Atiapiti
About this stay
Atiapiti is a family-run hotel on the beach at the south-east end of Raiatea, close to Taputapuatea marae, the UNESCO-listed ceremonial site that is one of the most important in Polynesia. Its lagoon-view bungalows, garden suites and villa have cooking plates, fridges and microwaves, so guests can self-cater, and there is a restaurant on site. The south-east coast is quiet and far from Uturoa. It suits families and couples who want a beach stay with room to cook, and travelers drawn by the history of the island Polynesians call sacred.
Good for
About Raiatea
Raiatea is the second-largest of the Society Islands and shares a single lagoon with its smaller neighbour Taha'a. In Polynesian tradition it is Havai'i, a homeland from which voyagers set out across the eastern Pacific, and it holds the region's most revered marae. It suits travellers interested in culture, sailors, and hikers, more than those looking for long beaches. Compared with Bora Bora, tourism is low-key and much of the island is farmland and forest.
Getting there
Raiatea's airport (RFP) is just outside Uturoa. Air Tahiti flies from Papeete in about 45 minutes and links Raiatea with Huahine, Bora Bora and Maupiti. Inter-island cargo ships call at Uturoa, and shuttle boats cross the lagoon to Taha'a.