Vanira Lodge

Top choice in Tahiti


Our favourite pension in Tahiti, this place is up a steep driveway on a miniplateau with vast views of the lagoon, surf, village and myriad island colours. The bungalows are fabulously eclectic and are all built from some combination of bamboo, thatch, rustic planks of wood, glass, adobe, coral and rock. One of the bungalows has an earth roof that’s bursting with flowers.

Cosy nooks, hand-carved furniture, airy mezzanines and al-fresco kitchens (in the family-size bungalows that sleep four) are nice touches. There’s tons of open space for kids as well as a little lily pond, a pool and fruit trees. The on-site restaurant is fantastic. Bikes, kayaks and snorkel gear are available for rent. You’ll definitely need a car if you stay here.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tahiti attractions

1. Teahupoo

1.91 MILES

Teahupoo is world famous among surfing circles for its monster wave. Until the early 2000s, the Teahupoo wave was only known to local surfers. It now…

2. Marae Nuutere

2.86 MILES

A signposted turn-off at PK9.5 leads a short distance inland to the rarely visited remains of Marae Nuutere, restored in 1994. There are three paved yards…

3. Maui Beach

3.84 MILES

A picturesque strip of white sand, Maui Beach gets packed and noisy on weekends, but is peaceful during the week. It’s right on the road but has shallow…

4. Taravao Lookout

4.4 MILES

View over the bucolic plateaus of Taravao to the blue coastlines and towering Tahiti Nui.

5. Vaipoiri Cave

6.21 MILES

Popular day trip from Teahupoo. Walk into blackness till your eyes adjust then swim to the back through the icy waters.

6. Musée Gauguin

8 MILES

This museum has been closed for years but hopefully it will reopen during the life of this book. The airy site surrounded by lush foliage is lovely, and…

7. Queen's Cave

8.11 MILES

Waves move in and out of this hidden cave from the coast. It's like a natural (not hot) hot tub.

8. Marae

8.16 MILES

Ancient site accessible only on foot.