Formerly managed by Outrigger, this luxurious American-owned, Polynesian-style resort is tucked away in a small bay, a 10-minute boat ride from Fare, the only town on undeveloped, often overlooked Huahine, an isle noted for its dramatic beauty and friendly, unhurried populace. The resort sits on a lovely sugar-white beach and faces Raiatea and Tahaa.
Although the resort is on the main island, guests are ferried to and fro as if it were offshore. They enter through the thatch-roofed, overwater building that houses reception, the sunken bar and the lounge with Internet-access computers.
Also under the soaring thatch
roof, the overwater restaurant offers excellent international fare to suit a clientele of mostly American and European couples. Tahitians strum guitars each evening, and villagers stage dance shows once a week and a Sunday local feast cooked in an underground oven.
A long pier leads to the beachside pool and its own alfresco bar, daytime restaurant and activities hut. The beach gives way to deep waters and coral heads over which guests can swim, snorkel and paddle canoes free of charge.
For a fee, they can also go diving, Jet Skiing and waterskiing, but these activities take place in another bay to keep the front 
of the resort noise-free. Sailing, deep-sea fishing, riding, picnicking on small islets and touring archaeological sites can also be arranged.
The spacious bungalows show tile floors, air-conditioning, sofas and easy chairs, desks, phones, TVs, stocked refrigerators, coffeemakers, dressing rooms and king beds.
Large baths have stall showers, WCs, hair dryers and robes. The large L-shaped decks are partly shaded and have privacy screens to block neighbors' gazes. The best choices are the 11 deep overwater units, which add whirlpool tubs and steps ascending from their decks into the lagoon.
Note that none of the overwater bungalows has a glass floor panel for watching marine life. The 19 less-expensive garden bungalows are equally spacious, but they lack direct lagoon views.
One of the smallest in French Polynesia, this intimate resort has become a popular alternative to the crowds on Bora Bora, with many couples choosing to peacefully polish off their honeymoons here. Friendly, personal service from a multilingual Tahitian staff helps to make this one of the better resorts in the islands.