A mere one-hour flight away from the main island of Tahiti sits the breathtaking atoll of Rangiroa. Like many of the islands in French Polynesia, the atoll is surrounded by turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and vibrant, colourful marine wildlife for divers and adventure seekers to discover.
Rangiroa directly translates to “the big sky”—a nod to its title as the biggest atoll in the Tuamotu archipelago. The island has two famous passes—Avatoru and Tiputa—both brimming with marine life, from bright corals to manta rays to sharks and dolphins. Rangiroa is also home to the only vineyard in all of French Polynesia—perfect for lovers of rosé and white wines.
Whether you’re coming to the atoll for its majestic ocean views and marine wildlife or its laidback vineyard and lush greenery, you need to have a home base for your tropical getaway. In this guide, we’re breaking down some of the best places to stay in Rangiroa, whether you want opulent accommodations or a night at an affordable guest house.
Luxury Stays: The Atoll’s Creme de la Crème
French Polynesian resorts and hotels are the pinnacle of indulgence—at least out in the Pacific! If you want to make your Rangiroa holiday a lavish one oozing with luxury, look for hotels with overwater bungalows or world-class resorts. Here are some of the best ones to splurge on for an unforgettable getaway at the atoll.
Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa
Clear your mind and have the most relaxing Rangiroa holiday when you stay at Hotel Kia Ora Resort, an idyllic four-star resort in between the atoll’s two iconic reef passes. The resort has 58 bungalows nestled either in lush tropical gardens or the lagoon’s crystal-clear waters and fine, white sand.
Not in the mood for the beach? Head out for a swim at the resort’s infinity pool for more privacy but without sacrificing the gorgeous ocean view. At sunset, move over to the Miki Miki Bar, an overwater bar where you can sip on a cocktail and watch the horizon.
And don’t forget about the Kia Ora Resort Spa, where you can get the massage of a lifetime. Choose between hot stone massages, Japanese rituals and a traditional Polynesian massage, also called a taurumi. You can even buy tamanu and monoi oils at the spa to take home to your loved ones!
Le Coconut Lodge
Looking for a more laidback vibe with the same chic, luxurious feel? Consider staying at Le Coconut Lodge Rangiroa. This lodge has six air-conditioned bungalows kissing the shoreline of a private beach, making for a romantic getaway. Each bungalow at the property offers world-class amenities, from a zero-waste minibar to high-speed internet. And don’t forget breakfast—visitors rave about the lodge’s delicious local fruit jams!
The lodge is also perfect for anyone visiting the island to seek adventure and water sports. The staff can help you arrange activities like snorkelling, paddleboarding, canoeing and more. It’s also a stone’s throw away from the 6 Passengers Diving Center—a favourite among divers visiting the atoll.
Mid-Range Stays: Value Without Compromising Your Holiday
Who says a memorable holiday in French Polynesia should cost an arm and a leg? There are tons of places to stay in Rangiroa that offer amazing value for money without sacrificing a terrific location near the atoll’s stunning beaches. Don’t want to skimp or overspend while you’re visiting the island? Here are some awesome mid-range stays you should consider staying at.
Hotel Maitai Rangiroa
The Hotel Maitai sits in the heart of the lagoon between the Avatoru and Tiputa passes, giving guests an abundance of diving spots and beaches to choose from. Swimming in these waters is a must, especially if you want to lay your eyes on sea creatures like dolphins and manta rays.
The hotel has three types of accommodations. There are garden bungalows, which lie in the heart of vibrant gardens amidst French Polynesian flora and fauna. Then, there are premium garden bungalows, which are even more spacious. Finally, there are traditional overwater lagoon bungalows—perfect for that luxurious feel without breaking the bank. This option allows you the full Tahitian holiday experience while letting you stay within budget.
Raira Lagon
This two-star hotel in Avatoru boasts a 9,000-square-meter garden brought to life by tall coconut palm trees and blooming bougainvillea and hibiscus flowers. There are free bikes around the premises that guests can hop on and use to explore the property and the beach in front of it.
The hotel’s bar and restaurant serves Polynesian cuisine for breakfast and dinner, giving you a chance to devour local delicacies and the island’s most popular dishes. You can also ask the chef to shake up some cocktails for you to drink as you watch the sunset on the beach.
Feeling adventurous? Raira Lagon has got you. Each bungalow on the property has its own set of flippers, masks and other snorkelling gear to make sure you’re ready to experience Rangiroa’s exceptional marine wildlife. You can also borrow bikes and kayaks from the hotel free of charge.
Bounty Rangiroa
This small eco-lodge sits a few meters from Ohotu Bay, a hidden gem of a beach. The property offers four studios and a fare or house in the garden.
While the lodge is perfect for anyone who wants a serene, relaxing getaway, it’s also fantastic for anyone who wants to get some action in Rangiroa. The lodge arranges customised yoga retreats, diving excursions and other tours on the island upon request.
Bounty Rangiroa has a stellar location. It’s just a five-minute walk from popular diving centres, shops and restaurants. It’s also incredibly near Tiputa Pass, where you can admire Rangiroa’s azure lagoon waters. So, if you want to be in the middle of all the action without splurging, don’t hesitate to stay at this eco-lodge!
Budget-Friendly Pensions: Affordable and Authentic
If it’s affordability you’re looking for when travelling in Rangiroa, your best bet is to stay at a guest house or pension. Not only is it perfect for those on a tight budget, but it also allows travellers to experience Tahitian culture firsthand. Ask your gracious hosts to teach you about the locals’ daily lives or prepare delicious Tahitian dishes for you, from raw fish to tropical fruit.
Ready for your chance to immerse yourself in the way of life in Rangiroa firsthand? Board with the locals (and save money) at these affordable pensions, guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts.
Pension Rangiroa Plage
This pension is the perfect backpacker accommodation. It’s clean, has free breakfast and WiFi, and is just down the road from restaurants, bars and supermarkets. You can very easily shop for local produce and ingredients and whip something up in the pension’s shared kitchen!
You can even access the reef a few meters away from the guest house. From there, try your luck at snorkelling to see colourful sea creatures.
Le Fare Bleu
This homestay sits at the edge of Rangiroa’s lagoon on the Tiputa side, giving those who stay here the most beautiful ocean views on the sun terrace.
Guests can grab the free bikes lying around on the property to explore the beach and the property’s gardens. The Tiputa lodge also provides a free continental breakfast to anyone who stays for the night. And if you’re craving some adventure, the owners can help you arrange activities such as walking tours on the island or canoeing in the crystal-clear lagoon.
Pension Turiroa Chez Olga
Finally, there is Pension Turiroa Chez Olga, a beachfront guest house in Avatoru that has everything you need for the perfect Rangiroa holiday. There’s a private entrance for extra safety and exclusivity, free internet for guests, a kitchenette where you can cook meals and even a mini-market within the stay for all your grocery needs.
Pro-tip: Go fishing in the waters nearby and bring your catch back to the pension to cook for dinner!
Escape to the Rangiroa Stay of Your Dreams With Entire Travel Group!
No matter what your budget is for your Rangiroa adventure, there’s always a warm, coszy accommodation for you. You can opt to splurge on a four-star beachfront hotel to experience living the high life, or go for a more affordable option by staying under the wing of a local family at a pension. As long as you’re on the beautiful atoll, you can’t go wrong with any of them!
Visiting the island soon? Plan your trip with Entire Travel Group to make sure you don’t miss any of the best spots in Rangiroa! Let your tropical adventure in French Polynesia begin!
