Vahine Private Island Resort

Have you ever dreamed of treating yourself to a luxurious stay on a private island? Imagine this – an overwater bungalow, coconut groves, warm translucent waters filled with corals and tropical fish and no noise except for the singing of birds and the mixing of your Mai Tai. While it may sound like a fantasy, at the Vahine Private Island Resort in French Polynesia it’s a reality.

 

Set on a 23 acre island, the Vahine Private Island Resort is the definition of an indulgent French Polynesian escape. After being greeted with a fresh fruit juice, you’ll be escorted to your room, a beach bungalow, standalone beach suite or an overwater bungalow (there are three of each category). Each has its own unique offerings, for example, the beach suites have two separate patios with both lagoon and coconut grove views while the overwater bungalows have a translucent aquarium coffee table that opens up allowing you to watch and feed the fish below. Additionally, all guest rooms make guests feel as if they’re in an authentic Polynesian home with touches like local artwork, showers adorned with shells, bathroom walls of interwoven peue leaves and Polynesian style roofs.

 

Along with creating a special island ambience, Vahine Private Island Resort is focused on melding with the surroundings by keeping everything natural. For example, in the bar the floor is crafted from local aito (iron) tree trunks while the guest accomodations feature chandeliers made of shells, lights created from coconuts and furniture crafted from local woods. Other amenities include Molten Brown bath and body products, Monoi oil, robes, Yves Delorme linens, hammocks, free Wi-Fi and a mini bar.

 

In terms of dining guests purchase a half-board package, which means breakfast and dinner are included and you can choose to bring your own lunch or purchase it a la carte. The resort focuses on French cuisine using local ingredients. While breakfast in the restaurant is a spread of fresh fruits, breads, croissants, coconut cakes, house made vanilla yogurt and artisanal jams, lunch is served on the beach by servers wearing traditional floral print dresses and often includes lighter fare like salads, sandwiches and grilled fish.

 

The main event is dinner, a 3-course candlelit meal prepared by Chef Terence Trouyet. After studying at the culinary school ‘Escoffier” in the South of France, Chef Terence gained experience under numerous talented chefs, including two years with Chef Philippe Jego, a Michelin starred chef, where Terence defined his cooking style. For the evening meal the hotel focuses on savoring every flavor while creating a refined casual atmosphere in an indoor/outdoor setting. With a menu that changes daily, typical entrees might include a pan fried polenta and confit of duck with cepes mushrooms, roasted mahi mahi with a parmesan crust served with creamy vegetables and basil polenta, and scallops and roasted prawns enhanced with a coco curry emulsion. You can also order a tropical cocktail from the bar at any time of the day, like the signature “Vahine,” a mix of vanilla and pineapple rum, guava and grenadine or a classic pina colada enhanced with local fruits.

 

In terms of activities and excursions, the staff is committed to tailoring the experience to the guest and offers more options for activities than most hotels in French Polynesia (many of which are complimentary). There is even a resident “beach boy” who keeps guests entertained and happy. Complimentary experiences include a mix of adventure, relaxation and culture like windsurfing, kayaking to a nearby motu, canoeing in traditional outrigger Polynesian canoes, snorkeling in the coral sea gardens, fishing, hiking with a naturalist guide, observing a coconut show or pareo tying demonstration and learning to weave palm leaves. Additionally, for a fee they can organize excursions to nearby islands, private yacht and catamaran cruises, helicopter tours over Bora Bora, scuba diving and sailing trips. You’ll notice how the staff caters to you when they carry your beach bag on a tour and drop you off right at your bungalow after a boat ride.

 

For a truly indulgent experience, a massage on the beach or in the coconut grove is unforgettable. Your therapist will set up a table on your deck so you can hear the lapping of the waves or — if you’re in an overwater bungalow – watch the tropical fish swimming below while scented Monoi oil is rubbed into your skin.

 

What can we look forward to in 2014? The resort is building a bungalow on the adjacent motu (small island) that will allow guests to truly stay on their own private island. Only one party will be accommodated at a time, allowing for an exclusive and secluded experience.