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  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

  My husband and I just spent 4 nights at Ninamu Resort near Tikehau, French Polynesian. We stayed in a open air waterfront bungalow. We had an amazing time. The food... read more was fantastic. Don’t let comments on the forum deter you from visiting. The croissants are some of the best I’ve ever had, including ones from patisseries in France. Eggs cooked to order every morning. The freshest of fish was served at every lunch and dinner. The preparation was different at every meal. We couldn’t wait to taste what Cheffy (the resort’s own French chef) would prepare for us at each meal. If you are a foodie and truly appreciate prix fixe meals prepared by an extremely talented chef, then you should stay here. Each bungalow is uniquely designed. Chris, the owner, is definitely a construction genius. Each day we were offered an excursion for snorkeling to different locations each time. We snorkeled with manta rays, reef sharks, lots of fish, and even at a coral garden, where we got to see how they are working to grow new coral. We were lucky enough that our outings only had 4-6 people on them with Mana, as our humorous and very knowledgeable guide. Also, let me say, that during our visits these excursions were half to a quarter of the cost you would find at other FP resorts or in Hawaii, with way less people. At every meal, and during happy hour,... My husband and I just spent 4 nights at Ninamu Resort near Tikehau, French Polynesian. We stayed in a open air waterfront bungalow. We had an amazing time. The food was fantastic. Don’t let comments on the forum deter you from visiting. The croissants are some of the best I’ve ever had, including ones from patisseries in France. Eggs cooked to order every morning. The freshest of fish was served at every lunch and dinner. The preparation was different at every meal. We couldn’t wait to taste what Cheffy (the resort’s own French chef) would prepare for us at each meal. If you are a foodie and truly appreciate prix fixe meals prepared by an extremely talented chef, then you should stay here.

Each bungalow is uniquely designed. Chris, the owner, is definitely a construction genius.

Each day we were offered an excursion for snorkeling to different locations each time. We snorkeled with manta rays, reef sharks, lots of fish, and even at a coral garden, where we got to see how they are working to grow new coral. We were lucky enough that our outings only had 4-6 people on them with Mana, as our humorous and very knowledgeable guide. Also, let me say, that during our visits these excursions were half to a quarter of the cost you would find at other FP resorts or in Hawaii, with way less people.

At every meal, and during happy hour, Claire was there to provide us whatever beverages we desired. While these beverages are extra cost, when you think about how far they had to travel to get to Ninamu, they are very reasonable priced. Not only was Claire very attentive, she was extremely patient with me and my failed attempts at speaking French.

Every afternoon we used kayaks available to explore the waters around Ninamu’s Motu. There we really felt like the only people near a deserted island. The privacy that exists here is hard to find at many tourist destinations. This place is off the beaten path for sure and so worth visiting. We didn’t miss having a pool when the water on the lee side of the motu is super calm, crystal clear and deep enough to get chest deep. Did I mention we were totally alone. It was like having a private olympic size pool (only much larger) to ourselves.

Lastly, the forum mentions the mosquitoes. Let me provide some calibration here. If you have ever visited Alaska or Minnesota in the summer time, you will not notice the mosquitoes here, especially if you use mosquito repellent and sleep under the mosquito netting that Ninamu provides over each bed in the open air bungalows. They do not buzz around your head and you don’t feel them biting you.

I highly recommend this resort. We plan to visit again. More

  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.

  We have just returned from a two-week trip to French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Tikehau) and the four nights in Ninamu were undoubtedly the highlight. With three kids age... read more 10, 8 and 5 the motu was perfect as they had the freedom to run around and make the place their home. The bungalows and wooden boardwalks through the little jungle are so well-built and fun, great for little imaginations to run wild. The staff were so kind to the children, taking time to show them how to open coconuts, chatting with them during trips and organising an impromptu fishing session which they loved. As adults we loved the laid-back atmosphere, reminding us of our young traveller days! and the chance to talk to and eat with the other guests. We’ve made friends for life during these four days. The food was simply beautiful and the trips - snorkelling, Eden Island, Bird Island, fishing more than met our expectations. I hope we will have the chance to return one day. As mentioned in other reviews, bring mozzie spray and reef shoes. More

  We had a lovely time at the Ninamu resort in Tikehau. The staff were so nice. The food was incredible and we loved our bungalow! Happy hour was a lot... read more of fun. Wish we could of stayed longer, but such good memories. We will be...More

  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

  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

  My wife and I spent 5 days/4 nights at Ninamu as part of our honeymoon trip to Tahiti. The first part of our trip was spent at Moorea in an... read more Overwater Bungalow and then we came here. Wow was this paradise. We loved everything about our stay here, especially:
- The beauty
- The seclusion
- The limited # of other guests
- The FOOD

Flying into Tikehau was easy. The domestic terminal at PPT was a breeze and we boarded the propeller plane (still fairly large plane) with mostly locals. Landing on Tikehau is surrounded by beautiful palm trees and you know you're really in paradise. Ninamu welcomed us at the airport with a freshly made lei, and shuttled us over to the marina where the boat met us and took us to the private island (or "motu"). The boat ride was about 5-10 minutes since the Ninamu motu is pretty much next to the main part of the island.

Catching first glimpse of Ninamu is breathtaking. You see the beautiful beach bungalows, the Ninamu sailboat and a pink sand beach. Once off the boat, we were welcomed with free drinks. It happened to be lunch time when we arrived and we immediately sat down in the absolutely beautiful lodge for our first delicious meal.

On the topic of food: Breakfast consists of delicious croissants (as other reviews rave about. The plain was good. I preferred the chocolate which was above average), pancakes, bread, jams, yogurt, fruit, cheese, salami and made-to-order eggs. Lunch has a main meal plus a desert (which is always a scoop of delicious ice-cream with some fruit). Dinner usually had an appetizer, main meal and dessert (also usually with ice-cream, though the dinner deserts varied from cannolis to chocolate cake and in between). Cheffie outdid himself every day. The food was top notch and unique every meal. I will note that every meal is pretty much TUNA (though we had swordfish once or twice). Our last meal with a BBQ lunch with fish and steak.

The bungalows are absolutely gorgeous. As other reviews mention, each one is hand crafted. They will blow your mind how someone was able to build such well constructed buildings out on the middle of an island in no-where. Each one is super impressive. Initially we had rented the garden room 'Varo' but it is quite small and the oceanfront Kaveka room was open for only a bit extra, and we instantly upgraded. The room is amazing. I will point out that each of the bungalows are open-air, meaning they don't have air-conditioning and bugs, lizards and crabs can get in, except for the 2 fancy rooms with air-conditioning. The rooms all have walls and doors, it's just that the roof is open in spots to let the breeze in. The rooms were warm at night but with a fan and the window open, we slept very well. Mosquito nets cover all the beds but we didn't end up needing them. There were surprisingly little bugs during our stay. Each room has a private bathroom and shower, which I'm still amazed at the amenities given the remote nature of Ninamu. WiFi worked well throughout the rooms, lodge and beach.

The beach is beautiful, looking out over pink sand and turquoise blue and green water. There are 6 beach huts built right next to the beach, each with 2 soft laying chairs inside the hut, and 2 plastic chairs outside on the sand. It was nice to alternate between shade and sun. Snorkling was great right off the beach as there's a bunch of corel. Some black-tip reef sharks patrol the area and are friendly. I even found an octopus one day. The water can get a little rough outside of the main beach area, so we stayed fairly close. Similarly with kayaks and SUP's, we stayed close to avoid the stronger current. The kayak's are very heavy (but sturdy), so we didn't want to test more open-water and stayed close by. We only brought flip-flops but I recommend reef shoes that go around your ankle, as the rocks and things are sharp and flip-flops left me in pain a few times.

The entire island is about 0.6 miles (1km) around and we walked the island several times each day just to stretch our legs. Other than one part where you get your feet wet (up to your ankles) you can walk on sand the entire time. Throughout your walk you'll find tons of hermit-crabs all over. It was fun to see what different kinds we could spot. The north end of the island was my favorite spot, as it had 2 palm trees that jutted out at an angle over the water -- a PERFECT spot for a photo of true paradise.

Due to an unnatural windy set of days, we didn't get to go on any excursions. Chris, the owner, was great, however, and did his best to keep us busy. One day he brought us to the main island with bikes and let us bike around for 2 hours. Another day he braved choppy waters to take me to see the manta rays (which was amazing to snorkel with them. Thank you Chris for risking it. I really appreciated it!). The wind died down after we left so I can't comment on the excursions -- that was the one sad part of our trip, we had been looking forward to them. If the weather is bad, there's not much to do and things can get boring. We did wish there were a few more activities on-island for the days when excursions can't happen.

Overall the staff was great. Every person was friendly, gave us attention when we wanted it, but also left us to just relax and enjoy on our own.

Ninamu was wonderful and we'd love to go back, especially with a group of friends where it could be even more fun. But it's also great as a honeymoon or just a relaxing romantic getaway.

  We loved everything at out stay on Ninamu! The Cabanas and the snorkeling just in front was a blast! The Staff was always friendly and the kitchen was exquisit. They... read more have always good free activities everyday(all the gear you need is available and free of charge) whether its snorkeling, visiting the village or fishing out in the atoll.
The best was that its not that crowded like other „fancy“ resorts out here.
We can recommend this Resort to everyone who is looking for an unique experience in French Polynesia!
Thank you for having us and greetings to Cheffy, Melanie, the 2 dogs and everyone of the Staff at Ninamu

  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.