About

  We were on the first international flight to land in Tahiti since the Covid19 lockdown began. I can honestly say, before we left the U.S., we were initially very worried... read more about our decision to travel. However, our fears were eased the moment we boarded the immaculate plane (Air Tahiti Nui) in LAX. We were incredibly impressed with the care and accommodations taken by the Tahitian Government, the Airlines and Resorts to adjust to traveling during this challenging time. To begin, we were required to complete a Covid Test at the urgent care adjacent to LAX prior to leaving the U.S. which was uploaded electronically to our tickets. This was a painless process and honestly, very reassuring to know that everyone on the completely sanitized plane was also required to submit a negative test result as a condition to board. As well, we were required to fill out our complete itinerary electronically to ensure traceability while we travelled inner island. Upon boarding the aircraft, we were provided with masks, wipes and hand sanitizer in a tidy little package. Masks were required throughout the entirety of the flight. The crew was completely meticulous with their cleanliness. This was the most pristine plane I have ever flown on...it was brand new. And from my understanding, Air Tahiti Nui has completely upgraded their air filtration systems as well. Upon landing, as we went through customs, we were each provided with a discreet little envelope... We were on the first international flight to land in Tahiti since the Covid19 lockdown began. I can honestly say, before we left the U.S., we were initially very worried about our decision to travel. However, our fears were eased the moment we boarded the immaculate plane (Air Tahiti Nui) in LAX. We were incredibly impressed with the care and accommodations taken by the Tahitian Government, the Airlines and Resorts to adjust to traveling during this challenging time.

To begin, we were required to complete a Covid Test at the urgent care adjacent to LAX prior to leaving the U.S. which was uploaded electronically to our tickets. This was a painless process and honestly, very reassuring to know that everyone on the completely sanitized plane was also required to submit a negative test result as a condition to board. As well, we were required to fill out our complete itinerary electronically to ensure traceability while we travelled inner island.
Upon boarding the aircraft, we were provided with masks, wipes and hand sanitizer in a tidy little package. Masks were required throughout the entirety of the flight. The crew was completely meticulous with their cleanliness. This was the most pristine plane I have ever flown on...it was brand new. And from my understanding, Air Tahiti Nui has completely upgraded their air filtration systems as well.

Upon landing, as we went through customs, we were each provided with a discreet little envelope containing another Covid Test Kit which we were instructed to self-perform 4 days into our trip. The instructions were clear, concise and the test was very easy to perform on ourselves. Even our children performed their own tests easily. We provided the sealed samples to our hotel on day four of our stay as instructed.

The airport was also immaculate. We watched every single surface being repeatedly cleaned as travelers moved on. Hand Sanitizer stations were plentiful and placed everywhere you looked. On our inner island flight to Tikehau, we were all, again, given sanitizer and masks were required throughout.

Upon arrival at our final destination , Ninamu Resort, we were greeted by a masked and extremely friendly staff. And this is where the trip became completely worth all of the extra hoops. IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!

Chris, Greta, Melanie, Cheffy and the ENTIRE staff at Ninamu Resort helped us COMPLETELY FORGET ABOUT COVID for 6 whole days. It was exactly the break we needed to be able to recharge, regroup and re-center.

The food was incredible......every single calorie was divine. Fish does not get any more fresh. The service was impeccable. Melanie made us feel like we were guests in her home. I have been in the service industry for 30 years and can assure, it does not get better than this.

The excursions were out of this world. Chris went out of his way to make sure all of our wishes were granted. We swam with Manta Rays, among the one of a kind Coral Garden, and snorkeled among every single electric color of tropical fish you can imagine. It was sublime to say the least. We went fishing and caught more than our share of fresh fish. We saw more stars than one could comprehend. We walked, kayaked and paddle boarded around the island. We relaxed in the cabanas while napping to the sound of lapping waves while the kids played games in the billiard room. The blues and greens of the water are almost impossible to describe with words.

But the absolute best part of our trip was this...........this was supposed to be our honeymoon. Unfortunately, our wedding in the U.S was cancelled due to Covid restrictions. When Chris and his staff heard this...they went completely above and beyond to surprise us and provided a wedding beyond our wildest dreams. They took us to the most beautiful blue lagoon I have ever seen. As a Captain, Chris is able to legally perform weddings, and he gave us the gift of a ceremony we will never forget.
They prepared a barbeque on the beach and set the most beautiful tropical island table. The feast was divine. We felt like royalty and our gratitude overflows.

My husband (I get to say that now!) and I have both travelled A LOT. We can hands down say, that this was our best trip ever.

Travelling during a pandemic is understandably nerve-wracking; however, we felt completely safe, both for our family, and more importantly, for the people of French Polynesia with our choice to join them as they reopen. We are bringing our freshly charged batteries back to the U.S. and are counting down the days until we can go back.

Mauruuru and La Orana!
Shannon, Jason, Ruth and Sara More

  We recently returned from a trip to Ninamu and had the best time! Chris, Greta, and their staff were incredibly gracious and kind. They always asked if we needed anything.... read more The food was delicious and always 5 star. We felt like we were part of their family, living their adventurous life. We saw huge Mantas, sharks, and even went fishing where we caught a giant tuna! Taking Chris’ trimaran to a private BBQ lunch was a particular highlight. Our bungalow was beautiful and clean; the island, with it’s pink sand, is simply paradise. We weren’t sure what this adventure would be like, traveling in the middle of the pandemic, but we would go again in a heartbeat. They handled the situation very professionally yet we felt completely comfortable and far removed from the hectic covid-19 stress of everyday life. We cannot wait to return! More

  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

  Ninamu was the highlight of our honeymoon to French Polynesia. We found it originally in the Lonely Planet, then after looking on Tripadvisor knew it was for us. No Pool,... read more no aircon, limited internet, bungalows that are created out of drift wood and coral and...More

  My husband and I visited French Polynesia for 2 weeks, and wanted an unique, off-the-beaten path experience during our trip and our travel agent, John from Venture Tahiti /Venture Destinations... read more recommenced Ninamu and it definitely fit the bill! Our stay at Ninamu provided us such memorable experiences, and was a nice departure from the typical resorts! We stayed at Ninamu for 3 nights in the Oahu bungalow. The bungalow has such a cool, tree house design to it! It’s two stories, with a large king bed on the 2nd floor and two double beds on the main floor. There is also a seating area in the main room which connects to a large outdoor deck — you can step out your bungalow and within a few steps be at the ocean! Be prepared to have geckos in your room at night, and there is no AC. There are large fans to help with air circulation. Chris gave us a great tip to put the fan inside the mosquito net! Lighting is also very limited in the bungalow in the evening. I also experienced a theft of one of my earrings, which we believe was at the hands of a burglarizing gecko! Quite the story to tell friends back home (a word of wisdom - keep your jewelry in a bag, not set out of the dresser!) Chris really wants his guests to have an amazing experience - he took us... My husband and I visited French Polynesia for 2 weeks, and wanted an unique, off-the-beaten path experience during our trip and our travel agent, John from Venture Tahiti /Venture Destinations recommenced Ninamu and it definitely fit the bill! Our stay at Ninamu provided us such memorable experiences, and was a nice departure from the typical resorts!

We stayed at Ninamu for 3 nights in the Oahu bungalow. The bungalow has such a cool, tree house design to it! It’s two stories, with a large king bed on the 2nd floor and two double beds on the main floor. There is also a seating area in the main room which connects to a large outdoor deck — you can step out your bungalow and within a few steps be at the ocean! Be prepared to have geckos in your room at night, and there is no AC. There are large fans to help with air circulation. Chris gave us a great tip to put the fan inside the mosquito net! Lighting is also very limited in the bungalow in the evening. I also experienced a theft of one of my earrings, which we believe was at the hands of a burglarizing gecko! Quite the story to tell friends back home (a word of wisdom - keep your jewelry in a bag, not set out of the dresser!)

Chris really wants his guests to have an amazing experience - he took us out snorkeling and provided recommendations on how best to explore the little island. My husband really wanted to deep sea fish, so Chris made it a point to go fishing during our stay. We catcher snapper, wahoo, and tuna — it was unbelievable to see these fish! There is also kayaking equipment, which is a fun way to get some exercise each morning.

The Chef (Cheffie!) is a great guy and makes delicious food. The breakfast spread was delicious, and I highly recommend the made to order omelette! Lunch each day consisted of a small side salad, rice and some sort of fresh fish! Plus ice cream for dessert! For dinner, we all pushed our tables together and had a big communal table to meet our fellow travelers and gave great conversation. Dinners consisted of an appetizer, main course (usually a beautifully plated fish and potatos) and dessert. My favorite meal was the fish stew appetizer, a unique baked entree of layered fish, potatoes and tomatoes, and a chocolate molten cake!

Upon arrival at the Tikehau airport, you are transported via van to the boat launch. Via boat, it’s a short 10 minute ride to Ninamu. We were greeted with fresh coconuts. The check-in process was a little confusing since we arrived as a storm rolled in! Most of the guests were in the lobby waiting out the storm and us new arrivals were awaiting instruction or details on how long until our rooms would be ready. We arrived quite early in the day, so didn’t expect our rooms to be promptly ready — but some extra communication on what to expect and what to do while we waited would have been helpful! Again, a small hiccup in an otherwise great stay!

I would recommend Ninamu for travelers looking for a unique, unforgettable experience— but willing to forgo some comforts like AC, television and lux room commodities like extra evening lighting and bath products. You will meet interesting travelers and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience on a remote private island in the South Pacific! More

  Ninamu Resort was the first stop on our honeymoon in French Polynesia and we absolutely loved the experience. We booked our trip through Tahiti Legends- Noy was our travel agent... read more and planned our stay absolutely perfectly. If you're interested in visiting Ninamu, we HIGHLY recommend working with Noy and Tahiti Legends because we didn't have to worry about a thing and they handle all the logistics for you.

Ninamu is a beautiful, rustic, gem of an island where you're able to relax, do water activities (snorkeling, fishing, swimming, boating), and enjoy all the magic the island has to offer, and the resort staff is excellent all-around.

  We just returned from a five night visit to Ninamu and had a wonderful experience. We did a buy-out of the property for a birthday celebration and it was truly... read more the perfect choice. Chris and Greta are the consummate hosts...and the service from the staff...More

  The stark landscape, solitude, and infinite horizons refocus your universe inward. Relax and reflect whilst you unwind in one of their our private beachfront day beds or float in the... read more lagoon in an acquatic landscape.
Surrounded by pink sand beaches, abundant marine life, impeccable waves and prevailing trade winds, this secluded retreat is the ultimate paradise for every type of water sports enthusiast. It caters to divers, surfers, fishermen, stand up paddlers and kite boarders. In fact,Chris the owner told us that the name Ninamu, which means 'blue' in Tahitian, was inspired by the surrounding sapphire lagoon.There are only eight unique bungalows at the Ninamu Resort, all handcrafted from natural, locally sourced materials.

Ninamu owner, Chris O'Callaghan, is a man with a back story. Variously a tradie, air steward, yachtie, surf competition founder (not just any surf comp, but Teahupo'o)
Chris is a very sociable and accommodating Australian native who will keep you entertained and pours a stiff drink at the bar.Ninam is just the place to live out your fantasy of a remote island escape. More

  What a gem! Just back from Ninamu with a group of 13 friends and it was quite a magical experience. Chris and Greta are lovely hosts, eager to help make... read more the most of your time at their home, arranging activities as frequent or infrequently as...More

  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