My wife and I stayed 6 nights at Hotel La Pirogue in APril 2006. It was an unplanned vacation - we just wanted to get away. So, we called up the travel agent, and took a chance on this relatively unknown hotel.

It was worth the trip. The waters were amazing, the food was excellent, the service by the owners spectacular.

You can see the photos on our site at (-)shuweb(-)

Keep in mind, though, the island hotel has traditional bungalows (only 8 on the island, of which 3 are along the beach). That means nets around the bed, no frills (and no screens on the doors or windows). The bathroom is adequate, but it's not like you'll have marble floors. There is no air conditioning, just a ceiling fan. The lights in the room are just enough to see where you are. And you don't get cable TV.

What you get instead is a relaxing experience. Time moves slowly here, just as the waters do. Our room was facing the waters (facing the main land of Tahaa, to be exact), and so we were able to literally step off of our deck in our bungalow into the calm sea. It felt like we were a world away: we spent our days playing in the hot sun and warm waters, watched the sunset over Bora Bora, and and gazed the stars (which, by the way, we forgot existed until then).

Because the island is about 5 minutes away from its mainland of Tahaa (which, by the way, is itself unspoiled), you must make arrangements for activities a day ahead of time. Our choices were:
- Dave's Tours, which is a 4x4 tour and snorkeling adventure. IT IS A MUST!
- Renting a car to go around the island and visit a couple of pearl farms
- Sailing the waters around Tahaa
- Otherwise, just gazing at the beautiful waters......

This little hotel is perfect for 2 or 3 nights, if you want to stay entertained. 6 nights, which is what we did, was fine for us, since our purpose was to unwind.

Most of the guests are French; we were the only Americans. But hey, if you want to get away from it all, why would you want to speak English? Don't worry, the hotel owners speak excellent English, as did the French guests (it says something about us Americans, doesn't it?).

Anyway, take a look at our site for photos.

Yes this place is definitley the empitome of tropical paradise.A 40 minute speed boat ride from Raiatea airport takes you to the most beautiful motu in the world.If you are looking for quiet,remote,gorgeous place to stay you will find it at La Pirogue.Absolutely wonderful.Our bungalow was nice size with a big bed with a mosquito net,a big deck with two lounge chairs and a nice,clean bathroom.
We loved it here.It was sooo quiet and remote and beautiful.Do I keep repeating myself? I cannot help it.
The bar serves the best drinks (strong tropical cocktail concoctions)and the restaurant serves wonderful food,the bungalows are good size.
If you enjoy piece,solitude and lots of quiet this is the place for you! And this place is suprisingly affordable too...Go for one of the front beach bungalows #1,2 or #3.You can't go wrong.
The owners are wonderful and helpful and they have a little piece of paradise like no other.
If you have the chance to visit you won't be sorry.
Debbie

We stayed at La Pirogue for 3 nights with our 2 children (ages 13 and 9). The Hotel is on a motu (little island) off the north east coast of Tahaa, 30 min. by boat from the Raiatea airport. The motu and the lagoon are absolutely breathtaking, the hotel is about one year old and composed of 8 immaculate bungalows (with ceiling fans) in the midst of a beautiful garden. Ours was right on the water. Two large bungalows host the bar/reception/shop and the restaurant. The food was excellent, abundant and the menu is varied. The owners, Giuliano and Severine, were very courteous, helpful with tour arrangements and everything was impeccable. We went snorkeling, kayaking (saw lots of fish and sting rays), walked along the motu, rented a car and toured tahaa where there are several pearl farms and vanilla plantations. During our 2 1/2 week vacation we also visited to Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, but our stay in Tahaa was the most memorable. The hotel is perfect for couples, very romantic and quiet, but it caters to families as well. The sunset over Bora Bora was unforgettable. The bungalow was $350/night ($220 for a couple) and the half-pension option was $65/day. Absolutely worth it and unique.