 3 nights in teahupoo. Both were fantastic and would make for great stays, though we were very happy with upgrading to teahupoo for the last 3 nights, the big day bed on the deck over looking the water and the roofdeck for amazing views of the stars at night make it worth it. My wife gets eaten alive by mosquitoes so we booked vini originally to help combat that, but the mosquitoes were not bad at all. We brought deet repellent, and had no issues.
There are so many incredible things about Ninamu it will be hard to capture them all, but here are a few… the food is absolutely fantastic. Breakfasts have a great mix of options (the best croissants we’ve had). Lunch and dinner was a great mix of fish, always prepared different and always incredibly delicious, and steaks one night. And of course the highlight for us, a pizza night. Cheffie made incredible pizzas in the wood pizza oven, pick your own toppings with a ton of options. It was a fun night to hang out and have some drinks as the oven heated up, watch cheffie make them all, and then enjoy some of the best pizza we’ve had. I have never eaten so well on vacation, but also felt so good. The portions were always plenty to fill you up, but not have you feeling gross after like in in the US.
The excursions were always so much fun, you can tell Chris really cares about making sure it’s a good time for all of the guests. We got to snorkel with the manta rays (saw a bunch of very big ones), at the coral gardens and the pass. All were awesome. We also got to do some fishing one day with these deep water electric rods that were super cool. Similar excursions on a lot of the other islands (moorea, bora bora, etc) would have cost a fortune, but it’s all super reasonable at Ninamu. On top of that, just snorkeling out front of the beach huts on Ninamu was some of the best we’ve ever done.
The beach huts were one of our favorite parts. They are all super shady and cool with a breeze, but just steps back from the water.
I’ve got to hit the bar too. Given the location we were expecting very high prices, but it was very reasonable. Chris has put together a great wine list, there a bunch of fun cocktails and of course hinanos always served in an ice cold mug.
We can’t thank Chris, Greta, Claire, Cheffie and everyone else at Ninamu enough for a wonderful stay. We are already trying to figure out our return trip! More
October 3, 2021 - Leah S We spent five nights here and had a great time. It was the perfect place to escape Covid because it truly feels like you're in the middle of nowhere. This... read more is a very casual and relaxing hotel. The staff treats you like family and they were great to talk to - I learned so much from Chris, Greta, Melanie, and Cheffy. There are two adorable dogs that are more than happy to show you around the island. We had so much fun following them around and watching them swim/hunt fish during our stay! Food is great - we didn't have one disappointing meal. The croissants are some of the best I've had, so I ate three every morning. Lunch and dinner usually featured fish, which we loved. It's all-inclusive, and portions were perfect for me. The bungalows are very unique and rustic. Do not come here with the expectation of luxury. This is definitely more of a glamping/upscale pension feel. Rooms have the bare minimum (towels, shampoo, soap). If you want anything else, you should bring it because they will try to accommodate but may not have it (for example: tissues). I stayed in a beach bungalow (Kahaia), all of which are open to the outside (and mosquitos, occasional coconut crabs, geckos, etc.). Wear bug repellant (preferably DEET) at all times! That was the only major downside of this motu. Otherwise, the room was comfortable and the bathroom was roomy... We spent five nights here and had a great time. It was the perfect place to escape Covid because it truly feels like you're in the middle of nowhere. This is a very casual and relaxing hotel.
The staff treats you like family and they were great to talk to - I learned so much from Chris, Greta, Melanie, and Cheffy. There are two adorable dogs that are more than happy to show you around the island. We had so much fun following them around and watching them swim/hunt fish during our stay!
Food is great - we didn't have one disappointing meal. The croissants are some of the best I've had, so I ate three every morning. Lunch and dinner usually featured fish, which we loved. It's all-inclusive, and portions were perfect for me.
The bungalows are very unique and rustic. Do not come here with the expectation of luxury. This is definitely more of a glamping/upscale pension feel. Rooms have the bare minimum (towels, shampoo, soap). If you want anything else, you should bring it because they will try to accommodate but may not have it (for example: tissues). I stayed in a beach bungalow (Kahaia), all of which are open to the outside (and mosquitos, occasional coconut crabs, geckos, etc.). Wear bug repellant (preferably DEET) at all times! That was the only major downside of this motu. Otherwise, the room was comfortable and the bathroom was roomy and serviceable. I had no issues with water temperature, but my travel companion stayed in a different bungalow and said her shower didn't really get hot. Room lighting wasn't great and the island gets dark, but I knew that in advance and brought a powerful headlamp. I was worried about no AC, but the breeze and fan was actually quite sufficient.
We did excursions every day that the weather allowed it (we were there in the rainy season and had a couple bad days), and they were great! Snorkeling with the mantas was fun, and the trip to the Blue Lagoon was so relaxing. One day we went scuba diving with Dive Tikehau in The Pass. The dive shop was great and very professional, although the diving was only okay. Maybe it was an off day, but we preferred the snorkeling. When we weren't on excursions, we walked around the motu, lay in the beach huts, kayaked out to the reef, and fed the fish right off the shore. One day we went snail and urchin hunting with the staff on the reef, which was a very cool, authentic experience.
Overall a great stay, and I'm glad we added TIkehau and Ninamu to our French Polynesia itinerary. It was exactly what we were looking for and a perfect start to our 2 week trip. More
January 20, 2021 - 4NDude Stayed for 3 days at the Ninamu end of Jan 2021 (beginning of our 2 week trip to FP). As others have stated, it is on a... read more small motu/island that you can walk around in 15-20 mins. As we were there off-season, and during the pandemic, we pretty much had the island to ourselves (closest we'll ever come to enjoying an almost private island!). I would not belabor the points made by other reviewers--the place was beautiful! The owners Chris and Gretta have build this resort unlike any other than we've been to. Each cottage is unique. Enjoy noticing how they've used locally sourced wood and materials to make each cottage (we stayed at Miki-Miki). Every small detail is architectural beauty! Chris told me that he was a carpenter in his previous life and sees a window or a doorway in trees which then he uses in the construction of his cottages. If anything, just go there to enjoy the uniqueness of this resort. Food was good. Certainly you'll not put on weight nor will you starve. Cheffy the chef, is engaging and seems to enjoy cooking for his guests. Fixed menus which are tasty and enjoyable! Excursions--make sure you go to the corral garden--that is something that Chris has "planted" and is one the most beautiful we've seen (even better than the one in Tahaa). We went there twice as we really enjoyed it!! Finally about the hosts Gretta... Stayed for 3 days at the Ninamu end of Jan 2021 (beginning of our 2 week trip to FP).
As others have stated, it is on a small motu/island that you can walk around in 15-20 mins. As we were there off-season, and during the pandemic, we pretty much had the island to ourselves (closest we'll ever come to enjoying an almost private island!).
I would not belabor the points made by other reviewers--the place was beautiful! The owners Chris and Gretta have build this resort unlike any other than we've been to. Each cottage is unique. Enjoy noticing how they've used locally sourced wood and materials to make each cottage (we stayed at Miki-Miki). Every small detail is architectural beauty! Chris told me that he was a carpenter in his previous life and sees a window or a doorway in trees which then he uses in the construction of his cottages. If anything, just go there to enjoy the uniqueness of this resort.
Food was good. Certainly you'll not put on weight nor will you starve. Cheffy the chef, is engaging and seems to enjoy cooking for his guests. Fixed menus which are tasty and enjoyable!
Excursions--make sure you go to the corral garden--that is something that Chris has "planted" and is one the most beautiful we've seen (even better than the one in Tahaa). We went there twice as we really enjoyed it!!
Finally about the hosts Gretta and Chris--they were fantastic hosts! Remember, you are their guests and you will be treated as you treat them. They have built this beautiful place that have agreed to share with us. We truly enjoyed our stay and look forward to being back! More
February 9, 2021 - I had the most wonderful experience at Ninamu. There was a large group of us (14 people) booked there to celebrate a birthday. The owner and his wife could not... read more have been better hosts. We were taken on excursions to explore the surrounding islands and...More
onechar
December 7, 2018 -
Ninamu is on a lovely little island and we stayed in a cool treehouse style room. It is great if you are trying to get away from the modern world.... read more However, if you need modern conveniences like air con, then Ninamu is not for you....More 
qiutianran
March 5, 2019 - bibwasquehal If you visit Polynesia without going to thé Ninamu . You missed some thing .
Perfect way to discover thé real values of Tuamotu . We will be Back .... read more
Thanks Greta, Chris, Mélanie , Raimana and Dee.
December 20, 2020 - I wanted an authentic Tahitian Experience and choice this resort as our second place to stay. It was so amazing - even though when we were there we had... read more torrential downpour! I loved our bungalow - it was the last one - had AC and...More
BCIGM
March 10, 2019 - This place is heaven on earth! We loved the solitude we found on this private island. Whether hanging out in a cabana or swimming in the stunning blue water, we... read more felt like we had the island all to ourselves.
It was such a treat to wake up to the gorgeous beach view out our back door. The bungalow was unique and homey. It would have been nice to have a chest of drawers to put clothes in but that’s a small thing. An ice machine would have been cool too. The service was outstanding. Lunch and dinner times were a little inconsistent, but the food was always phenomenal. Overall this was an unforgettable and absolutely wonderful retreat from the busy world we live in. More 
Sir_Surtsey
May 17, 2019